BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2021-2022 Nordica Soul Rider 87
Nordica has made a skinnier Soul Rider, one of our favorite skis. So how similar or different is the new Soul Rider 87 to the original Soul Rider, and who should consider the 87? Scott Nelson weighs in.
Thule Versant 60L Backpack
The Thule Versant 60L is a mid-sized pack with a simple pocket layout and some useful features, though we’d love to see a couple of minor changes.
2016 Trek Session 9.9
The Trek Session 9.9 is a very light, very fast downhill bike, but see our notes regarding sizing.
Dance Your Skis Off!
This past ski season, we made a video. And the time has finally come to share this powerful piece of American cinema with the world…
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch II Bike Shoe
The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch II is a stiff, breathable bike shoe that excels at all-mountain and trail riding.
7mesh Revelation Jacket
We’re all used to technical ski apparel, but 7mesh is a company out of Squamish, BC, that’s making premium-performance, technical bike apparel.
IXS Dagger Knee Guards
The IXS Dagger Knee Guard might just be the best kneepad for DH riding we’ve found.
First Look 2016 Diamondback Release 2
We take a First Look at Diamondback’s new Release 2, and break down the build kit, as well as diving into why it might look a little familiar.
Flash Review: 17/18 Line Pescado
It’s hot outside, so we’re cooling off by thinking about our time on this fun, fat fish.
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.)
First Look: Ibis Ripley LS
Ibis is now offering the Ripley ‘LS’ — but how much Longer & Slacker is it? We’ve spent 2 weeks on the bike so far, and here are our initial impressions.
2016-2017 Kitten Factory Razor 95
The Kitten Factory Razor 95 is a surprisingly versatile park ski that manages to combine impressive stability with a playful ride.
Blister’s Bike Editor, Noah Bodman (Ep.20)
Noah and I discuss new bike tech; Brexit; Butte, MT; Tom Brady, the greatest bike race on earth; the conflict between bikers and other wilderness users, and more…
2016 Rocky Mountain Maiden Park
It took Rocky Mountain four years to develop their new Maiden DH bike, so was it worth the wait?
Thule T2 Pro Bike Rack
The new Thule T2 Pro stands as a nice upgrade over the original T2 (now “T2 Classic”). We compare the two, and detail what’s changed and what stays the same.
2016-2017 Black Crows Corvus Freebird
Corvus or Corvus Freebird? Black Crows has rolled out two versions of this directional, big mountain ski. Here are some initial specs, thoughts, and questions about the two skis.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Benshi Creative — “Before Tomorrow”
We watch a lot of ski edits, but the one series that has clearly stood out this year is Benshi Creative’s “Before Tomorrow.” Check out all three episodes here.
19/20 DPS Foundation Koala 119
Here’s our updated Flash Review of DPS’s new pow ski, where Jonathan Ellsworth shares his thoughts on the Koala F119.
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.)
Blister Speaker Series 1.3: Dan Abrams, Flylow (Ep.84)
Our 3rd Blister Speaker Series at Western Colorado University was with Dan Abrams, president and co-founder of Flylow. Dan gets into the details of running an outerwear company, and in doing so, offers insight into maintaining perspective while under pressure, how he approaches risky decisions, making the most of bad situations, and more.
Smith 4D Mag Goggle
Ski & snowboard goggles have undergone a lot of changes recently, but one thing that’s remained relatively unchanged is their lenses. For 19/20, Smith is changing that with their 4D Mag goggle, which features a unique extended lens to offer increased field of view. So is it just a gimmick, or a notable advancement? Check out our review.
Amundsen Peak Anorak
Anoraks and technical fabrics don’t often get packaged together. But Norwegian brand, Amundsen, combined the two in their Peak Anorak, and the resulting jacket certainly stands out compared to the rest of the ski jackets on the market.
New Gear + Sam’s Review of Tinder (Ep.42)
Sam Shaheen, Kristin Sinnott, and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about some of their favorite new skis, then — in what might be our most anticipated review ever — Sam Shaheen gives us his honest, in-depth, pretty hilarious, and surprisingly insightful take on the dating app, Tinder.
2024-2025 Romp Skis Zorro 100
This season we built a custom ski with Romp, and you can now check out our full review for more info on the custom process, the resulting ski, and how well it lived up to our expectations.
19/20 K2 Mindbender 116C
Here are our initial on-snow impressions of the widest ski in K2’s new Mindbender lineup.
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.)
2019-2020 Rossignol Soul 7 HD W
You may have heard a thing or two about the Rossignol Soul 7. Time now to talk about the women’s Soul 7 HD W, and you can check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions.
Deep Dive: Dynastar Legend X96
We compare the Legend X96 to the Volkl Mantra M5, Blizzard Bonafide, J Skis Masterblaster, Nordica Enforcer 100, Moment Commander 98, Rossignol Experience 94 Ti, Atomic Vantage 97Ti, 4FRNT MSP 99, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, Liberty Origin 96, Blizzard Rustler 9, Renoun Endurance 94, and ON3p Wrenegade 96.
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.)
2019-2020 Dynastar Legend X96
The Dynastar Legend X96 is low on weight, very stiff with respect to its flex pattern, and accessible in terms of its shape. Check out our full review to see the on-snow result of that combo.