BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Deep Dive: J Skis Masterblaster
Updated: 1.06.17: We compare the 181 and 187 cm Masterblaster to eight other skis.
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How to Handle Backcountry Emergencies (Ep.30)
Accidents happen when you’re far away from help. Do you know how to respond? Too many of us don’t, and that is irresponsible and dangerous. This conversation will drive that point home, and clue you in on some steps we all should take.
Turner RFX V4.0
We weigh in on the Turner RFX V4.0, and compare it to other bikes in the “versatile trail bike” category.
2020-2021 Amplid UNW8
We were huge fans of the original Amplid UNW8, so how does the updated board perform?
First Look: 2016-17 Karakoram Prime Connect Snowboard Binding
Karakoram’s Prime Connect swaps easily between boards and can be use inbounds and in the backcountry.
Sweet Protection Trooper MIPS Helmet
The Sweet Protection Trooper MIPS is one of the nicest helmets we’ve reviewed, and one of the helmets we’d trust most in a crash.
First Look: 2018-2019 K2 Pinnacle 130 and Pinnacle Pro 130
K2 has revised their Pinnacle 130 boot, and released the lighter Pinnacle Pro 130. So how do these two boots compare, and what else do you need to know?
ENVE M60 Forty HV 29” Wheels
After 10 months of riding on ENVE’s M60 Forty HV wheels, we’ve got a long-term update.
Blister’s Holiday Gift Guide 2016
If you’ve been busy skiing pow and still need to find a few gifts, we can help with some great last-minute ideas.
Report from Bachelor + Meet the New Reviewers (Ep.29)
From Bend, we announce the release of a new special-edition Blister Pro, then talk to Blister reviewers David Steele and Andrew Forward about growing up in Alaska; speed flying; Glacier National Park; funny & painful ski touring missions, Super Burrito, and more.
17/18 J Skis Masterblaster
We subjected the Masterblaster to some pretty deep conditions this week at Mt Bachelor.
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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Wallstreet Suites, Bend, Oregon
This is our second time staying at Wallstreet Suites, and it’s an easy place to recommend. It’s a comfortable, unpretentious place run by very nice people (Wendy Kelley and Gretchen Palmer). The suites are new and very nice, and come with all the amenities — full
Trip Report: Mt Bachelor — 12.15.16
When you drop more than 5 feet of snow on thousands of acres of feature-filled terrain, things get really, really fun. Take a look…
2021-2022 Line Pescado
The Line Pescado is a super fun, poppy, fat ski that is more versatile than we’d ever imagined.
Random Review: Hamilton – An American Musical
Nothing has had more hype. So, is it overrated?
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2021-2022 K2 Mindbender 106c Alliance
After spending time on it in conditions ranging from fast and firm to steep and deep, the brand-new K2 Mindbender 106c Alliance has proven to be one of the most versatile wider women’s skis we’ve used.
2019-2020 Armada ARV 96 Ti
Take two layers of metal, a nearly symmetrical shape, and a twin tip, and you’ve got the Armada ARV 96 Ti. The result? Check out our full review.
Deep Dive: Armada ARV 96 Ti
We compare the ARV 96 Ti to the Rossignol Black Ops 98, Dynastar Menace 98, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, Liberty Helix 98, Liberty Origin 96, J Skis Masterblaster, Moment Commander 98, Renoun Endurance 98, Nordica Enforcer 100, 4FRNT MSP 99, ON3P Wrenegade 96, and Blizzard Rustler 9.
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 a Down Hoodie from Holden
Enter to win a cozy hoodie packed with high-quality, trackable down insulation.
Patagonia’s Technical Fabric Development & Design (Ep.47)
This week we talk to Patagonia’s senior material developer, Pasha Whitmire, about how Patagonia designs, develops, and tests their technical fabrics; myths surrounding waterproof / breathable materials; why the future of fabric development lies in sustainability; the advantages and disadvantages of working with big names like Gore-Tex; and a whole lot more outerwear geekery.
Claudio Caluori (Ep.1)
We talk to Bikes & Big Ideas co-host, Claudio Caluori, about the origin story of this podcast; his background in XC & DH racing, how Velosolutions got started, experiments with food & diet; the #pumpforpeace project, and more.
Smith I/O Mag XL Goggle
Smith’s original I/O goggle helped start the trend of lenses with quick and easy lens-swap systems. The I/O line has evolved a lot since then, with the brand-new I/O Mag XL being one of the newest additions. Check out our full review of the I/O Mag XL.
David Golay
Blister reviewer, David Golay Age: 28 | Vitals: 6’’0”, 165 lbs. | Years mountain biking: 18 | Current Residence: Seattle, WA I got my introduction into mountain biking in my hometown of Ithaca, NY and began by riding — and quickly racing — XC. By
Dylan Wood
Dylan Wood racing the Santa Cruz Hightower LT, Crested Butte, CO. (photo by Jared Farley) Age: 25 | Vitals: 5’10.5”, 160 lbs. | Years mountain biking: 13 | Current Residence: Gunnison, CO I started mountain biking as a kid and soon built a lot of
Ben Sims
Ben Sims Age: 37 | Vitals: 5’10”, 180 lbs | Years mountain biking: 11 | Current Residence: Monument, CO I grew up in West Georgia and came to Colorado in the summer of 2000. My college years in Colorado introduced me to the world of
2021-2022 Prior Northwest 100
The brand-new Prior Northwest 100 slots into a diverse class of playful all-mountain skis. So how does its design compare to the competition? Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions.
2020-2021 DPS Alchemist Wailer A110 C2
DPS’s Wailer 112 has become very popular with many skiers, but it’s also been a bit polarizing. For 19/20, they’re adding a different version that could be appealing to those who weren’t previously interested in the Wailer 112. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the new Wailer A110.