BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
19/20 Salomon QST 99
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Salomon’s updated QST 99.
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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
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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
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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.
19/20 ON3P Woodsman 108
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of ON3P’s new Woodsman 108.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2021-2022 J Skis Hotshot
We’ve now had two reviewers putting in a lot of time on J’s playful, metal-laminate ski — and they’re both big fans. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons of the Hotshot.
Deep Dive: J Skis Hotshot
We compare the Hotshot to the Dynastar M-Free 108, ON3P Woodsman 108, Moment Wildcat 108, Moment Deathwish, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Whitedot Altum 104, Salomon QST 106, K2 Reckoner 102, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Sego Big Horn 106, Black Crows Atris, Volkl Revolt 104, 4FRNT Devastator, Season Nexus, Volkl Katana 108, & Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Yoann Barelli on his move to Guerrilla Gravity; Coaching; Comfort Zones; & More (Ep.49)
We talk with Yoann Barelli about his new partnership with Guerrilla Gravity; the coaching he’s now doing at Barelli Concepts; his background; comfort zones; and a whole lot more.
Flash Review: 20/21 Movement Alp Tracks 106
Update 1.14.21: Check out how the Alp Tracks 106 has been handling firmer, more challenging conditions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Flash Review: 20/21 Blizzard Black Pearl 97
Check out our initial thoughts on the new women’s Black Pearl 97.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Manitou Mara Pro Shock
We were very impressed by the Manitou Mezzer Pro Fork this past year, but what about the rear shock Manitou designed to pair with it? Check out our full review of the Mara Pro.
Flash Review: 21/22 Atomic Maverick 95 Ti
We just spent a day on one of Atomic’s new all-mountain skis. Check out our initial thoughts, and how the Maverick 95 Ti compares to the Salomon Stance and Armada Declivity skis.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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The 2021 Blister Summit
We are pleased to invite you to a new event in the snowsports world: the Blister Summit at Mt. Crested Butte.
Ed Roberson on The Procrastinator’s Punishment 50k (Ep.78)
Ed Roberson is the creator of The Procrastinator’s Punishment 50k; the host of the excellent Mountain & Prairie podcast; and the author of a fantastic Books Recommendation series. So Brendan Leonard & Jonathan Ellsworth talked to Ed about all of the above, and more.
Atomic Announces New Maverick & Maven Skis
Atomic just announced the replacement to their current Vantage series: the brand-new Maverick & Maven all-mountain skis.
Flash Review: Season Aero Ski
Here are our initial thoughts on the 96mm-wide ski in the Season lineup.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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