Ski: 2025-2026 J Skis Hotshot, 188 cm
Available Lengths: 167, 174, 181, 188 cm
Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length (straight-tape pull): 185.4 cm
Stated Weight per Ski (188 cm): 2020 grams
Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski (188 cm): 2076 & 2105 grams
Stated Dimensions: 137-104-123 mm
Blister’s Measured Dimensions: 136.5-103.6-122.5 mm
Stated Sidecut Radius (188 cm): 19.3 meters
Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 70.5 mm / 30.5 mm
Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: 4 mm
Core Materials: aspen + titanal (2 partial layers) + carbon stringers + fiberglass laminate
Base Material: sintered UHMW, 1.6 mm thick “Lite Base”
Factory Recommended Mount Point: –6.5 cm from center / 86.2 cm from tail
[Editor’s Note: Our “First Looks” are our way of getting you information sooner on some of the products we’re reviewing, including our measured specs and the details from the manufacturer. Once we’ve started testing a given product, we detail our on-snow impressions in our Flash Reviews and our annual Winter Buyer’s Guide. When we’re able to spend extensive time testing a given product, we publish our in-depth Full Reviews and Deep Dive comparisons.]
What J Skis says about the Hotshot:
“We re-engineered this new Hotshot ski with a completely new geometry and construction. The waist is 2mm narrower, with deeper sidecut for a quicker feel that’s a ton of fun on groomers! The new Aspen wood core and Light Metal construction makes it one of the lightest skis in its class, a mind-blowing 240 grams lighter than our previous version! For added horsepower and stability, we pulled inspiration from J’s legendary ‘Prophet’ ski (credited for launching modern freeride skis). You'll recognize the visible 3D Light Metal laminate on top of the core and the iconic "Dork Fork" tip shape. This proven formula delivers maximum energy transmission to the edges of your tips where you need it, while reducing weight where you don't. Just roll it over and watch the entire edge engage for rock-solid confidence on any terrain. Get into the powder and the wide rockered tips transform deep days into pow surfing heaven! The Hotshot doesn't just charge hard, its lightweight stability and power transforms how you ski, while keeping that signature J skis playfulness that makes every run feel better than the last!”
Flex Pattern
Here’s how we’d characterize the flex pattern of the redesigned Hotshot:
Tips: 6.5-7
Shovels: 7.5-8
In Front of Toe Piece: 8.5-10
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel Piece: 10-8.5
Tails: 8-6.5
The updated Hotshot’s flex pattern is pretty similar to the prior version, especially in that its flex pattern feels fairly ‘round’ or symmetrical. However, the new ski is stiffer at the ends of the tips and tails, and it stiffens up a bit more quickly as you move from those extremities to the stiff midsection of the ski.
Get More Info: Our Flash Reviews & Winter Buyer’s Guide
BLISTER+ members and those who purchase our Digital Access Pass can check out the Flash Review below to read our initial on-snow impressions. Don’t have access? Get our Digital Access Pass to read all of our Flash Reviews, Deep Dive comparisons, and our digital Buyer’s Guides. Or, even better, become a BLISTER+ member to get that + the best worldwide Outdoor Injury Insurance, exclusive deals and discounts on skis, personalized gear recommendations from us, the print version of our Winter Buyer’s Guide, and much more.
On that note, you can also get our thoughts 350+ skis and hundreds of other snowsports products in our 2025-2026 Blister Winter Buyer’s Guide. BLISTER+ members and Digital Access Pass holders already have access, or you can purchase the guide on its own to get the the print copy + digital version at no extra cost, or the digital-only edition.
Flash Review: 25/26 J Skis Hotshot
We’ve started testing the overhauled J Skis Hotshot, and we’re ready to chime in with our initial thoughts on how it compares to the original. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
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2025-2026 Blister Digital Winter Buyer’s Guide
350+ skis, 70+ boots, and 280+ pages of honest, accurate product reviews and comparisons. Check it all out here.
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2021-2022 J Skis Hotshot
We’ve now had two reviewers putting in a lot of time on J’s playful, metal-laminate ski — and they’re both big fans. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons of the Hotshot.
Can’t wait for the full review once you have snow. Loved the old hotshot. The Prophet was a great ski….but that was 15yr ago. Interested to see his “modern” take on it.