Reviews

David Golay reviews the Transition Smuggler for Blister

2023 Transition Smuggler

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The Transition Smuggler is back in their lineup after a lengthy hiatus, and it’s one of the most well-rounded, aggressive, short(ish)-travel Trail bikes we’ve ridden. Check out our full review for the whole story, including how it compares to several other bikes in its class.

COROS Vertix 2

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The updated Vertix 2 is the most feature-laden (and expensive) watch in COROS’ lineup. As the brand’s flagship model, it’s intended to support an exhaustive list of activities for an exhausting amount of time with one of the longest estimated battery lives we’ve tested. But at what point does taking the idea of “do-it-all” begin to subtract from a watch’s functionality? Check out our full review to learn more.
Luke Koppa reviews the Shaggy's Mohawk 98 for Blister

Flash Review: 22/23 Shaggy’s Mohawk 98

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One of the new models Shaggy's released this past season, the Mohawk 98 mixes traits from a wide range of all-mountain skis — check out our initial impressions.

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When it comes to gear, how do you balance the specific needs of world-class athletes with those of average skiers and riders? McKenna Petersen (K2 athlete), Drew Peterson (Salomon athlete), Tyler Curle (Moment athlete & ski builder), and Jed Yeiser (K2 engineer) discuss the product development process; the roles that athletes, designers, and product managers play; the weirdest prototypes they’ve tried; what “evolutionary” and “revolutionary” changes we should expect in the future; which discontinued products they’d like to bring back, and more.

Athletes & Product Design | Blister Summit 2023 Video

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When it comes to gear, how do you balance the specific needs of world-class athletes with those of average skiers and riders? McKenna Petersen (K2 athlete), Drew Peterson (Salomon athlete), Tyler Curle (Moment athlete & ski builder), and Jed Yeiser (K2 engineer) discuss that balancing act; the weirdest prototypes they’ve tried; what “evolutionary” and “revolutionary” changes we should expect in the future; which discontinued products they’d like to bring back, and more.
Luke Koppa reviews the K2 Mindbender 106C for Blister

Flash Review: 23/24 K2 Mindbender 106C

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K2 updated their lighter "Mindbender C" skis for 23/24, and we've been skiing the new Mindbender 106C. Check out our initial impressions.

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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Blister Brand Guide: Altra Running Shoe Lineup, 2023

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While all Altra shoes share their signature zero-drop platform and "FootShape" fit, there’s still a ton of variation within both their road and trail lineups, including several new models for 2023. Check out our Brand Guide for a full breakdown of what sets each shoe apart from the others, and which ones best match your running style.
At Blister Summit 2023, we sat down with K2’s head ski designer, Jed Yeiser, to discuss all the new products they’re rolling out for the 2023-2024 season. We cover their overhauled “Mindbender C” skis; how their focus on “Torsion Control Design” has evolved; implementing materials that are both higher-performing and more sustainable; how to pick between the K2 Mindbender C, Mindbender Ti, and Reckoner skis; K2’s updated Wayback touring collection and how those skis compare to their Dispatch series, and more.

Mindbenders, Waybacks, & More: 23/24 K2 Skis | Blister Summit 2023 Video

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We sat down with K2’s head ski designer, Jed Yeiser, to discuss all the new products they’re rolling out for the 2023-2024 season, including their overhauled “Mindbender C” skis; implementing materials that are both higher-performing and more sustainable; K2’s updated Wayback touring collection and how those skis compare to their Dispatch series, and more.
Kara Williard reviews the Skida Brim Hat for BLISTER.

Stuff We Like: April 2023

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The April edition of Stuff We Like includes a variety of items that our reviewers have found useful lately, from pocket knives to ski poles, racks that carry kayaks via your bike, ski-touring apparel, gels, and more. Check it out to see the latest items our reviewers have been digging.
Zack Henderson reviews the Fox Proframe RS for Blister

Fox Proframe RS

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Fox released the Proframe RS as an evolution of their long-standing Proframe helmet, adding a swath of new features and safety technologies. After a long winter season in the Proframe RS, we think it's a great option for folks looking for a lightweight, highly-ventilated full-face helmet.
Blister reviews the Line Chronic 101

Flash Review: 23/24 Line Chronic 101

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The Chronic name has been in Line's collection for years, but now there's a new, wider version. Check out our initial thoughts on the new Chronic 101.

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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Simon Stewart reviews the Pivot Shuttle LT for Blister

Pivot Shuttle LT

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The long-range eMTB market is heating up, with companies turning up the capability, and battery size bragging rights featuring prominently. But while the Pivot Shuttle LT’s battery isn’t the biggest out there, it might actually be a better bike for it.
Blister reviews the Peak 98 ski

2023-2024 Peak 98

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The Peak 98 is the do-everything model in Bode Miller's new ski company's lineup — check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see where it slots into the market, and whether it might work for you.
Blister reviews the Peak 98 ski

Deep Dive: Peak 98

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We compare the Peak 98 to the Peak 88, Peak 98SC, Peak 104, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Volkl M6 Mantra, Salomon Stance 96, Nordica Enforcer 100, Black Crows Justis, Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, Blizzard Rustler 9, Moment Commander 98, Fischer Ranger 102, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Faction Dancer 2, Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, Armada Declivity 102 Ti, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Volkl Mantra 102, ZAG Harfang 96, Wagner Summit 97, Head Kore 99, J Skis Masterblaster, Salomon QST 98, & 4FRNT MSP 99.

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.)

Hoka Challenger 7

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With the Challenger 7, Hoka attempts to do more with less. The latest iteration of the brand’s longstanding road-to-trail model benefits from a top-to-bottom overhaul that sees its weight decrease significantly despite adding 2 mm of stack height to a midsole that feels sprightly out of the box. Check out our full review to learn more.
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