Luke Koppa reviews the Liberty Origin 106 for Blister

2020-2021 Liberty Origin 106

When we first saw the 19/20 Liberty Origin 106, we thought the new ski could have increased versatility without losing much of what made it stand out from the competition. And after spending time on it, we think that’s exactly what Liberty has achieved. Check out our full review.
Luke Koppa reviews the Liberty Origin 106 for Blister

Deep Dive: Liberty Origin 106

We compare the updated Origin 106 to the previous Liberty Origin 106, Line Sick Day 104, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Salomon QST 106, Elan Ripstick 106, Renoun Citadel 106, Nordica Enforcer 110, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, 4FRNT MSP 107, Black Crows Corvus, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Prior Husume, J Skis Metal, ON3P Wrenegade 108, Blizzard Cochise, and Faction Dictator 3.0.

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Luke Koppa reviews the Sweet Protection Ascender Helmet for Blister

Sweet Protection Ascender Helmet

“Dual-Certified” helmets — designed to protect you both while climbing and skiing / snowboarding — are a growing product category. And for 19/20, Sweet Protection is presenting their own version. Check out our full review for more on their new Ascender Helmet.
Maddie Hart and Gordon Gianniny talk to Jonathan Ellsworth about the future of trail running on Blister's Off The Couch podcast

Fresh Takes on Trail Running & its Future (Ep.6)

While participation in trail running and ultra trail races is increasing, it has tended to draw an older crowd. But younger runners are getting into the sport, and they aren’t following all the old conventions. So we discuss the current and future state of trail running and ultra running with two young and rising trail runners, Maddie Hart and Gordon Gianniny.
Luke Koppa reviews the Prior Northwest 110 for Blister

Flash Review: 19/20 Prior Northwest 110

Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Prior's new all-mountain-freestyle ski.

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's Running Sock Roundup

Running Sock Roundup

What running sock should you get? A minimal low-cut with no cushion? A thicker one with more coverage? We've rounded up a bunch of different options to make it easier to find the perfect sock for you.
Sam Shaheen, Jonathan Ellsworth, and Luke Koppa review the K2 Mindbender 99Ti for Blister

Deep Dive: K2 Mindbender 99Ti

We compare the Mindbender 99Ti to the Volkl Mantra M5, Blizzard Bonafide, Nordica Enforcer 100, J Skis Masterblaster, 4FRNT MSP 99, Moment Commander 98, ON3P Wrenegade 96, Blizzard Rustler 9, Rossignol Experience 94 Ti, Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, Liberty Origin 96, Renoun Endurance 98, and Dynastar Legend X96.

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's recap of the 2019 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2019 (Ep.53)

Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa discuss mind-boggling new technologies like titanium-coated fibres; inventive sustainability stories involving recycled medical supplies; and the noteworthy trends — both good and bad — that they saw this week at the OR show.
Brendan Leonard talks with Jonathan Ellsworth about completing the Bighorn Trail 100 Mile Run on Blister's Off The Couch podcast

Brendan Runs the Bighorn 100 (Ep.5)

This past weekend, our Off The Couch co-host, Brendan Leonard, ran the Bighorn Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run. So Jonathan Ellsworth talks with him about why he decided to run it; how he prepared; the highs and lows of the experience; his advice for anyone thinking of running a 100; and whether or not he plans on running another 100 miler.
Luke Koppa reviews the J Skis Friend for BLISTER

Deep Dive: J Skis The Friend

UPDATE: We compare The Friend to the ON3P Kartel 116, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Armada ARV 116 JJ, Moment Wildcat, previous Friend, K2 Catamaran, Rossignol Black Ops 118, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, Faction Candide 5.0, Faction Candide 4.0, Prior CBC, 4FRNT Inthayne, Line Outline, and Icelantic Nomad 115.

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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Sam Shaheen reviews the Scarpa Maestro Mid Eco for BLISTER

Scarpa Maestro Mid Eco

While most companies make tons of climbing shoes for bouldering, sport, and gym climbing, there aren’t nearly as many trad-specific shoes out there. But Scarpa recently made an addition to this category, the Maestro Mid Eco, and you can check out our review of this comfort-oriented shoe.