BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2021-2022 Salomon QST Blank
Salomon just unveiled what will be the widest ski in their lineup for 21/22: the QST Blank. This new ski combines elements of other skis in Salomon’s QST lineup and adds some new ones, too. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see what three of our reviewers think of the new ski.
Deep Dive: Salomon QST Blank
We compare the QST Blank to the QST 106, QST 118, Moment Deathwish, K2 Reckoner 112, Movement Fly Two 115, Black Crows Anima, Volkl Revolt 121, J Skis Friend, ON3P Woodsman 108, Moment Wildcat, Icelantic Nomad 105, Parlor McFellon Pro, Blizzard Rustler 11, Rossignol BLACKOPS Gamer, Kye Shapes Metamorph, Volkl Katana 108, & J Skis Hotshot.
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2021 Nukeproof Giga
What’s a “Super Enduro” bike? Apparently, the brand-new Nukeproof Giga is one of them, and you can check out our First Look to learn more about this competitively priced, extra-long-travel bike that’s still designed to pedal uphill.
Flash Review: 21/22 Atomic Maverick 100 Ti
Check out our initial thoughts on the widest ski in Atomic’s new all-mountain series.
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Flash Review: 21/22 Tecnica Cochise 130
Update 1.26.21: Jonathan Ellsworth adds some more thoughts after skiing the new Cochise 130 with more skis.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Season Aero Ski
“Stable and quick in all snow conditions” — that’s what Season says about their 96mm-wide Aero ski. And you can now check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons of this unique new ski to see what we have to say about it.
Deep Dive: Season Aero Ski
We compare the Aero to the Season Nexus, Dynastar Menace 98, Nordica Soul Rider 97, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, K2 Reckoner 102, Prior Northwest 100, Rossignol BLACKOPS Holyshred, J Skis Masterblaster, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Head Kore 93, Nordica Enforcer 94, Salomon QST 99, Liberty Origin 96, Blizzard Rustler 9, 4FRNT MSP 99, & Volkl Mantra M5.
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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Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (Jan 2021) (Ep.160)
Cody Townsend and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the first Winter Summit of K2 by the Sherpa and Nepali team, including Nirmal Purja; TNF x Gucci collab; mountain-town dynamics; Sam Anthamatten vs Cody on the SHIFT binding; our inaugural Blister Summit; and more.
Hoka One One Rincon 2
One of our reviewers says the recently redesigned Hoka Rincon 2 is “everything that a high-cushion shoe should be.” Check out our review to see what he means, and how this lightweight, less-expensive shoe compares to its competition.
2021 Trek Slash
We’ve spent quite a bit of time now on the new Trek Slash, and three of our reviewers are weighing in on this smooth, stable, and surprisingly versatile long-travel bike. Check out our full review.
2021-2022 Tecnica Cochise 130
The Tecnica Cochise was one of the first boots designed to offer alpine-boot downhill performance with uphill capability, and they’re overhauling it for 21/22. Check out our First Look & Flash Review to see what they’ve changed and how the new boot compares to the current market.
Win Fischer Skis
The winner this week will get the Fischer Ranger 107 Ti!
A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 5: Heel Pockets, Tongue Volume, & Atomic’s new Hawx Ultra & “Professional” Liners & Dual Strap (Ep.132)
Product Manager of Atomic Ski Boots, Matt Manser, is back to talk about heel pockets and tongue volume and Luke Koppa’s feet and how plug boots are not a thing and Atomic’s new Hawx Ultra and their new “Professional” Series of Liners and Dual Straps.
Flash Review: 21/22 DPS Foundation Koala 103
DPS is launching a new ski in their playful “Koala” series for 21/22 — check out our reviewers’ initial thoughts on it.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Mike Foote on His Grand Canyon R2R2R ALT FKT; Race Directing; & Reading (Ep.79)
Brendan Leonard & Jonathan Ellsworth talk to Mike Foote, who on 12.31.20, headed out with fellow The North Face athlete, Rob Krar, to attempt an FKT of the Rim to Rim to Rim “alt” route of the Grand Canyon. So we get Mike’s version of the event, and then go on to discuss a whole lot more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Benji Alexander on the Olympics, the Aftermath, & What’s Next (Ep.205)
Benji Alexander is back on the podcast to talk about becoming Jamaica’s first Olympian alpine ski racer; his experience in Beijing and his race runs; competition and representation at the Olympic games; and more.
2021-2022 Stereo Lynx MK 4
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Stereo Lynx MK 4.
Blister Summit Recap & Ski Reviews (Ep.188)
Kristin Sinnott, Kara Williard, and Sascha Anastas talk about the Blister Summit and discuss a bunch of the gear they spent time on from Fischer, Salomon, Dynastar, Renoun, Rossignol, and more.
Flash Review: 22/23 K2 Mindbender 99Ti
K2 is updating all their Mindbender Ti skis for 22/23, and we’ve been spending time on several of them. Check out our Flash Review of the 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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2022-2023 Nordica Santa Ana 98
The Nordica Santa Ana series has been a Blister favorite for many years, but how does the latest iteration of the Santa Ana 98 compare to the current market? Check out our full review.
Win Any 22/23 Icelantic Ski
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get to pick any ski they want from Icelantic’s expansive, new 22/23 lineup!
2022-2023 Tecnica Cochise Pro W
This season Tecnica updated their long-standing Cochise series of 50/50 boots, and we think the current design is a really appealing option for those who want a boot with a walk mode that makes minimal compromises when it comes to downhill performance. Check out our full review of the top-end women’s model, the Cochise Pro W.
Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoe
Kane currently only makes one product, their Revive “active recovery shoe.” Cy Whitling has been using them for a while now, and says he might not be able to live without them. Check out his review to see why.
Martin Maes on Team Changes, Bike Setup, & Fatherhood (Ep.109)
Martin Maes makes his podcast debut to talk about career progression, the value of a change of pace, fatherhood, bike setup, and a whole lot more.
Flash Review: 22/23 Faction Dancer 3
Faction is tweaking their line of metal-laminate skis for the 2022-2023 season — check out our initial impressions of the Dancer 3
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2022-2023 Nordica Unleashed 98
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the new Nordica Unleashed 98.
Flash Review — RockShox Flight Attendant
RockShox launched their Flight Attendant electronic suspension a few months ago and we’re now spending time on it — and it’s pretty mind-blowing.
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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