BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Flash Review: 24/25 Volkl M7 Mantra
Last season we started spending time on Volkl’s newest Mantra (in two different lengths) to see just how much has changed between the M6 and M7. Here are some of our initial impressions.
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Auden Schendler on Joy, Living Well, & His New Book, Terrible Beauty: Reckoning with Climate Complicity and Rediscovering our Soul (Ep.334)
Auden and Jonathan talk about human purpose, the importance of joy and living well; and Auden spells out the need for systemic change — and not just token actions — to actually address climate change.
Flash Review — Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL
Rocky Mountain’s first entry into the light-assist eMTB category features their new in-house designed and built Dyname S4 Lite motor and a new frame with mixed wheel size compatibility. The Instinct Powerplay SL seemingly has a lot going for it, and we’ve spent enough time on it now to share some initial impressions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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CARV Co-Founder Alex Jackson & Pro Skier Marcus Caston on Using New Tech to Ski Better & Have More Fun On Snow (Ep.323)
We’re geeking out with pro skier, Marcus Caston, and CARV co-founder, Alex Jackson, about CARV’s slick & sophisticated system that aims to help skiers improve their skiing and have more fun on snow. Fans of new tech, high edge angles, and / or skiing better, listen up.
Win Any Pret Helmet & Goggle
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get their pick of any Pret Helmet, as well as their choice of any pair of Pret Goggles!
Blister Holiday Gift Guide 2024 — Kids & Parents Edition
Rounding out our Holiday Gift Guide series this year is a collection of gift ideas that we think would be great for outdoor-oriented kids and parents — or those who are looking for new ways to spend more time outside with their little ones.
Fox DHX Live Valve Neo Electronic Shock
Fox took their time developing the new wireless version of their electronically-controlled Live Valve bike suspension. We’ve been testing the DHX Live Valve Neo since early summer, and it’s clear that Fox has come up with something pretty interesting.
Risk, Consequence, & an 8-Step Checklist
In this Open Mic piece, Hadley Hammer offers lots of food for thought, and an 8-Step checklist that each of us would do well to act on.
PeopleForBikes CEO, Jenn Dice, on Assessing, Advocating For, & Building Better Bike Infrastructure (Ep.249)
Getting more people on bikes more regularly is a laudable goal, and building better bike infrastructure is key to making it happen. PeopleForBikes does a whole lot to make that happen all over the US, and we sat down with their CEO, Jenn Dice, to hear all about it — and we dive into off-road bike access & advocacy, the specter of increased tariffs on bikes (and a lot of other stuff), and a whole bunch more.
Flash Review — EXT Vaia
EXT’s new Vaia is an inverted dual-crown fork with additional features and design details that set it apart from most of the DH fork market — at least on paper. But how does it stack up on the trail? Check out our early thoughts.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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EXT Vaia Fork
EXT’s first dual-crown DH fork is here, and per usual for the brand, they’ve come up with some interesting ways to do things their own way. Check out what they’ve come up with.
Studio Shed w/ Mike Koenig (Ep.53)
Sheds and Accessory Dwelling Units (aka, ADUs) are a great way to provide extra room for outdoor gear, remote work offices, or even additional living spaces. And in today’s conversation, we sit down with Studio Shed’s co-founder Mike Koenig to discuss their unique approach to designing prefabricated backyard structures that are well-built, eco-friendly, and stylish.
CAST Freetour 2.0 Pivot Ski-Touring Binding
CAST was the first to make a touring binding that got you alpine-binding performance on the way down and a tech toe for the way up, and the Freetour 2.0 is the latest iteration of their system. Check out our First Look for all the details.
Flash Review — Kona Process 153
We were impressed by the new Kona Process 134 when we reviewed it recently, but how about its bigger sibling, the Process 153? We’ve started spending time on the longer-travel member of the family and have some early thoughts to share.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2025 Mondraker Arid Carbon
Mondraker has dropped their first non-motorized Gravel bike — the Arid Carbon. With a clean aesthetic and a feature set designed to please both racers and more casual adventurers, the Arid prioritizes versatility. Let’s see what Mondraker has cooked up.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: 24/25 Völkl Blaze 94
Volkl updated several of their lightweight freeride skis this season, and the new Blaze 94 has been one of the more exciting surprises of the collection. Here are some of 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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2024-2025 Völkl Blaze 94
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Völkl Blaze 94.
BMC URS AMP LT
BMC’s URS LT is the most offroad-capable Gravel bike in their lineup, and the URS AMP LT adds a motor to it. Check out our Full Review to find out how it all comes together.
2025-2026 Head Kore 104 Ti W
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new Head Kore 104 Ti W.
Blevins’ Corner: The Current State of Ski Resorts (Ep.343)
We talk with Jason Blevins, the outdoors reporter for The Colorado Sun, about the recent ski patrol strike, union talks, the current state of ski areas, and what it all means for the future of skiing, snowboarding, and mountain towns.
2025-2026 Head Kore 106 Ti
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new Head Kore 106 Ti.
Athletes at the Blister Summit 2025
At the Blister Summit, you’ll have a unique opportunity to ski with professional athletes from all over the world. Check out who you can expect to take laps with, hear from on panel sessions, and hang out with at the upcoming Blister Summit 2025.
New Salomon Dual BOA Ski Boot & New Salomon QST Skis (Ep.332)
We talk about the biggest development in the world of snowsports gear: dual BOA ski boots. You’ll learn about dual BOA boots in general, but also the specific design decisions Salomon made to implement this system into their new S/Pro Supra dual BOA ski boot. Then we talk with Quentin Boutry about the new generation of QST skis.
2024-2025 phaenom fs 01 120
New ski boot brands are notable in themselves, and Phaenom made their debut in the category even more intriguing by offering a range of “hybrid cabrio” boots with lots of unique features. But how do they actually perform? Here’s our Full Review.
Win Apparel & Gear From Finisterre
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the women’s or men’s Nimbus Insulated Jacket, Nautilus 23L Backpack, and Fisherman Beanie from Finisterre!
Flash Review: 24/25 Icelantic Nomad 100
Icelantic overhauled their most popular line of skis this season, so where does the new Nomad 100 slot into the all-mountain market? Here are our 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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2024-2025 Icelantic Nomad 100
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new Icelantic Nomad 100.