Blizzard Launches New 23/24 Rustler & Sheeva Skis
Today Blizzard announced the latest generation of their freeride Rustler and Sheeva skis — check out our writeup for all the details.
Flash Review: 22/23 New Outerwear Update: 686, Beringia, & Trew
We’ve been testing a few very interesting new ski / snowboard kits from 686, Beringia, and Trew — check out Luke Koppa’s initial impressions and apparel nerdery.
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Jeremy Jones on the Evolution of Snowboard Design (Ep.230)
Today we’ve got for you a masterclass on the history and evolution of snowboard design with Jeremy Jones, as well as Jeremy’s own philosophy behind product creation and refinement at Jones Snowboards.
Volkl 22/23 Skis | Blister Summit Brand Lineup Video
We sat down with Volkl’s Ivar Dahl and Chris McKenna to discuss all the latest updates to the brand’s 2022-2023 ski lineup; Volkl’s 100-year anniversary; some of their latest ski technologies, including Tailored Titanal Frame, 3D Radius, & Tailored Carbon Tip; the new Kendo 88 & Mantra 102; Volkl’s approach to adapting ski construction depending on each length; and more.
2022-2023 Black Crows Atris
Black Crows gave one of their most popular skis an update this year, though the changes looked subtle on paper. How about on snow? Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see how the latest Atris compares to its predecessors, and the rest of the market.
Deep Dive: Black Crows Atris
We compare the Atris to the previous Atris, Black Crows Camox, Black Crows Corvus, Salomon QST 106, Line Blade Optic 104, Elan Ripstick 106, ZAG Slap 104, DPS Koala 103, RMU Apostle 106, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Moment Deathwish 104, Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, Blizzard Rustler 10, Volkl Revolt 104, 4FRNT Devastator, K2 Reckoner 102, Whitedot Altum 104, 4FRNT MSP 107, Sego Big Horn 106, Armada ARW 106 UL, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Shaggy's Ahmeek 105, & J Skis Hotshot.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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TRP DH-R Evo Brakes
There are more DH-worthy brakes on the market than ever before (and good ones, at that), and TRP’s DH-R Evos are a strong contender for folks with the right preferences.
Gear of the Year, 2022
We reviewed more mountain bikes and gear than ever before in 2022, and so David Golay, Dylan Wood, and Luke Koppa sat down to recount a bunch of their favorites.
2022-2023 Zag Slap 104
We’ve now had a few reviewers (female & male) on the ZAG Slap 104 — the mid-fat model in their “freestyle backcountry” series, and it's time to weigh in on this lightweight, maneuverable ski. Check out our Full Review and Deep Dive for all the info.
Deep Dive: ZAG Slap 104
We compare the Slap 104 to eighteen other men's & women's all-mountain skis, including the DPS Foundation Koala 103, Black Crows Atris, Blizzard Rustler 10, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 106, Armada ARW 106 UL, Line Blade Optic 104, 4FRNT Devastator, RMU Apostle 106, Sego Big Horn 106, Volkl Revolt 104, K2 Reckoner 102, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Moment Deathwish 104, Whitedot Altum 104, 4FRNT MSP 107, Shaggy's Ahmeek 105, and J Skis Hotshot.
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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Sweet Turns: Tele May Save Us All
Blister reader, podcast listener, and ‘Crash Course’ video watcher, Scott Conarroe, has been paying close attention to our talk about telemark skiing around here, and it led him to send this piece that he hoped we’d share with you. It’s a compelling (and fun) defense of telemark, and it’s definitely worth your time. Enjoy.
Barney “Scout” Mann on the Pacific Crest Trail, “Journeys North,” & the Future of Thru-Hiking (Ep.153)
We’re joined by one of thru-hiking’s elder statesmen, Barney “Scout” Mann, to talk about his deep connections to America’s long-distance trails; Journeys North, the memoir he wrote about his own 2007 thru-hike of PCT; life as a “trail angel”; and much more.
Flash Review: 22/23 Nordica Unleashed 108
New for 22/23, the Nordica Unleashed 108 is the brand's take on a wider, playful all-mountain ski — check out our initial impressions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (December 2022) (Ep.242)
We discuss Cody’s not-so-excellent recent adventures; nuclear fusion; nationalizing ski areas?; iPhones, Apple watches, & 911 calls; Relationship Advice; The White Lotus; and more.
2024-2025 Faction Studio 2
The ski formerly known as the Candide 2, then the Mana 2, Faction's Studio 2 manages to blend typically counteractive traits into a very cohesive, adaptable, and plain fun ski. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons for the whole story.
Deep Dive: Faction Mana 2
We compare the Mana 2 to the Faction Mana 3, Faction Dancer 2, Black Crows Camox, Nordica Unleashed 98, Salomon QST 98, Line Blade Optic 104, Fischer Ranger 102, Volkl Revolt 104, DPS Foundation Koala 103, Moment Deathwish 104, K2 Reckoner 102, Whitedot Altum 104, Majesty Dirty Bear XL, Dynastar M-Free 99, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Norse Enduro, Atomic Bent 100, J Skis Masterblaster, and. 4FRNT Switch.
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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Shop Talk: Outdoor Gear Exchange, Burlington, VT + Crashes & Close Calls (Ep.229)
We talk ski gear, customer trends, & sustainability initiatives (from the POV of a shop owner) with Mike Donohue of OGE, and we have a great listener-submitted story for “Crashes & Close Calls.”
Win Any Season Ski or Board
The winner of our gear giveaway this week can choose any ski or board they'd like from Season!
BLISTER+: Real-World Testimonials
When you play outdoors, injuries happen. And those injuries can be expensive. So we launched our BLISTER+ Membership to address this, and here, we provide our own real-world stories of why it’s valuable and how it works.