BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 3: Racers & Race Boots (Ep.60)

How do elite ski racers like Marcel Hirsher, Mikaela Shiffrin, Bode Miller, and Daron Rahlves “feel” their gear, and their ski boots in particular? We talk to Matt Manser about this; forward lean; ‘static’ power straps vs. ‘elastic’ Booster Straps; whether WC skiers or WC DH mtn bikers are pickier about their equipment; and more.

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BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

Promising or Pointless? 5 Weird New Bike Products (Ep.6)

Sometimes “different” is better. Other times, it’s just dumb. So we discuss a number of very unconventional new products: the Trust Message linkage fork; Structure Cycleworks’ SCW1 linkage fork / frame system; high-pivot trail bikes and the Forbidden Druid; Starling Cycles’ ‘Jack Drive’ bikes; and Tannus Armour tire inserts.

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Sam Shaheen reviews the La Sportiva Cobra Eco for Blister

La Sportiva Cobra Eco

La Sportiva recently released a new, more environmentally friendly version of their classic Cobra shoe, and we’ve now spent a year in the new Cobra Eco to see how it compares.

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BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

Meghan Hicks, managing editor, iRunFar (Ep.11)

Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk to Meghan Hicks — who is one hell of a trail runner in her own right — about her background; covering the “puke fests and the transcendental moments” of trail running; how iRunFar.com came to be; what motivates her to run; what she thinks is the most misunderstood thing about ultra races; and more.

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Cy Whitling reviews the Moment Deathwish Tour for Blister

2021-2022 Moment Deathwish Tour 112

Moment just released a new version of their Deathwish — the Deathwish Tour. And after spending time on it this past season, we think the new ski stands out in the touring market. Check out our full review.

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Jonathan Ellsworth talks with Fernie skier and biker, Dylan Siggers, about growing up in Fernie, winning the Intersection video contest, biking, skiing with Burrrlapz, and more on the Blister Podcast

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.

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Luke Koppa reviews the Atomic Backland 107 for Blister

19/20 Atomic Backland 107

Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Atomic’s wider touring 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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Sam Shaheen, Luke Koppa, and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the Volkl Mantra 102, Dalbello Lupo Pro HD, Line Vision 98, The Lion King, CAMP carabiners, and more on Blister's GEAR:30 podcast

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.

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Anthill Films' Darcy Wittenberg and Ian Dun discuss their latest mountain-bike film, Return To Earth, on Blister's Bikes & Big Ideas podcast.

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.

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Sam Shaheen reviews the Arc'teryx Alpha SK 32 Backpack for Blister

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?

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Jonathan Ellsworth talks with neurologist, Dr. Michael Merzenick, about brain plasticity, how we can improve the health of our brains, and more on the Blister Podcast.

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.

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Jonathan Ellsworth and Luke Koppa review the ON3P Woodsman 108 for Blister

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.

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Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the ON3P Woodsman 108 for Blister

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

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.)

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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

Paul Forward reviews the Moment Chipotle Banana for Blister

Flash Review: 20/21 Moment Chipotle Banana

Check out Paul Forward’s initial take on Moment’s 122mm-wide Chipotle Banana, both as a pure pow ski and as a resort chop 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.)

Luke Koppa and Dylan Wood review the 4FRNT Devastator for Blister

2021-2022 4FRNT Devastator

From the steep and deep to the firm and fast, we’ve been spending a lot of time on the overhauled 4FRNT Devastator. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see how the new ski compares to its predecessor and the rest of the playful all-mountain market.

Luke Koppa and Dylan Wood review the 4FRNT Devastator for Blister

Deep Dive: 4FRNT Devastator

We compare the new Devastator to the previous Devastator, Moment Meridian, Sego Big Horn 106, Whitedot Altum 104, Moment Wildcat 108, J Skis Hotshot, Dynastar M-Free 108, K2 Reckoner 112, Black Crows Atris, Line Sir Francis Bacon, ON3P Woodsman 108, Volkl Revolt 104, Season Nexus, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Icelantic Nomad 105, 4FRNT MSP 107, Blizzard Rustler 10, & 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.)

Paul Forward reviews the Faction La Machine for Blister

Flash Review: 20/21 Faction La Machine

Reviewer Paul Forward has been skiing a lot of pow on a lot of fat skis. One of those has been Faction’s 126mm-wide La Machine — check out his 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.

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.)

Cosmo Langsfeld reviews the La Sportiva Jackal GTX for Blister

La Sportiva Jackal GTX

The Jackal GTX takes the more accommodating fit and long-distance-oriented design of the standard Jackal and makes it better for cold, wet trails thanks to a Gore-Tex laminate. Check out our review to see how it’s been performing this winter.

Jonathan Ellsworth and Luke Koppa review the Blizzard Cochise 106 for Blister

2021-2022 Blizzard Cochise 106

Blizzard updated their all-mountain charger this season, and it’s now time for us to weigh in on the updated Cochise 106. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.

Jonathan Ellsworth and Luke Koppa review the Blizzard Cochise 106 for Blister

Deep Dive: Blizzard Cochise 106

We compare the Cochise 106 to the previous Cochise, the Volkl Katana 108, Prior Husume, Black Crows Corvus, Rossignol Blackops Sender Ti, Folsom Blister Pro 104, Fischer Ranger 107 Ti, Dynastar M-Pro 105, Nordica Enforcer 100, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, 4FRNT MSP 107, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, J Skis Hotshot, Salomon QST 106, Dynastar M-Free 108, & ON3P Woodsman 108.

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.)

Luke Koppa reviews the Norse Enduro for Blister

Flash Review: 20/21 Norse Enduro

We just spent a day on a new ski from a new ski company — the Norse Enduro. Check out our 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.

If you’re already an active member, please log in.

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David Golay reviews the Canyon Stoic for Blister

2021 Canyon Stoic

Sub-$2K price tag, huge size range, modern geometry — the new Canyon Stoic hardtail checks a lot of boxes on paper. And after spending a couple months riding it, we think it checks a lot of boxes on the trail, too. Check out our full review of this versatile hardtail.