BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

Runner Profile: Luke Koppa
Vitals: 5’8″, 155 lbs (Click here for more info on my background and skiing preferences) Running Background, Style, and General Preferences I grew up with running being a way to stay in shape for sports like soccer and rugby, and now that I’m several years

Altra Escalante
The Altra Escalante is a zero-drop shoe with a more plush, cushioned ride than many of the more minimalist options out there. So is that a good thing or a bad thing? More importantly, is it a good option for you? Our full review should help you decide.

Runner Profile: Jonathan Ellsworth, Founder / Editor, Blister
Vitals: 5’10”, ~175 lbs. (see my general bio & skier profile) Running Background, Style, and General Preferences I used to be one of those people who said things like, “I hate running.” As a little kid, high school student, college athlete, and a good chunk

2018 Zerode Taniwha
As a trail-oriented bike with no derailleur, no cassette, and a hefty price tag, the Zerode Taniwha is certainly different, but is it better?

2018-2019 K2 Gottaluvit 105Ti
New for 18/19, the K2 Gottaluvit 105Ti features a combination of weight, construction, rocker profile, and shape that make it an interesting addition to the wider all-mountain category. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions.

Deep Dive: DPS Alchemist Wailer 112
We compare the Wailer A 112 to the Rossignol Super 7 HD, Line Sick Day 114, Nordica Enforcer 110, Liberty Origin 112, Volkl V-Werks Katana, and more…
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18/19 Elan Ripstick 106
Here are some of our initial on-snow impressions of the Ripstick 106, along with comparisons to the Ripstick 96, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, and Line Sick Day 104.
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 Shoes from Altra
Win men’s and women’s shoes of your choosing from Altra.

2018 Ibis Mojo HD4
If you generally pedal to the top of your rowdy descents, the Ibis Mojo HD4 is one of the best bikes we’ve used.

2020-2021 DPS Alchemist Wailer 112
We’ve now had a handful of reviewers on the newest version of the DPS Wailer 112. Check out our full review, where everybody weighs in.

2020-2021 Marker Alpinist 12
Several years ago, Marker created the best-skiing tech binding in the world. Now they’re introducing the much-lighter Alpinist binding — so is it just as groundbreaking?

Whitney Burton
Age: 25 | Vitals: 5’8”, 150 lbs | Ape index: +1 | Years climbing: 7 | Current residence: Golden, Colorado I grew up in Washington state exploring all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I was introduced to climbing in 2011 just before moving

Mad Rock Drone HV
Precise, comfortable, sensitive, and affordable. That’s how we’d describe the Mad Rock Drone HV, and why boulderers and sport climbers looking for an aggressive, precise shoe should take a look.

2018-2019 Scott Scrapper 105
New for 18/19, the Scott Scrapper 105 is a ski that could be placed in either the all-mountain or touring-ski categories, though it really stands out from most of the skis in both. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, initial impressions, and flash review.

18/19 Scott Scrapper 105
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the Scrapper 105, with comparisons to a few inbounds and touring skis like the Black Diamond Helio 105, Line Sick Day 104, and Armada Tracer 108.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

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.

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.

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.

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
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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.

Win Men’s & Women’s Arc’teryx Jackets
Enter for your chance to win Arc’teryx’s Nuclei FL Jacket!

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.
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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: 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.

Dustin Adams on Racing, Manufacturing, & We Are One’s Next Big Thing (Ep.19)
We talk to We Are One founder, Dustin Adams, about being a composites manufacturer in Kamloops, BC; Dustin’s path from racing DH to starting We Are One; what it’s like being a manufacturer in the time of COVID-19; and we talk about the big new thing they’re currently working on.

Flash Review: 20/21 Marker Duke PT 16
Update 3.25.20: Jonathan Ellsworth now adds his initial impressions of the Duke PT binding.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Flash Review: 20/21 Volkl Blaze 106
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Volkl’s new lightweight freeride ski.
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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