BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
FSA Afterburner Disc Brakes
UPDATE: the price for the FSA Afterburners is now $90 lower, and we’ve added to our review a note on the brakes’ durability. If you’re looking for fantastic lever feel and great stopping power for an XC or trail bike, read this.
Black Diamond Ethos Harness
The Black Diamond Ethos is a comfortable, durable harness that excels at trad and sport climbing.
2018-2019 Fischer My Ranger 98
Fischer has created a hybrid ski for use in the resort and out. Check out where we think the Ranger W 98 is most in its element.
2015 Niner WFO 9
The Niner WFO 9 proves that the ‘long travel + big wheels’ formula doesn’t have to amount to a one trick pony.
Metolius Express Haul Pack
The Metolius Express Haul Pack is a simple, durable pack that shines where approaches are short and the environment is harsh.
Wolf Tooth GC 42t Cassette Cog
The Wolf Tooth GC 42 cassette cog boosts the gear range of a 1×10 drivetrain at a fraction of the cost of a new 1×11 setup.
How Much Bike do You Really Need?
Long-travel trail bikes are all the rage, but are they overkill? Marshal Olson shares his thoughts brought on by a midlife biking crisis.
2015-2016 Dalbello Lupo SP I.D.
The Dalbello Lupo SP I.D. could be a particularly good choice for those who take more of a freestyle approach to the mountain and do a lot of hiking in the resort or shorter backcountry tours.
Rohner Carving Women L/R Sock
The Rohner Carving sock is very comfortable and provides a good balance of warmth and thinness.
2nd Look: Volkl Aura
In this 2nd Look, we focus on the Aura’s groomer and powder performance.
Trail Bikes: Short vs Long Travel
What role does suspension travel play in defining the character of a trail bike? Are other factors more important? Three of our reviewers weigh in…
2015-2016 Romp Skis 106
Romp built two custom skis for Blister from the same mold, but with very different designs. Here’s our review of the second, freestyle-oriented ski.
2015-2016 Fischer RC4 130 Vacuum
Three of us at Blister have now reviewed the Fischer RC4 130 Vacuum, and all three agree that it is the best fitting boot (and perhaps the best overall boot) that we have ever used.
2017-2018 Moment Tahoe 96
The Moment Tahoe is no joke. And when it comes to making big turns at very high speeds, we haven’t skied anything that rivals it.
2019-2020 DPS Wailer 112 Tour1
DPS has released a line of light, touring-specific skis with their new “Tour1” construction, and we’ve been putting in some time on the Wailer 112RP2 Tour1 in Alaska.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Summit Hooded Jacket
Lots of our reviewers love the original Outdoor Research Ferrosi Jacket, and now there’s a new, burlier version called the Ferrosi Summit. So how much of the original Ferrosi’s versatility does the Summit version maintain, and just how much burlier is it?
2019-2020 ATK Raider 2.0 12 / Hagan Core 12
The ATK Raider 2.0 12 / Hagan Core 12 manages to be the most fully-featured binding in our Lightweight Touring Binding Shootout without being the heaviest. And it has an all-metal construction. Intrigued? You should be.
Butora Altura
The La Sportiva TC Pro has long been the go-to for those who spend long days on big walls. But it now has some competition in the form of the Butora Altura. Check out our full review to see how they compare.
18/19 Renoun Citadel 106
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Renoun’s crazy-light all-mountain ski, the Citadel 106, including comparisons to the Elan Ripstick 106 and Line Sick Day 104.
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.)
Runner Profile: Luke Koppa
Vitals: 5’8″, 155 lbs (Click here for more info on my background and skiing preferences) Running Background, Style, and General Preferences I grew up with running being a way to stay in shape for sports like soccer and rugby, and now that I’m several years
Altra Escalante
The Altra Escalante is a zero-drop shoe with a more plush, cushioned ride than many of the more minimalist options out there. So is that a good thing or a bad thing? More importantly, is it a good option for you? Our full review should help you decide.
Runner Profile: Jonathan Ellsworth, Founder / Editor, Blister
Vitals: 5’10”, ~175 lbs. (see my general bio & skier profile) Running Background, Style, and General Preferences I used to be one of those people who said things like, “I hate running.” As a little kid, high school student, college athlete, and a good chunk
2018 Zerode Taniwha
As a trail-oriented bike with no derailleur, no cassette, and a hefty price tag, the Zerode Taniwha is certainly different, but is it better?
2018-2019 K2 Gottaluvit 105Ti
New for 18/19, the K2 Gottaluvit 105Ti features a combination of weight, construction, rocker profile, and shape that make it an interesting addition to the wider all-mountain category. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions.
Deep Dive: DPS Alchemist Wailer 112
We compare the Wailer A 112 to the Rossignol Super 7 HD, Line Sick Day 114, Nordica Enforcer 110, Liberty Origin 112, Volkl V-Werks Katana, 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.
(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.)
18/19 Elan Ripstick 106
Here are some of our initial on-snow impressions of the Ripstick 106, along with comparisons to the Ripstick 96, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, and Line Sick Day 104.
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.)
Win Men’s & Women’s Shoes from Altra
Win men’s and women’s shoes of your choosing from Altra.