BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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.
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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.
2025-2026 K2 Reckoner 102
The Reckoner 102 quickly became a favorite of several of our reviewers when K2 first released it, but when they recently overhauled the wider Reckoners, K2 also updated the 102. So, does the latest version stand out as much as the original? Here’s our Full Review.
Deep Dive: K2 Reckoner 102
We compare the K2 Reckoner 102 to the previous Reckoner 102, K2 Reckoner 110, K2 Omen Team, Line Chronic 101, Black Crows Camox, Fischer Nightstick 97, J Skis Allplay, Head Oblivion 102, Dynastar M-Free 99, Dynastar M-Free 100, Armada Edollo, Season Kin, Nordica Unleashed 98, 4FRNT Switch, Faction Studio 2, Völkl Revolt 104, and Salomon Depart.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Mountain Life & Product Design: North Drinkware Co-Founder, Matt Capozzi (Ep.63)
Matt Capozzi has always loved being in the mountains, but he’s also enjoyed an incredible career working in product design for brands like Burton, Nike, Nixon, and Smith. In 2015, Matt had a wild idea to help people ‘bring the mountains home,’ which led to the creation of North Drinkware, which produces beautiful, artisanal products — like handblown glassware — made in Oregon.
Fox 36 & 36 SL
Fox’s new 34 SL was a sign of more things to come: there’s now a new 36 SL and an overhauled 36 in Fox’s fork lineup, too. Check out what’s new.
2025-26 Head E.B.I. LYT, 161 cm
There are an increasing number of directional freeride boards that aim to blend powder float with carving ability on-piste, and the E.B.I. LYT is Head’s contribution to the category. Does it manage to blend those often separate traits into a coherent design? Our Full Review has our impressions after a season with the E.B.I. LYT.
2025 World Cup Finals of Ski Racing in Sun Valley with River Radamus & Will Brandenburg (Ep.351)
Jonathan talks to US ski racer, River Radamus, about his upcoming GS race; this World Cup season; & more. Then, he talks to former World Cup ski racer, Will Brandenburg about the Herculean effort it was to build – and prep – the steepest DH and Super G race courses in the world.
Flash Review: 25/26 Dynastar M-Free 112
Update: Luke Koppa has added more thoughts on the 190 cm M-Free 112, how it compares to some other skis in its class, and why it’s quickly become a favorite of several of our reviewers.
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2025-2026 Ellis Sabr 100
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Sabr 100 by Ellis Skis.
Flash Review: 25/26 Ellis Sabr 100
Ellis Skis, based out of Utah and Colorado, just launched their first collection this season and we’ve started spending time on their 100mm-wide Sabr. Here are our initial thoughts.
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2024-2025 La Sportiva Capo
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the La Sportiva Capo.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: Kona Hei Hei 10
The Kona Hei Hei has taken many forms over its 30+ year history. So, where does the most current, 10th generation of the Hei Hei sit in the market? We’ve been spending some time on it and have some initial thoughts.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Mountain Gazette’s Mike Rogge on the Natural Selection Ski Comp; Old Gear; “Outdoor” Movies; & More (Ep.353)
Mountain Gazette owner & editor, Mike Rogge, is back to talk about Travis Rice’s Natural Selection SKI comp; the virtues of crappy old gear; Jim Morrison’s trip report in the new issue of Mountain Gazette; Mike’s unorthodox picks for movies to cover on Blister Cinematic; & more.
2025-2026 Dynafit Ridge Pro Ski Boot
The Ridge Pro is the latest collab between Dynafit and Eric ‘Hoji’ Hjorleifson, and it’s proven to offer a really impressive blend of uphill efficiency and downhill capability — but there are some caveats to consider. Check out our Full Review for the whole story.
Santa Cruz Vala
The Vala brings about a couple of firsts for Santa Cruz — their first Horst Link bike and their first Bosch-powered eMTB. After several months on board the Vala, it’s left quite an impression. Find out why in our Full Review.
Deep Dive: Santa Cruz Vala
We compare the Santa Cruz Vala to the Cannondale Moterra SL, Santa Cruz Heckler SL, Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay, Pivot Shuttle AM, Devinci E-Troy, and Orbea Wild.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Flash Review: 25/26 Völkl Mantra 88
Völkl is updating the Mantra 88 next season, and the new version has been impressive so far — here are Jonathan’s initial takeaways.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2025-2026 Völkl Mantra 88
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the updated Völkl Mantra 88.
Reviewer Reports: Closing-Day Setups, Trip Reports, Cody’s Surprise Visit, & More (Ep.343)
Luke, Kara, Jonathan, and Jbobb discuss a whole bunch of ski and snowboard gear they’ve been testing — and the very different locations and conditions where that testing has taken place.
Win PHANTOM Glide Ski / Snowboard Kits
The five winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will each get a PHANTOM Glide Single Application Kit!
DT Swiss EXC 1200 Classic Wheels
DT Swiss’s 1700-series wheels are deservedly popular as higher-end aluminum options that come in at a reasonable price, but what about their flagship 1200-series carbon models? We’ve spent a ton of time on the Enduro-oriented EXC 1200 Classic wheelset to find out. Here’s our Full Review.
Flash Review: 25/26 La Sportiva Sender
The Sender is a new freeride-touring boot from La Sportiva, and it’s proven to be an interesting option during our initial testing. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Cascade Components’ Stumpjumper High-Pivot Conversion (Ep.270)
Cascade Components is best known for making aftermarket suspension links to change the leverage curve of a wide range of bikes, but they’ve just launched something much more radical: a high-pivot conversion kit for the current Specialized Stumpjumper. So we sat down with them to discuss why, how, and what they learned from the project.