BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Vorsprung’s New Coil Shock & Development Process (Ep.203)
Vorsprung Suspension has been teasing an upcoming coil shock for a while now, and we sat down with founder Steve Mathews to get the rundown on its design, the prototyping and testing process, and a whole lot more.
Flash Review: 23/24 Cardiff Goat Ski
Cardiff first made a name for themselves in the snowboard world, but in addition to their boards, we’ve been testing their Goat ski. 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.)
‘Out Cold’ with Mike Rogge & Jonathan Ellsworth (Ep.7)
We’re discussing the cult classic, Out Cold, starring Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover); Jack London (Dazed & Confused); snowboard legend, Todd Richards; and a number of other Hollywood staples. And we ask you: are you among the 8%?
2023-2024 Dynafit Tigard 114
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Dynafit Tigard 114.
2023-2024 Rossignol Forza 70D V-Ti
New for the 23/24 season, Rossignol’s Forza 70D V-Ti is designed with accessible carving and high edge angles in mind, and it’s a unique ride. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Rossignol Forza 70D V-Ti
We compare the Forza 70D V-Ti to the Head Supershape e-Rally, Head Supershape e-Titan, K2 Disruption 78Ti, K2 Disruption 78C, Fischer RC4 The Curv, K2 Disruption 82Ti, Fischer RC One 82 GT, K2 Disruption MTi, Elan Wingman 86 CTi, Parlor Warbird, Renoun Atlas 80, Dynastar Speed Omeglass WC FIS SL, Black Crows Mirus Cor, Folsom Spar Turbo, & Line Blade.
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.)
2023-2024 Meier Quickdraw
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Meier Quickdraw.
Flash Review: 23/24 J Skis Joyride
J says the Joyride offers “the most nimble and playful feel on firm snow.” Here are our initial thoughts on this 90mm-wide all-mountain 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.
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.)
North Shore Billet Talon Cranks
North Shore Billet is back in the crank game, so how does their new Talon offering stack up in against an ever-growing number of good options?
Gear of the Year, 2023 (Ep.278)
Jonathan Ellsworth, Luke Koppa, Kara Williard, and Justin Bobb reflect on some of the standout products and notable trends that defined the past year in ski and snowboard gear.
Win a CARV Digital Ski Coach
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get CARV’s in-boot digital ski coach, plus a free yearlong membership to their coaching and training platform!
2023-2024 Peak 104 by Bode
What happens when Bode Miller, one of the most interesting and unconventional ski racers of all time, designs an all-mountain ski? Check out our full review and Deep Dive Comparisons of the Peak 104 by Bode.
Deep Dive: Peak 104 by Bode
We compare the Peak 104 by Bode to the Peak 98 by Bode, Peak 104 by Dav, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, Fischer Ranger 102, Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, Armada Declivity 102 Ti, Salomon QST 106, K2 Mindbender 106C, Volkl Mantra 102, HEAD Kore 105, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Elan Ripstick 106, J Skis Hotshot, Blizzard Rustler 10, Black Crows Atris, Line Blade Optic 104, Volkl Secret 102, Rossignol Rallybird 104 Ti, & Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free.
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.)
Ski Boots: How to EASILY Put On & Take Off | Video
In this Blister “How To” video, Blister editor & Masterfit-Certified Bootfttter, Kara Williard, demonstrates how to effortlessly put on and take off ski boots. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, learning these simple steps can save you time, spare you frustration, and improve the performance and longevity of your boots.
Our Reviewers’ 2023 Craft Obsessions & 2024 Curiosities (Ep.39)
Today we are sharing the craft categories that most captivated our reviewers in 2023, and the categories they’re most curious about heading into 2024. This is a fun one, and it fills out the picture of the people behind our reviews, videos, articles, podcasts, & Blister Summit events.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: 24/25 Armada ARW 112
A few weeks ago, Kara Williard brought the 24/25 Armada ARW 112 on a trip to Alaska. Here are her initial on-snow 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.)
Win a MTB Kit From Outdoor Research
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a MTB jersey, shorts, and gloves from Outdoor Research!
Canyon Neuron:ONfly
The Bosch SX motor seems to have lit a fire in the lightweight eMTB category, and Canyon is the latest brand to release a bike featuring this popular new motor. Check out the new Neuron:ONfly.
Norco’s New DH Race Bike (Ep.219)
Norco hasn’t been shy about the fact that they’re working on a new DH race bike, and we sat down with Norco engineers Adrian Ward and Kirk McDowall to hear all about it.
Deep Dive: Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay
We compare the Instinct Powerplay to the Pivot Shuttle AM, Specialized Turbo Levo, Orbea Wild, and Norco Fluid VLT 130.
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.)
Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay
Lightweight, lower powered eMTBs are having a bit of a moment, but the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay makes a strong case for a full-power motor, even on a mid-travel Trail bike. Check out our full review for our take.
Flash Review: 24/25 Romp Oso 105
We’ve been logging time on one of the newest — and most different — skis in Romp’s stock lineup. Here are our initial thoughts on the Oso 105.
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 Icelantic Maiden 102
Icelantic overhauled their longstanding Maiden and Nomad skis for 24/25, including longer lengths options for the women’s Maiden series, and we spent the season testing the new Maiden 102 against its competition to see where it falls in the all-mountain market. Read all about it in our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Icelantic Maiden 102
We compare the Icelantic Maiden 102 to the Nordica Unleashed 98 W, Moment Sierra, Blizzard Sheeva 10, Faction Dancer 3X, Zag Slap 104, Armada ARW 106 UL, Nordica Unleashed 108 W, Atomic Maven 103 CTI, Fischer Ranger 102, Nordica Santa Ana 102, K2 Mindbender 99Ti W, Volkl Secret 102, DPS Kaizen 105, Line Optic 104, K2 Mindbender 106C W, Folsom Cash 106, & Salomon QST Stella 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.)
Devinci E-Troy Lite
We’ve been seeing a lot of new lightweight eMTBs hitting the market lately, and Devinci has made a very interesting one with their new aluminum, made-in-Canada E-Troy Lite. Dig into our First Look for all the details on the new bike.
Deep Dive: Ibis HD6
We compare the Ibis HD6 to the Yeti SB165, Orbea Rallon, Yeti SB160, Pivot Firebird, Norco Sight, Propane Tyee, Santa Cruz Nomad, Chromag Lowdown, Kavenz VHP 16, Specialized Enduro, 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.)
Ibis HD6
Ibis set out to make a modern Enduro race bike and came up with the HD6 — the longest travel bike they’ve ever made. We’ve been spending a lot of time on the HD6, and it has proven to be an interesting take on the genre. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see what we mean.