BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Deep Dive: Salomon QST 106
We compare the 19/20 QST 106 to the previous QST 106, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, ON3P Woodsman 108, 4FRNT MSP 107, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Line Sick Day 104, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 99, Liberty Origin 106, Elan Ripstick 106, G3 ROAMr 108, ON3P Wrenegade 108, Prior Husume, Black Crows Corvus, Moment Commander 108, J Skis Metal, Blizzard Cochise, and Faction Dictator 3.0.
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What You’re Wearing, Part 1: Synthetic Fibers (Ep.57)
How much do you actually know about the clothes in your closet, and the stuff we all wear to go play in the mountains? In our new “What You’re Wearing” miniseries, we’re shining a light on the most foundational part of apparel: the fibers. And in part 1, we dive into the world synthetic fibers with Sara Ellis from Gore (the makers of GORE-TEX).
Duncan Callahan on Reaching the Top, Burning Out, & What Comes Next (Ep.9)
There’s a common narrative in the running world about people who are struggling in life, then they are saved by running. But what happens when you’ve been an endurance athlete for over twenty years, and you then find yourself in search of some answers? We talk to Duncan Callahan — 2-time winner of the Leadville 100 and a number of other ultras — about his story, things he’d do different, and what he’s still hoping to learn.
Kuat Highline Trunk Rack
There are plenty of different ways to carry bikes on your car, but not everyone wants (or needs) an expensive, semi-permanent hitch or roof rack. That’s why trunk racks like the Kuat Highline exist, and the Highline is a great choice in this category.
Lightweight Hoody Roundup — 2019
Whether you spend your summers hiking, running, biking, fishing, or even skiing, a good lightweight hoody can make for an extremely versatile layer. Check out our roundup for several of our favorite options for men, women, and even the little ones.
2021-2022 G3 ROAMr 108
The G3 ROAMr 108 is specifically designed for both inbounds skiing and backcountry touring, and with its two layers of titanal and a relatively low weight, we think it will work well for a lot of skiers interested in a “50/50” ski.
Deep Dive: G3 ROAMr 108
We compare the ROAMr 108 to the G3 SENDr 112, Blizzard Zero G 105, Line Sick Day 104, Salomon QST 106, Renoun Citadel 106, K2 Wayback 106, Elan Ripstick 106, Liberty Origin 106, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Moment Commander 108, Faction Dictator 3.0, Scott Scrapper 115, and Blizzard Rustler 11.
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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Enve M730 Wheels — Long-Term Review
We’ve now spent over nine months on Enve’s M730 carbon wheels, and you can check out our full review for our thoughts on their ride quality, notable features, long-term durability, and who should be considering them.
18/19 Ski Video Roundup
The 18/19 season produced some amazing videos, so we’ve compiled a bunch of our favorites to get you excited about next season.
2020-2021 Salomon S/Force Bold
Salomon is launching a whole new line of frontside skis for 19/20, and you can check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the S/Force Bold to see how its design compares to the competition.
Six-Time Leadville 100 Champ & IMBA Executive Director, Dave Wiens (Ep.4)
We talk to Dave Wiens about skiing with Doug Coombs; participating in the early days of mountain biking; winning the Leadville 100 six times in a row — while beating Floyd Landis and Lance Armstrong along the way; and we get a fresh update from Dave on the current agenda and plans of the International Mountain Bike Association.
Hoka One One Speedgoat 3
This year Hoka updated one of their most popular trail shoes, and we think the new Speedgoat 3 is a very appealing option for trail runners who appreciate a cushioned ride (and potentially even more appealing than the Speedgoat 2 it replaces).
Western States 100 Champion, Clare Gallagher (Ep.8)
Clare Gallagher just won the Western States 100, and she did so in spectacular fashion. But there is a whole lot more to this story. So we talk to Clare about the details of her epic win, why on earth she agreed to go on an expedition to Alaska with Tommy Caldwell right before her biggest race of the year, and more.
19/20 Argent Badger
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Argent’s stiff, heavy, big-mountain charger.
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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19/20 DPS Skis Lineup with Stephan Drake (Ep.56)
We talk to DPS Skis founder, Stephan Drake, about the new DPS 19/20 product lineup, and two new skis — that incorporate a brand-new DPS construction — they’re introducing for their “Dreamtime” event. Stephan also breaks news about their “Koala” skis, gives an update on the DPS ski boot they’re working on, and shares some new developments with DPS Phantom.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Season Aero Ski
“Stable and quick in all snow conditions” — that’s what Season says about their 96mm-wide Aero ski. And you can now check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons of this unique new ski to see what we have to say about it.
Deep Dive: Season Aero Ski
We compare the Aero to the Season Nexus, Dynastar Menace 98, Nordica Soul Rider 97, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, K2 Reckoner 102, Prior Northwest 100, Rossignol BLACKOPS Holyshred, J Skis Masterblaster, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Head Kore 93, Nordica Enforcer 94, Salomon QST 99, Liberty Origin 96, Blizzard Rustler 9, 4FRNT MSP 99, & Volkl Mantra M5.
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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Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (Jan 2021) (Ep.160)
Cody Townsend and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the first Winter Summit of K2 by the Sherpa and Nepali team, including Nirmal Purja; TNF x Gucci collab; mountain-town dynamics; Sam Anthamatten vs Cody on the SHIFT binding; our inaugural Blister Summit; and more.
Hoka One One Rincon 2
One of our reviewers says the recently redesigned Hoka Rincon 2 is “everything that a high-cushion shoe should be.” Check out our review to see what he means, and how this lightweight, less-expensive shoe compares to its competition.
2021 Trek Slash
We’ve spent quite a bit of time now on the new Trek Slash, and three of our reviewers are weighing in on this smooth, stable, and surprisingly versatile long-travel bike. Check out our full review.
2021-2022 Tecnica Cochise 130
The Tecnica Cochise was one of the first boots designed to offer alpine-boot downhill performance with uphill capability, and they’re overhauling it for 21/22. Check out our First Look & Flash Review to see what they’ve changed and how the new boot compares to the current market.
A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 5: Heel Pockets, Tongue Volume, & Atomic’s new Hawx Ultra & “Professional” Liners & Dual Strap (Ep.132)
Product Manager of Atomic Ski Boots, Matt Manser, is back to talk about heel pockets and tongue volume and Luke Koppa’s feet and how plug boots are not a thing and Atomic’s new Hawx Ultra and their new “Professional” Series of Liners and Dual Straps.
Flash Review: 21/22 DPS Foundation Koala 103
DPS is launching a new ski in their playful “Koala” series for 21/22 — check out our reviewers’ initial thoughts on it.
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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Mike Foote on His Grand Canyon R2R2R ALT FKT; Race Directing; & Reading (Ep.79)
Brendan Leonard & Jonathan Ellsworth talk to Mike Foote, who on 12.31.20, headed out with fellow The North Face athlete, Rob Krar, to attempt an FKT of the Rim to Rim to Rim “alt” route of the Grand Canyon. So we get Mike’s version of the event, and then go on to discuss a whole lot more.
2021-2022 Parlor Warbird
There are lots of smaller-batch ski manufacturers these days, but very few that have branched out into the category of dedicated carving skis. Parlor changed that with their Warbird — a 78mm-wide ski designed to excel on groomed snow.
Deep Dive: Parlor Warbird
We compare the Warbird to the K2 Disruption 78Ti, K2 Disruption 78C, Fischer RC4 The Curv, Fischer RC4 The Curv GT, Salomon S/Force Bold, K2 Disruption MTi, Liberty V82, Elan Wingman 86 CTi, & Parlor Cardinal 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.
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.)