BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2025-2026 Dynastar M-Free 112
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Dynastar M-Free 112.
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.
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.
(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.)
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
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.
(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.)
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
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.
(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.)
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.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Hunt Enduro V3 Wheels
Hunt is claiming that the rims used on their new Enduro V3 wheels are the strongest they’ve ever made. The hub is all new too, with a new star ratchet-based design — check out our First Look for a dive into the technical details.
Flash Review: 25/26 Völkl Mantra 84
Today we take a look at Völkl’s narrowest ‘Mantra’ — the redesigned Mantra 84.
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.
(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.)
2025-2026 Völkl Mantra 84
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the brand-new Völkl Mantra 84.
Pursuing Excellence in the Service of Others: Jeff Galli, Campione Roman Kitchen (Ep.64)
Today we’re talking about the pursuit of excellence and how that can demonstrate a deep care for other people with Jeff Galli, the GM and co-owner of Campione, a roman kitchen in Livingston, Montana that was named to the New York Time’s 50 Best Restaurants in the U.S. list in 2023.
Project321 RG3 Hubs
We’ve been very impressed with Project321’s G3 mountain bike hubs, and now they’ve got a pared-down road and gravel version: the RG3. Check them out here.
Norco Sight VLT CX
The Norco Sight VLT CX keeps its high pivot suspension layout but manages to pack a huge 800 Wh battery while weighing a claimed 20% less than the old one. That’s an impressive trick — let’s see how they’ve pulled it off.
Pivot Firebird V5
The Pivot Firebird is now in its fifth generation, and while the new bike looks a whole lot like the V4 iteration that it replaces, it’s got overhauled geometry, more adjustability, and several new features and refinements.
Flash Review: 2026 Fox DHX2
We’ve started spending time on the new Fox DHX2. Check out how it’s going 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 an active 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.)
2025-2026 ZAG Mata
The nebulous but growing class of ‘fun carvers’ is an exciting one, and ZAG’s Mata is one of the latest additions. Here’s our Full Review of this 90mm-wide, asymmetrical ski that ZAG describes as “aggressive but not exclusive.”
Deep Dive: ZAG Mata
We compare the ZAG Mata to the Line Blade, Black Crows Mirus Cor, Folsom Spar Turbo, Black Crows Octo, ZAG Harfang 96, Fischer The Curv GT 85, ZAG Slap 98, Nordica Steadfast 85 DC, Elan Wingman 86 CTi, Dynastar M-Cross 88, K2 Mindbender 90C, Salomon Stance 90, Wagner Summit 91, & 4FRNT MSP 91.
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.
(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.)
Stuff We Like: March 2025
In this month’s edition of Stuff We Like, our reviewers cover everything from multifunctional apparel to several gear-organization solutions, snowboard-boot liners, ski outerwear, snowsports backpacks, and more.
2026 Fox Float X2 and DHX2
Right on the heels of giving their fork lineup a big overhaul, Fox has new versions of their Float X2 and DHX2 gravity shocks. It’s a big refresh, too, including completely different damper architecture and a bunch more. Check out what’s changed.