BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2019 BTR Ranger 27.5
“Enduro Hardtail” — sound like an oxymoron? Well BTR, a custom builder out of England, makes them, and one of our reviewers has spent the past 2 years riding their long and slack steel hardtail, with some surprising conclusions. Check out the full review of the BTR Ranger.
Runner, Cat Herder, Garbage Man, & Mad Moose Events Director, Justin Ricks (Ep.13)
We talk to Mad Moose race director, Justin Ricks, about walking away from running; returning to running — and leaving a secure corporate job and moving his family into a camper to do so; putting on 20+ race events a year with his family; scoring impressive results when he himself decides to race; and how running is very much a whole family affair for the Ricks’.
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5
A lot of running shoes are marketed as being good for “all terrain,” though few actually deliver. But we think the Hoka Challenger ATR5 truly does, and you can check out our full review to see where this shoe shines in particular.
How to Change the World with Bikes: World Bicycle Relief (Ep.97)
For many of us, bikes are primarily fun. But for many others, bikes are major drivers of economic development, educational opportunity, health care, and equality. World Bicycle Relief was started by the founder of SRAM to provide bikes to developing countries, and we talk with WBR’s CEO, Dave Neiswander, about the origins of World Bicycle Relief; its trajectory and challenges; all the product design that goes into their bikes; and what each of us can do to support the WBR mission.
Crosson Skis founder, Chase Englehart (Ep.61)
Crosson Skis is a small, new company that’s making some very big claims. So we talk to their founder, Chase Englehart, about the origins of Crosson; what makes their skis different — and better; building skis outside of Seattle; working with athletes like Bobby Brown and Banks Gilberti; and their 19/20 lineup.
World Bicycle Relief: Making a Better World with Bikes (Ep.7)
For many of us, bikes are primarily fun. But for many others, bikes are major drivers of economic development, educational opportunity, health care, and equality. World Bicycle Relief was started by the founder of SRAM to provide bikes to developing countries, and we talk with WBR’s CEO, Dave Neiswander, about the origins of World Bicycle Relief; its trajectory and challenges; all the product design that goes into their bikes; and what each of us can do to support the WBR mission.
19/20 Icelantic Nomad 105
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Icelantic’s new Nomad 105.
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Win Sustainable Shoes from Saola
Win a pair of Saola’s men’s or women’s Semnoz shoes!
19/20 Line Vision 98
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Line’s new lightweight 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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Ian Sharman on Keeping Running Fun, Racing Fair, & Keys to Consistency (Ep.12)
We talk to Ian Sharman about becoming the Fastest Elvis and setting Guinness World Records for racing in costumes; completing over 200 ultras and marathons; the most common mistakes people make in training and in racing; his strategy for keeping doping out of ultrarunning; and more.
2019 Nicolai / GeoMetron G16
Every brand is now making longer and slacker bikes, but few have taken this approach to the extremes of Nicolai. So, how does their ultra-long and ultra-slack G16 Enduro bike actually perform on trail, and how does it compare to the more moderate competition? Check out our full review of the G16.
T-Shirt Roundup — 2019
A t-shirt can be a lot of things: burly bike jersey, ultralight running top, or the coziest loungewear best reserved for your couch. We’ve rounded up a ton of options that cover that whole spectrum — check them out here.
2021-2022 Salomon QST Stella 106
The overhauled Salomon QST Stella 106 now looks like it stands out a lot more in the women’s ski market. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions to see why.
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.
Win a Bike Rack from Kuat
Win Kuat’s flagship bike rack, the NV 2.0 — a hitch-mounted bike rack with capacity for two bikes.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Deep Dive: Blizzard Bonafide 97
We compare the Bonafide 97 to the previous Bonafide, Head Monster 98, Blizzard Cochise 106, Salomon Stance 96, Nordica Enforcer 100, Nordica Enforcer 94, Volkl M5 Mantra, J Skis Masterblaster, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Fischer Ranger 99 Ti, Dynastar M-Pro 99, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Salomon QST 99, Blizzard Rustler 9, & 4FRNT MSP 99.
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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Arc’teryx Sentinel LT Jacket
If you’re looking for a 1-shell quiver — something suitable for daily resort laps and some time in the backcountry — the Sentinel LT is worth a good look. Check out our full review.
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (Feb 2021) (Ep.162)
Cody and Jonathan discuss the new rule changes re: filming in National Parks; whether it’s okay to leave your skis in the lift line to hold your spot; the future of freeride comps; the record number of avalanche fatalities in the U.S. this season; a new development in backcountry skiing; the shocking story of Dean Cummings; and we share some music, tv, and book recommendations.
Flash Review: 21/22 Salomon Stance 102
Here are some of our initial thoughts on the widest ski in Salomon’s metal-laminate Stance 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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Blister Summit Recap & New Ski Reviews (Ep.137)
Luke Koppa, Sascha Anastas, Kara Williard, and Jonathan Ellsworth offer a recap of our inaugural Blister Summit in Mt. Crested Butte, then discuss a number of skis from 4FRNT, Rossignol, Wagner Custom Skis, Dynastar, Icelantic Skis, WNDR Alpine, and Folsom Custom Skis that we spent time on at the Summit.
Win Backcountry Gear from Arva
This week the winner will get a backpack, shovel, & probe from Arva!
2021-2022 4FRNT MSP CC
After almost 20 days on it, the women’s MSP CC has proven to be a particularly versatile ski, whether you’re looking to push your limits in challenging terrain, or taking it easy. Check out our full review.
Flash Review: 20/21 Sego Cleaver Comp
While it may seem like a niche ski, Sego’s Cleaver Comp has been impressing us when it comes to versatility. 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.
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Endura’s Brand Director, Pam Barclay, on Going Carbon Negative (not Neutral) (Ep.55)
We spoke with Pam Barclay about Endura’s pledge to plant one million trees every year for the next 10 years to cancel out all of the emissions produced over the entire history of the company; how Endura is working to offset their transportation and shipping emissions; what we all can do to mitigate the carbon footprint of the apparel we use, and much more.
Tannus Armour Tubeless Tire Inserts
“Tannus Armour Tubeless is, simply put, my favorite tire insert to date.” That’s what our mtb editor said after 5 months using these new inserts. Check out his full review to see why, and how they compare to Cush Core.
GingerRunner, Ethan Newberry, on Acting, Anxiety, the Barkley Banana, & Shoe Reviews (Ep.82)
Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk to TheGingerRunner, Ethan Newberry, about life before GingerRunner; what led Ethan to start GR and how it has evolved; anxiety and mental health; his partnership with Kim Teshima Newberry; and of course, shoe reviews.
Flash Review: 20/21 Elan Ripstick 106
Update 3.2.21: We’ve been spending more time on the latest iteration of Elan’s lightweight freeride 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.)