BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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.
2019-2020 Salomon QST Pro 130
The Salomon QST Pro 130 is a heat-moldable, lightweight boot with a unique design, and it’s also compatible with both alpine bindings and tech bindings. Three of our reviewers have been spending time in this boot, and they all weigh in here.
2017 Pivot Switchblade 29
We spent time on Pivot’s new Switchblade which works with both 29 and 27.5 Plus wheels.
Jim Harris, Perpetual Weekend (Ep.44)
Jim Harris is as passionate about and as involved in the outdoors industry as anyone, but a serious accident threatened to change that. But the real story here is Jim’s “crazy” recovery, and the lessons he has learned (and that we would do well to learn from him) about dealing with obstacles, understanding self-identity, and defining self worth.
Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody
There is a paradigm shift happening in insulation, and the Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody employs one of the most promising new technologies, Polartec Alpha Direct. Check out our review.
2017-2018 Faction Prodigy 2.0
New for 17/18, Faction is introducing the “Prodigy” series. We take a look at the series in general, and in particular, the Prodigy 2.0.
WTB Deva Team Saddle
The WTB Deva is a women’s-specific saddle that should work for a broad spectrum of riders.
2018-2019 Black Crows Anima
Update: reviewer Paul Forward now weighs in on the Anima, and offers more comparisons.
Deep Dive: Playful Pow Skis
We compare the J Skis Friend, Line Mordecai, Black Crows Anima, Armada ARV 116 JJ, ON3P Kartel 116, Blister Pro, Atomic Bent Chetler, K2 Catamaran, and more…
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First Look: Fox Float DPX2
Fox just released their new Float DPX2 rear shock which builds on their already excellent Float line of shocks.
17/18 LINE Sick Day 104
The Sick Day 104 feels like a blend of two other LINE skis that we’re big fans of…
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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
19/20 Atomic Backland 107
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Atomic’s wider touring ski.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Win a Blanket from Rumpl
Get Rumpl’s new, recycled, and very versatile NanoLoft blanket.
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.