BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

David Golay reviews the Project321 G3 Hubs for Blister

Project321 G3 Hubs

Project321’s Canadian-made G3 hubs have a bunch of very interesting features, including their slick new 6-Lock rotor mounting system. Check out our First Look for all the info.

Read More »
New Tech to Simplify Decision Making in the Backcountry (Ep.292)

New Tech to Simplify Decision Making in the Backcountry (Ep.292)

After years in the backcountry and a near-death experience, IFMGA Guide, Jeff Banks, wanted to build a tool that could simplify and improve the decision-making of any backcountry user. The result is Aspect Avy. We talk with Jeff about how this app compares to and complements other backcountry tools; how it accounts for human factors; the general state of tech in the backcountry; and more.

Read More »
Luke Koppa reviews the RMU Apostle 106 for Blister

24/25 RMU Apostle 106

The Apostle 106 has been a favorite of a few of our reviewers, and we’ve been skiing the updated version. So, how similar or different is the new ski? 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.

If you’re already a 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.)

Read More »
Brook Macdonald on Fresh Starts, DH Race Bike Design, Moving to Forbidden, & More (Ep.216)

Brook Macdonald on Fresh Starts, DH Race Bike Design, Moving to Forbidden, & More (Ep.216)

Brook Macdonald’s return to racing World Cup DH after breaking his back at Mont Sainte Anne in 2019 was nothing short of remarkable, but the last few race seasons have still been difficult ones for Brook. On this week’s episode of Bikes & Big Ideas, he opens up about a lot of those struggles, and the things he’s changed in order to come into the 2024 season feeling refreshed, reenergized, and with a renewed hunger to compete.

Read More »
Simon Stewart reviews the Propain Sresh CF for Blister

Propain Sresh CF

Propain calls the new Sresh CF a lighter, more Trail-oriented eMTB alongside their burlier Ekano, but it’s got a full-power drive system and options for more Enduro-oriented builds, too. So what have they come up with? Check out our First Look for all the info.

Read More »
Blister reviews the Black Crows Corvus

2024-2025 Black Crows Corvus

Black Crows is once again overhauling their original ski, the Corvus, and the new version looks very different from the previous one. Here are our measured specs, flex pattern numbers, rocker profile pictures, & some basic info about the latest Pink Crow.

Read More »
Luke Koppa reviews the Volkl Peregrine 80 & Peregrine 82 for Blister

24/25 Volkl Peregrine 80 & Peregrine 82

We recently spent a morning A/B testing Volkl’s two new carving-oriented skis, the Peregrine 80 & Peregrine 82. Here are some of our initial thoughts on how they compare to each other, and the rest of the competition.

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 a 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.)

Read More »
David Golay reviews the Reynolds Blacklabel 309 Enduro Pro wheels for Blister

Reynolds Blacklabel 307 and 309 Enduro and DH Wheels

Reynolds says that their Blacklabel 309 Enduro Pro wheels offer a massive increase in compliance over their predecessors while still being strong enough for DH use. We’ve logged a ton of vert on their flagship Enduro wheels over the past 6 months and are ready to weigh in.

Read More »
Kara Williard reviews the K2 Mindbender 116C W for Blister

24/25 K2 Mindbender 116C W

Kara Williard just wrapped up a pow-skiing trip to Alaska, and one of the skis she brought with her was the recently updated Mindbender 116C. 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 a 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.)

Read More »
Zack Henderson reviews the Kavenz VHP 16 V7 for Blister

Flash Review — Kavenz VHP 16 V7

The Kavenz VHP 16 V6 was a surprisingly versatile, playful high-pivot Enduro bike, but what about the new V7? 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 a 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.)

Read More »

BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

David Golay reviews the Yeti SB165 for Blister

2024 Yeti SB165

Yeti’s longest-travel (production) bike, the SB165, just got a big update, including a swap to a mixed-wheel-size layout and much more — and we’ve been spending time on it. Check out our First Look for all the info on the new bike, and our Flash Review for our early impressions.

David Golay reviews the RAAW Jibb V2 for Blister

RAAW Jibb V2

RAAW updated their Madonna V3 Enduro bike earlier this year, adding a lot of adjustability and refinements, and now their shorter-travel Jibb gets many of the same tweaks, updated geometry, and more. Check out our First Look for all the info.

Kara Williard reviews the Blizzard Black Pearl 94 for BLISTER.

2024-2025 Blizzard Black Pearl 94

The Black Pearl series has defined Blizzard’s women-specific lineup for decades, but what’s changed with the 24/25 skis, and how does the widest model in the collection slot into the current all-mountain market? Here are our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons for the brand-new Black Pearl 94.

Kara Williard reviews the Blizzard Black Pearl 94 for BLISTER.

Deep Dive: Blizzard Black Pearl 94

We compare the Blizzard Black Pearl 94 to the Blizzard Black Pearl 97, Nordica Santa Ana 92, Volkl Secret 96, Volkl Secret 102, Blizzard Sheeva 9, Armada Reliance 92Ti, Peak 98 by Bode, K2 Mindbender 99Ti W, Salomon QST Lumen 98, 4FRNT MSP CC, & Majesty Havoc 100 Ti.

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 a 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.)

David Golay reviews the 2024 Rocky Mountain Altitude for Blister

Flash Review — 2024 Rocky Mountain Altitude

The new Rocky Mountain Altitude doesn’t look anything like the old one, but how much has the on-trail experience changed? Check out our impressions so far.

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 a 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.)

Zack Henderson reviews the Rocky Mountain Altitude

Rocky Mountain Altitude

The Rocky Mountain Altitude has gotten a major facelift for 2024, with a new suspension layout, updated geometry, and a focus on creating a more capable Enduro race bike. Check out our First Look for more details on the updated bike that Rocky Mountain’s Enduro race team will be piloting this upcoming season, and our Flash Review for our initial on-trail impressions.

David Golay reviews the new 2025 Fox Forks for Blister

Flash Review — 2025 Fox 38 Grip X2

Fox says that their new Grip X2 damper offers substantially more support and composure than the Grip2 one that it replaces — and that sounds like the change that our Bike Editor was looking for. Check out his early impressions of the Grip-X2-equipped Fox 38 Fork.

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 a 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.)

David Golay reviews the new 2025 Fox Forks for Blister

Fox’s Overhauled Fork Lineup | Grip SL, Grip X, Grip X2, & New 32 Step Cast

Fox just launched three new fork dampers — the Grip SL, Grip X, and Grip X2 — that are featured across the bulk of their latest fork lineup, and they have a new gold color option to go with them. Check out our First Look for all the info on the new forks, and our Flash Review for our early impressions of the Fox 38 Grip X2.

David Golay reviews the Forbidden Dreadnought V2 for Blister

Forbidden Dreadnought V2

We’ve been expecting an updated Forbidden Dreadnought since the Druid V2 broke cover last year, and now it’s here — with more suspension travel, increased adjustability, a new suspension layout, and radical geometry. Check out what Forbidden has cooked up.

Zack Henderson reviews the Liv Intrigue X

Liv Intrigue X

The Liv Intrigue X is the latest addition to the popular Intrigue series, cranking things up a notch with some geometry updates and a whole lot of added adjustability. Check out our First Look to learn more about how Liv has brought an impressive amount of adaptability to the Intrigue X.

Luke Koppa reviews the Folsom TRN TEK for Blister

Flash Review: Folsom TRN TEK

Folsom says their TRN TEK is “the only NEW straight ski on the market,” and our managing editor just spent closing day on this 201cm-long, 69mm-wide ski. Here are his thoughts on the experience, including how much / little he had to adapt to the vintage design, how it compares to modern skis, and more.

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 a 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.)

BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways, BLISTER

Stuff We Like: March 2024

This edition of our Stuff We Like series includes everything from a whole collection of bike tools to splitboard skins, children’s books, goggles with a heads-up display, portable radios, and more. Here are some of the latest products that our reviewers have been testing and enjoying.