BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
19/20 Liberty evolv 90
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Liberty’s brand-new narrower all-mountain ski.
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2020-2021 Liberty evolv 90
For 19/20, Liberty is launching a brand-new line of skis that’s reportedly a blend of their V and Origin skis. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the new evolv 90.
Racing, Rossignol, & Rye Whiskey (Ep.88)
We went to Shoreham, Vermont, to talk with Jason Newell about his transition from ski racing, to working with the Rossignol Group for 25 years, to his latest adventure in a whole new category: whiskey. (Plus a story or two involving duct tape, Candide Thovex, and burning couches.)
Zipline XT Goggle
The Zipline XT features an absurdly quick and easy magnetic lens-swap system typically only seen on goggles twice as expensive. So, what’s the catch? Is there one? Check out our full review
19/20 Salomon S/Pro 130
Here are our initial on-snow impressions of Salomon’s new lightweight alpine boot.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2021-2022 Salomon S/Pro 130
The Salomon X Pro line is reportedly the best-selling line of ski boots in the world. For 19/20, they’re replacing the X Pro with the brand-new S/Pro series. Check out our measured specs, fit notes, and initial impressions of the S/Pro 130.
Patagonia — “Misunderstood | A Brief History of Hemp in the US”
Hemp has a long, complicated, and evolving history — particularly in the U.S. But with the recent passing of the Farm Bill, hemp now has the potential to make a resurgence, and Patagonia’s new film explains why that’s a very big deal. Check it out here.
2021-2022 K2 Mindbender 106c Alliance
After spending time on it in conditions ranging from fast and firm to steep and deep, the brand-new K2 Mindbender 106c Alliance has proven to be one of the most versatile wider women’s skis we’ve used.
2019-2020 Armada ARV 96 Ti
Take two layers of metal, a nearly symmetrical shape, and a twin tip, and you’ve got the Armada ARV 96 Ti. The result? Check out our full review.
Deep Dive: Armada ARV 96 Ti
We compare the ARV 96 Ti to the Rossignol Black Ops 98, Dynastar Menace 98, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, Liberty Helix 98, Liberty Origin 96, J Skis Masterblaster, Moment Commander 98, Renoun Endurance 98, Nordica Enforcer 100, 4FRNT MSP 99, ON3P Wrenegade 96, and Blizzard Rustler 9.
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 Down Hoodie from Holden
Enter to win a cozy hoodie packed with high-quality, trackable down insulation.
Patagonia’s Technical Fabric Development & Design (Ep.47)
This week we talk to Patagonia’s senior material developer, Pasha Whitmire, about how Patagonia designs, develops, and tests their technical fabrics; myths surrounding waterproof / breathable materials; why the future of fabric development lies in sustainability; the advantages and disadvantages of working with big names like Gore-Tex; and a whole lot more outerwear geekery.
Claudio Caluori (Ep.1)
We talk to Bikes & Big Ideas co-host, Claudio Caluori, about the origin story of this podcast; his background in XC & DH racing, how Velosolutions got started, experiments with food & diet; the #pumpforpeace project, and more.
Smith I/O Mag XL Goggle
Smith’s original I/O goggle helped start the trend of lenses with quick and easy lens-swap systems. The I/O line has evolved a lot since then, with the brand-new I/O Mag XL being one of the newest additions. Check out our full review of the I/O Mag XL.
David Golay
Blister reviewer, David Golay Age: 28 | Vitals: 6’’0”, 165 lbs. | Years mountain biking: 18 | Current Residence: Seattle, WA I got my introduction into mountain biking in my hometown of Ithaca, NY and began by riding — and quickly racing — XC. By
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: 20/21 J Skis Hotshot
Update 12.17.20: check out our thoughts on how the Hotshot has been handling chop, crud, and off-piste terrain.
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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Mountain Bike Jacket Roundup — 2020
This roundup is for the folks who don’t let a bit of cold and / or wet weather keep them from getting out on the trails. Check out 8 of the Mtb shells we’ve been testing, ranging from ultra packable and breathable to burly and fully waterproof.
Topo Athletic Mtn Racer
The Mtn Racer is designed to be a lightweight, high-cushion trail shoe for those who like to run fast over long distances and rough terrain. So how well does it live up to those claims, and how does it compare to other shoes in its class like the Altra Timp & Hoka Speedgoat? Check out our review.
Flash Review: 20/21 DPS Pagoda Piste 94 C2
Check out our initial thoughts about the new Pagoda Piste 94 C2, and how it compares to the Pagoda Piste 90 RP.
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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Zoë Rom on Fruit, Oreos, Fireball, FKTs, & Running Culture (Ep.77)
Zoë Rom is a runner / scrambler / climber; reader; writer; and host of the DNF Podcast. We talk with her about all of this plus her interest in continuing to deepen and enrich running culture; the very specific way to win her heart; getting cut from the cross country team in high school; winning her first ultra with the help of Oreos & Fireball; her FKT on Capitol Peak; what she’s reading, watching, and listening to; and more.
Blister’s Holiday Gift Guide 2020 — In the Garage
Our final gift guide is dedicated to those big-ticket items — check out our reviewers’ top picks.
Blister’s Holiday Gift Guide 2020 — Kids & Parents Edition
This edition of our gift guide is all about the little ones (and their parents). Check out our gift ideas for folks who like to get outside with their kids.
Flash Review: 20/21 Volkl Revolt 104
We’ve now spent some more time on the Revolt 104 in the resort — 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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Bode Miller on Education, Mental Preparation, Technology, Ski Design, & More (Ep.154)
We catch up with one of the greatest ski racers of all time to discuss his involvement in rethinking education; the use of technology and data in skiing; the crucial lesson his grandmother taught him at a young age; his greatest competitive advantage as a ski racer; what he aims to do in terms of ski design with Crosson skis; and more.
Flash Review: 20/21 Armada Declivity 92 Ti
Check out our initial impressions of Armada’s new directional all-mountain 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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Blister Brand Guide: Inov-8 Running Shoe Lineup, 2020
Spanning more than two-dozen models that range from road trainers to mud-specific racers, Inov-8’s 2020 lineup has a bit of everything, but it can be a bit confusing to sort through it all. Check out our Brand Guide to see what sets each shoe apart from the others, and figure out which ones might make sense for you.
Reviewer Reports: Parenthood, Carbon Wheels, Convertible Helmets, & Forks (Ep.46)
Noah Bodman offers his review of parenthood (he’s a new dad); then we discuss carbon wheels; Sweet Protection’s convertible full-face helmet; and a number of forks that Noah has been spending time on.