BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Vs. Review: 29’er Forks
We’re pitting 5 of the top 29’er trail forks on the market against each other.
2015 Devinci Troy Carbon SX
The Devinci Troy is an excellent all-around trail bike that manages to walk the fine line between maneuverability and stability.
Update: TRP Slate Brakes
The TRP Slate brakes offer a great finish and modulation, and we’ve swapped out brake pads to see if we could boost their stopping power. See our update.
Q: Who is the greatest DH rider ever?
Aaron Gwin’s recent string of remarkable feats prompted a debate about the present and the past of downhill racing. Who you got?
2015 Guerrilla Gravity Megatrail
The Guerrilla Gravity Megatrail is a stiff, stable, adaptable trail bike that delivers an extremely impressive ride.
Petzl Contact 9.8 Rope
The Petzl Contact 9.8 has proven to be an excellent mid-diameter, multi-use rope.
Four Favorite Hoodies
Here are four good looking hoodies ranging from the super casual to the super versatile.
Howler Brothers Feedback Hoodie
Howler Brothers simply makes good looking, comfortable stuff. (Their Harkers Flannel is still an absolute favorite of ours.) The Howler Feedback Hoodie (MSRP: $85) has what I would describe as a relaxed, roomier cut—Howler calls it a “Regular Fit.” On my 5’10”, 180 lb. frame, I could have gone with
Westcomb Ozone Hoody
Westcomb Ozone Hoody Size Tested: Large Features: Polartec Power stretch body-hugging 4-way stretch Athletic hood 2 hand pockets Integrated thumb loops Blister’s Measured Weight: 460 grams Front Zipper Length (measured, size Large): 70 cm MSRP: $180 USD Days Worn: ~150 And our versatility award
Mons Royale Mid Hit Hoody
We’ve already reviewed the men’s and women’s version of the Mons Royale Mid Hit hoody, but we’re talking about it again since it is still one of our favorites. And it isn’t just one of our favorite hoodies, it’s one of our favorite pieces of clothing, period. The Mid Hit has a
United by Blue Men’s Standard Zip Hoodie
While it seems like just about every company nowadays has some sort of environmental mission or “green goals,” United by Blue does things a little differently. Instead of operating as a nonprofit or donating a percentage of their earnings to environmental causes, United by Blue gives
Bike Racks 101
Roof, hitch, or strap-on bike rack? Each style has its pros and cons, some of which aren’t obvious. So before you waste your money, check out the Blister guide to choosing the right rack.
Return of the Rat
Josh Bryceland is back on top, still very much being himself, and doing things on a bike that few have done before.
2015 Race Face SixC Carbon Cinch Cranks
The 2015 Race Face SixC Carbon Cinch Cranks are very impressive on multiple fronts.
SCARPA Furia
The Scarpa Furia is an excellent all-around shoe for bouldering and hard sport climbing, and strikes a good balance between sensitivity and power.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2017 Ibis Ripley LS
Versatility, versatility, versatility. Check out our full review of the Ibis Ripley LS.
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.
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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.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
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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.