BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2024-2025 4FRNT MSP 107
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the 4FRNT MSP 107.
Fox Speedframe Helmets
Safety is the whole point when it comes to helmets, and two of the updated models in Fox’s Speedframe lineup are now #1 and #2 in Virginia Tech’s safety rankings. But how does the new Speedframe Pro fit and feel compared to the prior generation? We’re ready to weigh in.
Flash Review: 24/25 Heritage Lab Swallowtail R120
Reviewer and heli-guide, Paul Forward, has been testing a new version of Heritage Lab’s big-mountain powder ski, the Swallowtail R120. Here are his initial impressions after his first days with it in Alaska.
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 Head Kaliber 130 MV BOA2
We’ve been logging time in the Kaliber 130 BOA2 and have started to learn some things about this new boot and the dual-BOA system in general.
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 Head Kaliber 130 MV BOA2
Here are the details and our measured specs for Head’s new dual-BOA all-mountain boot, the Kaliber 130 MV GW BOA2.
Sports Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, & Magic Bird Poop with Skratch Labs’ Founder, Dr. Allen Lim (Ep.345)
You geek out about your gear, but do you know how to fuel yourself when you’re out in the mountains or on the trail? What, when, and how much should you be eating and drinking? We talk to Scratch Labs founder, Dr. Allen Lim, about all of this, and more.
2024-2025 Icelantic Nomad 106
Icelantic overhauled their most popular skis this season — but was this risky move worth it? After a full season of testing, we think it was. Here’s our Full Review of the new Nomad 106.
Deep Dive: Icelantic Nomad 106
We compare the Nomad 106 to the previous Nomad 105, current Nomad 112, Nomad 100, J Skis Hotshot, Salomon QST 106, Nordica Unleashed 108, Moment Wildcat 108, 4FRNT Devastator, Armada ARV 106, Dynastar M-Free 108, K2 Reckoner 110, Fischer Ranger 108, Rossignol Sender Soul 102, ZAG Slap 104, Blizzard Rustler 10, Black Crows Atris, RMU Apostle 106, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Armada Declivity X 102, Line Optic 104, DPS Wailer 107, & Line Pandora 106.
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 Carv’s Digital Ski Coach System
The TWO winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will each get the Carv 2 Ski Coach system as well as a Carv Season Pass!
Matt Manser on Atomic’s New Redster Ski Boots, New Remedy 130, & More (Ep.334)
What’s the difference between a true race boot; a race-inspired ski boot; and a high-performance freeride or freestyle boot? Matt and Jonathan discuss all of these things and more, and you’ll hear the most important rant / public service announcement in GEAR:30 history.
Flash Review: 25/26 Majesty HNX Ti
Part of Majesty’s new Resort collection, the HNX Ti is an 85mm-wide ski with a unique look. Here are our initial thoughts after our first day on it.
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 Majesty HNX Ti
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Majesty HNX Ti.
Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino, January 2025 (Ep.260)
What impact are Trump’s tariffs going to have on the bike industry, and will they affect that new bike or component upgrade you have your eye on? Mike and Simon weigh in with their thoughts on the tariffs; as well as a Preview of Red Bull Hardline Tasmania; Mexico as a mountain bike destination; and a whole lot more.
‘Ski: The Greatest Ski Tour of All Time’ w/ Nikolai Schirmer, Cody Townsend, & Jonathan Ellsworth (Ep.35)
We talk with Nikolai Schirmer about snow monk warriors, obsessive weirdos, and his outstanding new movie. And Cody Townsend (who is in the film) joins in to talk about the evolution of ski culture, filmmaking, and more.
Flash Review — Santa Cruz Bronson 5
Update 2.6.2024: We’ve got the Santa Cruz Bronson 5 in for a long-term review, and have some updated thoughts on how it stacks up.
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:
Deep Dive: Moment Wildcat
We compare the Moment Wildcat to the previous Wildcat, Moment Bibby, Moment Wildcat Tour, Black Crows Anima, Rossignol Sender Free 118, Line Optic 114, K2 Reckoner 124, Volkl Revolt 121, Völkl Revolt 114, 4FRNT Renegade, 4FRNT Inthayne, Atomic Maverick 115 CTI, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Nordica Unleashed 114, Line Bacon 115, Dynastar M-Free 112, Icelantic Nomad 112, Blizzard Rustler 11, Salomon QST X, Head Oblivion 116, Line Vision 114, Head Kore 117, Head Kore 118 Ti, Prior Northwest 116, DPS Foundation Koala 118, Salomon QST Blank, Dynastar M-Free 118, J Skis Friend, Line Vision 118, Season Forma, Line Outline, K2 Reckoner 112, Icelantic Nomad 115, Nordica Enforcer 115 Free, and Elan Ripstick 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.)
Win a Kitworks Gear Management System
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a Gear Box, a Gear Tote 35L or 55L, and a $100 gift card from Kitworks!
House of Looptail on Remaking Vintage Mountain Bike and BMX Tires (Ep. 266)
House of Looptail’s Wakeman Massie joins us to chat about remaking vintage mountain bike and BMX tires; designing the first Surly singlespeed frame; why old mountain bikes deserve to be ridden; and a whole lot more.
Fox 34 SL
XC race courses are more technical than ever and race bikes are getting beefed up to match. Fox’s new 34 SL replaces the 34 Step Cast and promises a stiffer chassis, optional longer travel, and more. Check out what they’ve come up with.
Hi-Fi Audio: Capturing the Heart & Soul of Music with Heaven 11’s Itai Azerad (Ep.62)
Music — and how you listen to it — matters. In this CRAFTED conversation, Simon is joined by Heaven 11 Audio’s Itai Azerad to discuss building amplifiers that capture the heart and soul of music.
Flash Review: 24/25 Line Vision 114
Line replaced their Vision 118 with the new Vision 114 for 24/25, and we’ve been spending time on the new model this season. 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.
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.)
2024-2025 Line Vision 114
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the LINE Vision 114.
2025-2026 Elan Ripstick 96
Elan recently overhauled their longstanding Ripstick collection, so how different are the new skis, and what makes the Ripstick 96 stand out in today’s market? Here’s our Full Review.
Deep Dive: Elan Ripstick 96
We compare the Ripstick 96 to the Ripstick 102 Black Edition, Salomon QST 94, Dynastar M-Pro 94 Ti, Renoun Endurance 98, Line Optic 96, Salomon QST 92, Line Pandora 99, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 95, K2 Mindbender 96C, RMU Apostle 96 Ti, Black Crows Camox, Blizzard Rustler 9, ZAG Slap 98, Stockli Stormrider 95, and Head 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.
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 QST 94
Salomon’s new QST 94 is the narrowest addition to their new QST lineup of skis, replacing the popular QST 92. Here are our initial impressions on the QST 94, including how it compares to the outgoing model.
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.)
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend, February 2025 (Ep.350)
Cody and Jonathan are back to review the news, including the passing of ZipFit’s Sven Coomer; threats to public lands; JD Vance’s ski trip; and more. We also rate your takes, discuss the most Canadian news, and share what we’ve been reading and watching.
Arbor Carter Camber, 158 cm
Mark Carter is a badass, but what about his signature board? We’ve been riding the Arbor Carter for a full season and have found it to be a surprisingly versatile example of a modern volume-shifted shape. Here’s our Full Review.