BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
New Skis, Ski Boots, & Bindings with Paul Forward (Ep.80)
We catch up with reviewer, Paul Forward, about some of the skis, AT boots, and an AT binding that Paul has been spending time on in Girdwood, Alaska. Paul and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the Volkl Mantra 102; the DPS Koala 119; the new Atomic Backland Carbon AT boot; the Fritschi Xenic lightweight touring binding; and more.
2021-2022 Kye Shapes Numinous
Last week we talked about the Metamorph, a new ski from Kye Petersen & Foon Skis’ new brand, Kye Shapes. Now it’s time to talk about the big gun in the Kye Shapes lineup, the Numinous. And for many people, we think there is a lot to like about this big-mountain ski. Check out our video First Look & writeup.
2021-2022 Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105
Shaggy’s is a small brand that builds their skis in Michigan, and we’ve been very impressed by the versatility of their Ahmeek 105. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
How to Design a Great Race (Ep.31)
New running events seem to be popping up all the time, which raises the question: Are there some specific policies, and practices that should be built into all or most running events? To help us think about this, we talked to Caleb Efta, the race director of the High Lonesome 100, about some of the specific policies and requirements of the event that are designed to mitigate its environmental impacts and increase gender equality.
Deep Dive: Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105
We compare the Ahmeek 105 to the Moment Deathwish, Moment Wildcat 108, Icelantic Nomad 105, Blizzard Rustler 10, ON3P Woodsman 108, J Skis Metal, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Liberty Origin 106, Line Sick Day 104, 4FRNT MSP 107, Armada ARV 106Ti, Sego Big Horn 106, Nordica Enforcer Free 104, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Salomon QST 106, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, and Faction Prodigy 3.0.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Blister Brand Guide: Ibis Mountain Bike Lineup, 2020
Ibis started back in 1981, and now makes a variety of bikes from hardtails to Enduro sleds. Check out our Brand Guide for our breakdown of their lineup, and see which bike might be the best fit for you.
New Year’s Resolutions with Brendan Leonard (Ep.113)
A recent conversation with Brendan Leonard (semi-rad.com) about his 2019 goal of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks (!!!) got us thinking that we should take a more creative approach to New Year’s Resolutions and goals. And then very soon, we’ll be posting a series of interviews with some Blister reviewers and other folks about their own take on new year’s resolutions, and some of their own creative goals.
Sustainable Products Roundup
Thankfully, “sustainability” is a word that more and more companies are thinking about when it comes to the products they make and sell. So from technical outerwear, to food storage, to everyday items you might not even think about, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite items that represent a step in this more sustainable / less environmentally harmful direction. Check them out here.
2021-2022 Nordica Enforcer 88
We’ve now had multiple reviewers on two lengths of Nordica’s narrowest Enforcer, the Enforcer 88. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons for our thoughts on this all-mountain ski.
Deep Dive: Nordica Enforcer 88
We compare the Enforcer 88 to the Nordica Enforcer 93, Blizzard Brahma, Folsom Spar 88, Head Monster 88 Ti, Black Crows Orb, Parlor Cardinal 90, Armada Invictus 89 Ti, Atomic Vantage 90 Ti, Salomon XDR 88 Ti, Liberty Evolv 90, K2 Ikonic 84 Ti, & Renoun Z-Line 90.
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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SCARPA CEO, Kim Miller, Part 1 (Ep.79)
This week, Sam Shaheen visited SCARPA’s North American headquarters to talk with SCARPA’s CEO, Kim Miller. Here in Part 1 of the conversation, they discuss Kim’s impressive career in the outdoor industry; SCARPA’s philosophy of ski boot design; their position within the market; the specifics of the new Maestrale XT; Kim’s thoughts on boot/binding compatibility; and more.
Win any Hestra Glove or Mitten
Pick any glove or mitten you want from Hestra’s expansive lineup!
Nordica Announces New Enforcer Skis & HF Boots
Today, Nordica announced that they’re changing one of our favorite skis, the Enforcer 100; they’re releasing a new Enforcer 94; and they’re launching an entire collection of new ski boots. Learn more here.
Winter Baby Accessories Roundup
Keeping your little one warm and dry during the winter can be tricky, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite cold-weather accessories for babies & infants.
FW Manifest 3L Jacket & Pants
The Manifest 3L Jacket & Pants from FW, a brand-new apparel company, have tons of features, a modern “freeride” fit, and offer skiers & snowboarders a unique aesthetic. But how do they perform as both an inbounds and backcountry kit? Check out our review.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Women’s Mountain Bike Short Roundup — 2021
Need a new pair of shorts for long trail rides, gravity-fueled days, or that’ll work for a bit of everything? Check out seven of the women’s MTB shorts our reviewers have been testing the past two seasons.
Privateer 161
With progressive geometry, a bargain price for what you get, and thoughtful design touches and spec, the Privateer 161 looks awfully appealing on paper. We’ve been testing this aluminum Enduro race bike and think it delivers on what the brand claims about it — for the right types of riders. Check out our full review for all the details.
2021-2022 Black Crows Camox
Three of our reviewers spent time on the 97mm-wide, twin-tipped Black Crows Camox this season, and despite their different skiing styles, all three came away with pretty positive impressions. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Black Crows Camox
We compare the Camox to the Black Crows Atris, Black Crows Justis, Liberty Origin 96, Blizzard Rustler 9, Line Sick Day 104, Season Aero, Nordica Soul Rider 97, Dynastar Menace 98, Prior Northwest 100, K2 Reckoner 102, Rossignol BLACKOPS Holyshred, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, J Skis Masterblaster, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Salomon QST 99, Salomon QST 98, & 4FRNT MSP 99.
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.
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Gronk + Pit Viper = 4.20
On the most appropriate of days, Rob Gronkowski & Pit Viper announce they’ve tied the knot.
Flash Review: 21/22 DPS Pagoda Tour 100 RP
Check out some of our initial thoughts on the lightest version of DPS’s maneuverable 100 RP shape.
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.
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Hoka One One Carbon X2
Shoes with carbon plates have gained a lot of attention recently, but most are pretty niche, race-oriented products. The Hoka Carbon X2 is designed to offer both race-day efficiency and long-distance comfort, and while we were at first skeptical about that bold claim, we’ve been thoroughly impressed by this shoe so far.
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (Mar 2021) (Ep.165)
Cody and Jonathan discuss the introduction of criminal charges for triggering avalanches; the case against straightlining; ski area news; our media recommendations; & more.
Blister Summit Panel: Next Generation Materials
We talk with the founders of MountainFlow Eco-Wax (Peter Arlein); Checkerspot (Charlie Dimmler); and Flylow (Dan Abrams) about the challenges and opportunities of working with new materials; performance vs. sustainability; greenwashing; “Flylower”; the most promising new materials; & more.
The Mt. Rushmore of Ski Suspension (Ep.143)
We discuss one of the most important concepts in ski design: suspension. So what do we mean by “suspension”? Are terms like “plush” or “damp” synonyms, or are there important differences? And what are some of the best skis of all time when it comes to suspension? Let the debate begin.
Win MTB Tires from Versus
The TWO winners this week will each get a pair of Versus’ All Mountain tires!
2021-2022 Moment Chipotle Banana
Moment’s 122mm-wide Chipotle Banana has proven to be a surprisingly versatile ski, given its girthy dimensions. Check out Paul Forward’s full review & Deep Dive comparisons.