Hoka Challenger 7

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.
Luke Koppa reviews the Elan Ripstick Tour 104 for Blister

Flash Review: 23/24 Elan Ripstick Tour 104

Here are our thoughts so far on Elan's lightweight, touring-oriented edition of their Ripstick collection, the Ripstick Tour 104.

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Kara Williard reviews the Nordica Santa Ana Unlimited 104 for BLISTER.

Flash Review: 23/24 Nordica Santa Ana Unlimited 104

For 23/24 Nordica is transferring their lightweight "Unlimited" construction to a wider women's ski, the Santa Ana Unlimited 104. Check out our thoughts so far.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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Angel Collinson: On Art & Sport

On Art & Sport

In our latest Open Mic piece, Angel Collinson discusses the power of art, sport, and straight-lining crud with a skip-proof Walkman.
David Golay reviews the Fox Float and Float SL for Blister

Fox Float and Float SL

Fox is launching two new inline shocks — the Float and Float SL — that essentially replace the Float DPS and split it into two slightly different versions, for weight-conscious Trail riders and XC folks, respectively. Check out our First Look for all the info.

Flash Review: 23/24 Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 120

Update 4.17.23: Luke Koppa adds some more thoughts on the new Backland XTD Carbon 120 after spending more time in it in the backcountry on a wide variety of skis.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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This past Saturday, Jonathan had a phenomenal day in the mountains with Chugach Powder Guides, and our helicopter pilot, Tori Palmer. So in our latest Blister Podcast, he talks with Tori to get her pilot’s perspective on the day; her path to becoming a heli pilot and the training that’s involved; mentoring women who want to become a pilot; what you should - and should not - do as a passenger in a heli; and more.

Tori Palmer, Helicopter Pilot (Ep.256)

Jonathan talks with Chugach Powder Guides helicopter pilot, Tori Palmer, to get her pilot’s perspective on their day in the mountains; her path to becoming a heli pilot and the training that’s involved; what you should - and should not - do as a passenger in a heli; and more.
Luke Koppa & Dylan Wood review the DPS Koala 111 for Blister

2023-2024 DPS Koala 111

DPS has added a new ski to fill the void between the Koala 103 & Koala 118 — check out our Full Review of the new Koala 111 to see how exactly it blends together the playfulness of the 103 with the high-speed stability of the 118.
Luke Koppa & Dylan Wood review the DPS Koala 111 for Blister

Deep Dive: DPS Koala 111

We compare the Koala 111 to the DPS Koala 118, DPS Koala 103, Rossignol Sender Free 110, Dynastar M-Free 108, Salomon QST Blank, Icelantic Nomad 105, Rossignol Sender Squad, K2 Reckoner 112, Meier Leeper, Rossignol Blackops 118, Moment Wildcat, Line Blade Optic 114, Moment Countach 110, Head Kore 111, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, RMU North Shore 110, Black Crows Anima, Fischer Ranger 108, Black Crows Corvus, Nordica Enforcer 110 Free, J Skis Friend, 4FRNT Hoji, Nordica Unleashed 108, Blizzard Rustler 11, Atomic Bent 110, & Parlor McFellon Pro.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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On Blister's GEAR:30 podcast, Jonathan Ellsworth & Paul Forward discuss some of the skis (from Folsom, DPS, Heritage Labs, & K2) they've been skiing at Chugach Powder Guides in Girdwood, Alaska

Powder Skis in AK with Paul & Jonathan (Ep.241)

Jonathan is currently in AK with Paul Forward, Chugach Powder Guides, and a great crew. So he & Paul talk about the skis they’ve been getting time on (from Heritage Lab, Folsom, DPS, K2); some new skis we’d like to see; crème brûlée crust; and the new Lange Shadow boot.
Jonathan Ellsworth & Dylan Wood review the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA for Blister

Flash Review: 23/24 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW

Update 4.14.23: Jonathan adds some of his thoughts on how the Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA has performed in Alaska, including with the addition of Atomic's "Gnar Bar" and Mimic Professional Liners.

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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