BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Flash Review: 21/22 Weston Summit
Weston may be best known for their snowboards and splitboards, but they also make skis and we’ve been spending time on their 105mm-wide, do-everything touring ski, the Summit.
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Casey Brown on Paving the Way & the Future of Women’s Freeride (Ep.62)
We talk with the pioneer of women’s freeride about growing up in the bush of New Zealand; her first bike (it was a mullet??); choosing mountain biking over skiing; career detours; being “toothless & ruthless”; Rampage; Formation; & the future of women’s freeride.
Women’s Mountain Bike Short Roundup — 2021
Need a new pair of shorts for long trail rides, gravity-fueled days, or that’ll work for a bit of everything? Check out seven of the women’s MTB shorts our reviewers have been testing the past two seasons.
Privateer 161
With progressive geometry, a bargain price for what you get, and thoughtful design touches and spec, the Privateer 161 looks awfully appealing on paper. We’ve been testing this aluminum Enduro race bike and think it delivers on what the brand claims about it — for the right types of riders. Check out our full review for all the details.
2021-2022 Black Crows Camox
Three of our reviewers spent time on the 97mm-wide, twin-tipped Black Crows Camox this season, and despite their different skiing styles, all three came away with pretty positive impressions. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Black Crows Camox
We compare the Camox to the Black Crows Atris, Black Crows Justis, Liberty Origin 96, Blizzard Rustler 9, Line Sick Day 104, Season Aero, Nordica Soul Rider 97, Dynastar Menace 98, Prior Northwest 100, K2 Reckoner 102, Rossignol BLACKOPS Holyshred, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, J Skis Masterblaster, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Salomon QST 99, Salomon QST 98, & 4FRNT MSP 99.
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Gronk + Pit Viper = 4.20
On the most appropriate of days, Rob Gronkowski & Pit Viper announce they’ve tied the knot.
Flash Review: 21/22 DPS Pagoda Tour 100 RP
Check out some of our initial thoughts on the lightest version of DPS’s maneuverable 100 RP shape.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Hoka One One Carbon X2
Shoes with carbon plates have gained a lot of attention recently, but most are pretty niche, race-oriented products. The Hoka Carbon X2 is designed to offer both race-day efficiency and long-distance comfort, and while we were at first skeptical about that bold claim, we’ve been thoroughly impressed by this shoe so far.
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (Mar 2021) (Ep.165)
Cody and Jonathan discuss the introduction of criminal charges for triggering avalanches; the case against straightlining; ski area news; our media recommendations; & more.
Blister Summit Panel: Next Generation Materials
We talk with the founders of MountainFlow Eco-Wax (Peter Arlein); Checkerspot (Charlie Dimmler); and Flylow (Dan Abrams) about the challenges and opportunities of working with new materials; performance vs. sustainability; greenwashing; “Flylower”; the most promising new materials; & more.
The Mt. Rushmore of Ski Suspension (Ep.143)
We discuss one of the most important concepts in ski design: suspension. So what do we mean by “suspension”? Are terms like “plush” or “damp” synonyms, or are there important differences? And what are some of the best skis of all time when it comes to suspension? Let the debate begin.
Win MTB Tires from Versus
The TWO winners this week will each get a pair of Versus’ All Mountain tires!
2021-2022 Moment Chipotle Banana
Moment’s 122mm-wide Chipotle Banana has proven to be a surprisingly versatile ski, given its girthy dimensions. Check out Paul Forward’s full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Moment Chipotle Banana
We compare the Chipotle Banana to several fat pow skis, including the Folsom Rapture, DPS Alchemist Lotus 124, DPS Foundation Koala 119, Volkl Revolt 121, 4FRNT Renegade, Blizzard Spur, Blizzard Rustler 11, Praxis Protest, Moment Bibby / Blister Pro, Faction La Machine, Kingswood SMB, Whitedot Ragnarok ASYM, Rossignol Blackops Gamer, & Kye Shapes Numinous.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: 22/23 Head Kore 97 W
Here are some of our thoughts so far on the women’s Kore 97 W.
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Corrine Malcolm on Suffering, the Tahoe Rim Trail, and Her Return to Racing (Ep.118)
If you’ve followed coverage of ultrarunning at all over the last few years, Corrine Malcolm is a name you’ve probably heard a lot. But between her many roles as a member of the media, it could be easy to overlook her as an elite runner in her own right. So we talk to Corrine about how she went from an olympic-level biathlete to running professionally for adidas Terrex; setting the supported FKT on the Tahoe Rim Trail; her return to racing; and much more.
2022-2023 Moment Deathwish 104
The Deathwish is one of Moment’s longest-standing models, and this season they released a new, narrower version. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons of the Deathwish 104 for more on this unique all-mountain ski.
Deep Dive: Moment Deathwish 104
We compare the Deathwish 104 to the Moment Wildcat 108, Moment Deathwish, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Salomon QST 106, Volkl Revolt 104, Whitedot Altum 104, Line Blade Optic 104, RMU Apostle 106, Line Sir Francis Bacon, DPS Koala 103, Season Nexus, Dynastar M-Free 108, Sego Big Horn 106, Black Crows Atris, 4FRNT Devastator, Armada ARW 106 UL, and K2 Reckoner 102.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Scarpa Spin Infinity
Scarpa, a brand probably best known for their mountaineering and skiing equipment, has quietly turned out numerous trail running shoes we’ve reviewed favorably in the past. Their newest model, the Spin Infinity, brings something different to the long-distance, high-cushion category.
2022 Orbea Occam & Occam LT
“Longer” and “slacker” might be the go-to buzzwords for modern Trail bikes, but the Orbea Occam LT makes a very compelling case for why a lot of riders might want to pick something a little more moderate. It’s an outstanding take on a quicker-handling long-travel Trail bike that feels thoroughly modern despite bucking a lot of current trends. Check out our full review for more, including comparisons to nine other Trail & Enduro bikes.
Shop Talk: Recap of the Season; Skiing with Kids; & Heated Socks (Ep.194)
We talk with Rachel and Drew Harding from The Spokane Alpine Haus about the highlights and challenges of this past season; skiing with kids; heated socks; and more.
Win Down Jackets from Outdoor Vitals
This week THREE lucky winners will each get Outdoor Vitals’ NovaUL down jacket, a lightweight, warm midlayer with some cool tech.
2022-2023 Armada ARW 106 UL
The ARW 106 UL is a playful ski offered in lengths ranging from 164 cm all the way to 188 cm, meaning there are a whole lot of skiers who could potentially enjoy it. We had three reviewers testing it out this season — check out all of their thoughts in our full review.
Deep Dive: Armada ARW 106 UL
We compare the ARW 106 UL to the Line Sir Francis Bacon, Salomon QST 106, RMU Apostle 3.0 106, K2 Reckoner 102, Line Blade Optic 104, 4FRNT Devastator, Season Nexus, DPS Koala 103, Dynastar M-Free 108, Volkl Revolt 104, Sego Big Horn 106, Moment Deathwish 104, and Black Crows Atris.
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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2022-2023 Head Kore 99
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Head Kore 99.
SCOR 4060
SCOR says their new 4060 LT is “just seriously fun.” But it’s still a 160 / 170 mm travel Enduro bike, so just how game-on is it, really? Check out our full review for the rundown, including comparisons to 11 other bikes in its class.