Kara Williard reviews the Volkl Secret 102 for Blister

Flash Review: 23/24 Volkl Secret 102

Update 12.11.23: We've been spending more time on Volkl's updated Secret 102, and the initial results have been promising — check out our updated thoughts.

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.)

Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the Volkl Blaze 114 for Blister

Flash Review: 23/24 Volkl Blaze 114

Following a surprise early-season storm, we got back on Volkl's new lightweight freeride ski, the Blaze 114. Here are some initial takeaways from Jonathan Ellsworth.

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's 2019-2020 Reviewer Quiver Selections

1-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (23/24)

After weeks of ski-quiver discussions, we’ve finally arrived at the hardest question of all: what single ski would you use for all the skiing you do? In the last update, we get to hear from Jonathan Ellsworth & Paul Forward. Check out their selections and a bunch of our other reviewers' personal picks.
Luke Koppa reviews the RMU Apostle 96 Pro for Blister

Flash Review: 23/24 RMU Apostle 96 Pro

We just got our first day on the metal-laminate version of RMU's narrower all-mountain ski — here are some 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.

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.)

Luke Koppa reviews the 23/24 K2 Mindbender 90C for Blister

Flash Review: 23/24 K2 Mindbender 90C

Here are some of our initial impressions after skiing the updated K2 Mindbender 90C, both on groomers and off piste.

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's 2019-2020 Reviewer Quiver Selections

2-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (23/24)

In the penultimate feature of our annual ski-quiver series, we ask our reviewers which 2 skis they'd pick for all the skiing they do, as well as how those picks would change if they didn't do any backcountry touring, and what their 2-ski quiver would look like for any location in the world. In Part 3 of their selections, we hear from Paul Forward and Jonathan Ellsworth.

Flash Review: Luke’s Opening Day Gear: 23/24 Rossignol Forza, Lange Shadow, Rab Vapour-Rise, & Anon Goggles

We're back on snow! And in this special opening-day Flash Review, Luke Koppa shares some thoughts on the Rossignol Forza 70D V-Ti, Lange Shadow 130 LV, Rab Vapour-Rise Summit Jacket, & Anon M5 goggle.

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's 2019-2020 5-ski Quiver Selections

5-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (23/24)

With ski season kicking off soon (or already) in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s once again time to think about ski quivers. We’re starting by asking our reviewers what they’d pick if they were putting together a 5-ski quiver — you can now see what our founder, Jonathan Ellsworth, would pick.

What We’re Wearing, Skiing 23/24: Luke Koppa

Most of our reviews and conversations have the goal of helping you, our audience, figure out what gear might work best for you and your particular preferences, circumstances, etc. However, it can be fun (and sometimes, maybe, even illuminating) to occasionally shrug off the cloak of objectivity and just talk about what we personally use and enjoy. In our new “What We’re Wearing” series, we’re doing just that, having several of our reviewers run us through their head-to-toe kits for this winter. First up, our managing editor and self-diagnosed apparel obsessive, Luke Koppa.
Blister reviews the Raide LF 40L backpack

Raide LF 40L Backpack

Raide is the newest player in the ultralight snowsports category and their first product, the LF 40L backpack, is a very interesting initial offering. Check out our First Look for more on this UHMWPE (aka, Dyneema) pack and the brand behind it.
At Blister Summit 2023, we sat down with Phantom Glide’s Shaun Spacht to discuss the origins, evolution, and future of Phantom Glide’s permanent base treatment. We cover how Phantom Glide differs from wax; how Phantom Glide permanently affects the performance of ski and snowboard base materials; the ways in which the folks at Phantom Glide have shifted how they think and talk about their base treatments, and more.

Phantom Glide: Rethinking Ski & Snowboard Bases | Blister Summit Brand Lineup Video

At Blister Summit 2023, we sat down with Phantom Glide’s Shaun Spacht to discuss the origins, evolution, and future of Phantom Glide’s permanent base treatment; how it differs from wax & permanently affects the performance of ski and snowboard base materials; the ways in which the folks at Phantom Glide have shifted how they think and talk about their base treatments, and more.