BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2020-2021 HEAD Kore 117
We’re getting time now on HEAD’s entire new KORE series, and here is our review of the fattest ski in the lineup: the KORE 117.
Fox DHX2 Rear Shock
Fox’s new DHX2 is one of the lighter DH shocks on the market, and it beats out the rest of the “big three” on performance.
Pomoca Climb Pro Mohair Skins
The Pomoca Climb Pro Mohair skins offer a great mixture of grip and glide, as well as several other features that distinguish them from their North American counterparts.
Sven Coomer, Founder of Zipfit Ski Boot Liners (Ep.35)
What is the least understood but arguably most important piece of ski equipment? Ski boot liners. So we talk to ski boot pioneer, Sven Coomer, about why boot liners don’t receive the attention they deserve, what makes Zipfit liners different, and why Sven believes that liners are the single most important piece of ski equipment.
2020-2021 Tecnica Cochise 130 Pro
We’ve put 30 more days in the Tecnica Cochise 130 Pro, so here is our long-term update on performance and durability.
2017 Pivot Firebird
The 2017 Pivot Firebird is the most DH oriented enduro bike we’ve ever ridden.
2nd Look: Giro Zone MIPS Helmet
After 40 more days in the Zone MIPS we’ve got a 2nd Look at Giro’s high-end helmet.
Giro Contact Goggle & Zone MIPS Helmet
Here are our reviews of the updated (and very good) Giro Contact google, and the Giro Zone MIPS helmet.
2017-2018 Faction Candide 3.0
The Faction Candide 3.0 is a very strong option if you’re looking for a lighter ski that can still be pushed hard.
2017 Marin Attack Trail Pro
Marin’s Attack Trail Pro hits a middle ground between trail and enduro bikes that should appeal to a lot of people.
Sweet Protection Grimnir TE Helmet
The Sweet Protection Grimnir TE is a high-end helmet, with the performance and price to match.
Outdoor Research Mt. Baker Modular Mitt
The Outdoor Research Mt. Baker Modular Mitt is a versatile, durable, warm winter mitt, and a good value, too.
Paul Forward — Heli Guide, Doctor, Blister Reviewer (Ep.34)
Is he the most interesting man in the world? Probably. We talk to our good friend Paul Forward about heli skiing, heli guiding, wilderness medicine, and of course, some new gear.
Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket
The Outdoor Research Skyward jacket is a breathable, comfortable choice for backcountry or inbounds skiers.
2019-2020 K2 Catamaran
Here is our full review of the K2 Catamaran, and it may be the most playful and intuitive fat pow ski we’ve ever been on.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Making the 1st Electric Snowmobile: Taiga Motors (Ep.92)
While more and more electric cars are hitting the streets, Taiga Motors is about to bring the world’s first commercial electric snowmobiles to the backcountry and ski areas. So we talked with Taiga Motors CEO & co-founder, Sam Bruneau, about taking the electric snowmobile from a college project to an actual business; and we get into the specifics of charging a Taiga, and how these electric sleds measure up against gas-powered ones in terms of power, torque, weight, range, and performance in harsh temperatures.
Wild Rye Freel Short, Marion Chammy, & Sandia Shirt
Wild Rye is a women’s-specific apparel company that’s designing pieces that stand out not only in terms of style, but also performance. Check out our review of their Freel Shorts, Marion Chammy, and Sandia Shirt.
2020-2021 Salomon QST 99
Salomon overhauled their QST 99 for 19/20, and we think the new ski ought to be very appealing to a whole lot of skiers. Check out our full review.
Deep Dive: Salomon QST 99
We compare the new QST 99 to the K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Volkl Mantra M5, Volkl Mantra 102, Blizzard Bonafide, 4FRNT MSP 99, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Fischer Ranger 99Ti, Nordica Enforcer 100, J Skis Masterblaster, Blizzard Rustler 9, Renoun Endurance 98, Moment Commander 98, ON3P Wrenegade 96, Rossignol Experience 94 Ti, Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, Dynastar Legend X96, and Liberty Origin 96.
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How & Why We Do What We Do
If you’re curious about Blister’s history, how the review world generally works, and how and why we do things differently, check out the recent Channel Mastery podcast, where Jonathan Ellsworth was asked to discuss Blister’s background and mission.
19/20 Faction Candide 5.0
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Candide Thovex’s signature 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.)
A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 2: Flex Patterns (Ep.55)
We’re talking again with Atomic Ski Boots product manager, Matt Manser, about the messy world of ski boot flex ratings; the actual differences between some brands’ 120 and 130 rated boot; how Atomic arrives at their own flex ratings; the next areas of innovation that Atomic is focused on, and more.
Guerrilla Gravity’s New Bikes & Big Ideas (Ep.3)
When a small indie bike company with a heavy-metal vibe makes extremely big claims about the cutting-edge materials they are using to manufacture bikes right here in the USA, and doing all of this at a pretty modest price point … are they full of crap, or are they truly onto something here? And if so, how big of a deal is this? Jonathan Ellsworth headed to Guerrilla Gravity HQ in Denver to sit down with their co-founders and their director of composites to find out.
Video: Riding in Gunnison – Crested Butte
Want to know why we *really* like the riding around here? This short video from Dakine will give you a taste of the rocky and desert-like riding around Gunnison, and the aspen forests and high-alpine terrain around Crested Butte.
Jennifer Pharr Davis on ‘Hiking’ vs ‘Trail Running’ Culture (Ep.7)
Scott Jurek called his attempt to break Jennifer Pharr Davis’ FKT record for hiking the Appalachian Trail the hardest thing he’d ever done. And yet, hiking and thru-hiking often isn’t given proper credit either as a monumental test of endurance, or as a more accessible / less intimidating activity to get more people outdoors. So we talk to Jennifer about the divides between hiking culture & trail running culture; lessons from her book, The Pursuit of Endurance, and more.
2021-2022 K2 Mindbender 116C
Apart from the name, the new K2 Mindbender 116C doesn’t share a lot in common with the Mindbender 99Ti and Mindbender 108Ti. And that’s no accident. Check out our full review for more.