BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Stevie Kremer Does Things Different (Ep.4)
Stevie Kremer is a world-class runner, but her life sure doesn’t include many of the stereotypes that description might conjure up. So we discuss her unusual training routine; sitcoms & life lessons; how she got into trail running and ski mountaineering; and juggling being a runner, mother, and educator.
Win Goggles, Poles, & a Pack from Zipline
Enter to win a sweet ski package from the official supplier of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, Zipline.
Avalanche Airbag Tech Talk with Black Diamond (Ep.48)
Supercapacitors, Venturi valves, and scary-high currents — this week we discuss airbag design and technology with Black Diamond’s Director of Design Engineering.
2019-2020 Faction Dictator 4.0
We’ve now had 3 reviewers on Faction’s big-mountain charger, the Dictator 4.0. Check out our full review for each of their takes.
Deep Dive: Faction Dictator 4.0
We compare the Dictator 4.0 to the Blizzard Bodacious, Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, Nordica Enforcer Pro, Line Sick Day 114, Icelantic Nomad 115, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, ON3P Wrenegade 114, and Rossignol Super 7 RD.
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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
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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
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
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Flash Review: 20/21 Whitedot Ragnarok ASYM
Check out Paul Forward’s initial thoughts on Whitedot’s big, asymmetrical pow ski.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Hoka One One Torrent 2
Many people were fans of the original Hoka Torrent for its combination of comfort and lightweight efficiency for fast-paced trail runs. So, how does the updated Torrent 2 compare, and who should have this new trail shoe on their list?
Gear of the Year, 2020 (Ep.129)
Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth talk about some of the skis they’ve recently been testing; name some of the most surprising products of 2020 and some of the standout products of 2020; offer a few gear predictions for 2021; and end with what they’re celebrating this week.
Win Folsom Skis
This week the winner will get the Folsom Blister Pro 104 + some Folsom gear!
2020-2021 Hinterland Maul 121
Hinterland is a small-batch ski manufacturer out of Utah, and we’ve been impressed by the widest ski in their lineup, the Maul 121. Check out our full review for more on the ski and how it compares to other playful pow skis on the market.
Flash Review: 20/21 Scarpa F1 LT
Check out reviewer Paul Forward’s initial thoughts on the F1 LT and how it compares to the previous Alien RS.
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 Elan Wingman 86 CTi
Elan puts the Wingman 86 CTi in the “All-Mountain Versatile” category of their lineup, and we don’t think they’re far off with that description.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2020-2021 Spark R&D Arc Pro Splitboard Binding
We spent all of last season using the ultralight “Pro” version of Spark R&D’s Arc binding — plus several of Spark’s in-house accessories — and have come away very impressed.
Blister Brand Guide: Adidas Terrex Trail Running Shoe Lineup, 2020
Adidas continus to expand their off-road-oriented Terrex line of running shoes, with everything from high-cushion, long-distance shoes to minimal, lightweight options. Check out our Brand Guide to get the rundown on all of their 2020 shoes.
Flash Review: 20/21 4FRNT Devastator
Check out our initial impressions of the new Devastator, where we answer some of the questions we first posed in our First Look.
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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