BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Blizzard Announces New 24/25 Black Pearl Skis
Blizzard’s Black Pearl skis are some of the most popular all-mountain skis in the world, and they just announced that they’re overhauling them for the 2024-2025 season. Here are the details.
Ski / Snowboard Outerwear Mega Roundup — Men’s (2023-2024)
Over the past couple of seasons, we have been testing *a lot* of ski / snowboard outerwear. So in this huge, “mega roundup,” we’re comparing all of these pieces head-to-head to help you figure out which ones might be worth considering. In Part One, we cover 20 different jackets & pants.
Win Skis From Elan
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get Elan’s new Playmaker 101 ski!
Gear Predictions, 2024 (Ep.279)
Jonathan Ellsworth, Kara Williard, Justin Bobb, and Luke Koppa attempt to predict what’s “in” and what’s “out” when it comes to gear in 2024, what trends will be revived, what categories will see the most change, and they spin off into several other tangents.
2023-2024 K2 Mindbender 106C
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for two lengths of the K2 Mindbender 106C.
Flash Review: 23/24 K2 Mindbender 106C W
K2 updated their lighter “Mindbender C” skis for 23/24, and we’ve been skiing the new Mindbender 106C W. Check out our initial impressions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2023-2024 G3 SEEKr R3 100
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the G3 SEEKr R3 100.
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
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‘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.
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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.
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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Freedom Coast TRP Brake Levers
The TRP DH-R Evo brakes are a (deservedly) popular option these days, but their levers can be a bit polarizing. For folks who like the brakes but are less high on their levers, Freedom Coast’s aftermarket lever blades are designed to be the solution. Check out our review to see how well they work, and how they change the feel of TRP’s flagship DH brake.
Flash Review: 24/25 Liberty Scope 104
Liberty is tweaking just about every ski in their lineup for 24/25, and we got on the brand-new Scope 104 this season. 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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2024-2025 Salomon QST X
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the new 116mm-wide Salomon QST X.
Reviewing the News w/ Dr. Len Necefer, April 2024 (Ep.307)
Jonathan and Len discuss cloud seeding; the passing of the EXPLORE Act; trigger warnings; skiing on mushroom moguls; what we’re reading & watching; and more.
Flash Review — Canyon Neuron:ONfly
We got a first ride on the new Canyon Neuron:ONfly a little while back. 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.
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GEAR THERAPY: A Skier (Blister’s founder) Learns to Snowboard, Part 1 (Ep.296)
How much does knowing how to ski help when learning how to snowboard? How do you slam as little as possible while learning to ride? Why don’t snowboards have releasable bindings? These are a few of our Blister founder’s questions as he learns to ‘think sideways.’
Win a Bike Rack From 1UP USA
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the new Super Duty Double hitch bike rack from 1UP USA!
Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino, April 2024 (Ep.220)
Simon Stewart is joined by special guest host Mike Ferrentino to talk about Kona’s Sea Otter debacle and the state of the industry more broadly; the start of XC World Cup season; new XC race bikes being awesome; microphone eating; zombies; and more on the latest iteration of Reviewing the News.
Orbea Rise
One of the OGs of the lightweight eMTB segment, the Orbea Rise is getting a full redesign with updates throughout and two travel configurations. Crack open our First Look for all of the details on the reimagined Rise.
2024-2025 Atomic Bent Chetler 120
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Atomic Bent Chetler 120.
Ride Concepts Accomplice Clip BOA
The Ride Concepts Accomplice Clip BOA brings a lot of features typically found in burlier, more gravity-oriented shoes into a more lightweight, breathable package, and the end result is a compelling option for the right folks. Check out our Full Review to see what they bring to the table.
2024-2025 Volkl Peregrine 80
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Volkl Peregrine 80.