BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Deep Dive: Dynastar Legend X96
We compare the Legend X96 to the Volkl Mantra M5, Blizzard Bonafide, J Skis Masterblaster, Nordica Enforcer 100, Moment Commander 98, Rossignol Experience 94 Ti, Atomic Vantage 97Ti, 4FRNT MSP 99, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, Liberty Origin 96, Blizzard Rustler 9, Renoun Endurance 94, and ON3p Wrenegade 96.
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2019-2020 Dynastar Legend X96
The Dynastar Legend X96 is low on weight, very stiff with respect to its flex pattern, and accessible in terms of its shape. Check out our full review to see the on-snow result of that combo.
Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Beacon
Mammut recently updated their Barryvox avalanche beacons, and after using it for over a year, we think the new Barryvox S is an excellent option for both professional and recreational users alike. Check out our review.
Flylow Vixen Coat 2.1
Just a few years ago, almost all hardshell jackets were stiff, crinkly, and uncomfortable. But now many companies make waterproof hardshells that feel more like softshells. The Flylow Vixen Coat 2.1 falls into that category, and it’s an excellent all-round women’s ski shell.
Deep Dive: Prior Husume
We compare the Husume to the ON3P Wrenegade 108, Blizzard Cochise, Folsom Hammer, Black Crows Corvus, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Moment Commander 108, Faction Dictator 3.0, Nordica Enforcer 110, 4FRNT MSP 107, and J Skis Metal.
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.)
2021-2022 Prior Husume
We’ve now had several reviewers on Prior’s all-mountain / big-mountain charger, the Husume, and you can now check out our full review.
Win Gloves or Mitts from Gordini
Win some ski / snowboard gloves or mittens from Gordini!
Trends, Favorite Gear, and Most / Least Durable Products, with Eric Helmbrecht of Powder Hound AK (Ep.41)
Alaska is a place where your gear really needs to hold up. So we talk to Eric Helmbrecht, owner of Powder Hound Ski Shop in Girdwood Alaska, about the trends he’s seeing in skiing and snowboarding; the gear with the most & least durability issues; some of his favorite gear; and more.
Strafe Meadow Jacket
If you’re looking for a technical women’s ski shell that can be used in the backcountry and the resort, but that doesn’t look all that “techy,” the Strafe Meadow Jacket is worth a good look.
19/20 Fischer Ranger 94 FR
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the new Fischer Ranger 94 FR.
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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Michael “Bird” Shaffer on Old & New Ways of Experiencing the Mountains (Ep.83)
To be sure, a guy named Bird is going to see the world a bit differently. So we talked to Bird about growing up on a commune in Washington; falling in love with skiing; finding a home away from home in Chamonix; his passion for speed riding, better (and worse) ways of experiencing the mountains, and more.
2019-2020 Jones Ultra Mountain Twin
The Jones Ultra Mountain Twin takes a freestyle shape and combines it with their stiff, carbon-laden “Ultra” construction. The result? One of the better freestyle boards we’ve used for aggressive, hard-charging riders. Check out our full review.
Deep Dive: Line Sir Francis Bacon
We compare the new Sir Francis Bacon to the ON3P Kartel 108, Faction Candide 3.0, Sego Big Horn 106, Line Sick Day 104, Moment Meridian 107, J Skis Metal, Armada ARV 106Ti, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Faction Prodigy 3.0 & 4.0, and Renoun Citadel 106.
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.)
2021-2022 Line Sir Francis Bacon
Line completely redesigned the iconic Sir Francis Bacon for 19/20, and you might say that our managing editor is flipping out about the new ski. Check out our full review.
Mammut Trion Spine 50 Backpack
Mammut just released a new line of packs with a unique suspension system designed to move with you, rather than against you. So how does the Trion Spine compare to packs with similar designs, and where does this all-purpose alpine pack excel? Check out our full review.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
In Defense of Indoor Trainers (Ep.42)
Trainers? Trainers?? Roadies have been using them forever, but many mountain bikers dismiss them (like we did). But Simon Stewart (aka, Mr. Tank Driver / co-owner of BV Bike Company) lays out a compelling case for why all cyclists — including mountain bikers — should reconsider their stance on the modern, indoor trainer.
Shop Talk: John Weir, Bentgate (Ep.120)
We talk to John Weir from Bentgate in Golden, Colorado, about fitting AT boots; the rise of splitboarding; John’s predictions for this upcoming season; some of the precautions and protocols that Bentgate is taking and putting in place this winter; a lasting (positive) effect that COVID may have on the bootfitting process; and more.
2021-2022 Sego Condor 108
Sego’s Condor 108 was one of the more surprising skis we got on last season, and we think it is a reliable, predictable, and versatile tool that will work for a lot of skiers – whether you take a more directional or more playful approach to the mountain. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive Comparisons.
Deep Dive: Sego Condor 108
We compare the Condor 108 to the 4FRNT Raven, Volkl Blaze 106, Volkl BMT 109, Line Sick Day 104, Armada Tracer 108, Faction Agent 3.0, Folsom Cash 106 Carbon, Elan Ripstick 106, RMU North Shore 108, J Skis Slacker, Moment Wildcat Tour 108, Moment Wildcat 108, Moment Deathwish Tour, G3 ROAMr 108, WNDR Alpine Intention 110, Atomic Backland 107, Blizzard Zero G 105, & Line Vision 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.)
Win the LINE Blade
The winner this week will get Line’s new “fun carver,” the Blade!
PSA: Flaw in PIEPS DSP Sport & DSP Pro Avalanche Transceivers
If you or someone you know has a PIEPS DSP Sport or PIEPS DSP Pro avalanche transceiver, please read this.
What We’re Watching — October, 2020
Fall is the season of ski movies / edits, and this fall has definitely not disappointed in that regard. Check out our latest “What We’re Watching” video roundup to watch some of our favorites.
Brendan Leonard on his new FKT, the Deadline Dungeon, & More (Ep.71)
Today we’re putting our Off The Couch co-host, Brendan Leonard (semi-rad.com) in the interviewee seat to hear about his recent FKT; his review of his FKT route and whether you should do it; movies; his current running program; gas station donuts; how well he deals with deadlines; some of his current and upcoming projects, and more.
Strafe Cham Jacket & Pants
This season Strafe once again updated their touring-oriented Cham Jacket & Pant, and we think the latest iteration is one of the best backcountry outerwear kits we’ve used. Check out our full, in-depth review to see why.
Hunt to Eat founder, Mahting Putelis (Ep.147)
This is another installment in our series on food, and food systems, and our guest today was first introduced to me by Blister reviewer, Paul Forward. Mahting Putelis is the founder of Hunt to Eat, which is an organization that “exists to find modern, progressive, and inclusive ways to support and grow the community of folks that go outdoors, harvest wild meat, or plants, or fungi, and take these things home to be cooked with care for themselves or their friends and family.”
Cody Townsend on Coffee Makers, Bindings, & Beacons (Ep.119)
On our latest GEAR:30 podcast, we sat down in Blister HQ with Cody Townsend to talk about coffee makers, bindings, beacons, terrain management, mortality, movies, and more.
Win Hestra Gloves + Sweet Protection Helmet & Goggles
The winner this week will get Sweet Protection’s new Looper Helmet & Boondock Goggles + they’ll get to pick any Hestra glove or mitten they want!