BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

Season Forma Ski
While it sounds cliche, the Season Forma is a ski that legitimately makes you look at the mountain in a different way. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see why it has become one of the standout skis this year for our managing editor.

Deep Dive: Season Forma Ski
We compare the Forma to the Line Pescado, Dynastar M-Free 118, Line Vision 118, Volkl Revolt 121, Line Outline, 4FRNT Renegade, DPS Koala 118, Blizzard Rustler 11, K2 Reckoner 122, Black Crows Anima, Volkl Revolt 121, J Skis Friend, Moment Wildcat, Salomon QST Blank, Icelantic Nomad 115, & K2 Mindbender 116C.
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.)

Blister Brand Guide: Rocky Mountain’s Mountain Bike Lineup, 2021
For model-year 2021, Rocky Mountain’s lineup saw some significant changes, including the all-new Instinct and Altitude. Check out our Brand Guide to learn more about the current line and which bike might work best for you.

Flash Review: 21/22 Salomon QST 98
We just got a day on the new QST 98 — 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.
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.)

2021-2022 Line Vision 118
Lightweight and playful, the Line Vision 118 should be on your list if you’re looking for a pow ski that you’ll use in the backcountry, the resort, or a mix of both.

Shop Talk: Escape Route, Whistler & Squamish (Ep.138)
We talk to Escape Route director, James Retty, about the shop’s backcountry-only focus; the ski culture(s) of the Sea-to-Sky Corridor; elephant snot; the new Dynafit Radical Pro boot; the Fritschi Tecton; avy pack comparisons, and more.

Win any Season Ski or Board
Whether you ride on one plank or two, you should definitely enter this week’s giveaway!

Deep Dive: Line Vision 118
Dylan Wood on the Line Vision 118, Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado. If you haven’t already, check out our Full Review of the Vision 118 for more on that ski in particular. Here, we’re comparing it to several other skis in its class. Line Vision 118, 183 cm (20/21–21/22) Measured Dimensions: 151.0-117.5-137.4 mm Stated Radius: 19.5 … Read more
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.)

Rémy Métailler on Doing Stupid Stuff, Responsibly (Ep.56)
Rémy Métailler has described himself as someone who is “just trying to be as responsible as he can while doing stupid stuff.” So we spoke with him about his approach to riding super steep, gnarly lines, as well as his background, filming, Rampage, mullet bikes, and a whole lot more.

Flash Review: 20/21 Kye Shapes Numinous
Here are some of our thoughts on Kye Petersen’s big, burly, signature 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.
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.)

TRP Slate T4 Brakes
TRP’s Slate T4 brakes are an affordable option for a four-piston Trail bike brake. But how do they stack up against some of the more expensive options in that space, as well as bigger, downhill-focused options?

2021-2022 Blizzard Bonafide 97
The Blizzard Bonafide has long been a reference point in the all-mountain category, but these days, it might stand out more than ever before. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons of the overhauled Bonafide 97.

Deep Dive: Blizzard Bonafide 97
We compare the Bonafide 97 to the previous Bonafide, Head Monster 98, Blizzard Cochise 106, Salomon Stance 96, Nordica Enforcer 100, Nordica Enforcer 94, Volkl M5 Mantra, J Skis Masterblaster, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Fischer Ranger 99 Ti, Dynastar M-Pro 99, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Salomon QST 99, Blizzard Rustler 9, & 4FRNT MSP 99.
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.)

Arc’teryx Sentinel LT Jacket
If you’re looking for a 1-shell quiver — something suitable for daily resort laps and some time in the backcountry — the Sentinel LT is worth a good look. Check out our full review.

Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (Feb 2021) (Ep.162)
Cody and Jonathan discuss the new rule changes re: filming in National Parks; whether it’s okay to leave your skis in the lift line to hold your spot; the future of freeride comps; the record number of avalanche fatalities in the U.S. this season; a new development in backcountry skiing; the shocking story of Dean Cummings; and we share some music, tv, and book recommendations.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

2022-2023 Majesty Superpatrol
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Majesty Superpatrol — a new 95mm-wide touring ski with some very interesting design elements.

Salomon Ultra Glide
The Ultra Glide is Salomon’s first foray into the maximal trail shoe category, and it does not disappoint. Check out our review to hear from two of our reviewers about their experience with the shoe, and how it compares to the competition.

Stacked Fields, Golden Tickets, & Thoughts From the Lead Pack (Ep.116)
In this ‘Race Edition’ of Running Through the News, Salomon athlete, Leah Yingling (who’s already been on major podiums twice this year), joins us to discuss race results from the past few weeks and to preview the stacked fields at Madeira Island Ultra Trail and Canyons 100k.

How We Test & Review Gear, Pt 1 | BLISTER Summit ’22 Panel Discussion
Blister reviewers, Paul Forward, Jonathan Ellsworth, Kara Williard, and Dylan Wood talk about how they approach testing and reviewing gear; how this applies to anyone trying something new; how to make the most of a ski demo; and more.

Flash Review: 22/23 K2 Mindbender 108Ti
Here are some of our initial thoughts on the revised Mindbender 108Ti, how it compares to the previous version, and new 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.
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.)

Deep Dive: Head Ski Boots Brand Lineup, 21/22
Next up in our Deep Dive series on ski boots is Head — check it out for a rundown on every boot in Head’s current lineup, the most comparable alternatives from other brands, and more details to help you figure out what differentiates each boot in the lineup.
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.)

Flash Review — 2023 Santa Cruz Megatower
We’ve started spending time on the brand-new Santa Cruz Megatower. Check out our first 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.
(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.)

On Our Blister ‘Crash Course’ Snow Blade Video (Ep.208)
We take you behind the scenes of our Blister ‘Crash Course’ Snow Blade video, and answer all the big questions, like: why no ski poles?; telemark vs. snowblading; & more.

New Skis, Ski Boots, & Gas-Station Food (Ep.192)
Luke and Jonathan discuss new skis, ski boots, liners, and apparel from Faction, Salomon, ZipFit, Dynastar, Renoun, Majesty, Strafe, Lange, and more. Plus gas-station food and owls.

Win Le Bent Prize Packs
This week TWO winners will each get a spring prize pack from Le Bent, including their merino wool / bamboo mountain bike socks, trail running socks, and shirt!

Blister Crash Course Video: Snow Blading / Ski Boarding
Here it is: watch some of us struggle and others excel on some very short snow-sliding devices. Who was the MVP?

2022-2023 K2 Mindbender 99Ti W
K2 updated their women’s metal-laminate freeride series for 22/23, and we think the new Mindbender 99Ti W could work well for a whole lot of skiers. Check out our Full Review.