BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Alpenglow Sports
Not only is Alpenglow Sports an excellent shop, it is also at the epicenter of Lake Tahoe outdoor culture.
The Pro’s Gear: Nikolai Schirmer (Ep.309)
Niko and Jonathan have the great debate about pin bindings; learn about his approach to selecting gear; discuss the specific gear he’s currently using the most; when & why he prefers lightweight ski gear; and more.
Win a Pedal Bundle from Hustle Bike Labs
The two winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will each get the Full Send Pedal Bundle from Hustle Bike Labs!
COROS Dura Cycling Computer
COROS recently broke into the cycling computer market with their new Dura, promising exceptional battery life at a compelling price point. So how does it perform after several months in the field? Our Full Review has the answers.
Flash Review — Maxxis High Roller
The new Maxxis High Roller doesn’t look anything like the earlier tires to bear that name, but how does it perform? Check out our early impressions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Zerode on Gearbox Bikes, World Cup DH Racing, & Building Stuff in a Shed (Ep.235)
A lot of mountain bike companies started with one or two people building stuff in a shed, but not many of those folks *began* by building their own gearbox, and even fewer have stayed committed to gearbox bikes. But Zerode isn’t most bike companies, and we sat down with them to hear all about their history, how they got where they are today, their thoughts on gearbox bikes, and a whole lot more.
Forge+Bond Shift Series Wheels
Forge+Bond’s Shift wheels are one of the most affordable ways to get into a US-made carbon fiber wheelset — and use the same rims as Forge+Bond’s higher-end wheels — so is there a catch? Check out our Full Review to see how they’ve fared.
‘American Flyers’ with Jonathan Ellsworth & Simon Stewart (Ep.19)
Kevin Costner, bike racer? Yep. ‘American Flyers’ was released 39 years ago this week, and Costner would go on to make some of the best sports films of all time. So how well does this bike film hold up? And how does it compare to the other bike film written by Steve Tesich, ‘Breaking Away’? Jonathan and Simon discuss.
Flash Review — Privateer 161 V2
Privateer made a name for themselves by building super burly, affordable Enduro race bikes and we’ve started spending time on their latest take on that theme, the 161 V2. Check out our take on how it’s faring so far.
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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2024-2025 Meier Crosscut BC
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Meier Crosscut BC.
Flash Review: 24/25 Armada Declivity X 108
Revamped for 24/25, the Declivity X 108 bridges the gap between Armada’s big-mountain Declivty X 115 and the more all-round Declivity X 102. So, which of its siblings does the new 108 most closely resemble? Here are our initial thoughts.
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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Rebecca Rusch & Carlos Perez on Mtn Biking, Gravel Riding, Rebecca’s Private Idaho, & More (Ep.320)
We talk with 7x world champion, Rebecca Rusch, and Bike Monkey founder, Carlos Perez, about mountain biking in the 2024 Olympics; whether gravel biking ought to be in the Olympics; the new Potato Olympics, and her signature event, Rebecca’s Private Idaho.
Hope XCR Pro X2 and E4 Brakes
Hope’s new pairing of their lightweight, bare-bones XCR Pro lever with the four-piston E4 caliper may seem like an incongruous one, but there are good reasons to consider the XCR Pro E4s besides just weight savings.
Reviewing the Reviewer: Zack Henderson (Ep.308)
We talk to Blister bike reviewer Zach Henderson about his gear preferences when it comes to bikes, skis, and snowboarders. We also start the episode by remembering our friend and fellow reviewer, Eric Freson.
Modern Gear for Traditional Skiing | Bishop Telemark 2025 Lineup Video
There are lots of passionate telemark skiers out there, but far fewer tele-specific gear companies. Bishop Telemark is one of those brands, and at Blister Summit 2024, we sat down with Bishop’s owner and engineer, Dave Bombard, to get the rundown on the current lineup, including their latest cross-compatible bindings; their collection of skis and how they designed them specifically for tele skiers; the San Juan Stick and its historical significance, and more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Deep Dive: Spot Mayhem 140
We compare the Spot Mayhem 140 to the Rocky Mountain Instinct, Scor 2030, Yeti SB 135, Revel Rascal V2, and Commencal T.E.M.P.O.
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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Spot Mayhem 140
Spot does things differently from most bike manufacturers — with notable on-trail results. The Mayhem 140 features the latest iteration of their Living Link suspension system coupled with the stiffest frame they’ve ever built, and it still manages to stand out in a vast sea of 140mm-travel Trail bikes — in ways that are likely to really click for the right folks.
2024-2025 K2 Omen Team
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new K2 Omen Team ski.
2024-2025 Fischer The Curv GT 85 & Curv GT 85 Redefine
We’re kicking off this winter’s in-depth ski reviews with the one featured on the cover of our Winter Buyer’s Guide — Fischer’s The Curv GT 85. However, Fischer also makes a version of this new ski that reportedly performs the same, but does so while cutting 36% of equivalent carbon emissions. Here, we break down both of these on-piste carvers.
Deep Dive: Fischer The Curv GT 85 & Curv GT 85 Redefine
We compare the Fischer The Curv GT 85 and The Curv GT 85 Redefine to the Fischer RC One 82 GT, Fischer The Curv, Head Supershape e-Rally, K2 Disruption 82Ti, Elan Wingman 86 CTi, Rossignol Forza 70D V-Ti, Kastle MX84, Volkl Peregrine 82, Head Supershape e-Titan, Nordica Steadfast 85 DC, Head Kore 87, Atomic Maverick 88Ti, Rossignol Arcade 88, Stockli Montero AR, and Dynastar M-Cross 88.
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.)
Weather Forecasting, Artificial Intelligence, & Storm Chasing w/ OpenSnow Meteorologist, Joel Gratz (Ep.336)
OpenSnow’s Joel Gratz is back to talk about advancements in weather forecasting and how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing weather models; the challenges of making seasonal forecasts; & some tips for planning ski trips and for storm chasing and skiing in Japan.
Fizik Terra Nanuq GTX Shoes
Our Bike Editor has long been on the hunt for his ideal waterproof gravity-oriented clipless shoe for wet-weather winter use, and the Fizik Terra Nanuq GTX is the latest option he’s tried. So how have they worked out? Check out our Full Review to find out.
2024-2025 Armada ARV 106
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the updated Armada ARV 106.
2024-2025 Blizzard Black Pearl 84
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new Blizzard Black Pearl 84.
Win Carv’s Digital Ski Coach System
The two winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will each get the Carv 2 Ski Coach system as well as a Carv Season Pass!
Ski Racing, Ski Tuning, & State of the Bike & Ski Industry w/ Sturtevant’s Olin Glenne (Ep.325)
Today we’re talking ski racing, ski tuning, ski finishing, ski-base flatness, and the state of the bike & ski Industry w/ Sturtevant’s Olin Glenne.
2024-2025 Head Crux 105 Pro
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Head Crux 105 Pro touring ski.