BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2018-2019 Dynafit TLT7 Performance
The Dynafit TLT7 is the latest AT boot in one of the most distinguished product lines in ski touring, and it’s a radical departure from its predecessors. Check out our review.
2019-2020 Black Diamond Helio 105 Carbon
Black Diamond says the Helio 105 Carbon “balances playful, soft-snow performance with technical precision,” which sounds a bit contradictory, so how playful or precise is this ski? Could it be both?
MSR Flylite 2-Person Trekking Pole Shelter
There are a lot of options on the minimalist end of the backcountry-shelter spectrum, and the MSR Flylite is one of the best we’ve used in terms of weight, interior space, and price.
17/18 Blizzard Spur
The Blizzard Spur has been one of our absolute favorite fat skis. And the new Spur could hardly be more different. So is that a good or a bad thing?
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2017-2018 G3 Scala LT Skins
G3 has updated their deep-snow-oriented Scala skin to cut weight. So how does the new Scala LT perform, and how does it differ from the original Scala?
Kuat NV Base 2.0 Bike Rack
Kuat has updated their NV series of racks with the NV Base 2.0, so how does it perform, and how does it compare to the old NV 1.0?
Deep Dive: ON3P Wrenegade 108
We compare the Wrenegade 108 to the Nordica Enforcer 110, Blizzard Cochise, Black Crows Atris, Moment Belafonte, Line Supernatural 108, J Skis The Metal, Head Monster 108, and more…
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Five Ten Quantum
The redesigned Five Ten Quantum is billed as an all-round shoe, but where does it really shine? We weigh in.
17/18 Black Crows Daemon
Here are some thoughts on the new Daemon, specifically on how it stacks up to the Volkl Mantra, as well as sizing recommendations.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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4FRNT Skis – Matt Sterbenz & Jason Levinthal (Ep.46)
Jason Levinthal just acquired 4FRNT Skis, so we talk to Levinthal and 4FRNT founder, Matt Sterbenz, about the deal; what brought it about; what we can expect going forward; and the state of the ski industry in general.
Jason Levinthal Acquires 4FRNT Skis
Another Shake-Up in the Ski World: Jason Levinthal Acquires 4FRNT Skis
Tommy Caldwell, Big-Wall Climber (Ep.45)
We talk to one of the most accomplished big-wall climbers of all time about his excellent new book; risk; Alex Honnold’s latest free solo; obsessive focus vs. a desire for balance; the future of climbing, and more.
2017 Trek Remedy 9 RSL
Trek made some serious changes to the Remedy line this year, and the performance of the new Remedy 9 RSL is seriously impressive.
Flylow Women’s Carter Shorts, Hawkins Shirt, and Susie Tank
Flylow’s new women’s Trail line includes some comfortable and attractive riding pieces
Flylow Men’s Maclean Jacket, Cash Short, and Nelson Shirt
Flylow’s new men’s Trail line isn’t the most technical apparel around, but these are functional pieces with a clean, casual look.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
New Ski & Climbing Gear + Random Reviews (Ep.59)
Jonathan Ellsworth, Luke Koppa, & Sam Shaheen argue about the new Volkl Mantra 102 and how it compares to the M5 Mantra; discuss with more civility the Line Vision 98; Dalbello Lupo Pro HD ski boot; Camp Nano 22 vs. Orbit Wire carabiners; and close with several extremely random reviews.
Anthill Films’ Latest: Return to Earth (Ep.5)
Anthill Films’ latest movie, Return to Earth, displays the sick cinematography and sick bike riding that Anthill is known for. But in Return to Earth, they’re going after some bigger stakes. So we talk to Anthill’s Darcy Wittenberg and Ian Dunn about those stakes; the origins & early days of Anthill; some of the locations, riders, and cinematography in Return to Earth; and more.
Arc’teryx Alpha SK 32 Backpack
This year Arc’teryx released a very minimalist backcountry ski / snowboard pack. So, how does the new Alpha SK 32 compare to more traditional options, and what do you gain and lose by going with this fast-and-light pack?
Training Your Body — and Your Brain (Ep.95)
You’re probably already convinced of the importance of physical exertion, going outside, and staying physically fit and healthy. But what about the fitness of your brain? We talk to the neuroscientist, Michael Merzenich, about the significant neurological benefits of going fast, going outside, and undertaking new activities; the more effective and less effective ways to exercise our brains; the changes to our brains caused by the time so many of us — and our kids — are spending in front of phone, computer, and TV screens; and more.
2019-2020 ON3P Woodsman 108
We’ve now had three reviewers on ON3P’s new Woodsman 108, and it’s time to weigh in on how their newest all-mountain ski performs, and how it compares to their Wrenegade 108, their Jeffrey 108 (and in our Deep Dive Comparisons, pretty much every other relevant ski on the market). Check it out.
Deep Dive: ON3P Woodsman 108
We compare the Woodsman 108 to the ON3P Jeffrey 108, ON3P Wrenegade 108, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 106, Armada ARV 106Ti LTD, Liberty Origin 106, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Line Sick Day 104, Elan Ripstick 106, 4FRNT MSP 107, Black Crows Corvus, Moment Commander 108, J Skis Metal, Prior Husume, and Blizzard Cochise.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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19/20 Faction Candide 4.0
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the updated Faction Candide 4.0.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2021-2022 K2 Mindbender 115C Alliance
The new Mindbender 115C Alliance is the widest women’s ski in K2’s 19/20 lineup, but we think its versatility makes it a very appealing option for a lot of skiers. Check out our full review, including comparisons to the Nordica Santa Ana 110 and Blizzard Sheeva 11.
Summer Baby Clothes Roundup
Our youngest (by far) reviewer has been very busy testing a bunch of sun-protective clothing this summer, and with just a bit of writing help from his mom, we’ve rounded up a number of tops, bottoms, and accessories that can help keep your little one cool, protected, and comfortable. Check it out here, along with some of the cutest photos we’ve ever posted on Blister.
2020-2021 Salomon QST 118
Along with the rest of the Salomon QST skis, the widest ski in the brand’s lineup, the QST 118, is getting some updates for 19/20. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the new QST 118.
2021-2022 Volkl Mantra 102
We had three reviewers on Volkl’s new Mantra 102 this year, and we all think it’s an excellent addition for skiers seeking high-speed stability and all-round performance.
Deep Dive: Volkl Mantra 102
We compare the Mantra 102 to the Mantra M5, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Head Monster 98, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Nordica Enforcer 100, Blizzard Bonafide, Blizzard Cochise, Fischer Ranger 99 Ti, Black Crows Corvus, J Skis Masterblaster, J Skis Metal, Salomon QST 99, 4FRNT MSP 99, Salomon QST 106, ON3P Wrenegade 96, ON3P Wrenegade 108, Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, and Moment Commander 98.
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.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
(If you’re already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)