BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

Simon Stewart reviews the Santa Cruz Vala

Flash Review: Santa Cruz Vala

The Santa Cruz Vala has a new suspension design and Bosch’s updated CX motor. Check out our initial impressions.

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Luke Koppa reviews the Rossignol Sender Soul 102 for Blister

2024-2025 Rossignol Sender Soul 102

The name ‘Soul’ had been absent from Rossignol’s line ever since they discontinued the extremely popular (and sometimes divisive) Soul 7 several years ago. But this season, there’s a brand-new ‘Soul’ ski — and it looks very different from the original. So, what sort of ski is the new Sender Soul 102? Here’s our Full Review.

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Luke Koppa reviews the Rossignol Sender Soul 102 for Blister

Deep Dive: Rossignol Sender Soul 102

We compare the Rossignol Sender Soul 102 to the Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, Armada Declivity X 102, Nordica Enforcer 100, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Salomon QST 98, Line Pandora 99, J Skis Masterblaster, Folsom Completo 100, Icelantic Nomad 100, DPS Wailer 100, Fischer Ranger 102, Liberty Scope 104, ZAG Slap 104, Blizzard Rustler 10, Line Optic 104, Black Crows Atris, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, & Salomon Stance 102.

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 reviews the 2025 Gnu Hyper

2025 Gnu Hyper, 160 cm

The Gnu Hyper has roots in freestyle while promising all mountain versatility in varied conditions. We’ve spent a good deal of time getting acquainted with the Hyper, and it seems quite appealing for a broad category of riders. Check out our Full Review for the details.

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Blister reviews the 2024 Marin Alpine Trail XR

Deep Dive: Marin Alpine Trail XR

We compare the Marin Alpine Trail to the original Alpine Trail, Yeti SB165, Santa Cruz Nomad, Propain Tyee, Privateer 161 V2, RAAW Madonna V3, Chromag Lowdown, Orbea Rallon, Yeti SB160, Ibis HD6, Kavenz VHP 16, and Banshee Titan.

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 reviews the 2024 Marin Alpine Trail XR

Marin Alpine Trail XR

The refreshed Marin Alpine Trail XR still brings excellent value but feels like a much more modern and well-rounded take on a modern Enduro bike than the old one. Our Full Review explains why it’s a standout.

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David Golay reviews the EXT Arma V4 for Blister

Flash Review — EXT Arma V4

We’ve been quite impressed with the EXT Storia V4 shock — so what about its bigger sibling, the Arma? Check out our thoughts so far.

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 reviews the Nordica Enforcer 94

Flash Review: 24/25 Nordica Enforcer 94

Jonathan shares his initial thoughts on the latest version of the Enforcer 94, how it compares to prior iterations, and where it feels most at home vs. the wider Enforcers.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

Blister reviews the ON3P Woodsman 100.

2024-2025 ON3P Woodsman 100

Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the ON3P Woodsman 100.

Today on our CRAFTED podcast, Jonathan Ellsworth and Eli Brown delve into the changing landscape of alcohol consumption among younger generations; the trends — and hurdles — of non-alcoholic (NA) and low ABV cocktails; the implications of the US Surgeon General's recommendations on alcohol consumption; and predictions for future trends in the craft beverage industry

The Current State of Alcohol, with Eli Brown (Ep.57)

Jonathan and Eli discuss alcohol consumption among younger generations; the trends — and hurdles — of non-alcoholic and low ABV cocktails; the implications of the US Surgeon General’s recommendations on alcohol consumption; and predictions for future trends in the beverage industry.

Blister reviews the Line Pandora 99

Flash Review: 24/25 Line Pandora 99

We’ve had multiple reviewers on multiple lengths of Line’s new unisex Pandora 99. Here are some of our initial impressions of this lightweight all-mountain 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 reviews the LINE Pandora 99.

2024-2025 Line Pandora 99

Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Line Pandora 99.

Blister reviews the OneUp Clip Pedals

OneUp Components Clip Pedals

OneUp has officially entered the clipless pedal game. The new Clip Pedals are based around an SPD cleat, but OneUp has developed their own custom mechanism — and has some interesting claims about how it differs from other SPD pedals. Check out our First Look for the rundown.

Blister reviews the 2025 Transition Sentinel

Flash Review: Transition Sentinel V3

Update 1.13.2025: We’ve got a bunch more time on the new Transition Sentinel, and our impressions have evolved. Check out our latest 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.

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BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

Flash Review: 25/26 Fischer RC4 Noize

Jonathan Ellsworth has logged a couple of days on Fischer’s new World-Cup-inspired RC4 Noize — here are his initial thoughts on this 66mm-wide carver.

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 — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

2025-2026 Fischer RC4 Noize

Fischer has unveiled their latest collection of competition-race and race-inspired skis, and we’ve started testing them. Here are the details on the new RC4 Noize models, their unique construction, and more.

Athletes & Bootfitting w/ Freeride Skier Nat Segal x Pulse Boot Labs (Ep.330)

Athletes & Bootfitting w/ Freeride Skier Nat Segal x Pulse Boot Labs (Ep.330)

Freeride athlete Nat Segal has had a long and impressive journey as a professional skier, and a key part of it has been getting in a properly fitting ski boot. Our Blister Recommended Shop, Pulse Boot Labs and Ski Co., has helped her along the way, so we talk with Nat and Pulse to hear about bootfitting from an athlete’s perspective, and a whole lot more.