BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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
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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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
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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New Bike Trends, 2021 (Ep.61)
Blister editors David Golay and Noah Bodman talk about modern trends in bike geometry, old ideas coming back around, the resurgence of high-pivot bikes, and a whole lot more.
Flash Review: 21/22 Ronin 108
Ronin is a small manufacturer making skis right in Chamonix. We’ve been spending time on their do-everything touring ski, the 108 — check out some of our initial thoughts.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Zack Henderson
Zack Henderson Riding the Banshee Titan V3 Age: 33 | Vitals: 6’0, 165 lbs | Years biking: 23 | Current Residence: Bellingham, Washington I grew up just outside of San Francisco and started chasing my dad around on bikes as he dipped his toe into
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2022-2023 K2 Dispatch 120
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for two lengths of the new K2 Dispatch 120.
2022-2023 Faction Dancer 2
The Faction Dancer 2 isn’t a super easy-going, “made-for-everyone” ski, but it is a unique ski that could make certain people extremely excited to be on the mountain. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to learn more.
DPS Skis: State of the Union + 22/23 Product Lineup (Ep.195)
We talk with DPS’s VP of product and operations about the recent history of DPS; discuss some of the specific skis in their lineup; hear a defense of carbon fiber; define a new rule for product design; clarify DPS Phantom; & more.
Win Magnetic Pedals from Hustle
This week TWO lucky winners will each get a pair of Hustle Avery REMtech pedals, which blur the lines between clipless and flat pedals.
Deep Dive: Faction Dancer 2
We compare the Dancer 2 to the Faction Dancer 3, Faction Mana 2, Volkl M6 Mantra, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Salomon QST 98, J skis Masterblaster, Black Crows Camox, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Salomon Stance 96, Moment Commander 98, Nordica Enforcer 94, Black Crows Serpo, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Fischer Ranger 102, 4FRNT MSP 99, and K2 Mindbender 99Ti.
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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2023 K2 Dispatch & Mindbender Skis | Blister Summit Brand Lineup
We sat down with K2’s head ski designer, Jed Yeiser, to go into the weeds on several of the new skis they’re releasing for the 2022-2023 season, including the all-new lightweight freeride Dispatch series, as well as their overhauled metal-laminate freeride Mindbender Ti series, each of which feature some very interesting new tech.
Flash Review – 2022 Niner Jet 9 RDO
We’ve had a handful of rides on the Niner Jet 9 RDO. Check out our initial impressions.
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.
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2022-2023 Moment Commander 98
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Moment Commander 98.
Fanatik on Custom Bikes, Gear Trends, & the Bellingham Bike Scene (Ep.116)
We’re talking custom bike builds, gear trends, and the evolution of the local mountain bike scene with Rich Frough of Fanatik, our Blister Recommended Bike Shop in Bellingham, WA.
2022-2023 Fischer Ranger 96
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the new Fischer Ranger 96.
2022 Fox Float X
Fox replaced the longstanding DPX2 Trail bike shock with the new Float X, and we think it’ll be a big improvement for a lot of riders. Check out our full review for all the details.
2022-2023 Fischer Ranger 90
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the new Fischer Ranger 90.