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.

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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

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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

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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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David Golay reviews the EXT Arma V4 for Blister

Flash Review — EXT Arma V4

We’ve been quite impressed with the EXT Storia V4 shock — so what about its bigger sibling, the Arma? Check out our thoughts so far.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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Blister reviews the Nordica Enforcer 94

Flash Review: 24/25 Nordica Enforcer 94

Jonathan shares his initial thoughts on the latest version of the Enforcer 94, how it compares to prior iterations, and where it feels most at home vs. the wider Enforcers.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

Blister reviews the Salomon QST X

Flash Review: 24/25 Salomon QST X

Japow Update: Kara Williard brought the QST X with her on a recent trip to Japan and she’s now added her thoughts on this lightweight powder ski.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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Blister reviews the Tyrolia Attack Hybrid 14 MN/PT.

Tyrolia Attack Hybrid 14 MN/PT Ski-Touring Binding

Tyrolia has entered the “hybrid” category of touring bindings by expanding their well-known Attack series with the all-new Hybrid 14 MN/PT. Check out our First Look for our measured specs and all the details on this new system.

Blister reviews the Ibis Oso 1.1

Flash Review: Ibis Oso 1.1

Ibis made some meaningful tweaks to the Oso 1.1, and we’ve gotten some initial trail time on Ibis’ burly eMTB. Check out our 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.

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

Alex Hackel on Kings & Queens of Corbet’s, Movies, & More (Ep.346)

We’re talking about all things ‘Kings & Queens’ with Alex Hackel, who has podiumed both times he’s competed in the event. Alex is also a 2-times X-games medalist, he’s the co-founder of 1000skis, and he’s a terrific filmmaker, and we discuss all of this and more.

Luke Koppa reviews the Head Kore 118Ti for Blister

Flash Review: 25/26 Head Kore 118Ti

Crested Butte has gotten 30+ inches of new snow in the past few days, so we’ve been breaking out several new pow skis. First up is the Kore 118Ti, which represents a pretty big shift for the Kore series. Here are our 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.

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Blister reviews the Head Kore 118 Ti.

2025-2026 Head Kore 118 Ti

Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new Head Kore 118 Ti.

‘Downhill’ stars A-list actors and comedians (Will Ferrel, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Zach Woods); features realistic skiing; takes place entirely at a ski resort; and was released on Valentine’s Day. So it must be every skier’s favorite Rom-Com, right? Not exactly. On Blister Cinematic, you’ll hear Amie and Jonathan’s strong reactions to one of the most puzzling ski movies they’ve ever seen.

‘Downhill’ w/ Amie Engerbretson & Jonathan Ellsworth (Ep.36)

‘Downhill’ stars A-list comedians (Will Ferrel, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, etc); takes place entirely at a ski resort; and was released on Valentine’s Day. So it must be every skier’s favorite Rom-Com, right? Hear Amie and Jonathan’s strong reactions to one of the most puzzling ski movies ever.

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

2024-2025 Scarpa Maestrale RS

Scarpa’s Maestrale boots have been ubiquitous in the touring category for many years now — and for good reason. But Scarpa hasn’t been afraid to refine these boots over the years, and we’ve spent the past couple of seasons testing the latest iteration. Here’s our Full Review.