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BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

Blister reviews the Liberty VMT 92

18/19 Liberty V92

Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the V92, including comparisons to the Renoun Z-Line 90, Blizzard Brahma, and Folsom Spar 88.

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Blister reviews the Liberty VMT 92

2018-2019 Liberty V92

With full-length carbon, vertically laminated metal struts, and straight-up steel plates underfoot, Liberty’s brand-new “V” line of skis sound serious. Though the story gets a bit more complicated (and more interesting) when you take a closer look. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, initial impressions, and Flash Review of the V92.

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Best and Worst Product Names, Blister Topic of the Week

Best and Worst Product Names

In honor of Outdoor Retailer kicking off today — where we’ll be checking out a ton of new products with both very good, and very bad names — we figured it’d be a good time to go over some of the best, and worst product names we’ve ever seen. Check out what we’ve put together, then let us know your own nominations for Best or Worst. (And by the way, consider this post at least PG-13. Also, that pictured Kayak is called the Cocaine, FWIW.)

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Blister's Duffel Bag Roundup — 2018

Duffel Bag Roundup — 2018

Used to be that a duffel was a duffel was a duffel. Not anymore. These days, almost every outdoor brand is making one (or several), so we’ve rounded up some of the best duffel bags out there and compared them side-by-side.

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Luke Koppa reviews the Line Sick Day 114 for Blister

Deep Dive: Line Sick Day 114

Update: We compare the Line Sick Day 114 to the Moment Blister Pro, ON3P Wrenegade 114, Faction Dictator 4.0, Liberty Origin 112, Rossignol Super 7 HD & RD, Blizzard Rustler 11, Fischer Ranger 115 XTi, DPS Wailer 112 Alchemist, Line Mordecai, and more…

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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Luke Koppa reviews the Line Sick Day 114 for Blister

2019-2020 Line Sick Day 114

We spent more time this past season on both lengths of the Line Sick Day 114. Check out our updated review and our new Deep Dive comparisons (including the ON3P Wrenegade 114, Liberty Origin 112, and Faction Dictator 4.0).

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Luke Koppa reviews the Faction Prodigy 3.0 for Blister

Deep Dive: Faction Prodigy 3.0

We compare the Prodigy 3.0 to the Faction Candide 3.0, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, Blizzard Rustler 10, ON3P Kartel 108, Moment Meridian 107, Line Sick Day 104, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, and more…

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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Luke Koppa reviews the Faction Prodigy 3.0 for Blister

2019-2020 Faction Prodigy 3.0

Faction has overhauled their Prodigy 3.0, and we’re big fans of the new ski. And we think that both directional skiers and more freestyle-oriented skiers could be fans of it, too. Check out our full review and Deep Dive comparisons.

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Dave Alie reviews the La Sportiva Genius for Blister

La Sportiva Genius

The La Sportiva Genius is one of the most aggressive climbing shoes on the market, but it lacks one noteworthy thing: an edge. So how does it compare to other aggressive shoes like the La Sportiva Solution & Futura, Evolv Shaman, and Five Ten Hiangle? Check out our review.

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Blister's Running Shorts Roundup, 2018

Running Shorts Roundup — 2018

There are too many running shorts in the world, so we’ve rounded up seven of our favorites (for everything from quick jogs to long trail runs) and laid out which ones might work best for you.

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LINE Skier Survey, Blister Review

Skier Survey from LINE

(Update: SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED.) Line conducted this skier survey, and we think you should check it out. Because (1) you can win some skis, and (2) you can let them know which review publications and buyer’s guides you trust most for info on ski gear.

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Luke Koppa reviews the Hoka One One Stinson ATR 4 for Blister

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 4

Hoka One One built a name for themselves making highly cushioned running shoes, and the all-new Stinson ATR 4 is the most highly cushioned trail shoe in their lineup. But it’s not exactly what you’d expect from a shoe that has this much cushioning. Check out our review and comparisons to other shoes like the Altra Olympus 3.0 & Timp and Hoka Speedgoat 2.

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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

Luke Koppa reviews the Eddie Bauer BC Freshline Jacket for Blister

Eddie Bauer BC Freshline Jacket

We’ve spent a lot of time skinning and skiing in Eddie Bauer’s BC Freshline Jacket and think it and its eVent fabric offer an excellent combination of weather protection and breathability. Check out our full review.

Kitsbow, Industry Nine, Shaggy's Copper Country Skis discuss manufacturing PPE during the coronavirus pandemic on Blister's Bikes & Big Ideas Podcast.

How the Outdoor Industry is Pivoting to Fight COVID-19 (Ep.20)

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, a number of companies in the outdoor industry are pivoting away from their normal operations and product offerings to provide healthcare workers with critical gear. So we talk to physician assistant and Blister reviewer, Sascha Anastas, about the scope of the problem, and we then talk to Kitsbow, Industry Nine, and Shaggy’s Copper Country Skis about how they are each helping the cause.

Eric Schranz joins Jonathan Ellsworth and Brendan Leonard on the Off the Couch Podcast

Eric Schranz, Ultrarunnerpodcast.com, on Running, His Career, & Heist Films (Ep.44)

Eric Schranz has been a staple of the trail running and ultrarunning world for over a decade — both as a passionate runner, and as the host of Ultrarunnerpodcast.com. And since Eric spends so much of his time writing about and interviewing other runners, Brendan Leonard (semi-rad.com) and I thought it would be fun to put Eric in the guest seat. So Brendan and I talked with Eric about how he got into running; his work in the music industry and politics; getting started at ultrarunnerpodcast.com; the art of conversation; how running media differs from other sports media coverage; and a whole lot more — including, a rather spirited discussion about the best bank robbery and heist movies of all time.

Luke Koppa reviews the Faction Agent 3.0 for Blister.

2021-2022 Faction Agent 3.0

For 20/21 Faction is expanding their Agent series of touring skis with the addition of the Agent 3.0 & Agent 4.0. Check out our First Look to see how the Agent 3.0’s design compares to the increasingly diverse backcountry category.

Blister's Baby / Toddler Baselayer & Midlayer roundup

Baby / Toddler Baselayer & Midlayer Roundup

Whether you’re looking to take advantage of current sales or stocking up on comfy loungewear for your little one, you should check out our baby / toddler baselayer & midlayer roundup for a wide range of versatile layers.

Caite Zeliff goes on the Blister Podcast to discuss competing in and winning Kings & Queens of Corbets; filming with Teton Gravity Research & Warren Miller Entertainment; & More.

Catching Up with Caite Zeliff (Ep.124)

Caite Zeliff is a former ski racer turned big mountain skier who won the first ever Kings & Queens of Corbet’s competition in 2018, then won it again in 2019, then was on the podium this past year. She’s filmed with Warren Miller and TGR, she is equally fun to ski with and to shoot the breeze with, and, while she’s already accomplished a lot, it seems like Caite is just getting started. So we caught up with Caite on her birthday to discuss skiing; filming vs photo shoots; her best Marcus Caston story; her music and podcast recommendations; and more.

Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the Lange XT3 130 for Blister

Flash Review: 20/21 Lange XT3 130 LV

Update 3.27.20: We’ve spent a bit more time in Lange’s new AT boot and have updated our Flash Review.

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.

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Luke Koppa reviews the Parlor McFellon Pro for Blister.

2021-2022 Parlor McFellon Pro

The Parlor McFellon Pro & Mountain Jay make for a great example of how you can take the same shape and come up with two very different skis that work for very different skiers. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons of the McFellon Pro.

Luke Koppa reviews the Parlor McFellon Pro for Blister.

Deep Dive: Parlor McFellon Pro

We compare the McFellon Pro to the Parlor Mountain Jay, Folsom Primary, Moment Meridian 107, 4FRNT Devastator, Liberty Origin 112, Icelantic Nomad 105, Blizzard Rustler 11, Nordica Enforcer 110 Free, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Prior Northwest 110, ON3P Jeffrey 108, ON3P Woodsman 108, Moment Wildcat 108, Moment Deathwish, Kye Shapes Metamorph, K2 Reckoner 112, Whitedot Altum 114, Faction Prodigy 4.0, & Black Crows Atris.

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.)

On Blister's GEAR:30 Podcast, Sam Shaheen talks to United By Blue apparel designer, Brendan Raugh, about bison wool, bison down, and how United By Blue is using all sorts of bison fibers in apparel and more.

What You’re Wearing, Part 5: Bison Fibers? (Ep.93)

Bison Wool? Bison Down? That’s a thing? Well it’s being used by United By Blue,
who started salvaging otherwise wasted bison fibers, and is now incorporating them into a growing range of products. So we talked with Brendan Raugh at United By Blue about how the company was founded as a waterway cleanup company; how they went on to develop an entire line of apparel around salvaged bison coat fibers; how bison fibers compare to sheep’s wool and goose down; and more.

Blister Brand Guide; Blister breaks down the 2020 Kona mountain bike lineup

Blister Brand Guide: Kona Mountain Bike Lineup, 2020

Kona has been making bikes since 1988 and they now make everything from budget-priced hardtails to plenty of versatile Trail bikes and long-travel Enduro & DH rigs. Check out our Brand Guide to see which Kona bike might be best for you.