BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend, February 2025 (Ep.350)
Cody and Jonathan are back to review the news, including the passing of ZipFit’s Sven Coomer; threats to public lands; JD Vance’s ski trip; and more. We also rate your takes, discuss the most Canadian news, and share what we’ve been reading and watching.
Arbor Carter Camber, 158 cm
Mark Carter is a badass, but what about his signature board? We’ve been riding the Arbor Carter for a full season and have found it to be a surprisingly versatile example of a modern volume-shifted shape. Here’s our Full Review.
2025-2026 Völkl M7 Mantra
Over the past 20 years, the name “Mantra” has stood as one of the most recognized in modern skis. So how does Volkl’s latest iteration of the Mantra, the M7, compare to its predecessor, and how well does it work as an all-mountain option? Here’s our Full Review.
Deep Dive: Völkl M7 Mantra
We compare the M7 Mantra to the M6 Mantra, Mantra 102, Blizzard Anomaly 94, Faction Dancer 2, Nordica Enforcer 94, Salomon Stance 96, Wagner Summit 97, Fischer Ranger 96, Peak 98 by Bode, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, 4FRNT MSP 99, Black Crows Justis, Nordica Enforcer 99, Kastle Paragon 101, Stockli Stormrider 95, ZAG Harfang 96, Head Kore 94 Ti, & Dynastar M-Pro 94 Ti.
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25/26 Gear, Boot Trends, Making the Most of Any Season, & More w/ Powder Hound (Ep.338)
We catch up with Eric Helmbrecht of Powder Hound, our Blister Recommended Shop in Girdwood, Alaska to discuss the ups and downs of this season up in Alaska; our tips and tricks on how to make the most of any season; 25/26 gear; Dual BOA; boot trends; aftermarket liners; and more.
Deep Dive: Kona Process 153
We compare the Kona Process 153 to the Transition Sentinel V3, Knolly Fugitive 140, Marin Alpine Trail XR, Forbidden Druid V2, Deviate Highlander II, Norco Sight, Yeti SB165, Kona Process 134, Transition Smuggler, REEB Steezl, and Santa Cruz Bronson 5.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Kona Process 153
The Process 153 is Kona’s take on the modern long-travel Trail bike, but it also carries some unique traits. The result is a spirited, fun bike that we think plenty of people could get along with. Our Full Review has all the details.
Win Apparel From Mountain Equipment & Bridgedale
The two winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will each get the men’s or women’s Switch Pro Hooded Jacket from Mountain Equipment, as well as a 3-pack of men’s or women’s Lightweight Merino Endurance Over Calf socks from Bridgedale!
2025-2026 Dynastar M-Free 100
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the brand-new Dynastar M-Free 100.
Flash Review: 25/26 Dynastar M-Free 100
For 25/26, Dynastar is replacing the existing M-Free 99 with the new M-Free 100. So, how different is the new ski? 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
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Reviewer Reports: Tons of Bikes, Chain Damper Shootout, & Much More (Ep.265)
David Golay and Zack Henderson check in on a ton of gear they’ve been testing, including bikes, suspension, and a bunch of other components — including a comparison of Ochain’s active spider vs. Rimpact’s new Chain Damper.
2025-2026 Fischer Nightstick 97
The Nightstick has historically been Fischer’s competition park ski, but that name now applies to several park and all-mountain-freestyle models. The Nightstick 97 is designed to be the most versatile of the bunch, and we’re ready to weigh in on it — here’s our Full Review.
Deep Dive: Fischer Nightstick 97
We compare the Fischer Nightstick 97 to the Fischer Nightstick 104, Fischer Ranger 96, Fischer Ranger 102, Liberty Scope 104, Rossignol Sender Free 100, Black Crows Camox, Nordica Unleashed 98, K2 Reckoner 102, Faction Studio 2, Dynastar M-Free 99, Season Kin, Line Optic 96, RMU Apostle 96 Ti, J Skis Allplay, 4FRNT Switch, Prior Northwest 100, Line Chronic 101, Völkl Revolt 104, and Whitedot Altum 104.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Lo-Fi Wine Making With Uffe Deichmann, Poppelvej Wines (Ep.61)
Uffe Deichmann is a sort of pioneer in Australian winemaking; his focus on lo-fi production methods and non-traditional flavors has helped redefine what consumers expect from the land down under. We dive deep into the history of Poppelvej, Uffe’s own journey through winemaking, and the philosophy that underlies the incredible wine they are producing.
2025-2026 Salomon S/Lab QST Blank
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the updated Salomon S/Lab QST Blank.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
SRAM Motive, Maven Base, DB6, and DB4 Brakes
SRAM has shaken up its brake lineup with some new members of the family — including the all-new Motive, plus additions to the Maven and DB lineups. The new brakes are an all-mineral-oil affair, but there are other noteworthy changes too — let’s dig in.
2025-2026 Völkl Revolt 101
Völkl just announced a new addition to their freeski collection, and the Revolt 101 is reportedly inspired by their progressive big-mountain ski, the Revolt 114. Here are our measured specs, rocker photos, and more info on the new Revolt 101.
2025-2026 K2 Reckoner 102
The Reckoner 102 quickly became a favorite of several of our reviewers when K2 first released it, but when they recently overhauled the wider Reckoners, K2 also updated the 102. So, does the latest version stand out as much as the original? Here’s our Full Review.
Deep Dive: K2 Reckoner 102
We compare the K2 Reckoner 102 to the previous Reckoner 102, K2 Reckoner 110, K2 Omen Team, Line Chronic 101, Black Crows Camox, Fischer Nightstick 97, J Skis Allplay, Head Oblivion 102, Dynastar M-Free 99, Dynastar M-Free 100, Armada Edollo, Season Kin, Nordica Unleashed 98, 4FRNT Switch, Faction Studio 2, Völkl Revolt 104, and Salomon Depart.
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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Mountain Life & Product Design: North Drinkware Co-Founder, Matt Capozzi (Ep.63)
Matt Capozzi has always loved being in the mountains, but he’s also enjoyed an incredible career working in product design for brands like Burton, Nike, Nixon, and Smith. In 2015, Matt had a wild idea to help people ‘bring the mountains home,’ which led to the creation of North Drinkware, which produces beautiful, artisanal products — like handblown glassware — made in Oregon.
Fox 36 & 36 SL
Fox’s new 34 SL was a sign of more things to come: there’s now a new 36 SL and an overhauled 36 in Fox’s fork lineup, too. Check out what’s new.
2025-26 Head E.B.I. LYT, 161 cm
There are an increasing number of directional freeride boards that aim to blend powder float with carving ability on-piste, and the E.B.I. LYT is Head’s contribution to the category. Does it manage to blend those often separate traits into a coherent design? Our Full Review has our impressions after a season with the E.B.I. LYT.
2025 World Cup Finals of Ski Racing in Sun Valley with River Radamus & Will Brandenburg (Ep.351)
Jonathan talks to US ski racer, River Radamus, about his upcoming GS race; this World Cup season; & more. Then, he talks to former World Cup ski racer, Will Brandenburg about the Herculean effort it was to build – and prep – the steepest DH and Super G race courses in the world.
Flash Review: 25/26 Dynastar M-Free 112
Update: Luke Koppa has added more thoughts on the 190 cm M-Free 112, how it compares to some other skis in its class, and why it’s quickly become a favorite of several of our reviewers.
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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2025-2026 Ellis Sabr 100
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Sabr 100 by Ellis Skis.
Flash Review: 25/26 Ellis Sabr 100
Ellis Skis, based out of Utah and Colorado, just launched their first collection this season and we’ve started spending time on their 100mm-wide Sabr. Here are our initial thoughts.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2024-2025 La Sportiva Capo
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the La Sportiva Capo.