BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Up & Coming: Skier AND Mtn Biker, Dylan Siggers (Ep.96)
Today we’re launching our new Up & Coming series, where we’ll be highlighting some athletes who, if they aren’t already on your radar, they should be. And first up is Dylan Siggers, because few people out there are this good on skis and on a bike. Plus, Dylan is also involved in filmmaking and music, so we talk to him about skiing, biking, filming, music, and more.
19/20 Atomic Backland 107
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Atomic’s wider touring ski.
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Win a Blanket from Rumpl
Get Rumpl’s new, recycled, and very versatile NanoLoft blanket.
New Ski & Climbing Gear + Random Reviews (Ep.59)
Jonathan Ellsworth, Luke Koppa, & Sam Shaheen argue about the new Volkl Mantra 102 and how it compares to the M5 Mantra; discuss with more civility the Line Vision 98; Dalbello Lupo Pro HD ski boot; Camp Nano 22 vs. Orbit Wire carabiners; and close with several extremely random reviews.
Anthill Films’ Latest: Return to Earth (Ep.5)
Anthill Films’ latest movie, Return to Earth, displays the sick cinematography and sick bike riding that Anthill is known for. But in Return to Earth, they’re going after some bigger stakes. So we talk to Anthill’s Darcy Wittenberg and Ian Dunn about those stakes; the origins & early days of Anthill; some of the locations, riders, and cinematography in Return to Earth; and more.
Arc’teryx Alpha SK 32 Backpack
This year Arc’teryx released a very minimalist backcountry ski / snowboard pack. So, how does the new Alpha SK 32 compare to more traditional options, and what do you gain and lose by going with this fast-and-light pack?
Training Your Body — and Your Brain (Ep.95)
You’re probably already convinced of the importance of physical exertion, going outside, and staying physically fit and healthy. But what about the fitness of your brain? We talk to the neuroscientist, Michael Merzenich, about the significant neurological benefits of going fast, going outside, and undertaking new activities; the more effective and less effective ways to exercise our brains; the changes to our brains caused by the time so many of us — and our kids — are spending in front of phone, computer, and TV screens; and more.
2019-2020 ON3P Woodsman 108
We’ve now had three reviewers on ON3P’s new Woodsman 108, and it’s time to weigh in on how their newest all-mountain ski performs, and how it compares to their Wrenegade 108, their Jeffrey 108 (and in our Deep Dive Comparisons, pretty much every other relevant ski on the market). Check it out.
Deep Dive: ON3P Woodsman 108
We compare the Woodsman 108 to the ON3P Jeffrey 108, ON3P Wrenegade 108, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 106, Armada ARV 106Ti LTD, Liberty Origin 106, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Line Sick Day 104, Elan Ripstick 106, 4FRNT MSP 107, Black Crows Corvus, Moment Commander 108, J Skis Metal, Prior Husume, and Blizzard Cochise.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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19/20 Faction Candide 4.0
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the updated Faction Candide 4.0.
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 K2 Mindbender 115C Alliance
The new Mindbender 115C Alliance is the widest women’s ski in K2’s 19/20 lineup, but we think its versatility makes it a very appealing option for a lot of skiers. Check out our full review, including comparisons to the Nordica Santa Ana 110 and Blizzard Sheeva 11.
Summer Baby Clothes Roundup
Our youngest (by far) reviewer has been very busy testing a bunch of sun-protective clothing this summer, and with just a bit of writing help from his mom, we’ve rounded up a number of tops, bottoms, and accessories that can help keep your little one cool, protected, and comfortable. Check it out here, along with some of the cutest photos we’ve ever posted on Blister.
2020-2021 Salomon QST 118
Along with the rest of the Salomon QST skis, the widest ski in the brand’s lineup, the QST 118, is getting some updates for 19/20. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the new QST 118.
2021-2022 Volkl Mantra 102
We had three reviewers on Volkl’s new Mantra 102 this year, and we all think it’s an excellent addition for skiers seeking high-speed stability and all-round performance.
Deep Dive: Volkl Mantra 102
We compare the Mantra 102 to the Mantra M5, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Head Monster 98, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Nordica Enforcer 100, Blizzard Bonafide, Blizzard Cochise, Fischer Ranger 99 Ti, Black Crows Corvus, J Skis Masterblaster, J Skis Metal, Salomon QST 99, 4FRNT MSP 99, Salomon QST 106, ON3P Wrenegade 96, ON3P Wrenegade 108, Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, and Moment Commander 98.
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 Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Deep Dive: Sego Big Horn 106
We compare the Big Horn 106 to the Moment Wildcat 108, Whitedot Altum 104, J Skis Hotshot, Sego Cleaver Comp, Dynastar M-Free 108, K2 Reckoner 102, Black Crows Atris, Moment Deathwish, Line Sir Francis Bacon, ON3P Woodsman 108, Volkl Revolt 104, 4FRNT Devastator, Season Nexus, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Nordica Enforcer 104, Salomon QST 106, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Sego Condor 108, Elan Ripstick 106, Icelantic Nomad 105, Blizzard Rustler 10, 4FRNT MSP 107, & Liberty Origin 106.
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.)
Privateer Bikes: Origins, Philosophy, & Trajectory (Ep.51)
We talk to Sam Meegan of Privateer Bikes, which is a company that has been pushing forward certain aspects of bike design that have been gaining broader acceptance in the bike industry. So come to learn more about Privateer, but stick around to hear Sam’s big idea about how to revolutionize a whole other product category.
Flash Review: Season Forma Ski
We just wrapped up a day on the 118mm-wide, fishtailed ski in Season’s lineup. Check out our initial 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.
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Flash Review: 20/21 Tecnica Mach1 130 MV
We’ve now spent about 40 days in Tecnica’s recently revised 130-flex, medium-volume alpine boot. Check out our 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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Win a Trip to the Blister Summit @ Mt. Crested Butte
This is a very special giveaway — the winner will get 2 spots at the Blister Summit ski demo event + lodging + lift tickets. Enter before Friday, February 5th for your chance to win!
2021-2022 Faction Dictator 3.0
Faction’s original Dictator 3.0 was a radical ski when it was first released. It was stiff, had two layers of metal, and it was also very light. But the ski market has changed since then, and so has the Dictator 3.0. Check out our First Look & Flash Review of the latest Dictator 3.0.
Flash Review: 21/22 Faction Dictator 3.0
Check out our initial thoughts on the latest iteration of Faction’s mid-fat, metal-laminate, directional 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.
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Cosmo Langsfeld
Cosmo Langsfeld in the La Sportiva Jackal GTX, Crested Butte, Colorado Vitals: 6’2″, 160 lbs / 188 cm, 70 kg Running Background, Style, and General Preferences I grew up in the Gunnison Valley, Colorado. My family lived on 38 acres that bordered National Forest land
Backcountry Travel, Snow Science, & the Art of Avalanche Forecasting (Ep.161)
We talk to Zach Guy, the lead forecaster for the Crested Butte Avalanche Center, about the science of snow, the art of avalanche forecasting, and what every backcountry traveler can be sending in to their local avy center to help them produce more accurate forecasts.
Altra Olympus 4.0
The Olympus has been a reference point in the maximalist trail shoe category for many years now, but the latest iteration includes some significant changes from previous versions. Check out our review of the Olympus 4.0, including how it compares to the Olympus 3.5 and Hoka Speedgoat 4.
Blister Summit: What, When, & How to Join
Here’s an update on our upcoming Blister Summit — check it out to learn more about this first-of-its-kind ski demo event and how to join us.
Win G3 ZED Bindings
The winner this week will get a pair of G3’s lightweight touring bindings!