BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
In Pursuit of the Perfect Coffee Grinder: Zerno founder, Vel Genov (Ep. 99)
Zerno is one of the hottest brands in the world of specialty coffee, and today, Jonathan talks with Zerno’s founder, Vel Genov, about what led Vel to design & manufacture coffee grinders in Chicago; his obsession with quality, functionality, and aesthetics (rather than price); burr sizes and why they matter; manufacturing & product design; and more.
The Evolution of Giro & MIPS Helmet Tech
Giro has been making all sorts of helmets and goggles for decades, and they’ve worked closely with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) throughout. But how does MIPS actually work? And how is the Giro-exclusive MIPS Spherical system different? And what’s new in Giro’s latest ski / snowboard lineup? We got the answers at Blister Summit 2025.
1000 Skis Carve
A small, rider-owned Swedish brand is now making their own version of a “fun carver.” Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Carve by 1000 Skis.
Flash Review: 1000 Skis Carve
We’ve started logging time on some options in the 1000 Skis lineup, and their simply named “Carve” ski is proving to be a very exciting and unusual option in the frontside category. Here are our initial impressions.
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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Allied Fitz
Allied has launched its longest-travel bike to date, and it looks to bring a lot of the traits Allied is known for to a more descending-focused platform. Meet the Fitz.
How Carv’s ‘Digital Ski Coach’ Uses Data to Make Skiing More Fun
We’ve been using Carv’s ‘Digital Ski Coach’ system for multiple seasons, and we’ve been impressed by its impact on our own skiing — and all the data it can add to our product reviews. At Blister Summit 2025, we sat down with Carv CEO, Jamie Grant, to get the full breakdown of how Carv’s sensors work; the data they collect; how they turn that into useful instructions; the updates and new features they’ve added this season, and more.
Pivot Shuttle LT
The redesigned Pivot Shuttle LT is now the most adjustable bike in Pivot’s lineup — and it gets the new Race version of the excellent Gen 5 Bosch CX motor, and more. Our First Look has the details.
Flash Review: Pivot Shuttle LT
Pivot’s new Shuttle LT brings class-leading adjustability and Bosch’s CX-R Race motor to the fight for supremacy in the hotly contested full-power long-travel eMTB category. Check our first impressions.
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.)
From British Sleeping Bags to PFAS-Free Ski Jackets | Rab’s Origins & Latest Lineup
Rab got its start making high-end mountaineering sleeping bags, but they’ve evolved and expanded a lot since then. In this conversation from Blister Summit 2025, we talk with the folks at Rab about their push into ski and snowboard outerwear, the move away from PFAS chemicals in outdoor apparel, what we should expect from these new PFAS-free materials, and more.
Off the Clock: Drew Bledsoe on Skiing, Football, & Wine (Ep.392)
The Patriots are in the Super Bowl this Sunday, and so for the first episode of our new series, ‘Off the Clock,’ we’re talking with former New England Patriots quarterback, Drew Bledsoe. But football was not the first love of this former #1 pick in the NFL draft, skiing was. And today, you’ll hear just how much skiing has meant to Drew throughout his entire life.
Flash Review: Kavenz VHP G2
Update 2.2.2026: We’ve got a lot more time on the Kavenz VHP G2 now, and what we’re finding is pretty interesting.
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.)
Flash Review: 25/26 Liberty Scope 99
We’ve been spending time on some of Liberty’s latest lightweight freeride skis — here are our initial thoughts on the most versatile model in the collection, the Scope 99.
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.)
2025-2026 Liberty Scope 99
Liberty has expanded their Scope series by adding some new widths and shapes. Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new Scope 99.
2025-2026 Line Optic 88
The Optic 88 pairs a metal-laminate construction with a shape and rocker profile reminiscent of much wider freeride skis. How well does that uncommon recipe work? Here’s our Full Review.
Deep Dive: Line Optic 88
We compare the Optic 88 to the Line Optic 96, J Skis Fastforward, Salomon QST 94, Line Blade, Blizzard Rustler 9, Black Crows Serpo, K2 Mindbender 89Ti, DPS Wailer 90, ON3P Woodsman 92, Head Kore 88 Ti, Salomon Stance Pro 90, Renown Endurance 88, & 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.
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.)
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
In Pursuit of the Perfect Coffee Grinder: Zerno founder, Vel Genov (Ep. 99)
Zerno is one of the hottest brands in the world of specialty coffee, and today, Jonathan talks with Zerno’s founder, Vel Genov, about what led Vel to design & manufacture coffee grinders in Chicago; his obsession with quality, functionality, and aesthetics (rather than price); burr sizes and why they matter; manufacturing & product design; and more.
The Evolution of Giro & MIPS Helmet Tech
Giro has been making all sorts of helmets and goggles for decades, and they’ve worked closely with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) throughout. But how does MIPS actually work? And how is the Giro-exclusive MIPS Spherical system different? And what’s new in Giro’s latest ski / snowboard lineup? We got the answers at Blister Summit 2025.
1000 Skis Carve
A small, rider-owned Swedish brand is now making their own version of a “fun carver.” Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Carve by 1000 Skis.
Flash Review: 1000 Skis Carve
We’ve started logging time on some options in the 1000 Skis lineup, and their simply named “Carve” ski is proving to be a very exciting and unusual option in the frontside category. Here are our initial impressions.
Allied Fitz
Allied has launched its longest-travel bike to date, and it looks to bring a lot of the traits Allied is known for to a more descending-focused platform. Meet the Fitz.
How Carv’s ‘Digital Ski Coach’ Uses Data to Make Skiing More Fun
We’ve been using Carv’s ‘Digital Ski Coach’ system for multiple seasons, and we’ve been impressed by its impact on our own skiing — and all the data it can add to our product reviews. At Blister Summit 2025, we sat down with Carv CEO, Jamie Grant, to get the full breakdown of how Carv’s sensors work; the data they collect; how they turn that into useful instructions; the updates and new features they’ve added this season, and more.
Pivot Shuttle LT
The redesigned Pivot Shuttle LT is now the most adjustable bike in Pivot’s lineup — and it gets the new Race version of the excellent Gen 5 Bosch CX motor, and more. Our First Look has the details.
Flash Review: Pivot Shuttle LT
Pivot’s new Shuttle LT brings class-leading adjustability and Bosch’s CX-R Race motor to the fight for supremacy in the hotly contested full-power long-travel eMTB category. Check our first impressions.
From British Sleeping Bags to PFAS-Free Ski Jackets | Rab’s Origins & Latest Lineup
Rab got its start making high-end mountaineering sleeping bags, but they’ve evolved and expanded a lot since then. In this conversation from Blister Summit 2025, we talk with the folks at Rab about their push into ski and snowboard outerwear, the move away from PFAS chemicals in outdoor apparel, what we should expect from these new PFAS-free materials, and more.
Off the Clock: Drew Bledsoe on Skiing, Football, & Wine (Ep.392)
The Patriots are in the Super Bowl this Sunday, and so for the first episode of our new series, ‘Off the Clock,’ we’re talking with former New England Patriots quarterback, Drew Bledsoe. But football was not the first love of this former #1 pick in the NFL draft, skiing was. And today, you’ll hear just how much skiing has meant to Drew throughout his entire life.
Flash Review: Kavenz VHP G2
Update 2.2.2026: We’ve got a lot more time on the Kavenz VHP G2 now, and what we’re finding is pretty interesting.
Flash Review: 25/26 Liberty Scope 99
We’ve been spending time on some of Liberty’s latest lightweight freeride skis — here are our initial thoughts on the most versatile model in the collection, the Scope 99.