Noah Bodman reviews the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD for Blister

Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD

When it comes to bike shoes, there are plenty of burly skate-style shoes that sacrifice pedaling performance, and a lot of pedal-oriented shoes that look out of place anywhere except on the bike. In between those two categories sits the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD, and it’s definitely worth a look for riders looking for some of the best of both worlds.

Luke Koppa

Luke Koppa at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort bike park. (photo by Andrew Arnold)

Age: 25 | Vitals: 5’8,” ~155 lbs | Years Biking: 4 | Current Residence:

Kristin Sinnott reviews the Patagonia Women's R1 TechFace Hoody for Blister

Women’s Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody

We called the men’s version of the Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody, “just about perfect.” Now we weigh in on the women’s R1 Tech Face Hoody — how well it works across a broad range of activities, and how it compares to the original R1 Hoody.
Sam Shaheen reviews the Folsom Skis Spar 88 for Blister

18/19 Folsom Skis Spar 88

The Folsom Skis Spar 88 reminds us a lot of a ski we really like — the Blizzard Brahma. Check out our initial on-snow impressions to see how they compare.

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Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the Moment Meridian for Blister Gear Review.

Deep Dive: Moment Meridian 107

We compare the Meridian 107 to the ON3P Kartel 108, Faction Candide 3.0 & Prodigy 3.0, 4FRNT Devastator, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Nordica Enforcer 110, 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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Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the Nordica Promachine 130 for Blister

2021-2022 Nordica Promachine 130

Nordica is entering the lighter weight alpine boot category for 18/19, and they claim their new Promachine line combines “race-boot performance” with “all-mountain comfort and versatility.” (Yeah, right. Right?) Check out our measured specs, fit notes, and initial impressions of the new Promachine 130.
Blister reviews the Dynafit TLT Speed binding

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 on Blister's All Things Climbing Podcast

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.
Luke Koppa reviews the Liberty Origin 96 for Blister

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.

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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Kara Williard reviews the K2 Fulluvit 95Ti for Blister

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.