BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL
We racked up the miles on Rocky Mountain’s Instinct Powerplay SL to put their new house-made Dyname S4 Lite motor to the test, and to see how Rocky Mountain’s take on the hot light-assist category measures up to the competition.
Deep Dive: Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL
We compare the Instinct Powerplay SL to the Santa Cruz Heckler SL, Pivot Shuttle SL, Canyon Spectral:ONfly, Norco Fluid VLT 130, Cannondale Moterra SL, and Pivot Shuttle AM.
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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.
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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
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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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.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2025-2026 Atomic Bent 100
The Atomic Bent 100 has been one of the best-selling skis on the market for several years now — and for good reason — but Atomic recently decided to update it. So, how far have they strayed from their winning recipe? Here’s our Full Review of the latest Bent 100.
Deep Dive: Atomic Bent 100
We compare the Atomic Bent 100 to the previous Bent 100, Atomic Bent 110, Black Crows Camox, Fischer Nightstick 97, J Skis Allplay, Head Oblivion 102, Dynastar M-Free 99, Dynastar M-Free 100, K2 Reckoner 102, Line Chronic 101, K2 Omen Team, Nordica Unleashed 98, 4FRNT Switch, Faction Studio 2, Salomon Depart, Salomon QST 100, RMU Apostle 96 Ti, Line Optic 96, Line Pandora 99, Blizzard Rustler 9, ZAG Slap 98, Icelantic Nomad 100, and Rossignol Sender Soul 102.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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1UP RackAttach and Accessory Panel System
1UP recently launched an innovative gear-carrying solution that attaches to their swing-out hitch mount, effectively dipping their toes into the overlanding scene — check out what they’ve been up to.
2025-2026 RMU Valhalla 97
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the updated RMU Valhalla 97.
Flash Review: 24/25 ON3P Woodsman 100
Update: we have a whole new batch of test skis in from ON3P, and we’ve now logged several days on both the ‘Signature’ and ‘Ripper’ versions of their Woodsman 100. Here are our main takeaways 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 ON3P Woodsman 100
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the standard version of the ON3P Woodsman 100, as well as the custom “Ripper” variant.
Reviewing the News w/ Dylan Wood, March 2025 (Ep. 268)
Dylan and Simon recap the incredibly well-attended RedBull Tennessee National DH race, a range of interesting bike industry news, some exciting new products, and a whole lot more.
Flash Review: RockShox Reverb AXS B1
The new Reverb AXS B1 dropper from RockShox represents a ground-up redesign of the old one. Does it deliver a better on-trail experience? We’ve been riding the new one, and have some initial thoughts to share.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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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
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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.