BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino, February 2025 (Ep. 264)
Mike and Simon recap the incredible RedBull Hardline event in Tasmania, as well as some good and not so good bike industry news. Plus Mike tries to get out of his bet with Simon to eat his microphone, a fun conversation about some new cycling startups, and a whole lot more.
Industry Nine Hydra2 Hubs
Industry Nine’s Hydra hubs took high-engagement to a new level, and now they’ve released the Hydra2 based on the lessons they’ve learned. That means new bearings, burlier materials, and somehow even faster engagement. Read on to find out what they’ve changed.
Flash Review: 25/26 Salomon QST 100
We’ve started our long-term testing of Salomon’s updated QST series, and recently spent several days on the all-new QST 100. Here are our initial impressions.
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2025-2026 Salomon QST 100
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for Salomon’s all-new QST 100.
2025-2026 Moment Siren 104
Moment is releasing a brand new women’s ski based on the foundation of their Countach models. Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Moment Siren 104.
Highlights from Blister Summit 2025 w/ Jonathan Ellsworth & Kristin Sinnott (Ep.348)
We just wrapped up another outstanding Blister Summit, so Blister Summit Director, Kristin Sinnott, and Jonathan Ellsworth caught up to share a few of their favorite moments, discuss the new things that took place this year (including the DJ set / dance party that broke out in Blister HQ); and talk about the future of the event.
Flash Review: RockShox Vivid Coil Ultimate RC2T
The RockShox Vivid Coil has taken over where the old Super Deluxe Coil left off — and while it’s similar in many ways, its new features seem to have a meaningful impact on performance. Check out our Flash Review to find out how we’re getting along with it so far.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2024-2025 J Skis Best Friend
Giray Dadali at J Skis has incrementally refined a new asymmetric powder ski design. Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the J Skis Best Friend.
TRP Evo X and Evo Pro Brakes
It wasn’t the most well-kept secret, but TRP has announced two new additions to its brake lineup, with similar design language but very different intended use cases. Meet the new Evo X and Evo Pro brakes.
Flash Review: TRP Evo Pro Brakes
TRP’s new Evo Pro brakes claim to keep the smooth power delivery and consistency of the DH-R Evo, but with improved lever ergonomics and more power. Here’s our early take on how they’ve done.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2024-2025 ON3P Jeffrey 118
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the ON3P Jeffrey 118.
Nicolai / Geometron G1 GPI
Belt-driven gearboxes are having a moment in the world of World Cup Downhill, and Geometron has decided to join the party, too. The new Nicolai-built G1 GPI mates their progressive geometry concept to a Pinion gearbox and Gates belt drive, and the results are awfully interesting. Our First Look digs into this new futuristic rig.
George Brannigan on the State of World Cup DH, Hardline, the Motorhead Edit & More (Ep.263)
George Brannigan is next up in our series of conversations with World Cup DH racers, and we chat about his retirement from the series; the state of DH racing; Red Bull Hardline; his epic Motorhead edit; and a whole lot more.
Stuff We Like: February 2025
February’s edition of Stuff We Like goes beyond gear — sure, we still cover some great kit for skiing, biking, and casual wear, but we also get into a collection of stories, music, and a short film.
Molly Armanino on Her FWT Win; New Film; Comp Life; Coping with Loss; & More (Ep.347)
Molly recently won the FWT comp in Kicking Horse; her new film, Slopes of Change, comes out today; and she is currently in the country of Georgia on hold waiting for the next FWT comp. So Jonathan spoke with Molly about all these things, plus her relationships with pro skiers McKenna Peterson and Josh Daiek; working with a sports psychologist; and more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Deep Dive: Moment Wildcat
We compare the Moment Wildcat to the previous Wildcat, Moment Bibby, Moment Wildcat Tour, Black Crows Anima, Rossignol Sender Free 118, Line Optic 114, K2 Reckoner 124, Volkl Revolt 121, Völkl Revolt 114, 4FRNT Renegade, 4FRNT Inthayne, Atomic Maverick 115 CTI, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Nordica Unleashed 114, Line Bacon 115, Dynastar M-Free 112, Icelantic Nomad 112, Blizzard Rustler 11, Salomon QST X, Head Oblivion 116, Line Vision 114, Head Kore 117, Head Kore 118 Ti, Prior Northwest 116, DPS Foundation Koala 118, Salomon QST Blank, Dynastar M-Free 118, J Skis Friend, Line Vision 118, Season Forma, Line Outline, K2 Reckoner 112, Icelantic Nomad 115, Nordica Enforcer 115 Free, and Elan Ripstick 116.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Win a Kitworks Gear Management System
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a Gear Box, a Gear Tote 35L or 55L, and a $100 gift card from Kitworks!
House of Looptail on Remaking Vintage Mountain Bike and BMX Tires (Ep. 266)
House of Looptail’s Wakeman Massie joins us to chat about remaking vintage mountain bike and BMX tires; designing the first Surly singlespeed frame; why old mountain bikes deserve to be ridden; and a whole lot more.
Fox 34 SL
XC race courses are more technical than ever and race bikes are getting beefed up to match. Fox’s new 34 SL replaces the 34 Step Cast and promises a stiffer chassis, optional longer travel, and more. Check out what they’ve come up with.
Hi-Fi Audio: Capturing the Heart & Soul of Music with Heaven 11’s Itai Azerad (Ep.62)
Music — and how you listen to it — matters. In this CRAFTED conversation, Simon is joined by Heaven 11 Audio’s Itai Azerad to discuss building amplifiers that capture the heart and soul of music.
Flash Review: 24/25 Line Vision 114
Line replaced their Vision 118 with the new Vision 114 for 24/25, and we’ve been spending time on the new model this season. 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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2024-2025 Line Vision 114
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the LINE Vision 114.
2025-2026 Elan Ripstick 96
Elan recently overhauled their longstanding Ripstick collection, so how different are the new skis, and what makes the Ripstick 96 stand out in today’s market? Here’s our Full Review.
Deep Dive: Elan Ripstick 96
We compare the Ripstick 96 to the Ripstick 102 Black Edition, Salomon QST 94, Dynastar M-Pro 94 Ti, Renoun Endurance 98, Line Optic 96, Salomon QST 92, Line Pandora 99, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 95, K2 Mindbender 96C, RMU Apostle 96 Ti, Black Crows Camox, Blizzard Rustler 9, ZAG Slap 98, Stockli Stormrider 95, and Head Kore 94 Ti.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Flash Review: 25/26 Salomon QST 94
Salomon’s new QST 94 is the narrowest addition to their new QST lineup of skis, replacing the popular QST 92. Here are our initial impressions on the QST 94, including how it compares to the outgoing model.
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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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.