BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Flash Review: Trek Session
We’ve been spending time on the new, high-pivot 2022 Trek Session. Check out our Flash Review for some initial thoughts.
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2021 Marin Alpine Trail
The Marin Alpine Trail is one of the most playful Enduro bikes we’ve been on recently, but also manages to keep a great deal of capability in technical terrain — and is an impressive bang-for-buck to boot. We think it’s a really compelling option for the right sort of rider, and you can check out our full review to find out who we think will get on best with this unique offering from Marin.
Unlikely Hikers & the Evolution of the Outdoor Industry (Ep.86)
If you want to understand one of the most important developments currently taking place in the outdoor industry, then listen up. Jenny Bruso is the founder of Unlikely Hikers, and what she has started is a movement that is growing fast, and for good reason. See why.
Flash Review: 21/22 Atomic Maverick 88 Ti
This season we spent time on all the new Maverick “Ti” skis, and here we discuss our initial thoughts on the narrowest option in the group.
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Blister Brand Guide: Santa Cruz / Juliana Mountain Bike Lineup, 2021
Santa Cruz and its sister brand, Juliana, have been steadily updating several of their long-standing bikes over the past year. Check out our Brand Guide for more info on their whole 2021 lineup, and which of their bikes might make sense for you.
Ride Concepts Hellion Elite Shoe
Ride Concepts recently added a new flat-pedal shoe to their lineup, the Hellion Elite, which is a relatively low-profile option with the brand’s stickiest rubber. But how does it compare to popular options like the Five Ten Freerider Pro, and which riders are going to like this new shoe the most? Check out our full review to find out.
Old Principles & New Challenges of Apparel Design (Ep.147)
We talk with Carl Moriarty (previously the Design Director at Arc’teryx, currently the Design Director at Rapha) about his career path in the outdoor industry; several principles of technical apparel design; the challenge of balancing high performance with sustainability; and how being clear on these things can help us evaluate advertising claims about new pieces.
Win a Women’s or Men’s MTB Kit from 7mesh
This week the winner will get kitted out head-to-toe with high-end Mtb apparel from 7mesh!
Flash Review: 21/22 Romp Zorro 89
Romp is adding a few new designs to their lineup for next year, and we’ve so far been impressed by the versatility of their new narrow all-mountain ski.
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 Evo Mafate 2
The Evo Mafate 2 is designed to cover a lot of distance while still being light, efficient, and reliable on a wide range of trail surfaces. And so far, we’d say it pretty much lives up to the hype. Check out our review for more.
Öhlins TTX22 Shock
The world of high-end shocks is one filled with lots of dials and adjustments, but that can also make it a bit tricky to arrive at your ideal settings. The Öhlins TTX22, however, has proven to offer the reliable, high-end performance you’d expect of a top-tier product, but is also very simple and easy to get running really well. Check out our full review for the whole story.
Vero Sandler on REAL MTB, Digging, Dance Moves, & Getting Slidey (Ep.65)
Vero Sandler just competed in the first ever REAL MTB event, so we caught up with this Kiwi with the French name (Veronique) who lives in Wales to talk about the experience and get her thoughts on being the first (and only) female in the comp; the importance of checking your junk (???); the art of “getting slidey”; her current big idea; and more.
Jean-Luc Diard on the Deckers X Lab Design Philosophy & Products (Ep.85)
We’re talking again with one of the most influential product designers in the outdoor industry, Jean-Luc Diard, about the design philosophy of Deckers X Lab, a number of the models in the Deckers Lab lineup, and why they are trying to rethink everything from the standard flip flop to the casual sneaker to the suspension systems of high-end, performance shoes.
Blister Summit Panel on Ski Design
We talk to ski designers from Blizzard, Folsom, Rossignol, Dynastar, & Wagner Skis about their respective design philosophies; current trends in ski design; whether skis are being dumbed down today; whether stated sidecut radius numbers are fake; current consumer interests; and more.
Flash Review: 21/22 Atomic Hawx Ultra 130
Dylan Wood spent some time in the revised version of Atomic’s lightweight alpine boot, and here he shares his initial thoughts on its overall performance and how it differs from the previous version.
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:
2022-2023 Zag Harfang 106
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Zag Harfang 106.
Flash Review: 22/23 Salomon S/LAB MTN Summit
Update 5.31.22: Here are some new thoughts on the S/Lab MTN Summit’s fit, uphill performance, downhill performance, and how it pairs with the ZipFit GFT liner.
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 Salomon S/Pro Alpha 130
For 22/23, Salomon is replacing their S/Max series with the new S/Pro Alpha boots, which feature a host of interesting fit- and performance-oriented features. Check out our First Look for all the details.
2021-2022 Shaggy’s Brockway 90
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Shaggy’s Brockway 90.
2023 Mammut Avalanche Safety Eqpt & Apparel | Blister Summit Brand Lineup
We talk with Mammut ambassador, AMGA-certified rock and ski guide, and Pro-2 Avalanche practitioner, Steve Charest, about some of Mammut’s latest avalanche safety equipment, including their R.A.S. & P.A.S. avalanche airbag systems; Barryvox Transceivers & how they differ; Mammut’s various probe & shovel options; dual-certified Crag Sender Helmet; and their new Aenergy line of ski-touring apparel.
Dr. Hal Rosenberg on Desert Magic, Standing Desks, & Running Healthy (Ep.122)
Over half of all runners will deal with an injury each year, but run enough miles and you’ll know that number is a lot closer to 100%. The irony is most running injuries are easily preventable, so as folks ramp up their summer training, we had Dr. Hal Rosenberg on Off The Couch to talk us through some simple tips for staying healthy out on the trails (and off the couch).
Blister Editors & Podcast Hosts, David Golay & Matt Mitchell (Ep.213)
Jonathan sits down with our Bike Editor and ‘Bikes & Big Ideas’ host, David Golay, and our Running Editor and ‘Off The Couch’ host, Matt Mitchell, to discuss Blister Labs; their backgrounds; and some of their recent favorite episodes on Bikes & Big Ideas and Off The Couch.
2022-2023 Moment Wildcat Tour
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Moment Wildcat Tour.
Ride Concepts Tallac Clip
Ride Concepts markets their new Tallac Clip as a general Trail shoe, but it offers an unusual and compelling blend of features from both more gravity-oriented options and traditional Trail shoes, making it easy to see it working well for a lot of folks.
Blister Labs: Ski Testing & Dynamic Modeling with Sean Humbert (Ep.198)
In this Blister Labs update, Sean Humbert joins us to talk about the movie Real Genius; flies; ski testing and dynamic modeling; math and slarving; and more.
Flash Review: 22/23 Ferreol Pionnier 104
Here are some of our initial on-snow impressions of the Ferreol Pionnier 104, a made-in-Quebec touring ski.
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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Win Revo Sunglasses
This week for our Gear Giveaway, TWO lucky winners will each get to pick any pair of sunglasses they want from Revo’s expansive collection.