BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Win a Midlayer from Cortazu
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get an active-insulation midlayer!
2021-2022 Rossignol BLACKOPS Sender
The new Rossignol BLACKOPS Sender fills an interesting role. It essentially serves as a replacement for the exceptionally popular Soul 7, it’s also positioned as the easier alternative to the new BLACKOPS Sender Ti, and now we’re chiming in on how it compares to both of those skis, and who we think will like it the most. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Rossignol BLACKOPS Sender
We compare the BLACKOPS Sender to the BLACKOPS Sender Ti, Rossignol Soul 7, Line Sick Day 104, Liberty Origin 106, Head Kore 105, Salomon QST 106, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Nordica Enforcer 100, Fischer Ranger 99 Ti, Blizzard Rustler 10, Volkl Mantra 102, 4FRNT MSP 99, Kastle FX106 HP, & Icelantic Nomad 105.
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 Fox Float X2 Shock
The Float X2 is Fox’s most downhill-oriented air shock, and they made a lot of changes to it for 2021. Do those changes actually make a difference? We’d say yes, and also think they make it one of the standout air-shocks on the market today — whether you’re racing DH or just want better downhill performance out of your Trail bike.
La Sportiva Jackal
La Sportiva has become known for making rugged, stable shoes for running in mountainous terrain. But with their new Jackal, they’re targeting runners who want all-day comfort for longer outings, and we think they’ve done a good job of accomplishing that goal.
Olympian Simi Hamilton on XC Skiing & Running (Ep.64)
We talk to 3-time Olympian, Simi Hamilton, about XC skiing and running; competition & competitive drive; his recent win of the Audi Power of 4; and Jonathan Ellsworth tries to instigate a battle between Simi and a previous Off The Couch guest.
2021 Fox Transfer Dropper Post
The Fox Transfer dropper post has been one of the more reliable options on the market in the past, and they made some notable updates for 2021 that we think make the newest iteration even more appealing. Check out our full review.
Moment Skis 20/21 Lineup (Ep.111)
Moment Skis CEO, Luke Jacobson, is back on the show to talk with Jonathan Ellsworth about the 20/21 lineup. Come to learn what’s new, stay for all their arguments and tangents.
Win a Pack, Shoes, & Apparel from Mystery Ranch, Oboz, Duckworth, & Jelt
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a pair of shoes or boots, a backpack, a merino-wool T-shirt, a merino sweater, & a belt!
2020-2021 ATK Raider 12 / Majesty R12
ATK had already made an excellent, lightweight touring binding in their previous Raider 2.0, but we think their new R12 binding is even better. Check out our review of this lightweight, freeride-oriented AT binding.
Eliot Jackson on Night Owls, Bike Culture, & the Grow Cycling Foundation (Ep.36)
Eliot Jackson and Katie Holden have just launched the Grow Cycling Foundation, so we caught up with Eliot to talk about Grow Cycling; their plan to get a Velosolutions Pumptrack built in downtown Los Angeles; how to create a more welcoming bike culture; his terrific podcast, Reggy Radio; night owls; and more.
Scarpa Spin Ultra
Nowadays just about every major brand makes a few shoes targeted at running longer distances, but their approaches vary a good deal. The Scarpa Spin Ultra sets itself apart from some of its competition thanks to a comfy midsole and upper, but there’s more to it than just that. Check out our full review.
2020 Running Shoe Trends & Current Events (Ep.63)
This week we take a look at the trends in running shoes for 2020. Jonathan Ellsworth is joined by Maddie Hart and Gordon Gianniny to talk about knit uppers on trail shoes (??), massive heels, marketing copy, and we even design our own ‘Blister Pro’ shoe. Then we wrap up by talking about a few current events and get Maddie and Gordon’s upcoming plans.
Blister Brand Guide: Yeti Mountain Bike Lineup, 2021
Yeti’s lineup sees some notable changes for 2021, including the return of a Yeti hardtail, a new XC bike, and of course, plenty of full-suspension Trail bikes. Check out our Brand Guide to learn more about the line and which bike might make sense for you.
Adventures of a Hemophiliac: Chris Bombardier on Climbing Mount Everest (Ep.140)
Chris Bombardier is the first person with hemophilia to complete all Seven Summits, and tomorrow, a film comes out called Bombardier Blood that tells Chris’ story and homes in on his attempt to summit Mt. Everest. So we talked to Chris about baseball (and sharks); hemophilia and the experience of those who have the condition; climbing Everest; the important work of Save One Life; and more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Cannondale on the Jekyll, Dual-Shock DH Bike, & Keeping it Weird (Ep.96)
We’re joined by Cannondale’s Scott Vogelmann and Travis Tomczak to talk about their latest bikes, and their development process; what’s next for the brand (including some upcoming product teasers); keeping Cannondale weird; and more.
Olympic Champion Kikkan Randall on Running, Racing, Longevity, Motherhood, & More (Ep.101)
Before Kikkan Randall was winning Olympic and World Cup gold medals in XC skiing, she was a runner, and she has never stopped being a runner. In this conversation, we discuss running and how she got into XC skiing; some of the keys to her longevity; becoming a mother while also being a professional athlete (and how much attitudes still need to change for women in a similar position); and going from winning an Olympic gold medal to being diagnosed with cancer, and how she is doing today.
TRP Trail Evo Brakes
There’s a lot to like about TRP’s new Trail Evo brakes, but they’re not perfect. Check out our full review for all the details.
2-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (21/22)
Check out Part Two of our reviewers’ 2-ski quiver picks, with additions from Jonathan Ellsworth, Kristin Sinnott, Eric Freson, Paul Forward, Sascha Anastas, & Drew Kelly.
Baby / Toddler Wool Baselayer Roundup
The benefits of wool baselayers are well known by many, and these days, there are lots of good options for the little ones, too.
Flash Review: 21/22 Season Kin
Freestyle ski? Carver? Both? Season’s new ski is unique, and it’s been a lot of fun so far. 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.)
Lou Dawson: Ski Mountaineer, WildSnow.com founder, & Author (Ep.194)
Lou Dawson is a ski mountaineer, founder of WildSnow.com, author, and the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks. We discuss all of the above; the current state of backcountry skiing; and his new guidebook, Light Tours of Colorado.
Topic of the Week: On Motivation
Our Bike Editor has been doing a lot of riding in terrible weather lately, and he’s learning how to love it — or at least talking himself into it — and has some thoughts on how you can, too.
The Blister Summit was created for YOU
In this post, we wanted to underscore who the Blister Summit was designed for — spoiler alert: it’s you.
Shop Talk: Backcountry Skis, Boots, & Bindings (Ep.174)
John Weir from Bentgate in Golden, CO, is back to discuss advances in backcountry skis; draw comparisons between some high-profile touring boots; and reassess the pros, cons, & compromises of various AT bindings.
Win Any WNDR Alpine Ski
This week the winner will get a pair of WNDR Alpine’s algae-derived backcountry skis!
Blister’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021 — In The Garage
Check out our reviewers’ picks for the big-ticket gift ideas this year.