BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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.
Bent SRAM Transmission Cages & Some Troubleshooting Advice
A few months ago SRAM quietly released a new part that a lot of you should know about, and we’ve got a little advice on how to live with SRAM Transmission.
2024-2025 Romp Oso 105
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Romp Oso 105.
2025-2026 Liberty Radian 106
Liberty Skis is releasing a new, wider version of their Radian 100 directional all-mountain freeride ski. Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the brand new Liberty Radian 106.
Flash Review: 25/26 Liberty Radian 106
Liberty introduced an all-new directional series of skis this season, and they’re expanding it for 25/26. Here are our initial thoughts on the new Radian 106.
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Flash Review: 24/25 ON3P Billy Goat 118
The Billy Goat has served as ON3P’s freeride powder ski for many years now, and it’s gone through several iterations during that time. Here are our initial thoughts on the latest one.
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2024-2025 ON3P Billy Goat 118
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the ON3P Billy Goat 118.
Extended: Win Outerwear From Flylow
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get either the Albert Jacket and Baker Insulated Bib or Billie Coat and Moxie Bib from Flylow!
Reviewer Reports: Pow Skis, New Bindings, & Our 40” Storm (Ep.336)
Crested Butte Mountain Resort recently got 40+ inches of new snow in just a few days, so Jonathan and Luke sat down to discuss several of the new pow skis they’ve been testing from Head, ON3P, Salomon, Rossignol, and more.
Eli Brown & Jonathan Ellsworth: Can We Change a White-Wine Hater’s Mind? (Ep.60)
Today, Jonathan and Eli will be trying several white wine options to see if Eli can get Jonathan more interested in what white wines have to offer.
Flash Review: 24/25 Salomon QST X
Japow Update: Kara Williard brought the QST X with her on a recent trip to Japan and she’s now added her thoughts on this lightweight powder ski.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Reece Wilson on forming AON Racing, Partnering with Gamux, Belt Drives, Gearboxes, & More (Ep.262)
We check in with Reece Wilson about his newly formed AON racing team; partnering with Gamux and the benefits of belt drives and gearboxes; the likely rivalry between his team and Atherton Racing to see who will bring home the Gates Belted 100k Purse; and a whole lot more.
Tyrolia Attack Hybrid 14 MN/PT Ski-Touring Binding
Tyrolia has entered the “hybrid” category of touring bindings by expanding their well-known Attack series with the all-new Hybrid 14 MN/PT. Check out our First Look for our measured specs and all the details on this new system.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
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
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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.
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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.
2025-2026 Völkl Mantra 84 W
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the women’s Völkl Mantra 84 W.
2024-2025 Atomic X9S Retro ARC 735 RS
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Atomic X9S Retro ARC 735 RS.
2024-2025 ON3P Jeffrey 92
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the ON3P Jeffrey 92.
Ted Ligety on Ski Tuning, World Cup Racing, & the Art of Going Fast (Ep.340)
As part of the 5850 Fest at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Jonathan talked with Ted Ligety about the tricky conditions and the very challenging course here in Sun Valley for the Super G and GS races, and the incredibly demanding business of going fast.