BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
New Bike Stuff! (Ep.39)
We talk to Blister’s bike editor, Noah Bodman, about where the most innovations are taking place in the bike world; whether e-bikes are gaining acceptance; several particular bikes (including the YT Jeffsy, the Canyon Spectral, and a couple of “plus” bikes); and the upcoming World Cup DH season.
2020-2021 Rossignol XV Magtek Splitboard
The Rossignol XV Magtek Split is a powerful and versatile splitboard.
2017-2018 Liv Hail Advanced 1
The new Liv Hail is a women’s-specific, all-mountain bike for riders who prioritize fast and aggressive descending.
Arctic Oven Igloo Tent
If you’re looking for ways to spend extended periods of time in the wilderness for ski touring, fishing, surfing, hunting, etc., the made-in-Alaska Arctic Oven Igloo heated tent is one of the very best options we’ve used.
New Release: 2018 Fox Forks and Shocks
Fox just realeased their new shock and fork lineup.
2017 Banshee Phantom
After more time on the Banshee Phantom, we’ve got an update.
DPS Skis Founder, Stephan Drake (Ep.38)
We talk to DPS Skis founder, Stephan Drake, about the early days of DPS, ski design, and the new DPS ski boot that aims to change skiing as we know it.
Tipsy Elves Powder Blaster Ski Suit
Sure, the Tipsy Elves Powder Blaster Ski Suit is awesome, but is it bright enough? And warm? And how many beers does it hold?
2017 Surly Karate Monkey
The Surly Karate Monkey was the cheapest, and the simplest bike we rode at Interbike, but was it the most fun?
2017 Pivot Mach 429 Trail
If “XC with a bit extra” sounds like your cup of tea, the Pivot Mach 429 Trail is a great option.
2019-2020 Liberty Origin Pro
The Liberty Schuster Pro is a fun and versatile powder ski that shouldn’t be overlooked by skiers looking for a more directional ride.
Roxa R3 130 T.I. Boot
Roxa’s new R3 130 T.I. may have flown a bit under the radar at the trade shows, but it has proven to be a capable boot
2018-2019 CAST Freetour System
With their Freetour System, CAST aims to meld no-compromise downhill performance with the uphill efficiency of a tech touring binding.
2020-2021 DPS Alchemist Lotus 124 Spoon
The Lotus Alchemist 124 Spoon has quickly become one of our favorite powder skis.
2018-2019 Icelantic Nomad 105 Lite
With the Nomad 105 Lite, Icelantic has created a versatile and playful but stable backcountry ski that lives up to its “free touring” moniker.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Deep Dive: Liberty Origin 106
We compare the updated Origin 106 to the previous Liberty Origin 106, Line Sick Day 104, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Salomon QST 106, Elan Ripstick 106, Renoun Citadel 106, Nordica Enforcer 110, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, 4FRNT MSP 107, Black Crows Corvus, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Prior Husume, J Skis Metal, ON3P Wrenegade 108, Blizzard Cochise, and Faction Dictator 3.0.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Win Men’s or Women’s Apparel from Amundsen
Win functional and stylish apparel from Norwegian brand, Amundsen Sports!
Sweet Protection Ascender Helmet
“Dual-Certified” helmets — designed to protect you both while climbing and skiing / snowboarding — are a growing product category. And for 19/20, Sweet Protection is presenting their own version. Check out our full review for more on their new Ascender Helmet.
Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket W
Fjällräven says their Keb Eco-Shell Jacket is ideal for year-round use, and after using it for everything from rainy tropical hikes to ski touring, we’d agree. Check out our full review.
Fresh Takes on Trail Running & its Future (Ep.6)
While participation in trail running and ultra trail races is increasing, it has tended to draw an older crowd. But younger runners are getting into the sport, and they aren’t following all the old conventions. So we discuss the current and future state of trail running and ultra running with two young and rising trail runners, Maddie Hart and Gordon Gianniny.
2019 Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Live Valve
After 3 months of testing, here is our full review of both Pivot’s Mach 5.5 Carbon bike, and Fox’s “Live Valve” electronic suspension system that’s available on the Mach 5.5.
Flash Review: 19/20 Prior Northwest 110
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Prior’s new all-mountain-freestyle 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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Running Sock Roundup
What running sock should you get? A minimal low-cut with no cushion? A thicker one with more coverage? We’ve rounded up a bunch of different options to make it easier to find the perfect sock for you.
Deep Dive: K2 Mindbender 99Ti
We compare the Mindbender 99Ti to the Volkl Mantra M5, Blizzard Bonafide, Nordica Enforcer 100, J Skis Masterblaster, 4FRNT MSP 99, Moment Commander 98, ON3P Wrenegade 96, Blizzard Rustler 9, Rossignol Experience 94 Ti, Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, Liberty Origin 96, Renoun Endurance 98, and Dynastar Legend X96.
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.)
2021-2022 K2 Mindbender 99Ti
We had three reviewers on two different lengths of K2’s new Mindbender 99Ti, and you can now check out our full review.
Win a Men’s or Women’s MTB Kit from Mons Royale
Win a jersey, bike short, and chamois from Mons Royale!
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2019 (Ep.53)
Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa discuss mind-boggling new technologies like titanium-coated fibres; inventive sustainability stories involving recycled medical supplies; and the noteworthy trends — both good and bad — that they saw this week at the OR show.