BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2025 Fox 38 Grip X2
The most noticeable update to Fox’s latest fork lineup was its (optional) and un-subtle gold paint, but the showy exterior hides a new series of dampers, and we’ve been testing the Grip X2 version of the Fox 38 fork. Now we’re ready to offer our take on the results of the update, how the new 38 and Grip X2 damper fare against the competition, and whether they’d be a good fit for you.
20th Anniversary of ‘Yearbook’ w/ Murray Wais & Scott Gaffney (Ep.22)
20 years ago this week, ‘Yearbook,’ one of the most star-studded ski movies of all time, was released. So we talk with filmmakers Murray Wais and Scott Gaffney about the behind-the-scenes insanity; the in-front-of-the-camera surprises; the styles of Seth vs Hugo; and more.
2024-2025 Blister Digital Winter Buyer’s Guide
350+ skis, 65 boots, and 280+ pages of honest, accurate product reviews and comparisons. Order our 24/25 Winter Buyer’s Guide or become a BLISTER+ member to read the Digital Guide NOW.
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The Current State of Climate Science, Consensus, & Next Best Steps w/ Dr. Liz Burakowski (Ep.323)
So how are things actually going when it comes to climate change, carbon emissions, stuff like that? Are we making any real progress? For answers, we’re talking with Dr. Elizabeth Burakowski, who is on the Research Faculty at the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space at the University of New Hampshire.
Frameworks Enduro
Frameworks is releasing a limited first run of their Enduro frame. Drawing plenty of inspiration from the Downhill frame released last year, the US-made Enduro frame stands out from the crowd with unique construction details and intriguing geometry. Our First Look has the details.
Flylow’s Dan Abrams on Burrito Grease & PFAS; Slide Gliding; Palisades Tahoe; & More (Ep.312)
Dan Abrams is back to talk about toxic positivity, slide gliding, burrito grease, give his review of Palisades Tahoe, and more.
Win Our 24/25 Winter Buyer’s Guide
The three winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will each get a print and digital copy of our new 2024-2025 Winter Buyer’s Guide!
Norco Fluid VLT
Norco’s Fluid VLT 130 pairs a responsive suspension platform, a lightweight build, and Bosch’s powerful SX drive system to create a unique offering in the light-assist eMTB category. Check out our Full Review and Deep Dive comparisons, as well as our “Head to Head” video comparing it to the Pivot Shuttle SL.
Deep Dive: Norco Fluid VLT 130
We compare the Norco Fluid VLT 130 to the Pivot Shuttle SL, Trek Fuel EXe, Santa Cruz Heckler SL, Canyon Neuron:ONfly, Mondraker Dune XR, and Cannondale Moterra SL.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino, August 2024 (Ep.238)
Mike Ferrentino is back handling the co-host duties on this episode of Reviewing the News. Simon admits to missing Mike during his absence, and the lads waste no time getting into recapping the UCI MTB World Championships; cross-country mountain bike courses getting too short; Mike’s take on the Specialized and Frameworks partnership; a belt drive lawsuit; and lots more.
Liv Intrigue X
The Intrigue X is the latest addition to Liv’s women-specific MTB lineup, and it claims to offer tons of versatility and adjustability for those who want to ride all sorts of trails on one bike. After several months with it, we’re now ready to weigh in on how accurate those claims proved to be — here’s our Full Review.
Chef Mark Connell on Craft & Trust; Tasting Menus; & Olive Oil Candy, Part 2 (Ep.49)
Mark Connell is the executive chef at PARC Aspen, and he’s back to talk about fine dining and the importance of tasting menus; what he learned at Alinea; the difference between striving for consistency vs. striving to be consistently good; and more.
Industry Nine SOLiX M TR300/290 DUO Wheels
Industry Nine’s new SOLiX M TR300/290 DUO wheels have a very long name and a very low weight — but how do they ride, and how have they held up to a summer of riding? Check out our Full Review to find out.
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend, August 2024 (Ep.322)
Cody and Jonathan discuss summer skiing; the new FIS wildcard rule; some good news & dumb news re: national parks; art exhibits at ski areas; their top-3 mountain towns; & more.
‘Rad’ with Eddie Fiola, Jen Zeuner, & Simon Stewart (Ep.21)
There’s no denying that the film Rad is a cult classic, and we sat down with one of the stunt riders, BMX freestyle legend Eddie Fiola, as well as BMX Hall of Famer Jen Zeuner, to get the backstory on how Eddie got involved, how he got knocked out, the terrifying Helltrack drop-in, wearing Lori Loughlin’s pants, plus a whole lot more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Deep Dive: Stöckli Montero AR
We compare the Montero AR to the Stöckli Stormrider 95, Rossignol Arcade 88, Head Supershape e-Titan, Nordica Steadfast 85 DC, Elan Wingman 86 CTi, Atomic Maverick 88 Ti, Dynastar M-Cross 88, Head Supershape e-Rally, Volkl Peregrine 82, K2 Disruption 82Ti, Fischer The Curv GT 85, Kästle MX84, & Kästle MX88.
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 Dynastar M-Pro 98 W
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Dynastar M-Pro 98 W.
OneUp Components Hubs
OneUp made a name for themselves with no-nonsense parts at good prices, and their hubs focus on durability and ease of service. They happen to be very lightweight too — but how do they perform? Our Full Review shares our experience.
2024-2025 ON3P Woodsman 108 Tour
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the ON3P Woodsman 108 Tour.
Flash Review: 24/25 Kästle Paragon 101
We’ve had multiple reviewers spending time on Kästle’s new all-mountain / freeride ski, the Paragon 101 — here are their thoughts so far on the ski.
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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Gearing up for Winter Riding (Ep. 252)
Riding in cold, wet conditions can be a blast if you get your apparel and bike setup right. Our Pacific Northwest-based reviewers sat down to talk about how they do it.
2024-2025 Rossignol Arcade 88
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new Rossignol Arcade 88.
2024-2025 Icelantic Maiden 108
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new Icelantic Maiden 108.
Scott Rao on Quality, Q Ratings, & Coffee (Ep.54)
Scott Rao is one of the most influential people in the world of coffee. He’s also the owner of Prodigal Coffee, and in this conversation we dive deep into specific coffee topics, as well as the pursuit of quality in general.
2024-2025 Dynastar M-Pro 92 W
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Dynastar M-Pro 92 W.
Flash Review: 24/25 Dynastar M-Pro 92 W
We’ve been spending time on the M-Pro 92 W, one of the women-specific models in Dynastar’s overhauled directional freeride collection. 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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Flash Review — Fox 40 Grip X2
Fox’s longstanding DH fork got a new damper this year, and we’ve started spending time on the new 40 Grip X2. Check out our early 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.)