BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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…
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.)
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…
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.)
La Sportiva Otaki
The Otaki is an all-around climbing shoe that La Sportiva says is closely related to the Katana Lace. So how similar or different are these two shoes, and where does the Otaki really shine?
2017 Scott Genius LT Plus
The Scott Genius LT 720 Plus offers a big, cushy ride that smooths out the trail. Kind of like one of those Zorbs. Read on…
Alex Honnold’s Free Solo of El Cap (Ep.43)
In this episode, Blister’s climbing editor joins us in the attempt to wrap our heads around Honnold’s successful free solo of El Cap, and to debate whether this is the greatest athletic achievement ever.
2017 Yeti SB5 Beti
The Yeti SB5 Beti is a fast and efficient women’s trail bike that really excels on the up.
2016-2017 Kastle BMX 105
Kastle calls the BMX 105 a “powerful freeride ski” that can handle pretty much anything. So where did we find it to really shine? Check out our full review.
Terrene Chunk Tire
Terrene is a new tire company offering a wide range of options. We’ve spent a wet fall and spring on their high-volume Chunk tire.
2017 Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 EX
Canyon is making its US debut this summer, and here’s our review of their Spectral CF 9.0 EX, their inexpensive, mid-travel bike that emphasizes maneuverability and playfulness.
2021-2022 Armada ARV 116 JJ
We’ve been spending time on Armada’s latest powder ski, the all-new ARV 116 JJ.
2017 YT Jeffsy 29
The YT Jeffsy 29 is more playful than you might expect from a semi-long-travel 29er. It’s also less expensive than you might expect, too.
17/18 Faction Dictator 3.0
I skied the Dictator 3.0 today, all day. It was my first day on the ski, and it was a bit surprising. So figured I’d post my initial impressions.
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.)
2018-2019 K2 Split Bean
The K2 Split Bean is a super fun, responsive splitboard for jibbing and surfing deep snow, spring corn, and slush.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Runner, Cat Herder, Garbage Man, & Mad Moose Events Director, Justin Ricks (Ep.13)
We talk to Mad Moose race director, Justin Ricks, about walking away from running; returning to running — and leaving a secure corporate job and moving his family into a camper to do so; putting on 20+ race events a year with his family; scoring impressive results when he himself decides to race; and how running is very much a whole family affair for the Ricks’.
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5
A lot of running shoes are marketed as being good for “all terrain,” though few actually deliver. But we think the Hoka Challenger ATR5 truly does, and you can check out our full review to see where this shoe shines in particular.
How to Change the World with Bikes: World Bicycle Relief (Ep.97)
For many of us, bikes are primarily fun. But for many others, bikes are major drivers of economic development, educational opportunity, health care, and equality. World Bicycle Relief was started by the founder of SRAM to provide bikes to developing countries, and we talk with WBR’s CEO, Dave Neiswander, about the origins of World Bicycle Relief; its trajectory and challenges; all the product design that goes into their bikes; and what each of us can do to support the WBR mission.
Crosson Skis founder, Chase Englehart (Ep.61)
Crosson Skis is a small, new company that’s making some very big claims. So we talk to their founder, Chase Englehart, about the origins of Crosson; what makes their skis different — and better; building skis outside of Seattle; working with athletes like Bobby Brown and Banks Gilberti; and their 19/20 lineup.
World Bicycle Relief: Making a Better World with Bikes (Ep.7)
For many of us, bikes are primarily fun. But for many others, bikes are major drivers of economic development, educational opportunity, health care, and equality. World Bicycle Relief was started by the founder of SRAM to provide bikes to developing countries, and we talk with WBR’s CEO, Dave Neiswander, about the origins of World Bicycle Relief; its trajectory and challenges; all the product design that goes into their bikes; and what each of us can do to support the WBR mission.
19/20 Icelantic Nomad 105
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Icelantic’s new Nomad 105.
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.)
Win Sustainable Shoes from Saola
Win a pair of Saola’s men’s or women’s Semnoz shoes!
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.
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.)
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.