BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
19/20 Atomic Backland 107
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Atomic’s wider touring ski.
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Win a Blanket from Rumpl
Get Rumpl’s new, recycled, and very versatile NanoLoft blanket.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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19/20 Faction Candide 4.0
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the updated Faction Candide 4.0.
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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2021-2022 K2 Mindbender 115C Alliance
The new Mindbender 115C Alliance is the widest women’s ski in K2’s 19/20 lineup, but we think its versatility makes it a very appealing option for a lot of skiers. Check out our full review, including comparisons to the Nordica Santa Ana 110 and Blizzard Sheeva 11.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2021 Banshee Phantom V3
We’ve had two reviewers spending a lot of time on Banshee’s recently revised, “hard charging short travel 29er,” the Phantom V3. Check out our full review.
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Flash Review: 21/22 4FRNT Hoji
4FRNT is updating the mid-fat ski in Hoji’s signature series. We got on a pair of the new Hoji at the Blister Summit — 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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Blister Brand Guide: Trek Mountain Bike Lineup, 2021
For 2021, Trek trimmed down their mountain bike lineup slightly, but also made some updates to long-standing models. Check out our Brand Guide to see which Trek bike could make the most sense for you.
Inov-8 Terraultra G 270
The Inov-8 Terraultra G 270 is one of the most versatile trail shoes we’ve used, whether for up-tempo workouts or long days in the mountains. Check out our review to see why.
Win Ski Boots from Scott
This week the winner will get a pair of Scott’s men’s or women’s AT boots!
The New Race Landscape (Ep.54)
We’re discussing the major rider and team moves in the world of men’s DH and women’s DH; we place our $1000 predictions on the upcoming season; and we discuss some of the news and moves in the freeride and enduro scene, too.
Moab Red Hot & Black Canyon Ultras Recap + New-Tech Trail Shoes (Ep.81)
We’ve got some race recaps for you; our initial impressions of Saucony’s Switchback2 (which features the BOA system); and we discuss the arrival of the first carbon-plated trail shoe, The North Face’s Flight Vectiv.
Flash Review: 21/22 Dynastar M-Free 99
We’re rolling out a bunch of Flash Reviews from the Blister Summit. First up: the new Dynastar M-Free 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.
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Flash Review: 20/21 Black Crows Camox
Update 2.23.21: Check out our updated thoughts on the Camox.
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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Sweet Protection Arbitrator MIPS Helmet
Is it possible to have “one helmet for everything” — from long days of pedaling to shuttle or lift laps? The convertible Sweet Protection Arbitrator helmet might be the best option for this that we’ve used. Check out our full review to see why.
Shop Talk: Gear West, Long Lake, MN (Ep.136)
Mark “Osman” Osell and Jeff Perry from Gear West in Long Lake, Minnesota, to talk about the Minnesota ski scene; the Gear West campus; dropping cliffs in the Iowa backcountry; the fantastic bike culture of Minnesota, and more.