BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Rocky Mounts SplitRail Bike Rack
The Rocky Mounts SplitRail is a high-end rack that’s less expensive and lighter than other high-end options.
2018-2019 4FRNT Devastator
Here’s our full review of the 184 cm 4FRNT Devastator, with thoughts on length, mount point, stability vs maneuverability, and its suitability as a 1-ski quiver.
17/18 HEAD Kore 93
Here are our initial on-snow thoughts and impressions of the HEAD Kore 93.
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.)
Flash Review: Nordica Enforcer Pro (vs Enforcer 110)
We’ll be getting a bit more time on the Enforcer Pro for our full review, but here are a bunch of notes and comparisons.
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.)
Fix It Sticks, Back Bottle, & Weatherneck
We’ve been spending time with three of Brian Davis’ unique products, and are impressed at how well they address common problems (at a very low price).
2017 Diamondback Clutch 2
The Diamondback Clutch is a women’s-specific, mid-travel trail bike that pedals pretty efficiently and likes to charge fast down technical trails.
2017-2018 ON3P Wrenegade 108
The ON3P Wrenegade 108 is said to be a maneuverable “big gun.” So just how big of a gun is it, and exactly how maneuverable and forgiving?
2nd Look: Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket
David Steele weighs in on the Outdoor Research Skyward as a dedicated touring jacket.
Michelle Parker — Skier, Climber, Biker, “Pretend Band Member” … (Ep.42)
We talk to ridiculously-well-rounded-skier Michelle Parker about joining the Arc’teryx team, her work with S.A.F.E.A.S Clinics, her upcoming trips, gear, mountain lions, and a whole lot more.
Pearl Izumi X-Project P.R.O.
The X-Project P.R.O. is Pearl Izumi’s new premium mountain bike shoe, said to be “perfect for all mountain bikers and cyclocross riders.” We weigh in on whether — and where — the P.R.O. actually excels.
Loaded Precision AmX 35 Carbon Bar and Stem
The Loaded Precision AmX 35 Carbon bar and stem are a great option for bigger riders looking for a wide — 840 mm — stiff bar.
Spot Rollik 557
The Spot Rollik 557 uses a distinctive carbon leaf spring in its linkage, but how does it ride?
2017-2018 Head Monster 108
So how similar or different is the new 17/18 HEAD Monster 108? Is it still a supremely stable big-mountain ski? We weigh in.
2020-2021 K2 Aspect Snowboard Boot
The K2 Aspect isn’t just a mountaineering boot that can be used for splitboarding, it’s a great snowboard boot that performs well in more serious and technical terrain.
Volkl Universal Vacuum Skins
Volkl’s “glue-free” skins are wonderfully easy to use, but we’ve experienced some significant issues with these pre-cut climbing skins.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 3: Racers & Race Boots (Ep.60)
How do elite ski racers like Marcel Hirsher, Mikaela Shiffrin, Bode Miller, and Daron Rahlves “feel” their gear, and their ski boots in particular? We talk to Matt Manser about this; forward lean; ‘static’ power straps vs. ‘elastic’ Booster Straps; whether WC skiers or WC DH mtn bikers are pickier about their equipment; and more.
Win a Bike Rack from Kuat
Win Kuat’s flagship bike rack, the NV 2.0 — a hitch-mounted bike rack with capacity for two bikes.
Promising or Pointless? 5 Weird New Bike Products (Ep.6)
Sometimes “different” is better. Other times, it’s just dumb. So we discuss a number of very unconventional new products: the Trust Message linkage fork; Structure Cycleworks’ SCW1 linkage fork / frame system; high-pivot trail bikes and the Forbidden Druid; Starling Cycles’ ‘Jack Drive’ bikes; and Tannus Armour tire inserts.
La Sportiva Cobra Eco
La Sportiva recently released a new, more environmentally friendly version of their classic Cobra shoe, and we’ve now spent a year in the new Cobra Eco to see how it compares.
Meghan Hicks, managing editor, iRunFar (Ep.11)
Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk to Meghan Hicks — who is one hell of a trail runner in her own right — about her background; covering the “puke fests and the transcendental moments” of trail running; how iRunFar.com came to be; what motivates her to run; what she thinks is the most misunderstood thing about ultra races; and more.
2021-2022 Moment Deathwish Tour 112
Moment just released a new version of their Deathwish — the Deathwish Tour. And after spending time on it this past season, we think the new ski stands out in the touring market. Check out our full review.
Up & Coming: Skier AND Mtn Biker, Dylan Siggers (Ep.96)
Today we’re launching our new Up & Coming series, where we’ll be highlighting some athletes who, if they aren’t already on your radar, they should be. And first up is Dylan Siggers, because few people out there are this good on skis and on a bike. Plus, Dylan is also involved in filmmaking and music, so we talk to him about skiing, biking, filming, music, and more.
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
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 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?