BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Flash Review: 25/26 Scott SEA 98
The SEA 98 is a part of Scott’s newest and most playful freeride collection, and this week, we’ve been testing and comparing it to some of its competition at Palisades Tahoe. 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
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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2025-2026 Scott SEA 98
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Scott SEA 98.
Flash Review: 25/26 Völkl Revolt 101
Update 4.23.25: We’ve logged several more days on the Revolt 101, including some recent ones at Palisades Tahoe, and we’ve got more to say about this new all-mountain ski — including how it compares to a longtime favorite, the original Fischer Ranger 102 FR.
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.)
Amateur Hour: Blister reviewer, Kristin Sinnott, on Making Homemade Ice Cream (Ep.67)
Jonathan talks with Blister reviewer & Blister Summit director, Kristin Sinnott, about her lifelong love of ice cream; what we should know about making ice cream at home; and why she always hunts for small-batch ice cream when she’s traveling.
Flash Review: Specialized’s Updated Butcher and Eliminator
Specialized’s changes to the Butcher and Eliminator are a case of incremental improvement, but those updates are ones we’re awfully excited about. Do those tweaks add up to upgraded performance? Our Flash Review covers our initial impressions after some on-trail time.
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.)
Specialized’s Updated Butcher and Eliminator Tires
The Specialized Butcher and Eliminator were recently refreshed, and we’re excited about the potential performance gains. Let’s walk through the updated tread patterns and configuration options for Specialized’s latest tire designs.
Revel Bikes Is Closing
Revel Bikes is closing shop. Here’s what we know so far.
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
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.)
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
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 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
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 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.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Trickstuff Piccola HD Titanium Brakes & North American Distribution
Trickstuff is launching a lightly updated version of their lightweight Trail bike brake — and with it, official North American distribution of their whole lineup.
Transition Sentinel V3
The Transition Sentinel is a storied bike, with the first version making some major waves in bike geometry. The new one doesn’t push the envelope like that first release, but it’s a modern Trail bike through and through. Curious what that entails? Our Full Review covers what the new Sentinel can do.
Deep Dive: Transition Sentinel V3
We compare the Transition Sentinel V3 to the Transition Sentinel V2, Knolly Fugitive 140, Santa Cruz Bronson 5, Forbidden Druid V2, Norco Sight, Transition Smuggler, Deviate Highlander II, Kona Process 153, and REEB Steezl.
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 Scott SEA 98
The SEA 98 is a part of Scott’s newest and most playful freeride collection, and this week, we’ve been testing and comparing it to some of its competition at Palisades Tahoe. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
2025-2026 Scott SEA 98
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Scott SEA 98.
Flash Review: 25/26 Völkl Revolt 101
Update 4.23.25: We’ve logged several more days on the Revolt 101, including some recent ones at Palisades Tahoe, and we’ve got more to say about this new all-mountain ski — including how it compares to a longtime favorite, the original Fischer Ranger 102 FR.
Amateur Hour: Blister reviewer, Kristin Sinnott, on Making Homemade Ice Cream (Ep.67)
Jonathan talks with Blister reviewer & Blister Summit director, Kristin Sinnott, about her lifelong love of ice cream; what we should know about making ice cream at home; and why she always hunts for small-batch ice cream when she’s traveling.
Flash Review: Specialized’s Updated Butcher and Eliminator
Specialized’s changes to the Butcher and Eliminator are a case of incremental improvement, but those updates are ones we’re awfully excited about. Do those tweaks add up to upgraded performance? Our Flash Review covers our initial impressions after some on-trail time.
Specialized’s Updated Butcher and Eliminator Tires
The Specialized Butcher and Eliminator were recently refreshed, and we’re excited about the potential performance gains. Let’s walk through the updated tread patterns and configuration options for Specialized’s latest tire designs.
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.
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.