BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Biking 101: Mtn Bike Fork Offset
What is fork offset — and more importantly — why should you care about it? In our latest Gear 101 article, we answer these questions, how fork offset actually affects your on-trail experience, why more manufacturers are using different offsets, & more.
Revel Bikes & Why Cycles founder, Adam Miller (Ep. 25)
By the time he hit his mid-20s, Adam Miller had already founded three bike companies: Borealis Fat Bikes, Why Cycles, and Revel Bikes. So we talk to Adam (who is now 28 years old) about how and why a kid from Alaska started three bike companies, and what he believes makes Revel bikes different — and better.
What We’re Watching — May, 2020
We’ve just updated our “What We’re Watching” roundup with 10 new films & videos, from hot laps with Candide, to hilarious shorts from Thomas Genon & Katie Burrell, to free films from MSP & Armada, and more.
2021-2022 Majesty Vanguard
New for 20/21, the Majesty Vanguard is a lightweight, twin-tipped, and strong 118mm-wide ski — a combination we don’t see all that often. Check out our First Look & Flash Review for more on this new big-mountain ski.
Georgia Porter on Career Shifts, Strength Training, & the 2020 US Olympic Marathon Trials (Ep.50)
We talk to Georgia Porter about her dislike of running as a kid; her grandma who was running ultras back before running ultras was a thing; how to incorporate apple fritters and beer into your training regimen; competing at the 2020 US Olympic Marathon Trials; her belief that all runners would benefit from learning to love strength training; and more.
Flash Review: 20/21 K2 Reckoner 102
Update 5.12.20: We’ve added some more thoughts on the Reckoner 102 and how it compares to the Line Sir Francis Bacon.
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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2020 Santa Cruz Megatower
We’ve now had two reviewers on Santa Cruz’s 160mm-travel 29er and have updated our review with more thoughts on what kinds of riders will appreciate it and how it compares to its predecessor, the Santa Cruz Hightower LT.
Blister Brand Guide: Transition Mountain Bike Lineup
Transition’s mountain bike lineup has undergone some big changes recently, though their progressive approach to geometry & broad-ranging lineup remains. Check out our Brand Guide to see what sets each of their bikes apart.
Bikes vs. Skis, 2nd Edition (2020): Part 1 (Ep. 24)
Which bike company is currently most like which ski company? And which bike and ski company do most other bike and ski brands secretly wish they could trade places with? Noah Bodman, Jonathan Ellsworth, David Golay, and Eric Freson make parallels and analogies between these two industries to see if it gives us a better sense of the current position, reputation, and trajectory of a bunch of different brands in these sports.
Your Questions + Our Review of PBR’s ‘Hard Coffee’ (Ep.99)
What outdoor gear is in need of the biggest improvement? How old is too old to try your first backflip?; If you had to opt for skis that are too long or too short, which would you pick? What should I do with my life? How does one start reviewing for Blister? Could you please provide an unbiased review and comparison of the Blister Membership, Deep Dive Subscription, and Blister Premier Membership? Luke Koppa and Jonathan answer these and many more.
Flash Review: 20/21 Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130
Update 5.8.20: After spending more time in the new Hawx Prime XTD 130, we’ve updated our Flash Review.
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 Moment Wildcat Tour 108
This past year we spent time on the Wildcat Tour 108 in a wide range of conditions, and you can now check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Win Pit Viper Sunglasses
Enter for a chance to win Pit Viper’s 2000’s sunglasses!
Deep Dive: Moment Wildcat Tour 108
We compare the Wildcat Tour 108 to the Moment Wildcat 108, Moment Deathwish Tour, WNDR Alpine Intention 110, Atomic Backland 107, Blizzard Zero G 105, K2 Wayback 106, Black Diamond Helio 105, Line Vision 108, Amplid Facelift 108, 4FRNT Raven, Renoun Citadel 106, Faction Agent 3.0, & Folsom Cash 106 Carbon.
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.)
Maxxis Assegai
The Maxxis Assegai was created as a blend of several of their most popular tires. In our full review of the Assegai we dive into how it differs from the ubiquitous Minion DHF, and who we think will get along with this very aggressive tire with a totally not-funny name.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Win Line Skis
This week our winner will get one of the strangest yet most fun skis on the market, the Line Blade.
Running Through the News (Sep / Oct 2021) (Ep.98)
Sanjay Rawal joins us to discuss the Boston Marathon being held on Indigenous People’s Day; why the sport of long-distance running is particularly well-positioned to create a more equitable situation for indigenous people; the ramifications of having so many high-profile marathons held so close to one another; and the mission of Shalane Flanagan.
Sturtevants
Sturtevants are our Recommended Ski & Bike Shops in the Sun Valley area, and not only do they offer excellent service and products, they also offer tons of ski and bike demos and a full guiding outfit out of their shops.
Willi’s Ski Shops
Willi’s Ski shops are our Recommended Shops in the Pittsburgh area because they offer the vital services that the ski industry is reliant upon for growth, from junior buyback programs to beginner packages and affordable season lease options — in addition to high-end gear and tuning services.
Vertical Playground
Vertical Playground is our recommended shop in Norway because of their widespread expertise on gear and services for everything from ski touring to mountain biking, climbing, hiking, whitewater kayaking, and more.
The GOAT: Greg Minnaar (Ep.87)
We catch up with Greg Minnaar, the greatest DH rider of all time, about this past season and his World Champs victory; keys to his high-level longevity; his mental approach to racing; Tom Brady; and more.
Leatt 5.0 Clipless Shoes
Leatt’s 5.0 Clipless shoe offers downhill-worthy protection in a package that still pedals impressively well — and it’s competitively priced. That sounds great, but is there a catch?
Pon Holdings to Buy Dorel Sports (Cannondale, GT, & More)
Pon Holdings — the Dutch conglomerate that owns Santa Cruz, among other brands — has just agreed to buy Cannondale, GT, and more from Dorel for $810 million.
McKenna Peterson on Ski Movies, Boats, & Hemingway’s Typewriter (Ep.185)
Last Friday, we had a GEAR:30 conversation with McKenna Peterson to discuss her ski gear preferences. Today, we dive into McKenna’s past and present to talk about her segment in the new MSP film; discuss some of the formative events of her life, and learn more about what makes this professional skier (and professional commercial fishing captain) tick.
Flash Review: 2022 Norco Range
The 2022 Norco Range gets a new high-pivot layout, and the results are eye-opening. 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.
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.)
What We’re Watching — October 2021
Our recurring What We’re Watching series is back, and we’ve got a dozen skiing, biking, and fishing videos for your enjoyment. There’s everything from quick shredits to some longer options, and a bit of recent event coverage, too.
The Pro’s Gear: McKenna Peterson (Ep.166)
We sat down with one of the stars of Matchstick Productions’ new film, The Stomping Grounds, to discuss her personal gear preferences; what ski equipment she’d most like to see get made; the topic of women-specific gear; the best ways to get more women involved in skiing; and more.