BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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.
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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.
2021-2022 Blizzard Rustler 10
The updated Rustler 10 looks similar to the old version on paper, but there are some key differences between the two that we think could make the new version a more appealing option for many resort skiers. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Blizzard Rustler 10
We compare the new Rustler 10 to the previous Rustler 10, ON3P Woodsman 108, Moment Wildcat 108, Salomon QST 106, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Nordica Enforcer Free 104, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Line Sick Day 104, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, J Skis Metal, Armada ARV 106Ti, Liberty Origin 106, 4FRNT MSP 107, Black Crows Corvus, Sego Big Horn 106, Faction Prodigy 3.0, Elan Ripstick 106, & Blizzard Cochise.
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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Brendan Leonard on Running 52 Marathons in 52 Weeks (Ep.30)
For 2019, Brendan Leonard (semi-rad.com) set a goal for himself: run 52 marathons in 52 weeks. He told very few people about this goal, and we are proud to report that Brendan accomplished his goal with several weeks to spare. So we talked to Brendan about what prompted him to create this plan; why he decided to tell very few people about it; exactly what the parameters were for these ‘marathons’; how he handled the logistics; what he learned along the way; and more.
Strafe Wildcat Pant
Insulated ski / snowboard pants may seem unnecessary to those who have their layering systems dialed, but our reviewer was very surprised by the versatility of Strafe’s insulated Wildcat Pants. Check out her full review.
What We’re Watching — December, 2019
More ski videos! We’ve just updated our ski video roundup with 11 new videos, including Chris Benchetler’s visually stunning night-riding project, edits from FWT athletes, crazy FPV drone footage, and much more.
Ski Quiver Questions, Part 2 (Ep.78)
Last week on GEAR:30, Sam Shaheen, Luke Koppa, and I addressed some of the questions you have been asking us about ski quivers, and we also discussed the topic of the one-boot quiver. And now, we are running part 2 of this conversation with our reviewers Kristin Sinnott, Sascha Anastas, and Kara Williard.
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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Report: The 20/21 Ski Season in Europe (Ep.166)
We talk to Sebastian Steinbach of Blacksheep Sports in Munich, Germany, about this past season; we revisit some of Sebastian’s predictions prior to the ski season; and we get his early predictions for what he thinks this next ski season will look like in Europe.
Banshee Titan V3
We recently reviewed Banshee’s short-travel Phantom, and we’ve also spent the past year+ on its longer-travel sibling, the Titan. It’s an impressive (and incredibly good looking) 29er, but who is it best suited for, and where does it most notably excel? Check out our full review to find out.
Flash Review: 20/21 Moment Voyager XIV
Update 4.26.21: Luke Koppa adds his thoughts on the Voyager XIV, how it compares to the ATK R12, and how it stacks up against heavier bindings like the Fritschi Tecton and Marker Kingpin.
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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Reviewer Reports: Powder Skis w/ Paul Forward (Ep.144)
Paul Forward and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about a number of the fat skis Paul’s been reviewing this season in Girdwood, Alaska.
Hoji on the updated 4FRNT Hoji
We talk to Eric Hjorleifson about the development process and the updates to his namesake ski, the 21/22 4FRNT Hoji.
Flash Review: 21/22 Weston Summit
Weston may be best known for their snowboards and splitboards, but they also make skis and we’ve been spending time on their 105mm-wide, do-everything touring ski, the Summit.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Casey Brown on Paving the Way & the Future of Women’s Freeride (Ep.62)
We talk with the pioneer of women’s freeride about growing up in the bush of New Zealand; her first bike (it was a mullet??); choosing mountain biking over skiing; career detours; being “toothless & ruthless”; Rampage; Formation; & the future of women’s freeride.
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.
(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.)