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

BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

Blister reviews the Armada AR ONE 130 MV

Flash Review: 25/26 Armada AR ONE 130 MV

We just got our first laps in Armada’s first boots, the AR ONE 130 — here are some of the things that have stood out so far.

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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.

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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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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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

Blister reviews the Head Kore 99 Ti W.

2025-2026 Head Kore 99 Ti W

Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new women’s Head Kore 99 Ti W.

Luke Koppa reviews the Atomic Maverick 115 CTI for Blister

2024-2025 Atomic Maverick 115 CTI

When it comes to powder skis, the Atomic Bent Chetler has been a staple for well over a decade, sometimes overshadowing their more directional pow sticks. Their latest offering, the Maverick 115 CTI, makes the argument that it deserves just as much attention as its more freestyle-oriented sibling — here’s our Full Review.

Luke Koppa reviews the Atomic Maverick 115 CTI for Blister

Deep Dive: Atomic Maverick 115 CTI

We compare the Maverick 115 CTI to the Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Atomic Maverick 105 CTI, Atomic Backland 109, Volkl Blaze 114, Blizzard Rustler 11, Moment Wildcat, Line Optic 114, Volkl Revolt 114, Head Kore 117, Icelantic Nomad 112, Salomon QST Blank, Nordica Unleashed 114, Salomon QST X, 4FRNT Renegade, Black Crows Anima, Rossignol Sender Free 118, Meier Leeper, & RMU Apostle 114.

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 High Above Supernatural Vest Pack

High Above Supernatural Vest Pack

High Above has made a name for itself over the years for high-quality, US-made hip packs and accessories. With vest packs seemingly growing in popularity, High Above has thrown their hat into the ring with the new Supernatural. Check out our First Look for more about High Above’s take on a bike-focused vest pack.

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

Reviewer Reports: New Head Kores, Ski Boots, & One Age-Old Question (Ep.333)

Luke, Kara, & Jonathan discuss Head’s overhauled collection of Kore skis; Jonathan makes a confession after he took some carving skis off piste; Kara and Luke discuss a bunch of boots they’ve been testing; Jonathan poses an age-old question about boot flexes; Kara breaks down the setups she’s bringing to Japan; and much more.

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

Win Glory Ski Poles

The TWO winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will both get a pair of Glory Ski Poles!

Luke Koppa reviews the Head Kore 94 Ti for Blister

Flash Review: 25/26 Head Kore 94 Ti

We’ve started logging time on Head’s revised Kore skis, and we’re kicking off our Flash Reviews with one of the narrower models in the lineup, the Kore 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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Blister reviews the HEAD Kore 94 Ti.

2025-2026 Head Kore 94 Ti

Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new Head Kore 94 Ti.

David Golay reviews the Outlier Void and Pendulum Pedals for BLISTER

Flash Review: Outlier Void and Pendulum Pedals

Do Outlier’s Void and Pendulum pedals feel as wild as they look, or does their unconventional packaging wind up feeling more akin to other flat pedal designs than you might expect? We’ve got some early 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.

If you’re already an active member, please log in.

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David Golay reviews the Outlier Void and Pendulum Pedals for BLISTER

Outlier Void and Pendulum Pedals

It’s hard to make a new flat pedal design really stand out from the many, many good options already out there but Outlier has done it — twice — with their new Void and Pendulum pedals. Check out what makes them different, and potentially very compelling.