BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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.
Burton Ion
It’s been a staple in Burton’s boot line for years, but the latest version of the Ion may be the best yet.
2016-2017 Blizzard Spur
Update: we’ve added a 2nd review of the Spur by Paul Forward, conducted while heli & resort skiing in Alaska.
Giro Discord Helmet
The Giro Discord is a new helmet this season with a clean, simple look and well-designed features.
Strafe Temerity Jacket and Pants
Finally, there’s another more freeride-focused outerwear kit made with Polartec NeoShell: the new Temerity jacket and pants from Strafe.
Black Diamond Stinger Crampon
The Black Diamond Stinger is a very well-rounded, affordable crampon for steep water ice & mixed technical climbing.
Arc’teryx Lithic Comp Jacket
Touring season is upon us, and Arc’teryx’s new hybrid soft shell / hard shell, the Lithic Comp, is a very impressive option.
2018-2019 Whitedot Director
For an all-mountain charger of this width, the Whitedot Director is the best we’ve tested in deep powder.
Cotopaxi Cayambe 20L Ski Pack
Cotopaxi is a company that’s committed to doing tangible good around the world, and to making great products. We put their 20 liter ski-carry pack to the test.
Dakine Quinn Jacket
The Dakine Quinn Jacket is a longer, stylish shell that is a good option for resort and backcountry skiing.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Deep Dive: Black Crows Daemon
We compare the Daemon to the new Volkl Mantra, the Blizzard Bonafide, Nordica Enforcer 100, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, J Skis Masterblaster, Liberty Origin 96, and more…
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2018 Pivot Mach 5.5
The new Pivot Mach 5.5 is a compelling option in the “does-everything-pretty-well” category of Trail bikes.
2019-2020 Black Crows Daemon
After getting more reviewers and more days on it in even more conditions, you can now check out our full review of Black Crows’ reverse-camber, all-mountain ski, the Daemon.
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.