BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
CAST Freetour Upgrade Kit
The CAST Freetour is the only option out there that lets you ski down on a dedicated alpine binding, and skin up with a tech toe. Check out our full review, including comparisons to the Atomic / Salomon SHIFT binding and other touring bindings.
Deep Dive: K2 Pinnacle 95 Ti
We compare the Pinnacle 95 Ti to the Blizzard Rustler 9, Elan Ripstick 96, J Skis Masterblaster, ON3P Wrenegade 96, and more…
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2018-2019 Black Crows Orb
If you want your ~90mm-wide ski to perform well even when there isn’t fresh corduroy anywhere in sight, the Black Crows Orb is worth a look. Check out our full review.
2017 Ibis Ripley LS
Versatility, versatility, versatility. Check out our full review of the Ibis Ripley LS.
Kuat Transfer Bike Rack
When it comes to bike racks, you’re often choosing between expensive options that are secure, or inexpensive options that are unreliable and unstable. But the Kuat Transfer aims to change that. Check out our review.
18/19 Head Monster 88 Ti
Here are our initial on-snow impressions of the redesigned Monster 88 Ti, including comparisons to the 17/18 version.
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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2019-2020 Head Monster 88 Ti
With the Monster 98 and 108 now gone, the new, redesigned Head Monster 88 Ti is now the widest ski in the Monster series. So what changed and what stayed the same with this new ski? Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, initial impressions, and Flash Review.
Flip Flop & Sandals Roundup, 2018
As you may know by now, flip flops and sandals are some of our favorite pieces of gear, and we’re in them year round. So it’s time for an updated roundup of a number of our favorites for men and women — from casual flip-flops, to versatile sandals that could replace your hiking shoes.
Edelrid Tommy Caldwell ProDryDT Rope
While it might initially seem like a heavy workhorse rope, the Edelrid Tommy Caldwell ProDryDT has proven far more versatile than that. Check out our review, with comparisons to the Mammut Infinity and Sterling Evolution Helix.
Eric Pollard — “Burning Sidewall”
The new Line Sakana is a unique ski, one that we said encourages a unique style of skiing. And now Eric Pollard — who designed the ski — just released a short film that perfectly illustrates this.
Black Diamond Camalot Ultralight Cams
Black Diamond’s Camalot Ultralights take their classic Camalot design and trim down the weight significantly, but what about durability and value? We weigh in on how the Ultralights compare to the original Camalots, as well as some other options on the market like the Metolius Ultralight Master Cams.
Parlor Skis 18/19 Lineup & ‘Build Your Own Skis’ Class (Ep.24)
We talk to Boston-based Parlor Skis co-founder, Mark Wallace, about the origins story of Parlor; their “Build Your Own Skis” class; the new models in their 18/19 lineup — including Parlor snowboards and splitboards; and several trends on the East Coast ski scene. (We also talk about lasagna, burritos, and Camaros.)
Win a Tent from Kelty
Enter for your chance to win a new tent from Kelty.
Deep Dive: Armada Tracer 108
We compare the Tracer 108 to the Line Sick Day 104, Salomon QST 106, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Atomic Backland FR 109, Liberty Origin 106, Faction Candide 3.0, Blizzard Rustler 10, Sego Condor Ti, 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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Petzl Boreo Helmet
Climbing helmet standards have typically been focused on protecting against impacts from above (e.g. rockfall). But Petzl’s new Boreo helmet is also tested against the front, side, and rear impacts that are common in actual falls. The idea certainly makes sense, but how well is that idea executed here? Check out our review.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Revel RW30 Wheels
Revel claims that their new RW30 carbon wheels are not only more durable and better damped than other carbon rims, but also more easily recyclable and similarly lightweight. These are some pretty bold claims, so check out our review to see how they went about doing this and our initial on-trail impressions.
2021-2022 Nordica Santa Ana 93
Nordica is overhauling their women’s all-mountain Santa Ana skis for the 20/21 season, and you can check out our First Look & Flash Review of the Santa Ana 93 for more on what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how the new ski’s design compares to the rest of the market.
Flash Review: 20/21 Nordica Santa Ana 93
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the new Santa Ana 93.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Geoff McFetridge on The Abstract Wild by Jack Turner (Ep. 129)
In the latest installment of our Blister Book Club, we talk with the artist, Geoff McFetridge, about Jack Turner’s book, The Abstract Wild. We discuss why Geoff selected this book; why it isn’t designed to be a comfortable read; why we need to get clear on the distinction between “the wild” and “wilderness”; and why we think that every reader of BLISTER ought to read this book.
Blister Brand Guide: Norco Mountain Bike Lineup, 2020
One of the oldest mtb brands, Norco’s current lineup consists of everything from budget hardtails to World Cup DH bikes and everything in between. Check out our Brand Guide to get an idea of their current line and which bike might best suit you.
Testing Limits: Mike McKnight on Running 100 Miles, 0 Calories (Ep.51)
Is it humanly possible to run 100 miles without consuming a single calorie? On May 8th, Mike McKnight set out to find out, and Mike not only accomplished this extraordinary feat, he did it in 18 hours and 37 minutes. So we talked to Mike about why and when he first thought this was possible; how he prepared and trained for the feat; intermittent fasting and his ketogenic diet; some of the criticism he’s received for even attempting this; and what else he thinks might be possible.
Flash Review: 20/21 Majesty Vanguard
We just spent a day on the 118mm-wide, twin-tipped Vanguard — check out our initial impressions.
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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Salomon Sense 4 /Pro
The Salomon Sense 4 /Pro is basically the less racing-oriented, more cushioned version of their high-end S/Lab Sense 8, and we’ve been running in both to see how they compare, who’d be better off in each particular shoe, and how the Sense 4 /Pro compares to several other moderate-cushion trail shoes.
Watch Live: Zach Bitter’s 100-Mile Treadmill World Record (MAY 16)
With all the race cancellations, 100-mile world record holder, Zach Bitter, thought it was a good time to attempt to go after another world record: fastest 100 miles run on a treadmill. Learn more about it here, how & when you can watch, and what other world-class runners will be joining Zach virtually to cheer him on.
Hoji on Tinkering, Climbing Skins, Monoskiing, & Michael Jordan (Ep.100)
In celebration of episode #100, we of course had to have Hoji back on, our patron saint of GEAR:30. We discuss all the tinkering he’s been doing during quarantine; what ski gear has the most room for improvement; snowmobiles; climbing skins; monoskiing; and then, one of the all time greats talks about another all time great, Michael Jordan.
Flash Review: 20/21 Majesty / ATK R12
Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth each add (a lot of) their thoughts on this new lightweight touring binding.
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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