BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Tecnica Plasma S Shoe
Best known for their ski boots, Tecnica recently launched a hiking line that brings something entirely new to the market: a heat-moldable fit. And after using their new Plasma S Shoe for the past year, you can now check out our full review.
19/20 Salomon QST 99
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Salomon’s updated QST 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.
(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.)
Mark Abma’s Regimen for Skiing Well & Living Well (Ep.91)
For a long time now, Mark Abma has stood right at the center of big-mountain skiing. So we talk to him about living with JP Auclair, Julien Regnier, and Anthony Boronowski; filming with Shane McConkey, Hugo Harrison, and Ingrid Backstrom; serving as a guide for a new generation of skiers; and the specific fitness, dietary, and health regimen that keeps Mark functioning at a high level on and off the mountain.
Outdoor Research Refuge Air Hooded Jacket
“Active insulation” midlayers are designed to be warmer than fleece, but more breathable than traditional puffies. And despite strong competition in this growing category, Outdoor Research’s new Refuge Air Hooded Jacket clearly stands out. Check out our review.
Petzl Meteor Helmet
The Meteor has served as Petzl’s lightweight climbing helmet for more than 20 years. This year, they made their most significant update yet — making it dual-certified for both climbing and ski touring. Check out our full review of this versatile helmet.
GPS Devices & Backcountry Safety with Bivy (Ep.51)
GPS communication devices can be the difference between life and death in remote places. So we talk with Bivy’s Pitt Grewe about the different types of technology and devices on the market; how these devices can affect decision making; satellite networks; complicated payment plans; and … Pitt’s impressive skills as a DJ.
Deep Dive: 4FRNT Inthayne
We compare the Inthayne to the Moment Deathwish, Faction Candide 4.0, Armada ARV 116 JJ, Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, Blizzard Rustler 11, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, Rossignol Black Ops 118, Line Outline, Prior CBC, Icelantic Nomad 115, Folsom Trophy Carbon, Blizzard Spur, and Line Sick Day 114.
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.)
Win Norrona’s Men’s or Women’s MTB Shorts
Need a new pair of MTB shorts? If so, you’re in luck…
2020-2021 Armada Tracer 98
Armada is tweaking their Tracer 98 for 19/20 in order to be more competitive with the growing class of ~100mm-wide backcountry and 50/50 skis. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions to see what they changed.
Strafe Sunnyside Alpha Anorak
If you’re looking for a good-looking and versatile midlayer that you can use for a bit of everything, we highly recommend giving the Strafe Sunnyside Alpha Anorak a look. Check out our full review.
2021-2022 Fischer Ranger 94 FR
When Fischer announced a narrower version of their excellent Ranger 102 FR, we were instantly intrigued. Now you can check out our full review to see how the new Ranger 94 FR performs, and what type of skier will like it most.
Deep Dive: Fischer Ranger 94 FR
We compare the Ranger 94 FR to the Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Fischer Ranger 99Ti, Moment Commander 98, J Skis Masterblaster, Nordica Enforcer 100, Renoun Endurance 98, Armada ARV 96Ti, Rossignol Black Ops 98, Dynastar Menace 98, Liberty Origin 96, 4FRNT MSP 99, Blizzard Rustler 9, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, ON3P Wrenegade 96, and Blizzard Brahma.
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.)
James Buehler on Riding the Ribbon, Devil’s Castle (Ep.90)
You may have seen last week some pretty mind-blowing (and terrifying) footage of a snowboarder negotiating the Ribbon on Devil’s Castle at Alta. So we talked to James Buehler about his apparent first descent with Alex Gavic of the Ribbon on a snowboard, and James walks us through the technical aspects of the route; his preparation for the line; the mental and physical demands it imposes; encountering multiple cruxes; the “Ronald McDonald Grin”; and what’s next on his list.
Arc’teryx Rush LT Jacket
Arc’teryx’s Rush LT Jacket brings lightweight protection to a snowsports-oriented design, but we think it’s worth a look for a wide range of people, not just those who like to slide down snow. Check out our full review.
Gearing Up for Big Days in the Mountains (Ep.50)
Last Saturday, Sam Shaheen skied three different lines in one day on the Colorado 14er, Torrey’s Peak. Jonathan Ellsworth sits down with Sam to discuss the details of this “Torrey’s Peak Triple Crown”; the ‘D-Scale’ of rating ski descents; the gear, apparel, and food he used on the mountain; and the safety and decision-making process throughout the day.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: Season Nexus Ski
We just wrapped up a day on the mid-fat ski in the Season lineup. 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.
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.)
New Volkl Mantra M6; Burly Chargers; & Movement Skis (Ep.130)
Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth offer their initial thoughts on the new Volkl Mantra M6 & Secret 96; reviewer, Drew Kelly, makes his GEAR:30 debut to compare the Volkl Katana 108 vs the HEAD Monster 108 vs the Blizzard Cochise 106; Luke discusses some of the Movement skis he’s been getting time on; & more.
Flash Review: 20/21 Movement GO 106 Ti
Check out our initial thoughts on Movement’s lightweight, titanal-laminate 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.)
Gear of the Year, 2020 (Ep.48)
Blister’s bike editor, David Golay, talks about some of the gear he’s recently been testing; some of the most surprising products of the past year; some of the standout products of 2020; and a few predictions for 2021.
Blister Brand Guide: Arc’teryx Trail Running Shoe Lineup, 2021
Best known by many for their high-end outerwear, Arc’teryx has been working for the past few years to expand their lineup of high-end trail running shoes. Check out our Brand Guide to learn more about their current options and how they stand out from each other.
Flash Review: 20/21 Sego Big Horn 106
Check out our initial thoughts on the updated Big Horn 106, and how it compares to several other all-mountain-freestyle skis.
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.)
Volkl Announces New M6 Mantra & Secret 96
Volkl just announced new versions of their Mantra & Secret skis. Check out what they’re changing with the latest M6 Mantra & Secret 96.
2021-2022 Volkl Revolt 104
Two of our reviewers have been skiing all over Mt. Crested Butte on Volkl’s new Revolt 104. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Volkl Revolt 104
We compare the Revolt 104 to the K2 Reckoner 102, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Dynastar Menace 98, Nordica Soul Rider 97, Prior Northwest 100, Whitedot Altum 104, Moment Wildcat 108, Sego Big Horn 106, Rossignol BLACKOPS Holyshred, Black Crows Atris, Dynastar M-Free 108, and ON3P Jeffrey 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.)
Reviewers’ 2020 Highlights & 2021 Resolutions (Ep.157)
For our first Blister Podcast of 2021, we asked a few of our reviewers to share one highlight of the past year; one thing they’re most looking forward to in 2021; and one new year’s resolution. We got quite a range of answers — and apparently Kristin Sinnott and Jonathan Ellsworth will be starting up a new reality TV show? Please enjoy, and Happy New Year!
Flash Review: 20/21 DPS Pagoda Piste 90 RP
Update 1.4.21: check out our thoughts on how the Pagoda Piste 90 RP performs off-piste.
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.)