BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Lal Katana
Lal Bikes turned a lot of heads when they launched the Supre Drive a few years ago, and now they’re launching their own bike built around it. Meet the Katana.
Flash Review: 25/26 Faction Dancer 79
Faction is expanding their Dancer collection of directional, metal-laminate all-mountain skis, and we’ve started getting time on the newest and narrowest ski, the Dancer 79.
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.)
2025-2026 Faction Dancer 79
Faction is adding a narrower option to their metal-laminate Dancer collection. Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the brand-new Faction Dancer 79.
DT Swiss 350 Ratchet DEG Hubs & Pure Carbon Rims
DT Swiss is bringing their faster-engaging Ratchet DEG freehub design to their more affordable 350 hubs, along with some flashier color options than their standard black. They’re also now offering their top-tier carbon MTB rims on their own. Check out what’s new from DT Swiss.
RAAW Yalla!! V2
Revamped for 2025, the RAAW Yalla!! V2 gets a lot more than just an extra exclamation point in the name. The new frame doesn’t deviate too far from the original but gets mixed wheel compatibility, redesigned adjustable dropouts, updated tubing and protection details, and a bunch of other tweaks. Check out RAAW’s updated DH bike in our First Look.
Flash Review: 25/26 FullSend Max K 106
We’ve been testing two versions of FullSend’s do-everything all-mountain ski, including a fully rockered model and a cambered version with a swallowtail. Here are 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.
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.)
2025-2026 FullSend Max K 106
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for two versions — fully rockered and cambered with a swallowtail — of the new FullSend Max K 106.
Tinctures, Traditions, & Taste: the Bitters Creation Process w/ Bennett Bitters (Ep.65)
Bitters have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, and in cocktails for centuries, but they receive far less attention than the spirits in our glass. So we talk with the founders of Bennett Bitters about bitters in general, and the complex process they use to produce some of the best bitters on the market.
Allied Cycle Works ABLE Gen 2
Allied Cycle Works has revamped the ABLE, their race-oriented Gravel bike. The original elevated chainstay design is no longer, but it gets even more clearance for big tires, a new in-frame storage design, and updated geometry. Check out the details in our First Look.
Revel Ritual and ReRun
Hot on the heels of the Rascal SL launch, Revel is dropping two more bikes on the other end of the spectrum — including their first eMTB. Check out the new Ritual and electrified ReRun.
Flash Review: 25/26 RMU Zephyr 88
The Zephyr 88 is RMU’s most piste-oriented ski, and we’ve logged our first few days on it. Here are our initial takeaways.
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.)
2025-2026 RMU Zephyr 88
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, flex pattern numbers, and some more info about RMU’s carver, the Zephyr 88.
2025-2026 Rossignol Sender Free 118
The Rossignol Blackops 118 was the all-time favorite ski of our managing editor, and many other skiers around the globe. When we got word that Rossignol was replacing it, some of us held our breath while others sharpened their pitchforks. Now, we’re ready to weigh in on its successor, the Sender Free 118. Sit down and strap in for one of our longest (and most entertaining?) Full Reviews.
Deep Dive: Rossignol Sender Free 118
We compare the Rossignol Sender Free 118 to the Rossignol Blackops 118, Moment Wildcat, Rossignol Sender Free 110, Dynastar M-Free 112, Head Kore 118 Ti, Prior Northwest 116, ON3P Jeffrey 118, ON3P Billy Goat 118, Black Crows Anima, Line Optic 114, K2 Reckoner 124, Völkl Revolt 121, Völkl Revolt 114, 4FRNT Renegade, 4FRNT Inthayne, Atomic Maverick 115 CTI, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Nordica Unleashed 114, Line Bacon 115, Icelantic Nomad 112, Salomon S/Lab QST Blank, Blizzard Rustler 11, and Head Oblivion 116.
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.)
Flash Review: 2026 Fox 36 Grip X2
The new Fox 36 gets an updated chassis and air spring, paired with the newer Grip X2 damper that debuted last year. Check out our early take on how it all comes together.
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 Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Mali Noyes’ Incredible Feat: Skiing the Chuting Gallery in 47 Days (Ep.355)
Mali Noyes just pulled off a mind-blowing feat: skiing the Chuting Gallery in 47 days. So how did she do it? And what led her to try? Jonathan talks with Mali about all of it, including some of the best advice she received from Greg Hill, Cody Townsend, Janelle Smiley, and Sam Smoothy.
Flash Review: 25/26 Rossignol Arcade 94
Update 5.5.25: We’ve added some more thoughts on Rossignol’s new piste-oriented ski, including how the Arcade 94 handles the very variable conditions of the spring, and its off-piste capabilities.
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.)
2025-2026 Rossignol Arcade 94
Rossignol is making big changes to their all-mountain lineup for 25/26, including eight new models in their Arcade series. Here are the details on the new collection, as well as our measured specs and rocker profile pictures for the new Arcade 94.
Flash Review: Santa Cruz Hightower 4
We had some questions when Santa Cruz updated their popular Hightower, which sits right in the middle of their MTB lineup, and now we have some answers. Check out our first impressions of this new Trail bike.
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.)
Flash Review: 25/26 Salomon S/Lab QST Blank
Part of Salomon’s overhaul of the QST series, the new 112mm-wide S/Lab QST Blank was reportedly designed with input from lots of Salomon’s younger “Mountain Collective” athletes. So, what’s changed vs. the original Blank? Based on our initial testing, you could argue that the answer is both “not much” and “a lot.” Here’s why.
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.)
2025-2026 Salomon S/Lab QST Blank
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the updated Salomon S/Lab QST Blank.
What’s New in Ski & Snowboard Bindings (Burton, Spark R&D, ATK Bindings, AlpenFlow Design) (Ep.345)
What new ideas emerge when you bring together makers of hybrid ski bindings and AT bindings and snowboard bindings and splitboard bindings? At the Blister Summit, we brought together Will Ritter of Spark R&D; Royal White, from Burton; Andy Merriman, from ATK Bindings; and Cobey Nash, from the new company, AlpenFlow Design. Enjoy.
Flash Review: Trickstuff Maxima Brakes
The name of the Trickstuff Maxima brakes gives a good idea of what they’re about, at least on paper: big power, big bling, and a pricetag to match. We’ve started spending time on Trickstuff’s most powerful, gravity-oriented brake to see if they deliver.
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.)
Win Packs & Radios From BCA
The two winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a Stash Pro 40-UL or Stash 20-S pack and BC Link 2.0 Radio from Backcountry Access!
Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino, April 2025 (Ep. 272)
Mike and Simon discuss the sad news about Revel Bikes closing shop, the exciting start to mountain bike World Cup XC racing, Tadej Pogačar’s incredible Spring Classics campaign, Specialized’s polarizing eMTB speed limit decision, some of their favorite new products, and a whole lot more.
Stuff We Like: April 2025
In this month’s edition of Stuff We Like, our reviewers discuss a wide array of gear they’ve been digging, from burly bike stands to shoulder-season layers, ultra-breathable touring kits, mesh duffels, and lots of multifunctional summer apparel for the hot months to come.
Viticulture, Wine Making, & Karaoke w/ Field Recordings’ Andrew Jones (Ep.68)
Andrew Jones has spent decades planting vines for other people — some of the biggest names in California. But then his side project turned into Field Recordings, and that has grown into one of the most talked-about labels in the country. Here, Andrew talks with us about nursery hustle, breaking the rules, and why wine should be fun, not fussy.