BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Our 2020 New Year’s Resolutions (Ep.114)
We’ve been thinking and talking about New Year’s resolutions, so in this episode, we ask a number of BLISTER reviewers what they’re pursuing in this new year and new decade.
Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Jacket
This season Patagonia launched a new outerwear line, the SnowDrifter, and we’ve come away very impressed by the comfort and versatility of the women’s SnowDrifter Jacket.
Win Custom Skis from Wagner
Enter for your chance to win a pair of fully custom Wagner skis!
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.
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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!
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: Trek Session
We’ve been spending time on the new, high-pivot 2022 Trek Session. Check out our Flash Review for some initial thoughts.
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 Marin Alpine Trail
The Marin Alpine Trail is one of the most playful Enduro bikes we’ve been on recently, but also manages to keep a great deal of capability in technical terrain — and is an impressive bang-for-buck to boot. We think it’s a really compelling option for the right sort of rider, and you can check out our full review to find out who we think will get on best with this unique offering from Marin.
Unlikely Hikers & the Evolution of the Outdoor Industry (Ep.86)
If you want to understand one of the most important developments currently taking place in the outdoor industry, then listen up. Jenny Bruso is the founder of Unlikely Hikers, and what she has started is a movement that is growing fast, and for good reason. See why.
Flash Review: 21/22 Atomic Maverick 88 Ti
This season we spent time on all the new Maverick “Ti” skis, and here we discuss our initial thoughts on the narrowest option in the group.
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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Blister Brand Guide: Santa Cruz / Juliana Mountain Bike Lineup, 2021
Santa Cruz and its sister brand, Juliana, have been steadily updating several of their long-standing bikes over the past year. Check out our Brand Guide for more info on their whole 2021 lineup, and which of their bikes might make sense for you.
Ride Concepts Hellion Elite Shoe
Ride Concepts recently added a new flat-pedal shoe to their lineup, the Hellion Elite, which is a relatively low-profile option with the brand’s stickiest rubber. But how does it compare to popular options like the Five Ten Freerider Pro, and which riders are going to like this new shoe the most? Check out our full review to find out.
Old Principles & New Challenges of Apparel Design (Ep.147)
We talk with Carl Moriarty (previously the Design Director at Arc’teryx, currently the Design Director at Rapha) about his career path in the outdoor industry; several principles of technical apparel design; the challenge of balancing high performance with sustainability; and how being clear on these things can help us evaluate advertising claims about new pieces.
Win a Women’s or Men’s MTB Kit from 7mesh
This week the winner will get kitted out head-to-toe with high-end Mtb apparel from 7mesh!
Flash Review: 21/22 Romp Zorro 89
Romp is adding a few new designs to their lineup for next year, and we’ve so far been impressed by the versatility of their new narrow 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.
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.)
Hoka One One Evo Mafate 2
The Evo Mafate 2 is designed to cover a lot of distance while still being light, efficient, and reliable on a wide range of trail surfaces. And so far, we’d say it pretty much lives up to the hype. Check out our review for more.
Öhlins TTX22 Shock
The world of high-end shocks is one filled with lots of dials and adjustments, but that can also make it a bit tricky to arrive at your ideal settings. The Öhlins TTX22, however, has proven to offer the reliable, high-end performance you’d expect of a top-tier product, but is also very simple and easy to get running really well. Check out our full review for the whole story.
Vero Sandler on REAL MTB, Digging, Dance Moves, & Getting Slidey (Ep.65)
Vero Sandler just competed in the first ever REAL MTB event, so we caught up with this Kiwi with the French name (Veronique) who lives in Wales to talk about the experience and get her thoughts on being the first (and only) female in the comp; the importance of checking your junk (???); the art of “getting slidey”; her current big idea; and more.