BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
The New RockShox ZEB with Chris Mandell (Ep. 32)
David Golay and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the backstory of the new ZEB fork and why RockShox built it; who it’s for; its available configurations and compatibility; the ZEB vs. the Lyrik and more, with RockShox’s Chris Mandell.
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2
Last week we reviewed the Salomon Ultra /Pro and now we’re chiming in on its lighter, more race-oriented sibling, the S/Lab Ultra 2. After spending several 20+ mile days in this S/Lab shoe, we’ve come away impressed by its versatility and think that it could work for a lot of people — not just those who are trying to win the next ultramarathon.
Amelia Boone on Mtn Lions, Trail Running, & Mental Health (Ep. 59)
Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk to Amelia Boone about being a world champion obstacle racer; transitioning into trail running & racing; mental health & eating disorders; ElliptiGos, mtn lions, & more.
2021-2022 Elan Ripstick 116
During this coming season we’ll be reviewing Elan’s big-mountain ski, the Ripstick 116. Check out our First Look to see what it shares in common with the other Ripsticks, what it does not, and how its design compares to the rest of the market.
Win a Tent from The North Face
Enter for a chance to win The North Face’s new Eco Trail 3-person tent!
Blister Brand Guide: On Running Shoe Lineup, 2020
On’s shoes are instantly recognizable due to their unique, bulbous midsoles / outsoles. But how do each of their shoes differ, and which one should you get? Check out our Brand Guide to find out.
Claudio Caluori on Chasing Nino & Going All-Electric (Ep. 31)
Everybody’s favorite bike-POV-commentator is back to talk about chasing Nino Schurter down trails in Switzerland; his thoughts on e-bikes (now that he’s been riding one frequently); his company, Velosolutions’ first “all-electric” build; the status of the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships; and more.
Mtn Bike Chamois Roundup
Whether you use one for every ride or just for those extra-long days in the saddle, a good chamois can make your time on the bike much more enjoyable. We’ve rounded up 9 women’s and men’s options we’ve been using — from thin liners, to ones that can work as standalone shorts.
2021-2022 Majesty Superwolf
We’ve spent much of this past spring & summer on the new Majesty Superwolf, and think it warrants strong consideration from anyone seeking an intuitive, versatile, narrower touring ski. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Addie Bracy on Her Trajectory, Sports Psychology, & OUTrun (Ep. 58)
Addie Bracy is an accomplished runner who thinks hard about the psychology of sports performance. So we talk to Addie about her background and how it led her to the study of sports performance psychology; the book she is now writing on the topic; and OUTrun, the organization she founded with her partner, Corey Conner, to empower and connect LGBTQ+ individuals within the running community and to create an environment that is encouraging, supportive, and inclusive to all.
Deep Dive: Majesty Superwolf
We compare the Superwolf to the Salomon MTN Explore 95, Majesty Werewolf Carbon, Fischer TransAlp 90, Dynastar Mythic 97, K2 Wayback 96, and Armada Tracer 98.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Summer Dress Roundup — 2020
A lightweight, comfortable dress is not only nice for casual nights out, the offerings from many companies can also now serve as functional pieces for a variety of warm-weather activities. Check out our roundup for some of our current favorites.
Salomon Ultra /Pro
As you might be able to guess by its name, the Salomon Ultra /Pro is the brand’s take on a trail running shoe for longer distances. Check out our review to see how it compares to shoes with similar design intentions, and how it works for more moderate-length runs.
Skid Row Running Club founder, Judge Craig Mitchell (Ep. 136)
Whether or not you’re a runner, you ought to know about the Skid Row Running Club and the Skid Row Marathon. We talk to the club founder, Judge Craig Mitchell, about why he started the club; his background; the duty of police officers to protect and serve; the need for minimum sentencing reform; and much more.
Reviewing the Reviewer: Kristin Sinnott (Ep.106)
On our latest “Reviewing the Reviewer” episode of GEAR:30, we talk to Kristin Sinnott about her gear preferences; Family Feud; killer bees; her background in alpine and nordic skiing; and more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
The Many, Many Big Ideas of Williams Racing Products (Ep.93)
Few people have as many big ideas for the bike world as Mic Williams of Williams Racing Products, and even fewer have started their own companies to make them a reality. So we sat down with Mic to hear all about it, privateer racing at the top level, and more.
Flash Review: 21/22 J Skis Fastforward
We just got our first day on J’s new 92mm-wide, metal-laminate, all-mountain 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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5-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (21/22)
Check out Part Two of our reviewers’ 5-ski quiver picks, with additions from Jonathan Ellsworth, Kristin Sinnott, Paul Forward, & David Golay.
A Life Lived Wild: Rick Ridgeway (Ep.191)
Rick Ridgeway has lived right at the center of the modern outdoor recreation movement. He was a part of the first American ascent of K2; he has gone on numerous adventures with his friends, Patagonia founder, Yvon Chouinard and The North Face founder, Doug Tompkins, and filmmaker, Jimmy Chin; and he has been right there working to protect wild places with them, Kristine Tompkins, and others.
Would You Rather: Early Season or Late Season Ski Conditions?
Which of the sub-par snow-sliding times of the year do you prefer?
Our 21/22 Blister Winter Buyer’s Guide (Ep.171)
Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss our 21/22 Blister Winter Buyer’s Guide and some corresponding industry trends and category highlights. They also talk snowblades, clarify our Buyer’s Guide ‘Best Of’ Awards, and go on a rant or two.
Win a Helmet, Goggles, Glasses, & Jacket from POC
Enter for your chance to win a sweet winter prize pack from POC!
Fox’s Jordi Cortes on Suspension, Tuning, & the Mental Side of Racing (Ep.92)
We talk to Jordi Cortes about setting up suspension for Fox’s top racers, the mental battle of World Cup racing, and a whole lot more.
Flash Review: 2022 Cannondale Jekyll
How does the new Cannondale Jekyll stack up against several other high-pivot Enduro bikes? Check out our Flash Review for our early 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.
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2021-2022 DPS Pagoda Tour 100 RP
The Pagoda Tour 100 RP is an easy, intuitive touring ski that we think would work very well for the backcountry skiing that most people do. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: DPS Pagoda Tour 100 RP
We compare the Pagoda Tour 100 RP to the DPS Pagoda 100 RP, Line Vision 98, Salomon MTN Explore 95, Movement Alp Tracks 106, 4FRNT Raven, Fauna Pioneer, Blizzard Zero G 105, Scott Superguide Freetour, K2 Wayback 96, K2 Wayback 106, Nordica Enforcer Unlimited 104, Weston Summit, Armada Tracer 98, WNDR Alpine Vital 100, G3 FINDr 102, Wagner Summit 105, & Renoun Citadel 106.
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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Flash Review: 22/23 Nordica Enforcer Unlimited 104
We just spent a day skiing the new Enforcer Unlimited 104 — check out our initial impressions of this new 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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