BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Terrene Chunk 2.6″ Tire
Fatter tires typically offer up a bunch of traction and a smooth ride, but often at the cost of weight, precision, and rolling resistance. The new Terrene Chunk 2.6” does a great job of minimizing those downsides and maintaining the main benefits of a wider tire, making it the best all-around 2.6” tire we’ve used.
2021-2022 K2 Sight
The K2 Sight is supposed to work well in the park and all over the mountain. But does it truly feel at home in the park, or is it more of a freestyle-oriented all-mountain ski? Check out our review.
2018 Trans BC Enduro Stage Race — Intro & Bike Check
If you were going to enter a six-day Enduro stage race that covers 20+ miles and ~5000 feet of climbing each day, what would your ideal build look like? Our bike editor is heading to British Columbia for the Trans BC Enduro, and he talks about this “long-ass” event and the specific bike and build he’s put together for it.
Deep Dive: 18/19 ON3P Wrenegade 108
We compare the Wrenegade 108 to the Blizzard Cochise, Nordica Enforcer 110, Faction Dictator 3.0 & Dictator 4.0, J Skis Metal, Folsom Hammer, and more…
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Win a Men’s or Women’s Backpack from Gregory
Gregory just updated their premium backpacking packs, and now you have a chance to win any version of the all-new Baltoro or Deva.
Sweet Protection Dissenter Helmet
Budget-oriented bike helmets tend to all be pretty similar. But the Sweet Protection Dissenter has a few key features that make it stand out, and you won’t have to take out a second mortgage to afford it.
2019-2020 ON3P Wrenegade 108
Since it’s Independence day, we figured we’d talk about a ski made by an Independent manufacturer, right here in America. Check out our full review of the new ON3P Wrenegade 108.
The North Face Summit L2 FuseForm Fleece ½ Zip Hoodie
The Summit L2 FuseForm Fleece ½ Zip Hoodie is one of The North Face’s most technical, breathable fleeces. So how does it compare to the reference piece in this category, the Patagonia R1 Hoody?
2020-2021 Salomon MTN Pure / Atomic Backland Pure
While the Salomon / Atomic Shift binding is a revolutionary piece of ski equipment, Salomon and Atomic also make a touring binding on the much lighter and simpler end of the spectrum. So is the MTN / Backland Tour as game-changing as the Shift? And how does it compare to the other options in the lightweight touring binding category?
Scarpa Furia S
The new Scarpa Furia S is one of the softest climbing shoes on the market, and is designed to offer ultimate precision and grip for overhung terrain. So does it? And how does it compare to shoes like the Scarpa Drago, Five Ten Team VXI, and La Sportiva Futura? Check out our full review.
18/19 Renoun Z-Line 90
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the Renoun Z-Line 90, with comparisons to the Head Monster 88, Blizzard Brahma, Folsom Spar 88, and more…
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Patagonia Houdini Vest
A lot of our reviewers love the Patagonia Houdini Jacket. But when you ditch the sleeves, how much versatility do you lose? Or gain? Check out our review of the Patagonia Houdini Vest.
Runner Profile: Jaden Anderson
Vitals: 5’10”, 155 lbs Running Background, Style, and General Preference. I stepped into the running world during my Sophomore year of high school. By chance. I joined the cross country team at my small high school late in the season simply because the team needed
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD
When it comes to bike shoes, there are plenty of burly skate-style shoes that sacrifice pedaling performance, and a lot of pedal-oriented shoes that look out of place anywhere except on the bike. In between those two categories sits the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD, and it’s definitely worth a look for riders looking for some of the best of both worlds.
Luke Koppa
Luke Koppa at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort bike park. (photo by Andrew Arnold) Age: 25 | Vitals: 5’8,” ~155 lbs | Years Biking: 4 | Current Residence: Crested Butte, Colorado Mountain Biking Background Compared to our other reviewers, I’m pretty new to mountain biking.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Fauna Pioneer
This season we spent a good chunk of time skiing Fauna’s lightweight (and beautiful) freeride ski, the Pioneer. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons to see how this new ski performed.
Deep Dive: Fauna Pioneer
We compare the Pioneer to the Moment PB&J, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Sego Big Horn 106, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Line Sick Day 104, WNDR Intention 110, Moment Wildcat 108, Salomon QST 106, Liberty Origin 106, Moment Wildcat Tour 108, Line Vision 108, Amplid Facelift 108, 4FRNT Raven, Renoun Citadel 106, Atomic Backland 107, Blizzard Zero G 105, & Black Diamond Helio 105.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Crash Course: How to Telemark Ski, Part 1 (Ep.125)
Baby giraffes? Organic bamboo scissors? Superman? Since we now have to learn how to tele ski (we’ll explain), we’re crowdsourcing a crash course in what we need to know to avoid embarrassing and / or killing ourselves. So here in Part 1, we solicited the best tips and advice from artist and telemarker, Geoff McFetridge; Flylow Gear president, Dan Abrams; and Blister reviewers, Paul Forward and Kristin Sinnott.
Blister Brand Guide: Rocky Mountain’s Mountain Bike Lineup, 2020
Rocky Mountain has been making bikes since 1981 and, like many brands these days, they make a very wide assortment of mountain bikes. Check out our Brand Guide to see how each of their bikes differ and which might be the best fit for you.
2020-2021 Folsom Cash 106 Carbon
This year we’re reviewing the carbon-laminate, touring-friendly version of Folsom’s Cash 106 shape. Check out our First Look & Flash Review for more on this ski and how its design compares to the other Folsom shapes we’ve reviewed, and the rest of the market.
Flash Review: 20/21 Folsom Cash 106 Carbon
Check out our initial impressions of Folsom’s carbon-laminate Cash 106.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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McConkey’s Spatula, Modern Pow Skis, & Luke’s Mustache (Ep.94)
Paul Forward, Luke Koppa, and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about the signs we’re going stir crazy; Shane McConkey’s Volant Spatula vs. other modern pow skis; the DPS Koala 119; the new LINE Vision 118; our current nominations for best underwear; Luke’s new mustache; and more.
2021-2022 K2 Reckoner 112
K2 overhauled their freestyle lineup for 20/21, and the new Reckoner 112 has proven to be a very fun, intuitive ski that we think many playful skiers could appreciate. Check out our *video* review, written review, & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: K2 Reckoner 112
We compare the Reckoner 112 to the Reckoner 102, Reckoner 122, Line Sir Francis Bacon, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Line Outline, K2 Mindbender 116C, Moment Wildcat 108, Moment Deathwish, Faction Prodigy 4.0, Parlor McFellon Pro, Liberty Origin 112, Icelantic Nomad 105, Blizzard Rustler 11, Nordica Enforcer 110 Free, Prior Northwest 110, ON3P Jeffrey 108, ON3P Woodsman 108, Kye Shapes Metamorph, Whitedot Altum 114, Black Crows Atris, & Folsom Primary.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Win Men’s & Women’s MTB Kits
Enter for your chance to win shorts from Wild Rye or Abit and a hip pack from KAVU!
Flash Review: 20/21 Line Blade
Update 4.3.20: We’ve added some more of our thoughts on the Blade, including how it handles firm, smooth snow & steep, off-piste terrain.
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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Nathan VaporKrar 2.0 12L Race Vest
Designed with Rob Krar’s input, the Nathan VaporKrar 2.0 12L Race Vest aims to provide enough storage capacity for long runs & races while still being durable, lightweight, & stable. Check out our review to see how well it’s lived up to those claims.