BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2017 Fox 36 RC2 Float Fork
The Fox 36 RC2 Float might be the stiffest 27.5″ single crown fork we’ve ridden, but how does it stack up to forks like the RockShox Pike?
Fox Transfer Dropper Post
Fox’s Transfer dropper post works well, and has some design features that should help it avoid the durability issues that plague many droppers.
Sram ROAM 60 29” Wheels
Sram just released a 29er version of their burly Roam 60 wheelset.
2016 Devinci Django Carbon 29 GX
While there are better purpose-built bikes out there, for an all-around, one bike quiver, it’s pretty tough to top the Devinci Django 29.
Kelty TN2 Tent
The Kelty TN2 is a pretty packable, affordable option for anyone looking for a roomy two-person tent.
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
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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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.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
19/20 Line Vision 98
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Line’s new lightweight touring 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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Ian Sharman on Keeping Running Fun, Racing Fair, & Keys to Consistency (Ep.12)
We talk to Ian Sharman about becoming the Fastest Elvis and setting Guinness World Records for racing in costumes; completing over 200 ultras and marathons; the most common mistakes people make in training and in racing; his strategy for keeping doping out of ultrarunning; and more.
2019 Nicolai / GeoMetron G16
Every brand is now making longer and slacker bikes, but few have taken this approach to the extremes of Nicolai. So, how does their ultra-long and ultra-slack G16 Enduro bike actually perform on trail, and how does it compare to the more moderate competition? Check out our full review of the G16.
T-Shirt Roundup — 2019
A t-shirt can be a lot of things: burly bike jersey, ultralight running top, or the coziest loungewear best reserved for your couch. We’ve rounded up a ton of options that cover that whole spectrum — check them out here.
2021-2022 Salomon QST Stella 106
The overhauled Salomon QST Stella 106 now looks like it stands out a lot more in the women’s ski market. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions to see why.
A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 3: Racers & Race Boots (Ep.60)
How do elite ski racers like Marcel Hirsher, Mikaela Shiffrin, Bode Miller, and Daron Rahlves “feel” their gear, and their ski boots in particular? We talk to Matt Manser about this; forward lean; ‘static’ power straps vs. ‘elastic’ Booster Straps; whether WC skiers or WC DH mtn bikers are pickier about their equipment; and more.
Win a Bike Rack from Kuat
Win Kuat’s flagship bike rack, the NV 2.0 — a hitch-mounted bike rack with capacity for two bikes.
Promising or Pointless? 5 Weird New Bike Products (Ep.6)
Sometimes “different” is better. Other times, it’s just dumb. So we discuss a number of very unconventional new products: the Trust Message linkage fork; Structure Cycleworks’ SCW1 linkage fork / frame system; high-pivot trail bikes and the Forbidden Druid; Starling Cycles’ ‘Jack Drive’ bikes; and Tannus Armour tire inserts.
La Sportiva Cobra Eco
La Sportiva recently released a new, more environmentally friendly version of their classic Cobra shoe, and we’ve now spent a year in the new Cobra Eco to see how it compares.
Meghan Hicks, managing editor, iRunFar (Ep.11)
Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk to Meghan Hicks — who is one hell of a trail runner in her own right — about her background; covering the “puke fests and the transcendental moments” of trail running; how iRunFar.com came to be; what motivates her to run; what she thinks is the most misunderstood thing about ultra races; and more.
2021-2022 Moment Deathwish Tour 112
Moment just released a new version of their Deathwish — the Deathwish Tour. And after spending time on it this past season, we think the new ski stands out in the touring market. Check out our full review.
Up & Coming: Skier AND Mtn Biker, Dylan Siggers (Ep.96)
Today we’re launching our new Up & Coming series, where we’ll be highlighting some athletes who, if they aren’t already on your radar, they should be. And first up is Dylan Siggers, because few people out there are this good on skis and on a bike. Plus, Dylan is also involved in filmmaking and music, so we talk to him about skiing, biking, filming, music, and more.