BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Cast-Iron Cookware w/ Blister reviewer, Simon Stewart (Ep.41)
Jonathan is joined by Blister senior bike editor, Simon Stewart, who is on a quest to see if the fancier, more expensive cast-iron products coming out today are ‘better’ than their cheaper counterparts.
Head & Tyrolia Announce New 24/25 Touring Skis, Boots, Bindings, & More
In a big announcement, Head & Tyrolia have revealed their expansive 24/25 line of touring-specific gear, including brand-new collections of skis, boots, bindings, & more. Here are the details for Head’s new Crux product lineup and Tyrolia’s new Almonte bindings.
Salomon Announces New 24/25 QST X Ski
Salomon is adding a brand-new ski to their lineup, and while the QST X is their widest model for the 24/25 season, it’s definitely not the heaviest. Here are the details on the new Salomon QST X.
2023-2024 Moment Countach 110
The new Countach 110 is one of the few skis in Moment’s lineup that doesn’t neatly fit into one of their established product series. After first testing it at last year’s Blister Summit, several of our reviewers continued to put time on it over the past year, and now it’s time for them to chime in — check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Moment Countach 110
We compare the Countach 110 to the Moment Commander 108, Moment Wildcat 108, Moment Wildcat, Moment Deathwish, Rossignol Sender Free 110, DPS Koala 111, Rossignol Sender Squad, Dynastar M-Free 108, Meier Leeper, Black Crows Anima, Blizzard Cochise 106, Volkl Katana 108, Rossignol Sender 106 Ti+, Faction Dancer 3, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Nordica Enforcer 110 Free, Nordica Unleashed 108, Black Crows Corvus, Icelantic Nomad 105, J Skis Hotshot, 4FRNT Hoji, Blizzard Rustler 11, Fischer Ranger 108, Head Kore 111, Line Blade Optic 114, & Salomon QST Blank.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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‘Apollo’ w/ Marcus Caston, Cam McLeod, & Jonathan Ellsworth (Ep.10)
We talk with one of our favorite skiers, Marcus Caston, and one of our favorite creatives, Cam McLeod, about their beautiful short film, Apollo. This is a film to savor, to share with your friends, and to revisit for years to come.
Propain Tyee
The Propain Tyee is an especially good value for money in terms of the parts spec and looks well-thought-out on paper, but does it all come together on the trail? We’ve spent several months on one and are ready to weigh in.
Deep Dive: Propain Tyee
We compare the Propain Tyee to the Kavenz VHP 16, SCOR 4060 LT, YT Capra, Santa Cruz Nomad, Santa Cruz Bronson, We Are One Arrival 152, Trek Slash, Trek Fuel EX, Starling Murmur Enduro, Orbea Rallon, Orbea Occam LT, REEB Steezl, Yeti SB160, and Pivot Firebird.
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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Our Upcoming Blister Summit: Kristin & Jonathan Discuss Details, Highlights, & What You Need to Know (Ep.295)
Jonathan & Kristin talks discuss the most up-to-date details of the Summit, the things they’re most excited about, and more.
Flash Review: 24/25 Blizzard Anomaly 102
The new Anomaly 102 has big shoes to fill — namely, the Blizzard Bonafide & Cochise’s roles in the brand’s line. Here are our initial on-snow impressions for the new 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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Redesigned 24/25 Shift2 Binding Announced
The Shift binding has become one of the most popular “hybrid” touring bindings since its release several years ago, and now it’s getting its first major update. Here are all the details about the new Shift2 binding.
Win Skis from Blizzard
The winner of this week’s Gear Giveaway will get their choice of the Sheeva 10 or Rustler 10 from Blizzard!
2023-2024 RMU Apostle 96 Pro
The Apostle 96 Pro takes RMU’s playful all-mountain shape and adds two sheets of metal — a combo we don’t often see. So, how well does the resulting ski blend these seemingly unusual design traits? Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Apostle 96 Pro
We compare the RMU Apostle 96 Pro to the standard RMU Apostle 96, RMU Apostle 106 Pro, Line Blade Optic 96, Armada Declivity 102 Ti, J Skis Masterblaster, Renoun Endurance 98, Blizzard Rustler 9, Salomon QST 98, Nordica Enforcer 99, Volkl M6 Mantra, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Fischer Ranger 102, Black Crows Justis, Head Kore 99, Elan Ripstick 106, Faction Dancer 2, Black Crows Camox, Dynastar M-Free 99, Nordica Unleashed 98, Rossignol Blackops 98, Season Kin, K2 Reckoner 102, 4FRNT Switch, Faction Mana 2, Liberty Origin 101, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 95, Shaggy’s Mohawk 98, Season Aero, Line Blade, & K2 Mindbender 96C.
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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Reviewer Reports: Storm Cycles, All-Mountain Skis, 3D-Printed Goggles, & More (Ep.282)
Kara, Luke, Dylan, and Eric discuss some of the powder and all-mountain skis they’ve been testing, plus Dylan’s new favorite ski poles, a standout touring boot, 3D-printed custom goggles, and a bunch of Crashes & Close Calls.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2024-2025 Volkl Secret 96
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, flex pattern numbers, and some more info about the updated Secret 96.
Flash Review: 24/25 Volkl Secret 96
The Secret 96 (and its brother ski, the Mantra) has been a reference ski for years, and Volkl tweaked both of them for the 24/25 season. Check out our Flash Review for more info and our initial thoughts on how the new ski compares.
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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JING Tea founder, Ed Eisler, on Tea, Trust, & the Art of Loving Anything (Ep.42)
Jonathan Ellsworth and Ed Eisler discuss all things tea (and skis); agriculture as art; and the qualities of a great tea.
‘Bicycle Thieves’ with Jonathan Ellsworth & Simon Stewart (Ep.14)
‘Bicycle Thieves’ is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made. Today, we discuss why it still matters, and why we believe that everyone who loves bikes ought to see it.
2024 Pivot Switchblade
The Pivot Switchblade got overhauled for 2024, so is the new one still a super-versatile do-it-all Trail bike or something else entirely? Check out our Full Review for our take.
2024-2025 RMU Apostle 114
Here are our measured specs, flex pattern numbers, and rocker profile pictures for the new RMU Apostle 114 Wood.
Flash Review: 24/25 RMU Apostle 114
The Apostle 114 is RMU’s new “directional big-mountain ski” that replaces the previous North Shore 114 — here are our initial impressions and thoughts on how the new ski compares.
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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Mike Hattrup: A Life in Skiing (Ep.311)
We talk with U.S. Ski Hall of Famer, Mike Hattrup, about his days as a competitive mogul skier; being featured in iconic ski films like ‘The Blizzard of AAHHH’s’; his decades working in gear testing and development; and his latest role with Eleven Experience.
DT Swiss 240 Ratchet DEG Hubs
DT Swiss has launched a new version of their venerable 240 hub with 90 points of engagement. Check out the 240 Ratchet DEG.
2024-2025 Line Optic 88
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, flex pattern numbers, and some more info on the newest and narrowest ski in Line’s metal-laminate Optic collection.
Flash Review: 24/25 Line Optic 88
For 24/25, Line is rebranding their Blade Optic collection as simply “Optic,” and the Optic 88 is a brand-new model that effectively replaces the previous Blade Optic 92 as the narrowest option in the series. Here are some of our initial thoughts on the new 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.
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Runways, Race Courses, & Riding Gear: Curious Creatures’ Unique Origin Story (Ep.300)
Launching your own outdoor apparel company is no small feat, especially if it’s a one-woman operation. But with Curious Creatures, that’s exactly what Tasha Woodworth has done, and we sat down with her to hear all about her unique path to where she is today, as well as the ups, downs, and key takeaways from the journey.