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:
Julian Carr on Big Mtn Running & Massive Cliff Jumping (Ep.73)
We talk to Julian Carr about his series of big-mountain “adventure” races, the Cirque Series; on the preparation and state of mind required to send massive cliffs; and how his company, Discrete, has evolved over the past 10 years.
2020-2021 Dynafit TLT Speed
The Dynafit TLT Speed is the newest lightweight touring binding from Dynafit. But with all the new competition in the tech-binding category, how does the TLT Speed compare to the other options out there? Check out our full review.
Nik Berry (Ep.13)
Nik Berry is pushing the boundaries of his sport in a direction that many climbers aren’t even looking: his skill and composure on hard and scary trad routes fuel an obsession with freeing big aid lines and seeking out adventurous climbing. In this episode, we talk about his recent stellar season in Yosemite and how he balances a career with all that hard climbing.
18/19 Liberty Origin 96
Here are our initial on-snow impressions of the 18/19 Origin 96, with comparisons to the 17/18 version, as well as a few other skis in this class.
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2018 Trek Slash 9.8
The Trek Slash is currently the best all-around Enduro bike we’ve ever reviewed. Check out our full review to find out why.
2018-2019 K2 Fulluvit 95Ti
Part of K2’s women’s Freeride Collection, the Fulluvit 95Ti is said to crush “all conditions at top speeds” while still being “lightweight and nimble for a freeride ski.” That’s some pretty big talk, but how does the Fulluvit 95Ti compare to the previous version, and how does it stack up against other ~95mm women’s all-mountain skis on the market? Check out our full review.
Stio Ralston Canvas Jacket
The Stio Ralston Canvas Jacket. Good for baling hay, building railroads, and a bunch of other less cool stuff, too. And it’s more comfortable than stiff, heavy canvas jackets of the past.
18/19 4FRNT MSP 99
Here are our initial on-snow impressions of the MSP 99, with comparisons to some other all-mountain skis like the Nordica Enforcer 100, Liberty Origin 96, and J Skis Masterblaster.
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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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
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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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.