BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

Flash Review: 16/17 Blizzard Bodacious
The Bodacious has been totally overhauled. Depending on what you want to do with this ski, this news is either pretty good or extremely sad.
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2016-2017 K2 Pinnacle 95
K2’s new “flagship freeride ski,” the Pinnacle 95, is easier and more balanced than its predecessor, the K2 Annex 98.

Flash Review: 4 Stand Out Products in NZ
Here are the products that impressed us the most.
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Flash Review: 15/16 Line Bacon & Mordecai
We’ve got exclusive news about two of the most high-profile new skis of the season: the Line Sir Francis Bacon and Mordecai.
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Introducing: New Blister Membership & Services
We’re excited to introduce four new offerings at Blister, including the Blister Membership and the Blister Winter Buyer’s Guide. Take a look.

2015-2016 Salomon X Max 130
Salomon calls the X Max 130 their “top level race boot,” but we discuss both its on-piste and off-piste performance.

Deep Dive: Atomic Vantage 100
We compare the Atomic Vantage 100CTi to the Blizzard Bonafide, Volkl Mantra, Nordica Enforcer, Rossignol Experience 100, and K2 Pinnacle 95.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2020-2021 Volkl V-Werks BMT 109
The Volkl V-Werks BMT 109 isn’t the lightest touring ski we’ve tested, nor the best in firm crud or deep pow. But it is the best all-around performer in its class.

Deep Dive: Armada Invictus 108Ti
We compare the Invictus to 9 other directional chargers, and put them all on a spectrum from ‘most demanding / stable’ to ‘most playful / forgiving.’
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Deep Dive: Moment Governor
We compare the Moment Governor to the Rossignol Squad 7, the DPS Wailer 112RPC, the Praxis GPO, the Blizzard Bodacious. and more.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Kitsbow Divide Jersey
Made in British Columbia, the Kitsbow Divide is a well constructed, wool-blend jersey.

MSR AC Bivy
The MSR AC Bivy is a lightweight, spacious, and highly packable bivy bag.

WTB Volt Team Saddle
The WTB Volt Team saddle is a good all-purpose seat that comes in multiple widths.

2017-2018 Atomic Vantage 100 CTi
The new Vantage 100 seems to be exactly what Atomic set out to design: a strong, relatively light all-mountain ski.

Dynafit Vulcan
The Dynafit Vulcan set the current standard for high-performance AT boots. So before we discuss some new challengers, here is our very detailed review of the Vulcan.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

Kuat Transfer Bike Rack
When it comes to bike racks, you’re often choosing between expensive options that are secure, or inexpensive options that are unreliable and unstable. But the Kuat Transfer aims to change that. Check out our review.

18/19 Head Monster 88 Ti
Here are our initial on-snow impressions of the redesigned Monster 88 Ti, including comparisons to the 17/18 version.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2019-2020 Head Monster 88 Ti
With the Monster 98 and 108 now gone, the new, redesigned Head Monster 88 Ti is now the widest ski in the Monster series. So what changed and what stayed the same with this new ski? Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, initial impressions, and Flash Review.

Flip Flop & Sandals Roundup, 2018
As you may know by now, flip flops and sandals are some of our favorite pieces of gear, and we’re in them year round. So it’s time for an updated roundup of a number of our favorites for men and women — from casual flip-flops, to versatile sandals that could replace your hiking shoes.

Edelrid Tommy Caldwell ProDryDT Rope
While it might initially seem like a heavy workhorse rope, the Edelrid Tommy Caldwell ProDryDT has proven far more versatile than that. Check out our review, with comparisons to the Mammut Infinity and Sterling Evolution Helix.

Eric Pollard — “Burning Sidewall”
The new Line Sakana is a unique ski, one that we said encourages a unique style of skiing. And now Eric Pollard — who designed the ski — just released a short film that perfectly illustrates this.

Black Diamond Camalot Ultralight Cams
Black Diamond’s Camalot Ultralights take their classic Camalot design and trim down the weight significantly, but what about durability and value? We weigh in on how the Ultralights compare to the original Camalots, as well as some other options on the market like the Metolius Ultralight Master Cams.

Parlor Skis 18/19 Lineup & ‘Build Your Own Skis’ Class (Ep.24)
We talk to Boston-based Parlor Skis co-founder, Mark Wallace, about the origins story of Parlor; their “Build Your Own Skis” class; the new models in their 18/19 lineup — including Parlor snowboards and splitboards; and several trends on the East Coast ski scene. (We also talk about lasagna, burritos, and Camaros.)


Deep Dive: Armada Tracer 108
We compare the Tracer 108 to the Line Sick Day 104, Salomon QST 106, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Atomic Backland FR 109, Liberty Origin 106, Faction Candide 3.0, Blizzard Rustler 10, Sego Condor Ti, 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.
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Petzl Boreo Helmet
Climbing helmet standards have typically been focused on protecting against impacts from above (e.g. rockfall). But Petzl’s new Boreo helmet is also tested against the front, side, and rear impacts that are common in actual falls. The idea certainly makes sense, but how well is that idea executed here? Check out our review.

2018-2019 Armada Tracer 108
After skiing it in the resort and touring on it in the backcountry, the redesigned Armada Tracer 108 has proven to be a versatile, predictable, and playful 50/50 ski. Check out our full review.