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

BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

Blister reviews the Volkl M7 Mantra

Flash Review: 24/25 Volkl M7 Mantra

Last season we started spending time on Volkl’s newest Mantra (in two different lengths) to see just how much has changed between the M6 and M7. Here are some of our initial impressions.

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Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL

Flash Review — Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL

Rocky Mountain’s first entry into the light-assist eMTB category features their new in-house designed and built Dyname S4 Lite motor and a new frame with mixed wheel size compatibility. The Instinct Powerplay SL seemingly has a lot going for it, and we’ve spent enough time on it now to share some initial impressions.

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

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David Golay reviews the Fox DHX Live Valve Neo for Blister

Fox DHX Live Valve Neo Electronic Shock

Fox took their time developing the new wireless version of their electronically-controlled Live Valve bike suspension. We’ve been testing the DHX Live Valve Neo since early summer, and it’s clear that Fox has come up with something pretty interesting.

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PeopleForBikes CEO, Jenn Dice, on Assessing, Advocating For, & Building Better Bike Infrastructure (Ep.249)

PeopleForBikes CEO, Jenn Dice, on Assessing, Advocating For, & Building Better Bike Infrastructure (Ep.249)

Getting more people on bikes more regularly is a laudable goal, and building better bike infrastructure is key to making it happen. PeopleForBikes does a whole lot to make that happen all over the US, and we sat down with their CEO, Jenn Dice, to hear all about it — and we dive into off-road bike access & advocacy, the specter of increased tariffs on bikes (and a lot of other stuff), and a whole bunch more.

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David Golay reviews the EXT Vaia for Blister

Flash Review — EXT Vaia

EXT’s new Vaia is an inverted dual-crown fork with additional features and design details that set it apart from most of the DH fork market — at least on paper. But how does it stack up on the trail? Check out our early thoughts.

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

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David Golay reviews the EXT Vaia for Blister

EXT Vaia Fork

EXT’s first dual-crown DH fork is here, and per usual for the brand, they’ve come up with some interesting ways to do things their own way. Check out what they’ve come up with.

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Studio Shed w/ Mike Koenig (Ep.53)

Studio Shed w/ Mike Koenig (Ep.53)

Sheds and Accessory Dwelling Units (aka, ADUs) are a great way to provide extra room for outdoor gear, remote work offices, or even additional living spaces. And in today’s conversation, we sit down with Studio Shed’s co-founder Mike Koenig to discuss their unique approach to designing prefabricated backyard structures that are well-built, eco-friendly, and stylish.

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Blister reviews the CAST Touring Freetour 2.0 Pivot ski-touring binding system

CAST Freetour 2.0 Pivot Ski-Touring Binding

CAST was the first to make a touring binding that got you alpine-binding performance on the way down and a tech toe for the way up, and the Freetour 2.0 is the latest iteration of their system. Check out our First Look for all the details.

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David Golay reviews the Kona Process 153 for Blister

Flash Review — Kona Process 153

We were impressed by the new Kona Process 134 when we reviewed it recently, but how about its bigger sibling, the Process 153? We’ve started spending time on the longer-travel member of the family and have some early thoughts to share.

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 Mondraker Arid Carbon

2025 Mondraker Arid Carbon

Mondraker has dropped their first non-motorized Gravel bike — the Arid Carbon. With a clean aesthetic and a feature set designed to please both racers and more casual adventurers, the Arid prioritizes versatility. Let’s see what Mondraker has cooked up.

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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

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

Win Gloves From Swany

The two winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will each get any pair of gloves or mittens from Swany!

Blister reviews the La Sportiva Tempo.

2024-2025 La Sportiva Tempo

Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the La Sportiva Tempo.

Blister reviews the Stöckli Montero AR

2024-2025 Stöckli Montero AR

Stöckli says the 84mm-wide Montero AR is “perfect for high-speed descents in any terrain” — but just how versatile is this piste-oriented ski? Here’s our Full Review.

Blister reviews the Stöckli Montero AR

Deep Dive: Stöckli Montero AR

We compare the Montero AR to the Stöckli Stormrider 95, Rossignol Arcade 88, Head Supershape e-Titan, Nordica Steadfast 85 DC, Elan Wingman 86 CTi, Atomic Maverick 88 Ti, Dynastar M-Cross 88, Head Supershape e-Rally, Volkl Peregrine 82, K2 Disruption 82Ti, Fischer The Curv GT 85, Kästle MX84, & Kästle MX88.

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 OneUp Components hubs

OneUp Components Hubs

OneUp made a name for themselves with no-nonsense parts at good prices, and their hubs focus on durability and ease of service. They happen to be very lightweight too — but how do they perform? Our Full Review shares our experience.

David Golay reviews the Vorsprung Telum shock

Vorsprung Telum

Update 12.12.2024: Vorsprung has shared a lot more information on the inner workings of their new Telum shock — and its extremely interesting Rapid Revalve system. Check it all out here.

Blister reviews the Kästle Paragon 101.

Flash Review: 24/25 Kästle Paragon 101

We’ve had multiple reviewers spending time on Kästle’s new all-mountain / freeride ski, the Paragon 101 — here are their thoughts so far on the 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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Gearing up for Winter Riding (Ep. 252)

Gearing up for Winter Riding (Ep. 252)

Riding in cold, wet conditions can be a blast if you get your apparel and bike setup right. Our Pacific Northwest-based reviewers sat down to talk about how they do it.

Blister reviews the Rossignol Arcade 88.

2024-2025 Rossignol Arcade 88

Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new Rossignol Arcade 88.