BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Flash Review: Nordica Enforcer Pro (vs Enforcer 110)
We’ll be getting a bit more time on the Enforcer Pro for our full review, but here are a bunch of notes and comparisons.
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Fix It Sticks, Back Bottle, & Weatherneck
We’ve been spending time with three of Brian Davis’ unique products, and are impressed at how well they address common problems (at a very low price).
2017 Diamondback Clutch 2
The Diamondback Clutch is a women’s-specific, mid-travel trail bike that pedals pretty efficiently and likes to charge fast down technical trails.
2017-2018 ON3P Wrenegade 108
The ON3P Wrenegade 108 is said to be a maneuverable “big gun.” So just how big of a gun is it, and exactly how maneuverable and forgiving?
2nd Look: Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket
David Steele weighs in on the Outdoor Research Skyward as a dedicated touring jacket.
Michelle Parker — Skier, Climber, Biker, “Pretend Band Member” … (Ep.42)
We talk to ridiculously-well-rounded-skier Michelle Parker about joining the Arc’teryx team, her work with S.A.F.E.A.S Clinics, her upcoming trips, gear, mountain lions, and a whole lot more.
Pearl Izumi X-Project P.R.O.
The X-Project P.R.O. is Pearl Izumi’s new premium mountain bike shoe, said to be “perfect for all mountain bikers and cyclocross riders.” We weigh in on whether — and where — the P.R.O. actually excels.
Loaded Precision AmX 35 Carbon Bar and Stem
The Loaded Precision AmX 35 Carbon bar and stem are a great option for bigger riders looking for a wide — 840 mm — stiff bar.
Spot Rollik 557
The Spot Rollik 557 uses a distinctive carbon leaf spring in its linkage, but how does it ride?
2017-2018 Head Monster 108
So how similar or different is the new 17/18 HEAD Monster 108? Is it still a supremely stable big-mountain ski? We weigh in.
2020-2021 K2 Aspect Snowboard Boot
The K2 Aspect isn’t just a mountaineering boot that can be used for splitboarding, it’s a great snowboard boot that performs well in more serious and technical terrain.
Volkl Universal Vacuum Skins
Volkl’s “glue-free” skins are wonderfully easy to use, but we’ve experienced some significant issues with these pre-cut climbing skins.
3rd Look: Salomon MTN Explore
Two Blister reviewers have loved the Salomon MTN Explore boot. Now David Steele weighs in with his impressions.
Deep Dive: HEAD Kore 117
We compare the Head Kore 117 to the Rossignol Super 7 RD and HD, Salomon QST 118, Nordica Enforcer Pro, Volkl Confession, 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.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
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2nd Look: HEAD Kore 117
Here’s our 2nd Look at the HEAD Kore 117, with time on the ski now in Alaska and Mt Bachelor.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Enve M730 Wheels — Long-Term Review
We’ve now spent over nine months on Enve’s M730 carbon wheels, and you can check out our full review for our thoughts on their ride quality, notable features, long-term durability, and who should be considering them.
18/19 Ski Video Roundup
The 18/19 season produced some amazing videos, so we’ve compiled a bunch of our favorites to get you excited about next season.
2020-2021 Salomon S/Force Bold
Salomon is launching a whole new line of frontside skis for 19/20, and you can check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the S/Force Bold to see how its design compares to the competition.
Six-Time Leadville 100 Champ & IMBA Executive Director, Dave Wiens (Ep.4)
We talk to Dave Wiens about skiing with Doug Coombs; participating in the early days of mountain biking; winning the Leadville 100 six times in a row — while beating Floyd Landis and Lance Armstrong along the way; and we get a fresh update from Dave on the current agenda and plans of the International Mountain Bike Association.
Hoka One One Speedgoat 3
This year Hoka updated one of their most popular trail shoes, and we think the new Speedgoat 3 is a very appealing option for trail runners who appreciate a cushioned ride (and potentially even more appealing than the Speedgoat 2 it replaces).
Western States 100 Champion, Clare Gallagher (Ep.8)
Clare Gallagher just won the Western States 100, and she did so in spectacular fashion. But there is a whole lot more to this story. So we talk to Clare about the details of her epic win, why on earth she agreed to go on an expedition to Alaska with Tommy Caldwell right before her biggest race of the year, and more.
19/20 Argent Badger
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Argent’s stiff, heavy, big-mountain charger.
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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19/20 DPS Skis Lineup with Stephan Drake (Ep.56)
We talk to DPS Skis founder, Stephan Drake, about the new DPS 19/20 product lineup, and two new skis — that incorporate a brand-new DPS construction — they’re introducing for their “Dreamtime” event. Stephan also breaks news about their “Koala” skis, gives an update on the DPS ski boot they’re working on, and shares some new developments with DPS Phantom.
Win a Travel Bag from RMU
Enter to win RMU’s versatile and travel-friendly BRFCS35.50!
Western States 100 Champion, Clare Gallagher (Ep.93)
Clare Gallagher just won the Western States 100, and she did so in spectacular fashion. But there is a whole lot more to this story. So we talk to Clare about the details of her epic win, why on earth she agreed to go on an expedition to Alaska with Tommy Caldwell right before her biggest race of the year, and more.
Moment Extra Crunchy PB&J
Lots of us are currently dreaming of skiing and / or our next skis. But one of our Blister members schemed up a new custom ski, then gave it a great name: the ‘Extra Crunchy’ PB&J. Check out the backstory & specs for this ECPB&J, and let us know about any dream builds you’ve thought up.
Making the 1st Electric Snowmobile: Taiga Motors (Ep.92)
While more and more electric cars are hitting the streets, Taiga Motors is about to bring the world’s first commercial electric snowmobiles to the backcountry and ski areas. So we talked with Taiga Motors CEO & co-founder, Sam Bruneau, about taking the electric snowmobile from a college project to an actual business; and we get into the specifics of charging a Taiga, and how these electric sleds measure up against gas-powered ones in terms of power, torque, weight, range, and performance in harsh temperatures.