BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
“Easy” vs. “Demanding” Skis
Are directional skis going away? And why does there seem to be such an emphasis these days on skis being “easy” ?
2016-2017 Kitten Factory Toors Lite
The Toors Lite by Kitten Factory is light enough on the way up and fun enough on the way down that you will probably find yourself heading back for another lap.
First Look: 2016-2017 Salomon QST 99
Here’s a First Look at Salomon’s new “QST” freeride lineup in general, and the new QST 99 in particular.
Loki Myth Soft Shell Jacket
The Loki Myth is an innovative and quiver-killing softshell for bike commuting.
2016 Transition Smuggler 1
The Transition Smuggler is a shorter travel 29er that should appeal to a wide range of riders on a wide range of trails.
Leatt AirFlex Pro Knee and Elbow Pads
Leatt’s Airflex Pro knee and elbow pads are some of the best ventilated and most breathable pads we’ve used.
2016-2017 Head Monster 108
The Head Monster 108 is a smooth, damp, burly ski. But just how burly is it?
2017 Fox 32 SC Fork
The new Fox 32 SC is the lightest and stiffest XC race fork we’ve ridden, and the price kills the competition
Mountain Equipment Prophet Jacket
We take a look at Gore’s new Thermium material in the weather-resistant and insulated Mountain Equipment Prophet jacket.
SPY Doom Goggle With Happy Lens
The SPY Doom goggle with Happy Lenses is giving our favorite goggles a run for their money.
Ted Ligety – US Ski Racer, GS Legend (Ep.14)
We talk to one of the greatest giant slalom skiers in history about his current injury, his goals for next season, and a whole lot more.
North Shore Racks NSR 4-Bike Rack
We’ve tested the North Shore NSR 4-Bike Rack for over two years, and found it to be a simple, durable, rack that’s more compact than tray-style hitch racks.
Flash Review: 2016-2017 Head Monster 98
The Head Monster 98 may be the best 98 mm wide carver currently available.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2016-2017 Kitten Factory All Mountain
Looking for one ski to use both inbounds and for touring? The Kitten Factory All Mountain is versatile one-ski quiver for the centered skier who splits his time between the skin track and the chairlift.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2019-2020 Argent Badger
Stiff flex, heavy weight, and a full layer of steel (that’s right, *steel*) in its core. The Argent Badger is not your typical ski, and we haven’t even mentioned some of the other surprises. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the Badger.
GearDryer Freestanding 12
Wet gear sucks, and dry gear is great. The GearDryer Freestanding 12 lets you dry a whole bunch of stuff all at once, and we’ve become pretty big fans of it. Check out our full review.
Kieran Nay
Kieran Nay Vitals: 6’1” 143 lbs Running Background, style, and general preferences I grew up hiking and running around in Monument CO, a then small town north of Colorado Springs. As a Colorado local, my childhood was defined by the mountains but I was never
Deep Dive: Liberty Origin 96
We compare the Origin 96 to the Liberty Helix 98, Blizzard Rustler 9, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, Renoun Endurance 98, Nordica Enforcer 100, J Skis Masterblaster, 4FRNT MSP 99, Moment Commander 98, ON3P Wrenegade 96, and K2 Pinnacle 95 Ti.
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.)
2020-2021 Liberty Origin 96
This year Liberty updated one of our favorite skis in the ~95-100 mm wide all-mountain category, their Origin 96, and you can now check out our full review.
Spy Ace EC Goggle
Spy’s new Ace EC goggle uses a single electrochromic lens that lets you change the tint with a touch of a button. Yep, one lens for everything. So, how does it actually work in reality, and are there any downsides? Check out our review.
Patagonia Micro Puff Storm Jacket
The Patagonia Micro Puff Storm Jacket is essentially a waterproof version of a Blister favorite, the Micro Puff Hoody. So is the Storm just as impressive as the original? Check out our review.
Michelle Parker — “Originate”
Originate is a 5-part series about the behind-the-scenes aspects of being a pro skier, and features Michelle Parker, Elyse Saugstad, Angel Collinson, Cody Townsend, and Mark Abma. The finale is now out (with a cameo by our very own Paul Forward), and you can check out all 5 episodes here.
New Skis & Outerwear (Ep.33)
We discuss the latest skis and outerwear we’re reviewing, including the Black Crows Corvus, Rossi Black Ops, Parlor Cardinal 90, Argent Skis Badger, Flylow Baker Bibs, and Patagonia Micro Puff Storm.
2020-2021 Dynafit Hoji Pro Tour
We now have around 30 days in Dynafit’s new touring boot, the Hoji Pro Tour, and here you can check out our updated review.
2020-2021 Fischer RC4 The Curv
The Fischer RC4 The Curv has been one of our favorite frontside skis since it came out, and it is a 3 x winner of a Blister “Best Of” award. Check out our full review to see why.