BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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…
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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.
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.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Sunglasses Roundup — 2019
End up breaking or losing your sunglasses this summer? Still looking for a new pair of shades? We’ve just updated our sunglasses roundup with even more options, several of which are on sale now.
2020-2021 DPS Foundation Koala 119
UPDATE: After we published our review of the DPS Koala F119, Dash Longe — who had a large role in the creation of the ski — shared his assessment of our review, then offered his own take on the ski and its purpose. Check out what Dash had to say.
Win a Blister Membership
Need advice on gear? Want discounts on brands like ON3P, Moment, J Skis, 4FRNT, Folsom, Prior, and more? Enter to win a Blister Membership!
WNDR Alpine’s New Skis (Ep.63)
We talk to WNDR Alpine’s founder, Matt Sterbenz, and brand manager, Xan Marshland, about the creation of and the future plans for WNDR Alpine; its relation to the biotech company, Checkerspot; and we dive deep into the details of their new ski, the Intention 110.
How to Have a Constructive Conversation about e-Bikes (Ep.8)
Like politics and religion, e-bikes are a topic that get people extremely worked up, often result in name calling, and rarely are productive. And this needs to change, because e-Bikes are not going away. So we talked to Dave Wiens, the executive director of the International Mountain Biking Association, to help clarify what all the fuss is about; identify what the biggest issues are with e-mountain bikes; present the concerns that the advocates of — and the opponents of — e-bikes need to understand; and lay out what the best way forward looks like.
Shorts Roundup — 2019
Companies are now making lots of shorts that not only look great, but that can also handle days on the trails, wall, water, or bike. We’ve collected a number of our favorite options for men and women — check them out here.
David Roche on the Philosophy Behind His Coaching (Ep.14)
David Roche is one of the most successful running coaches out there, but he is definitely not the most conventional running coach out there. So we explore with David the philosophy and principles that undergird his coaching; how he went from being a 200 lb. football & baseball player to two-time national champion in the 10k; what new training ideas seem most promising to him; and more.
Deep Dive: DPS Foundation Koala 119
We compare the Koala F119 to the Rossignol Black Ops 118, Prior CBC, Dynastar Menace Proto, J Skis Friend, ON3P Jeffrey 116, Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, Volkl Revolt 121, Nordica Enforcer Pro, Icelantic Nomad 115, Faction Candide 5.0, and Faction Candide 4.0.
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.)
Biotech hits the Backcountry: Checkerspot & WNDR Alpine (Ep.98)
What does biotech have to do with backcountry skiing? And what does microalgae have to do with skis? And why did the founder of 4FRNT Skis, Matt Sterbenz, agree to get involved with a new startup ski brand, WNDR Alpine? We sat down in Blister HQ with Checkerspot co-founder and CEO, Charlie Dimmler, and WNDR Alpine founder, Matt Sterbenz, to talk about the creation of WNDR Alpine; its relation to and the mission of Checkerspot; and more.
What You’re Wearing Part 2: Wool (Ep.62)
Why are more and more companies making products out of wool? What makes it unique from other fibers? And how is merino wool different from regular wool? We talk to Icebreaker’s Josh Vaughan about these questions; wool’s environmental impact; the variety of wool types and how they differ; and he provides some amazingly in-depth insight about wool’s unique properties.
La Sportiva TX3 Shoe
Approach shoes vary a lot, from casual sneaker styles to others that are basically toned-down mountaineering boots. So where does La Sportiva’s TX3 fall, and how does it compare to the competition? Check out our full review.