BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Altra Lone Peak 4.5
The Lone Peak has been in Altra’s running lineup for many years now, serving as their rugged, moderate-cushion trail shoe. Check out our review of the latest iteration, the Lone Peak 4.5, to see how it compares to the last version, several of Altra’s other trail shoes, and some other options on the market.
Summer Skirt & Skort Roundup — 2020
There are now lots of skirts & skorts that can transition from casual walks around town to running, swimming, and hiking far from the city. We’ve rounded up several of the casual and technical options our reviewers have been using — check out our roundup to see which ones might work for you.
Faith E. Briggs on Growing Up, Running, & Her Film, This Land (Ep. 54)
Faith E. Briggs is a filmmaker, a runner, and an outdoor enthusiast, and Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk to Faith about her latest film, This Land; growing up and running track & cross country and transitioning into long-distance running & trail running; and our current / not-merely-current circumstances here in America.
2021-2022 K2 Reckoner 102
Many skis on the market are pretty good at a lot of things but consequently don’t really stand out in any particular aspect. Given that, the ultra-playful, yet surprisingly versatile K2 Reckoner 102 is a refreshing change of pace — check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: K2 Reckoner 102
We compare the Reckoner 102 to the K2 Reckoner 112, K2 Marksman, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Moment PB&J, Prior Northwest 100, ON3P Jeffrey 108, ON3P Magnus 102, Whitedot Altum 104, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Dynastar M-Free 108, Faction Prodigy 3.0, Sego Big Horn 106, Nordica Soul Rider 97, Fauna Pioneer, Rossignol BLACKOPS Holyshred, Line Sakana, & Blizzard Rustler 10.
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Thoughts on Our Current Situation
Update: some long-overdue policy changes are finally being made.
Bees, Green Lawns, “Perfect” Apples, & the Reinvention of Farming (Ep.132)
Most of us know that bee populations are struggling to survive, but why? And why do bees play such a critical role in the production of food? We talk to Peter Nelson and Sally Roy about their new film, The Pollinators, which tells the story of bees and beekeeping and soil and farming practices and pesticides and the EPA and why we need to change the way we produce food — and what each of us can do to help the cause.
Altra Timp 2.0
Altra made several significant updates to their high-cushion Timp and we think that, for many people, the new Timp 2.0 is a better shoe in most regards. Check out our review to see how this versatile, cushioned shoe compares to the previous Timp 1.5 and several other shoes on the market.
We Are One Union Wheels
There are plenty of ultra-stiff carbon rims on the market, but many of them also tend to feel very harsh and jarring in rough terrain. With their Enduro-oriented Union wheels, We Are One aimed to strike a better balance of stiffness, ride feel, & durability — all while making them in British Columbia and offering a lifetime warranty. After spending a few months riding the Union wheels (on an aggressive hardtail), we think they’d be very appealing to a lot of riders.
Father’s Day Roundup — 2020
Looking for a way to celebrate and appreciate the fathers and father figures in your life? We polled several of our reviewers to get their suggestions for Father’s Day gifts — check out their picks.
Win Sunglasses from ROKA
This week TWO people will get to pick any pair of sunglasses they want from ROKA!
2020 Santa Cruz Hightower
For six months now, we’ve had three different reviewers riding the recently overhauled Santa Cruz Hightower. Check out our long-term review to see why we think this 140 mm 29er is so versatile, and how it compares to the previous Hightower, Hightower LT, Megatower, & Yeti SB130.
Hoka One One Carbon X
The Hoka Carbon X is part of a new class of shoes designed with one goal in mind: running as fast as possible. But this carbon-reinforced road shoe doesn’t look like the race shoes of the past, so we were curious to see how it handled a variety of distances and speeds, and how it compared to more “normal” shoes like the Hoka Clifton 6. Check out our review to see what we found.
Flash Review: 20/21 Faction Agent 3.0
Update 6.11.20: Drew Kelly adds his thoughts on the Agent 3.0’s overall performance.
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 Ibis Mojo 4
Shorter-travel, 27.5″ Trail bikes are becoming rare these days, especially if you want more modern geometry. But Ibis is breaking that trend with the introduction of their overhauled Mojo 4 — check out our First Look for more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2021 Cannondale Scalpel HT
The Cannondale Scalpel has been a full-suspension XC race bike for almost 20 years, but now there’s a hardtail version — and its geometry is pretty wild. Check out this new, ultra-progressive take on an XC race bike.
Angel Collinson on Her Retirement from Skiing, Processing Change, & More (Ep.189)
We talk to one of our all-time favorite skiers (and people), Angel Collinson, about her recent announcement of her retirement from professional skiing; why she felt that now was the time; the factors that led to her decision; how she thinks about and processes change; what she’s up to now, and what might be next.
Vorsprung Secus Fork Air Spring Upgrade
We’ve now tested the Vorsprung Secus in the RockShox ZEB, and have only grown more impressed. Check out our full review to find out what makes this air spring upgrade so good.
What We’re Watching — November 2021
This month’s What We’re Watching features a baker’s dozen ski, bike, and freedive(?) videos for your viewing pleasure.
Nordica Announces New Santa Ana & Enforcer Unlimited Skis
Nordica just announced their first line of touring-oriented skis. We’ll be spending time on them soon, but in the meantime, learn more about the new skis here.
Shop Talk: Vertical Playground, Oppdal Norway (Ep.169)
Once upon a time, a couple of friends who were scheming to get some gear for their own adventures ended up creating a phenomenal outdoor shop. We talk to Trygve Sande and Rune Kvalsnes about the origins of Vertical Playground; their trip with Hoji where the idea of the 4FRNT Raven was born; some of their favorite gear; and more.
Women’s Bike Jersey Roundup — 2021
Whether your jerseys are looking pretty worn after a long summer or your bike season is just starting, this roundup is for you.
Win The New J Skis Masterblaster
This week the winner will get J Skis’ updated, metal-laminate all-mountain ski!
Reviewer Reports: Santa Cruz Bronson, Norco Range, We Are One Arrival, & More (Ep.90)
We’ve been testing a lot of bikes of late, so we sat down to give a rundown of what we’ve been riding, including the Santa Cruz Bronson, We Are One Arrival, Norco Range, and more.
Reserve Fillmore Tubeless Valves
Tubeless valves aren’t typically the most “exciting” things out there, but Reserve Wheels have made a genuinely better one, dubbed the Fillmore. Check out what makes them so special.
Hope Evo Crankset
Hope’s updated Evo crankset is reportedly designed for everything from XC to DH, and it stands out from most aluminum cranks due to its low weight & made-in-UK design. Check out our review for more on how it compares to the competition.
10 Barrel Brewing x Protect Our Winters: PRAY FOR POW
Here’s our take on this great beer for a good cause.