BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2024-2025 Line Vision 114
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the LINE Vision 114.
2025-2026 Elan Ripstick 96
Elan recently overhauled their longstanding Ripstick collection, so how different are the new skis, and what makes the Ripstick 96 stand out in today’s market? Here’s our Full Review.
Deep Dive: Elan Ripstick 96
We compare the Ripstick 96 to the Ripstick 102 Black Edition, Salomon QST 94, Dynastar M-Pro 94 Ti, Renoun Endurance 98, Line Optic 96, Salomon QST 92, Line Pandora 99, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 95, K2 Mindbender 96C, RMU Apostle 96 Ti, Black Crows Camox, Blizzard Rustler 9, ZAG Slap 98, Stockli Stormrider 95, and Head Kore 94 Ti.
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Flash Review: 25/26 Salomon QST 94
Salomon’s new QST 94 is the narrowest addition to their new QST lineup of skis, replacing the popular QST 92. Here are our initial impressions on the QST 94, including how it compares to the outgoing model.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend, February 2025 (Ep.350)
Cody and Jonathan are back to review the news, including the passing of ZipFit’s Sven Coomer; threats to public lands; JD Vance’s ski trip; and more. We also rate your takes, discuss the most Canadian news, and share what we’ve been reading and watching.
Arbor Carter Camber, 158 cm
Mark Carter is a badass, but what about his signature board? We’ve been riding the Arbor Carter for a full season and have found it to be a surprisingly versatile example of a modern volume-shifted shape. Here’s our Full Review.
2025-2026 Völkl M7 Mantra
Over the past 20 years, the name “Mantra” has stood as one of the most recognized in modern skis. So how does Volkl’s latest iteration of the Mantra, the M7, compare to its predecessor, and how well does it work as an all-mountain option? Here’s our Full Review.
Deep Dive: Völkl M7 Mantra
We compare the M7 Mantra to the M6 Mantra, Mantra 102, Blizzard Anomaly 94, Faction Dancer 2, Nordica Enforcer 94, Salomon Stance 96, Wagner Summit 97, Fischer Ranger 96, Peak 98 by Bode, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, 4FRNT MSP 99, Black Crows Justis, Nordica Enforcer 99, Kastle Paragon 101, Stockli Stormrider 95, ZAG Harfang 96, Head Kore 94 Ti, & Dynastar M-Pro 94 Ti.
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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25/26 Gear, Boot Trends, Making the Most of Any Season, & More w/ Powder Hound (Ep.338)
We catch up with Eric Helmbrecht of Powder Hound, our Blister Recommended Shop in Girdwood, Alaska to discuss the ups and downs of this season up in Alaska; our tips and tricks on how to make the most of any season; 25/26 gear; Dual BOA; boot trends; aftermarket liners; and more.
Deep Dive: Kona Process 153
We compare the Kona Process 153 to the Transition Sentinel V3, Knolly Fugitive 140, Marin Alpine Trail XR, Forbidden Druid V2, Deviate Highlander II, Norco Sight, Yeti SB165, Kona Process 134, Transition Smuggler, REEB Steezl, and Santa Cruz Bronson 5.
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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Kona Process 153
The Process 153 is Kona’s take on the modern long-travel Trail bike, but it also carries some unique traits. The result is a spirited, fun bike that we think plenty of people could get along with. Our Full Review has all the details.
Win Apparel From Mountain Equipment & Bridgedale
The two winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will each get the men’s or women’s Switch Pro Hooded Jacket from Mountain Equipment, as well as a 3-pack of men’s or women’s Lightweight Merino Endurance Over Calf socks from Bridgedale!
2025-2026 Dynastar M-Free 100
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the brand-new Dynastar M-Free 100.
Flash Review: 25/26 Dynastar M-Free 100
For 25/26, Dynastar is replacing the existing M-Free 99 with the new M-Free 100. So, how different is the new ski? Here are some of 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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Reviewer Reports: Tons of Bikes, Chain Damper Shootout, & Much More (Ep.265)
David Golay and Zack Henderson check in on a ton of gear they’ve been testing, including bikes, suspension, and a bunch of other components — including a comparison of Ochain’s active spider vs. Rimpact’s new Chain Damper.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2024-2025 Atomic X9S Retro ARC 735 RS
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Atomic X9S Retro ARC 735 RS.
2024-2025 ON3P Jeffrey 92
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the ON3P Jeffrey 92.
Ted Ligety on Ski Tuning, World Cup Racing, & the Art of Going Fast (Ep.340)
As part of the 5850 Fest at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Jonathan talked with Ted Ligety about the tricky conditions and the very challenging course here in Sun Valley for the Super G and GS races, and the incredibly demanding business of going fast.
Win Running Apparel From Path Projects
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a Graves PX Shell Jacket, Kessler LS Tee, and Graves PX shorts from Path Projects! Enter before Friday, April 4th for your chance to win.
2025-2026 Völkl Peregrine 72
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Völkl Peregrine 72.
Atherton Bikes on Their Development Process, Gearboxes, & the A.200.G (Ep.267)
Gearbox bikes are popping up all over the World Cup Downhill circuit, and Atherton Bikes have joined those ranks with the new A.200.G. So we sat down with Atherton’s Head of Design, Rob Gow, to hear all about the bike, its development, the trajectory of gearboxes, and a lot more.
Flash Review: SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission
Mechanical SRAM Transmission is here. Check out our take on the Eagle 90 groupset so far.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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SRAM Eagle 70 & 90 Transmission
The long-rumored mechanical version of SRAM Transmission is here, in two variants — Eagle 70 and Eagle 90. Check out what’s new with the cable-actuated Transmission variants, what’s shared with the existing electronic versions, and our on-trail impressions so far.
Revel Rascal SL
The Revel Rascal spent some time in the gym since its V2 refresh, and the new Rascal SL is the result. It keeps the same geometry as the popular original Rascal, but through some layup tweaks, Revel has pulled nearly half a pound of weight out of the frame. Check out the new Rascal SL in our First Look.
Flash Review: SRAM Motive Ultimate Brakes
SRAM is making some big claims about their new Motive brakes featuring a combination of solid power at a low weight. Do they deliver? We’ll need more time to answer that definitively, but we’ve got a feel for things after a few rides — check out our Flash Review for 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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SRAM Motive, Maven Base, DB6, and DB4 Brakes
SRAM has shaken up its brake lineup with some new members of the family — including the all-new Motive, plus additions to the Maven and DB lineups. The new brakes are an all-mineral-oil affair, but there are other noteworthy changes too — let’s dig in.
2025-2026 Völkl Revolt 101
Völkl just announced a new addition to their freeski collection, and the Revolt 101 is reportedly inspired by their progressive big-mountain ski, the Revolt 114. Here are our measured specs, rocker photos, and more info on the new Revolt 101.