BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Fox Speedframe Pro Helmet
Fox’s Speedframe Pro is a high-end, broad-coverage Trail / Enduro helmet with a 5-star safety rating from Virginia Tech. And given its solid coverage, it’s also been very impressive in terms of ventilation for hot rides. Check out our full review for more, including several comparisons to its competition.
Michele Graglia on Going ‘Ultra’ (Ep.87)
In one of our all-time favorite podcast conversations, we find out how a kid from a little town in Italy goes from working in his family’s floral business to being a top fashion model in Miami to being one of the best ultrarunners in the world. And now, Michele Gralia isn’t just about winning long-distance races and setting records. He is passionate about human potential, helping us redefine what is possible, and motivating each and every one of us to do the same.
2021-2022 Rossignol Blackops Sender Squad
In an age where big, burly chargers are a bit of an endangered species, the 194cm-long, 112mm-wide Rossignol Blackops Sender Squad is a refreshing shift away from the norm. Check out our First Look and Flash Review for more on this athlete-driven ski.
Skiing Indoors? Alpine-X & the Future of Snowsports (Ep.170)
We talk to the CEO of Alpine-X about his vision of developing indoor snowsports destinations in North American metropolitan markets. Could this have a similar effect that indoor climbing gyms have had on the popularity of climbing? Could such indoor facilities help create a more inclusive and more diverse snowsports demographic? Could this lead to a world where some people only ski indoors?
Flash Review: 2021 Santa Cruz Nomad
The new, fifth-generation Santa Cruz Nomad is an interesting update to one of the longest-standing Enduro bikes on the market, and we’ve been spending time on it. Check out our Flash Review for our early impressions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 1: Sweet Protection (Ep.149)
In our new mini-series, we’re talking to key designers in the world of snowsports and bike helmets to stitch together a current state of helmet tech and helmet R&D. Today we talk with Ståle Møller about the pros & cons of the two different safety certifications; advances in materials; our understanding of head injuries; ventilation; the unique challenges of designing helmets for various activities; and how to know when you ought to replace your helmet.
Win any Pack from USWE
This week the winner will get any pack they want from USWE’s huge lineup, which spans everything from running to mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and more.
2021-2022 Elan Ripstick 106 & Ripstick 106 Black Edition
This season we spent time on both the standard Ripstick 106 and its extra-carbon-packed sibling, the Ripstick 106 Black Edition. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons for more on these two lightweight freeride skis.
Deep Dive: Elan Ripstick 106
We compare the Ripstick 106 to the previous Ripstick 106, Ripstick 106 Black Edition, Line Sick Day 104, Head Kore 105, Wagner Summit 106, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Black Crows Atris, Blizzard Rustler 10, Liberty Origin 106, Volkl Blaze 106, Armada Tracer 108, Sego Condor 108, J Skis Slacker, 4FRNT MSP 107, Whitedot Altum 104, Moment Wildcat 108, & Faction Dictator 3.0.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.
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Hannah Bergemann on Red Bull Formation 2021 (Ep.69)
We talk with Hannah Bergemann about Red Bull Formation 2021 and how it was similar to and how it differed from the 1st year of Formation. We also discuss her work with Transition and her future plans.
Specialized 2FO DH Clip Shoe
Specialized recently launched the 2FO DH Clip shoe with design input from Loic Bruni, and after several months with it, we think a lot of gravity-oriented riders should be considering it — not just those racing DH tracks.
Flash Review: Commencal Meta TR 29
We’ve got five rides on the latest version of Commencal’s Trail bike — check out our initial thoughts.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.
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Matthias Giraud & Chase Ogden on ‘Super Frenchie’, Ski Base Jumping, & More (Ep.169)
We talk with Matthias Giraud and Chase Ogden about their excellent new film, Super Frenchie, which documents Matthias’ exploits as a skier, base jumper, and ski base jumper, while also detailing the philosophy of life that drives his decision to do things like ski base off the Matterhorn.
Win any Shoe from Deckers X Lab
This week the winner will get any shoes or sandals they want from the brand that makes what our editor-in-chief calls “the most comfortable things I’ve ever put on my feet.”
Claudio Caluori on Building Pump Tracks in Israel + Upcoming Projects (Ep.68)
We talk with Claudio Caluori after he’d just returned from Israel. The conflict between Israel and Palestine had escalated while Claudio was there, and we wanted to learn more about the work he was doing in Israel; why he stayed to finish the project; and what he learned while being on the ground there. We also discuss a really exciting project that Claudio breaks the news about during this conversation.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Trail Running 101: How to Trail Run Safely
Trail running can be a fun and exciting way to explore the backcountry, but like any outdoor sport, running in wild areas comes with its own set of dangers. However, with a bit of knowledge and the right gear, you can greatly minimize your risk. In this article we break down what exactly to watch out for on the trails and what prep-work you can do before each run to stay safe.
2022-2023 Faction Dancer 3
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Faction Dancer 3.
ATK Bindings, Part 1: Brand Origins & the Evolution of Tech Bindings (Ep.199)
ATK Bindings has been taking the tech-binding world by storm. We talk with ATK’s CEO, Davide Indulti, about the surprising origins of this family business; a pivotal moment in ATK’s history; where ATK saw the biggest opportunities to improve tech bindings; and more.
Win Roll Recovery Tools & Gregory Packs
This week TWO lucky winners will each get a hydration pack from Gregory and two of Roll Recovery’s deep-tissue massage rollers!
2022-2023 K2 Mindbender 99Ti
The revised K2 Mindbender 99Ti is an exceptionally versatile ski — in terms of conditions, terrain, and being adaptable to different skiing styles. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see how four of our reviewers got along with it, and how it compares to 22 other all-mountain skis.
Deep Dive: K2 Mindbender 99Ti
We compare the 22/23 Mindbender 99Ti to the previous Mindbender 99Ti, K2 Mindbender 89Ti, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Volkl M6 Mantra, Faction Dancer 2, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Fischer Ranger 102, Black Crows Camox, 4FRNT MSP 99, Moment Commander 98, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Wagner Summit 97, Black Crows Justis, J Skis Masterblaster, Salomon QST 98, Nordica Enforcer 100, Dynastar M-Free 99, Line Blade Optic 96, Salomon Stance 96, Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, & Renoun Endurance 98.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
(If you’re already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)
2023 Rossignol Ski Boots | Blister Summit Brand Lineup
We talk with Rossignol’s Alpine Category Manager, Jake Stevens, about the new HI-SPEED and Pure boots, which have been in development for the past several years. We touch on the origin of new boots; the three different “true” lasts / widths; boot “bloatation” and how to manage it; Rossignol’s new liner and how it corresponds to microwaving a burrito; and more.
2021-2022 Head Kore 91 W
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Head Kore 91 W.
2022-2023 Head Kore 105
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Head KORE 105.
Reviewer Reports: RockShox Suspension & Bikes Galore (Ep.120)
RockShox has released a wild amount of new suspension in the last few months, and we’ve been spending time on both their Flight Attendant electronically controlled setup and the new ZEB and SuperDeluxe. So on this week’s episode of Bikes & Big Ideas, we give the rundown on all of it, plus updates from our testing of bikes from Santa Cruz, Orbea, Rocky Mountain, YT, and Antidote.
RockShox Flight Attendant
RockShox’s Flight Attendant electronic suspension claims to make big improvements to the pedaling efficiency of longer-travel Trail and Enduro bikes, and after spending several months testing it, it’s a whole lot more than just an automatic climb switch. Check out our full review to see why we’re so impressed with (and a bit surprised by) the system.
2022 YT Capra
YT’s latest Capra is definitely a big, stable Enduro bike, but it’s a super intuitive, relatively easy-going one that we think will click for a ton of folks who have the terrain for a 160mm-plus-travel sled. Check out our full review for all the details.