BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2021-2022 Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro
The new Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro boot got a “Best Of” award in our 18/19 Winter Buyer’s Guide, and it was a contender for our Product of the Year. And now you can check out our full review to see why.
2019-2020 Armada ARV 106
It’s rare that an updated product is better than its predecessor in every respect, but the redesigned Armada ARV 106 might just be one of those products. Check out our full review.
3-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (18/19)
We’ve asked a number of our reviewers to discuss how they think about putting together a ski quiver, and which specific skis they’d choose. Check out part 2, including additions from Jonathan Ellsworth, Sascha Anastas, Kristin Sinnott, and Brian Lindahl.
Race Face Next R Wheels
We’ve now put over 1000 miles on Race Face’s carbon Next R wheels, including everything from multi-day Enduro races to DH courses. So, how’d they do?
Hoji on the Hoji Free & 4FRNT Renegade (Ep.29)
We talk with Hoji about his brand-new boot, the Dynafit Hoji Free; the differences between it and the current Hoji Pro Tour; how he’s been refining his signature ski, the 4FRNT Renegade; and his work with Arc’teryx.
HOJI on “HOJI” (Ep.75)
Few people are so good at what they do that they can have a film made about their life and career while they’re still in the middle of both. But Eric Hjorleifson is one of those people, so we talked to Hoji about the new Matchstick movie and more.
Which Ski for Which Superhero?
What would Captain America, the Incredible Hulk, and other superheroes ski on? In honor of the life and imagination of Stan Lee, we’ve selected just the right ski for a whole slew of superheroes.
Switzerland Votes Cycling into Their Constitution
A few weeks ago Swiss voters did something that we wholeheartedly approve of: enshrine cycling into their constitution.
Most Notable New Products: Outdoor Retailer, Winter 2018
Here is our recap of and a bunch of our thoughts on the most notable new products for 2019-2020 that we saw at last week’s Winter Outdoor Retailer show.
Casual Jacket Roundup — Fall 2018
The season is turning, so we’ve gathered a few of our favorite casual jackets to keep you in style on chilly fall days and nights.
Strafe Cham Jacket and Pants
We’ve been big fans of Strafe’s Cham Jacket and Pants, and this year they updated them with an all-new fabric. So how does the new kit compare to the previous version, and to the rest of the competition?
2019 Devinci Spartan
Devinci’s Trail bikes have historically occupied a versatile middle ground — pretty good on the up, and pretty good on the down. So does the most recent iteration of the Devinci Spartan continue this trend?
Spark R&D — Part 2 (Ep.28)
We talk to Spark R&D founder, Will Ritter, about some of Spark’s current products, collaborating with CAST Touring and 22 Designs, and implementing solar power in their factory in Bozeman, Montana.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Win a Dropper Post from OneUp
This week you’ve got a chance to win OneUp’s excellent dropper post & remote!
Your Questions + What We’re Celebrating (Ep.103)
Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth answer your questions and discuss our preferred gear for skiing funky spring / summer snow; what we’re reading; ski knickers?; mountain bike shoes; ski boot liners & durability; and more.
Altra Lone Peak 4.5
The Lone Peak has been in Altra’s running lineup for many years now, serving as their rugged, moderate-cushion trail shoe. Check out our review of the latest iteration, the Lone Peak 4.5, to see how it compares to the last version, several of Altra’s other trail shoes, and some other options on the market.
Summer Skirt & Skort Roundup — 2020
There are now lots of skirts & skorts that can transition from casual walks around town to running, swimming, and hiking far from the city. We’ve rounded up several of the casual and technical options our reviewers have been using — check out our roundup to see which ones might work for you.
Faith E. Briggs on Growing Up, Running, & Her Film, This Land (Ep. 54)
Faith E. Briggs is a filmmaker, a runner, and an outdoor enthusiast, and Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk to Faith about her latest film, This Land; growing up and running track & cross country and transitioning into long-distance running & trail running; and our current / not-merely-current circumstances here in America.
2021-2022 K2 Reckoner 102
Many skis on the market are pretty good at a lot of things but consequently don’t really stand out in any particular aspect. Given that, the ultra-playful, yet surprisingly versatile K2 Reckoner 102 is a refreshing change of pace — check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: K2 Reckoner 102
We compare the Reckoner 102 to the K2 Reckoner 112, K2 Marksman, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Moment PB&J, Prior Northwest 100, ON3P Jeffrey 108, ON3P Magnus 102, Whitedot Altum 104, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Dynastar M-Free 108, Faction Prodigy 3.0, Sego Big Horn 106, Nordica Soul Rider 97, Fauna Pioneer, Rossignol BLACKOPS Holyshred, Line Sakana, & Blizzard Rustler 10.
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Thoughts on Our Current Situation
Update: some long-overdue policy changes are finally being made.
Bees, Green Lawns, “Perfect” Apples, & the Reinvention of Farming (Ep.132)
Most of us know that bee populations are struggling to survive, but why? And why do bees play such a critical role in the production of food? We talk to Peter Nelson and Sally Roy about their new film, The Pollinators, which tells the story of bees and beekeeping and soil and farming practices and pesticides and the EPA and why we need to change the way we produce food — and what each of us can do to help the cause.
Altra Timp 2.0
Altra made several significant updates to their high-cushion Timp and we think that, for many people, the new Timp 2.0 is a better shoe in most regards. Check out our review to see how this versatile, cushioned shoe compares to the previous Timp 1.5 and several other shoes on the market.
We Are One Union Wheels
There are plenty of ultra-stiff carbon rims on the market, but many of them also tend to feel very harsh and jarring in rough terrain. With their Enduro-oriented Union wheels, We Are One aimed to strike a better balance of stiffness, ride feel, & durability — all while making them in British Columbia and offering a lifetime warranty. After spending a few months riding the Union wheels (on an aggressive hardtail), we think they’d be very appealing to a lot of riders.
Father’s Day Roundup — 2020
Looking for a way to celebrate and appreciate the fathers and father figures in your life? We polled several of our reviewers to get their suggestions for Father’s Day gifts — check out their picks.