BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Spring Skiing & Biking in AK (Ep.17)
We talk to Eric Helmbrecht, owner of Powder Hound in Girdwood, Alaska, about spring skiing in AK, what gear works well in AK’s snowpack and terrain, what new gear he’s most intrigued by, and the growing mountain bike scene around Girdwood and Anchorage.
18/19 Armada ARV 106
We’ve now spent a few days on the new ARV 106, and you can check out here our initial on-snow impressions and some comparisons to skis like the ON3P Kartel 108 and K2 Marksman.
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Sego Skis Founders: Tim & Peter Wells (Ep.69)
We talk to Sego Skis’ founders – brothers Tim and Peter Wells – about the backstory of Sego; manufacturing in Victor, Idaho; their 18/19 skis, women’s line, and working with Lynsey Dyer; and Sego snowblades.
How to Choose the Right Mountain Bike
“What mountain bike should I get?” Good question, but most of the articles on the topic are too simplistic to be helpful. So we created our own “How to Choose the Right Mountain Bike” guide.
2020-2021 Scott Scrapper 115
We’ve now spent time on the Scrapper 115 both inside and outside the resort. Check out our thoughts on how it stacks up against a number of other ~115mm-wide skis, and how well it works as a touring ski, inbounds ski, and 50/50 ski.
Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody
When we asked our outerwear editor what he thought of the new Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody, he started saying things like “perfect,” “dialed,” and “my new favorite piece of apparel.” Check out his review to find out why.
Ski Terms (What We Talk about When We Talk about Skiing)
Talking about skiing and snowboarding can sometimes feel like a foreign language. So in this new piece, we’ve clarified a few terms, and we want to know what terms, concepts, or expressions you might be wondering about?
18/19 Sego Condor Ti
After a few days skiing it inside and outside the resort, here are our initial on-snow impressions of the Condor Ti, with some comparisons to the Atomic Backland FR 109, Armada Tracer 108, and Line Sick Day 104 & 114.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2018-2019 Sego Condor Ti
New for 18/19, the Sego Condor Ti is a big-mountain ski with some intriguing design elements — and an avocado on its topsheet. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, initial impressions, and Flash Review.
Sram GX Eagle Long-Term Follow-Up
After over 1,000 miles and more than 175,000 ft of climbing, we have a long-term update on Sram’s GX Eagle Drivetrain.
Deep Dive: Blizzard Rustler 11
Blizzard Rustler 11 vs. Moment Bibby / Blister Pro, Nordica Enforcer 110, Line Sick Day 114, Icelantic Nomad 115, Rossignol Super 7 RD, Liberty Origin 112, and more.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Touring Bindings & the New G3 Zed (Ep.16)
G3 is introducing a new touring binding — the Zed — that they’re calling the lightest fully-featured AT binding on the market. So we talk to G3’s engineers about their design philosophy and development process, current trends in AT bindings, and the compromises inherent in any AT binding.
Win a Men’s or Women’s Fjallraven Greenland Jacket
Win a new jacket from Fjallraven, just in time for spring.
2019-2020 ON3P Magnus 102
We’ve been spending time on the brand-new ON3P Magnus 102 both in and out of the park. So how does it compare to other wider park skis, and should you be considering the Magnus or a Kartel?
18/19 Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro
We just spent some time on the all-new Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro, and you can now check out our initial on-snow impressions and comparisons to the new Head Kore 1 boot.
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:
Win any Shaggy’s Ski
Enter for your chance to win any ski from Shaggy’s 2020 lineup!
From Courmayeur to Chamonix: Testing new SCOTT Skis (Ep.87)
Sam Shaheen was recently testing the new SCOTT Superguide Freetour in the Italian Alps, so in our latest GEAR:30, he talks with SCOTT about their new ski, their new touring boot, the history of SCOTT, and more.
2021-2022 Whitedot Altum 104
We’ve now spent a good chunk of time on the Whitedot Altum 104, and have come away quite impressed by the versatility of this playful, all-mountain ski. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Whitedot Altum 104
We compare the Altum 104 to the Moment PB&J, Dynastar M-Free 108, K2 Reckoner 112, Prior Northwest 110, Faction Prodigy 3.0, Icelantic Nomad 105, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Moment Deathwish, Blizzard Rustler 10, ON3P Woodsman 108, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Sego Big Horn 106, Moment Wildcat 108, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Armada ARV 106Ti, Liberty Origin 106, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Line Sick Day 104, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, and J Skis Metal.
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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Women’s Insulated Vest Roundup
Whether for high-output activities or strolling around town, a good insulated vest can be a very versatile year-round layer. Check out some of our favorites.
2020 Transition Scout
Transition just released an updated version of their mid-travel 27.5” bike, the Scout, and the new bike looks like a very intriguing mix of playful and aggressive. Check out our thoughts in our First Look.
Flash Review: 20/21 K2 Reckoner 112
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the Reckoner 112.
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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Valentine’s Day Roundup — 2020
Looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone? Check out some of our reviewers’ top picks.
Marathoner Nell Rojas on Strength Training, Speed Work, & Low Mileage (Ep.38)
Nell Rojas is fascinating. And fast. So fast that on February 29th, she’s got a shot at making the USA Marathon team, despite the fact that she didn’t race her 1st marathon until 2018. But she then won her 2nd marathon (the very competitive Grandma’s Marathon), and now, the Olympic Trials are right around the corner. So we talked to Nell about her unique background; the dynamics of being coached by her dad (Rick Rojas); her uncommon emphasis on strength training, low mileage, speed work, and more.
Flash Review: 20/21 Parlor McFellon Pro
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the McFellon Pro.
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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Baselayer Roundup — 2020
A great layering system starts with a great baselayer — check out our baselayer roundup for a bunch of options for men and women, ranging from light and breathable to thick and toasty.
2021-2022 Armada ARG II
We’ve been getting time in Alaska on the super-fat Armada ARG II, and you can now check out our review.