BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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
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Reviewing the Reviewer: Luke Koppa (Ep.58)
Today we’re launching a new series on GEAR:30 called, “Reviewing the Reviewer,” where we’ll ask Blister reviewers questions, then score their answers to determine a cumulative grade for each reviewer. First up, BLISTER managing editor, Luke Koppa. (And ON3P Skis founder, Scott Andrus, wrote in with some bonus questions for Luke, too.)
Win a Men’s or Women’s MTB Kit from Velocio
Get a jersey, outer short, inner bib short, gloves, and socks from Velocio’s MTB-oriented Trail collection!
BLISTER’s Maddie Hart Wins the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Miler (Ep.10)
BLISTER reviewer, Maddie Hart, just won the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Mile Run, making her the youngest person — male or female — to ever win the event. So we talked to Maddie about the race; her strategy; her preparation for it; the gear she used; and her big achievement.
WTB Ranger 2.4 Tire
WTB recently introduced some narrower versions of its Ranger tire, and we think the Ranger 2.4 is a competitive option for those seeking a nice balance of low rolling resistance and traction in their XC or Trail tire.
2019 Santa Cruz Hightower LT
With the introduction of the redesigned Hightower and new Megatower, you’re probably going to see a lot of Santa Cruz Hightower LTs on the used market. So we put together a full review of the Hightower LT, and we think it’s still a great bike for those seeking a nice balance of playfulness and stability in their Trail bike.
From Skiing Park to Working for NASA: LJ Strenio (Ep.94)
Last week, LJ Strenio, posted a photo of a letter from NASA congratulating him on being accepted as an intern to the Armstrong Flight Research Facility. But how does a park skier from Vermont, this star of the LINE Traveling Circus, this guy who once served as Vin Diesel’s stunt double, and this guy who has a 29-minute crash reel that is shot after shot of him destroying himself, get accepted to work for NASA? We talked to LJ to get the whole story — and it’s a great one.
19/20 G3 FINDr 102
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of G3’s new magnet-equipped touring ski.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Altra Superior 4.0
This year Altra updated one of their long-standing, more minimal trail shoes, and we think the new Superior 4.0 may be a bit more divisive than the previous versions.
2020-2021 G3 FINDr 102
G3’s lightweight 19/20 FINDr series features something that we have never seen before in skis — magnets. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the new FINDr 102.
2021-2022 Salomon QST 106
We were fans of the popular Salomon QST 106, and it was one of our top picks for “50/50” inbounds & backcountry use. But for 19/20, Salomon has redesigned this ski, and we think it now has a different target demographic. Check out our review of the new QST 106.
Win a Personal GPS Device from Bivy
Win a Bivystick — a personal GPS communication device that lets you stay in touch wherever you go.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
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!
Shop Talk: Powder Hound, Girdwood, AK (Ep.133)
Eric Helmbrecht, owner of Powder Hound Ski & Bike Shop is back on the show to talk about this season in Girdwood; Fizz Nation; some of the gear that he and his staff are particularly high on this season; and, of course, we had to talk about Juras.
Smith Mainline Helmet
For folks who want full-face protection on the down without the full-face sweatiness on the up, the Smith Mainline should be high on your list. Check out our review of this lighter, more breathable alternative to traditional full-face helmets.
PeopleForBikes President & CEO, Jenn Dice (Ep.50)
PeopleForBikes is one of the most important organizations in the bike world that you might not be too familiar with. So we caught up with Jenn Dice to talk about what the organization is up to; working with a new administration; and what each of us can do to get involved.
2021-2022 Salomon QST Blank
Salomon just unveiled what will be the widest ski in their lineup for 21/22: the QST Blank. This new ski combines elements of other skis in Salomon’s QST lineup and adds some new ones, too. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see what three of our reviewers think of the new ski.
Deep Dive: Salomon QST Blank
We compare the QST Blank to the QST 106, QST 118, Moment Deathwish, K2 Reckoner 112, Movement Fly Two 115, Black Crows Anima, Volkl Revolt 121, J Skis Friend, ON3P Woodsman 108, Moment Wildcat, Icelantic Nomad 105, Parlor McFellon Pro, Blizzard Rustler 11, Rossignol BLACKOPS Gamer, Kye Shapes Metamorph, Volkl Katana 108, & J Skis Hotshot.
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 Nukeproof Giga
What’s a “Super Enduro” bike? Apparently, the brand-new Nukeproof Giga is one of them, and you can check out our First Look to learn more about this competitively priced, extra-long-travel bike that’s still designed to pedal uphill.
Flash Review: 21/22 Atomic Maverick 100 Ti
Check out our initial thoughts on the widest ski in Atomic’s new all-mountain series.
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: 21/22 Tecnica Cochise 130
Update 1.26.21: Jonathan Ellsworth adds some more thoughts after skiing the new Cochise 130 with more skis.
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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