Reviews
Volkl’s Chris McKenna runs us through the new Blaze 114, a lightweight freeride powder ski; their new big-mountain model, the Revolt 114; how the two compare; how the Revolt 114 differs from the rest of the Revolt series; the updated women’s Secret 102, and more.
Flash Review — 2023 Orbea Wild
We’ve started spending time on Orbea’s longest-travel e-bike, the Wild. Check out our initial thoughts.
Flash Review: 23/24 Scarpa Gea RS
Here are our initial thoughts on Scarpa's updated Gea RS, including comparisons to the Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout W.
HT T2 & X3 Pedals
Our bike editor has been a huge fan of HT’s clipless pedals for a long time now, and the latest iterations of their Trail and DH pedals — the T2 and X3 — bring about some subtle but welcome refinements while retaining everything that made the older T1 and X2 great in the first place.
23/24 HEAD Skis & Boots | Blister Summit 2023 Video
We sat down with HEAD’s Andrew Couperthwait to discuss how they went about expanding their freestyle-oriented Oblivion series, including 2 brand-new models; Cole Richardson and other HEAD athletes’ roles in those skis’ development; the evolution of their Kore skis; their recently overhauled Kore boots, and more.
Stuff We Like: May 2023
For May's edition of our monthly Stuff We Like series, we have a bunch of items to kick off summer, including water shoes and sandals, sunscreen, hats, towels, shorts, bike tools and accessories, chamois butter, and more. Check it out to see the latest gear our reviewers have been digging.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX
The Gore-Tex version of New Balance’s updated Hierro v7 could be a popular model in North America this spring and summer, considering the Mountain West’s unprecedented snowpack. We’ve just begun testing, but so far the shoe’s off to an auspicious start, drawing comparison to models we've reviewed favorably in the past. Check out our initial impressions to learn more.
2022-2023 Meier BNK
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Meier BNK.
Pivot Mach 4 SL V3
Pivot has dropped the new third-generation Mach 4 SL — their lightest, XC-race-oriented full-suspension bike — and while they’re talking about speed and race results first and foremost, words like “fun” pop up a bunch, too. And with a big range of builds covering both hardcore XC racing and more general-purpose lightweight Trail use, they just might be on to something there.
Flash Review: 23/24 Salomon Stance 90
The Stance 90 is the narrowest option in Salomon's updated metal-laminate Stance collection — check out our initial thoughts.
Adaptable Skis: 23/24 Renoun Collection | Blister Summit 2023 Video
We sat down with Cyrus Schenck, founder of Renoun Skis, to discuss how they’ve implemented and adapted their unique non-Newtonian “VibeStop” material; how VibeStop has made its way into pro basketball courts, flooring, & boat hulls; their 23/24 ski lineup, and more.
Hope F22 Flat Pedals
The UK-based CNC wizards at Hope have refreshed their longstanding F20 pedal via the new F22. While the shape of the new pedals may be a bit less distinctive, the F22 stands out in other ways. Check out our full review to see how they perform on the trail.
Nike Wildhorse 8
Less of an update and more of a complete remodel, the all-new Wildhorse 8 represents a promising return to form for Nike’s marquee long-distance trail shoe. Check out our full review to learn more.
Flash Review: 23/24 Head Oblivion 94
This season we spent time on Head's Oblivion 94, which is designed to handle the park and the rest of the mountain. Here are our initial thoughts.
2023-2024 Armada Declivity 102 Ti
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Armada Declivity 102 Ti.
Chris King MTN30 Wheels
Chris King is one of the first and biggest names in high-end hubs, and now they’re offering complete wheelsets under their own brand — and in keeping with King’s ethos, they’re high-end carbon fiber wheels, with US-made, recyclable rims.
Blister Brand Guide: Nike Trail Running Shoe Lineup, 2023
Nike continues to expand their trail-running options, and in our Brand Guide we cover every shoe in their 2023 Trail lineup to help you figure out how each shoe differs and which might make the most sense for you.
Flash Review: 23/24 Armada ARV 106
This season we spent time on the latest version of Armada's mid-fat, freestyle-oriented ski, the ARV 106. Check out our initial thoughts.
1000-Day Liners: 23/24 ZipFit Collection | Blister Summit 2023 Video
We sat down with Chris Dominick, Managing Director of ZipFit, to cover the origins and legacy of the brand, as well as all the new models and updates they’ve been rolling out lately.
Fox Union Shoe
Fox has been making MTB apparel for a long time, but the Union shoe is their first foray into that market — and they're excellent.