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GEAR:30

GEAR:30

417 episodes — Page 1 of 9

ON3P Skis’ Scott Andrus on The Pit of Ski Design; Scratch & Sniff Skis; Their 26/27 Lineup; & His Latest Obsession

Oct 9, 20261h 12m

Standout Powder Skis w/ Paul Forward

Oct 2, 20261h 13m

Gear Gossip, Hot Takes, & Controversy: Moment Skis' CEO, Luke Jacobson

Sep 25, 20261h 22m

How to Evaluate Gear

Sep 18, 202650 min

Buyer’s Guide Updates + Reviewer Reports w/ Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth

Sep 11, 202628 min

The Rise & Fall & Return of G3

Sep 4, 202652 min

Scott Gaffney on the Most Mind-Blowing Skiers & Sessions He’s Filmed

Aug 29, 202613 min

Upgrade Culture; Minimalist vs Maximalist Shoe Design; & Other Topics

Aug 28, 202634 min

The Current State of GPS Sports Watches: COROS

Aug 21, 20261h 8m

Reviewer Reports: The Health & Fitness Gear We're Using — or Avoiding

Aug 14, 202650 min

The Process of Having a Custom Ski Made for You

Aug 7, 202655 min

Wonder Woman, Ski Boots, & Why the Color of Your Ski Boots Matters

Aug 4, 202613 min

The Current State of High-Tech Footwear: Trends, Super Shoes, More

Jul 31, 202653 min

Wild Rye's 10-Year Journey w/ Founder, Cassie Abel

Jul 24, 202646 min

The Latest New Thing at Blister + Reviewer Reports

Jul 17, 202634 min

Gold Forcefields, Multi-Purpose Mountain Gear, & More w/ Outdoor Vitals

Jul 10, 202649 min

Buyer’s Guide News + Other Changes at BLISTER

Jul 3, 202658 min

Hoji on the Future of Ski Gear; His Latest Projects; & More

Jun 26, 20261h 1m

The Pro's Gear: Cody Townsend (round 3)

Jun 12, 20261h 26m

The Debate: Should We Change Our Winter Buyer’s Guide?

Jun 5, 202644 min

Ski Design & Your Questions

May 30, 202653 min

Starting a Ski Company from Scratch w/ Ellis Skis

May 22, 202659 min

The Cutting Edge: Emerging Trends & New Products in Snowsports Gear

May 15, 20261h 8m

Pulling Back the Curtain: How Things Actually Work at Global Ski / Outdoor Companies

May 8, 20261h 20m

Luke & Jonathan: More Reviewer Reports from Blister Summit 2026

May 1, 202646 min

Reviewer Reports from Blister Summit 2026: Blades, Boards, Backslaps, & More

Apr 24, 20261h 6m

Ep 390Reviewer Reports: 'Closing Day + Luke's a Father!' Edition

Luke’s a dad! Our patron saint of GEAR:30, Hoji, will be back at the Blister Summit! You can win custom skis at our Summit Dinner! Plus, you’ll hear lots of talk from Luke and Jonathan about the skis they tested to close out the year at CBMR! (So many exclamation points!!!)Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS:Join Us @ Blister Summit 2026Win Custom Skis @ Summit DinnerGet Yourself Covered: BLISTER+Enter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaySee Our Blister Recommended ShopsTOPICS & TIMES:Blister Summit Dinner — Win SkisLuke’s a Dad! (3:08)Closing Day (5:38)Blister Summit Snow & Forecast (9:45)Hoji (12:16)Win Folsom Custom Skis @ Summit Dinner (13:40)Panel Sessions & Athlete Guests (16:46)Armada ARV 106 Ti (22:57)Kastle Sublime 93 (25:51)Kastle at Summit (32:45)Doberman Multi Pista (33:17)Heritage Lab RC95 (36:48)Line Poisson (40:13)Moment Deathwish 112 (50:25)Moment Wildcat 108 (54:14)M-Free 108 (1st Gen) at Snowbird (56:26)Most Surprising Ski of the Season? (59:22)Skis We Want to Check Out @ the Summit (1:01:51)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 10, 20261h 5m

Ep 389Which Skis are the Best Skiers Using? Ski Gear & Ski Technique w/ Carv & Stomp It Tutorials

Do narrower skis actually make you carve better on piste? What about in moguls? And what sorts of skis are the best skiers actually using? For less-experienced folks, do certain skis make it easier to progress? Luke Koppa dives into these questions and more with the folks at Carv and Stomp It Tutorials. Carv’s Jamie Salter brings a bunch of fascinating data to the conversation, and Stomp It Tutorials’ Jens Nyström adds his perspective as an instructor who’s been helping skiers of all backgrounds for years. Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS:Blister Recommended Shop: The Ledge BoardshopEp. 386: The Ledge Boardshop w/ SugeJoin Us @ Blister Summit 2026Carv Digital Ski CoachStomp It Tutorials & Stomp It CampsGet Yourself Covered: BLISTER+Enter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaySee Our Blister Recommended ShopsCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:The Ledge Boardshop (2:14)Blister Summit 2026 (3:10)Introducing Jamie & Jens (4:43)Scoring Differences w/ Different Skis (15:24)On-Piste Carving Data (17:21)Mogul-Skiing Data (26:42)Highest-Scoring Skis (36:03)“Training Skis” (and Boots) (44:35)Carv’s Freestyle Experience w/ Jens (54:56)Carv at Blister Summit 2026 (1:06:00)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 3, 20261h 7m

Ep 388Blister Summit ‘26 Preview, Big Announcements, & Reviewer Reports

Monoskis! Snowblades! Price Drops! Jonathan talks with Luke Koppa and Kristin Sinnott about some big announcements about our upcoming Blister Summit, and Otto Solberg joins us to give an up-to-date conditions report from the Bird. We also talk about the great-looking forecast, and we go through some of the gear we’re most excited to get on — and get you on.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS:Get Yourself Covered with BLISTER+Join Us! Blister Summit 2026BLISTER+ Members: Blister Summit DiscountEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaySee Our Blister Recommended ShopsCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Current Conditions at Snowbird (4:58)The Forecast! (11:18)Important Info (16:05)New Discounted Price (21:51)Companies Attending (24:31)Another Dan Abrams Story (35:58)Salomon QST (41:03)Salomon and Kastle (42:20)Faction (46:34)HEAD and DPS (48:33)Nordica and Scarpa (54:18)ZipFit and Product Purchasing (55:35)Elan (56:57)Zirkel (57:31)Snowboard Brands (58:31)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 27, 20261h 2m

Ep 387Reviewer Reports: Luke & Jonathan on Frontside Carvers, Comp Mogul Skis, & Metal Freestyle Skis

In this episode that we’re dedicating to JBobb, Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth talk frontside carvers; metal freestyle skis; and for the first time in Blister history, we’re reviewing a competition mogul ski.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS:Palisades TahoeGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+Join Us! Blister Summit 2026BLISTER+ Members: Blister Summit DiscountEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaySee Our Blister Recommended ShopsCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Palisades Tahoe (1:35)Blister Summit (2:46)Shoutout: BLISTER+ Members (3:50)Atomic Carving Skis: (7:36)Redster Q9.8 (9:07)Redster X9S (12:37)Redster S9 & G9 (14:42)Faction Le Mogul Pro (21:42)Fischer Carving Skis: (28:23)The Curv Noize GT 85 (29:05)The Curv Noize GTX (31:30)RC4 Noize (33:14)Armada ARV 106 Ti (36:05)Faction Prodigy 3 (39:17)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 20, 202643 min

Ep 386The Ledge Boardshop: Suge (aka, Brett Scott) on Hip-Hop, Snowboard Culture, & the Current State of Snowboard Gear

Last week at Palisades Tahoe, Jonathan Ellsworth & JBobb stopped by the The Ledge Boardshop to talk about snowboard culture & the current state of snowboard gear w/ a rather legendary figure in the snowboard world, Suge (aka, Brett Scott). We talk 90’s Hip-Hop; the history of snowboarding (and its influence on ski gear); and innovation in snowboard gear itself.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS:The Ledge BoardshopPalisades TahoeGet Yourself Covered: BLISTER+Join Us! Blister Summit 2026BLISTER+ Members: Blister Summit DiscountEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaySee Our Blister Recommended ShopsCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:‘Know The Ledge’ (3:50)Hip-Hop & Snowboarding (7:29)BOA (17:42)Customization of Snowboard Boots? (18:22)‘Convenience’ Bindings (23:12)Indemnified Gear (36:04)Snowboard Design Updates (43:34)Shop Culture (48:23)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 13, 202659 min

Ep 385Reviewer Reports: Palisades Tahoe; New Skis & Snowboards; & the Hunt for Red October

JBobb, Luke, Koppa, Kristin Sinnott and Jonathan Ellsworth just wrapped up a week at Palisades Tahoe, and today, they’re sharing lots of stories and impressions, and talking about the gear they reviewed — but didn’t bring with them. Thanks to everyone who made this a truly unforgettable trip.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS:Palisades TahoePalisades Demo CenterGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+Join Us! Blister Summit 2026BLISTER+ Members: Blister Summit DiscountEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaySee Our Blister Recommended ShopsCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Getting There w/o Skis & Boards (1:34)How Jonathan Jinxed Us (6:06)What Luke’s Reading (10:22)Day 1:- Demo Center & People We Met Up With (14:23)- Favorite Runs of the Day (17:31)- Skis & Boards (19:23)- Palisades Patrol Shreds Harder Than You (23:10)- Slot Bar Sneak Attack (26:33)Day 2:- Armada Declivity 102 & Antimatter 100- Day 2 Favorite Runs (37:00)- Day 2 Equipment Picks (41:12)Day 3:- Rakim & Alpine Meadows (48:55)- Connery Lundin (54:44)- Wildfour & Rocker (59:35)Day 4: (1:02:36)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 6, 20261h 7m

Ep 384How to Tell if a Bootfitter is Any Good; Ski Boot Trends; & Strong Opinions w/ Luke, Jonathan, & Bootfitter, Hunter Dagnon

How do you tell if you’re working with a good bootfitter? Are all ski boots getting bigger? Where are BOA dials most effective, or, are they actually just ruining the industry? Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth dive into these topics — and present some valuable tips and tricks — with the help of our longtime friend and boofitter, Hunter Dagnon.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS:Palisades TahoeJoin Us! Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+Enter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaySee Our Blister Recommended ShopsCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Boot-Fitters vs Boot-Sellers (5:43)Higher-Volume Boots (8:50What is an “Average” Foot? (9:29)Bootfitting Red & Green Flags (12:25)Shell Fit (18:07)Concept of Comfort (20:45)BOA (29:41)“Pinner” Fit (36:00)Boot Geometry Changes (43:44)Volume Shifts & Performance (59:30)Plastic Types (1:06:38)JE's Case for Lower Volume (1:34:10)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 27, 20261h 37m

Ep 383The AlpenFlow 89 Binding VS. the Rest of the 'Hybrid Bindings' Category

AlpenFlow Design spent nearly six years developing their flagship AlpenFlow89 hybrid binding, and today, Jonathan talks with AlpenFlow co-founder, Steven Waal, about that development process. Then they compare / contrast the AlpenFlow 89 to all the major players in the hybrid binding space. You’re guaranteed to learn a lot about the “Do-It-All” category of ski bindings.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS:Lone Pine Gear ExchangeSnowbirdEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaySee Our Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us! Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+GEAR:30 ep 357: AlpenFlow Founders’ StoryGEAR:30 ep 345: What’s New in Binding DesignCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Sale: Lone Pine Gear Exchange (2:46)Overview of AlpenFlow (5:32)The AlpenFlow 89 Binding (8:05)What’s Changed Since the Blister Summit? (13:38)Pin Toes vs Non-Pin Toes (23:44)Release Characteristics & ISO 13992 (33:20)Product Comparisons:Marker Kingpin (39:00)Marker Duke PT (42:35)Atomic / Salomon Shift 2.0 (45:00)ATK Freeraider 15 (46:26)Cast 2.0 Touring System (49:05)ATK Hy 13 (51:22)Tyrolia Attack Hybrid 14 (52:46)Best Question I Haven’t Asked You?(53:40)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 20, 202657 min

Ep 382What You're Probably Getting Wrong about Ski Width

When it comes to the question of ski width, there are some very strong opinions held by skiers, and lots of them aren’t true. Are lots of people on skis that are too wide? Will a skinnier ski always carve better than a wider ski? What’s the ideal width for mogul skiing? And is there any real difference in bottomless powder between a 120mm-wide and a 135mm-wide ski? Today, Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth walk through the entire range of skis from 65mm to 135mm wide, and hope to clear up a number of confusions and debunk some myths about ski width.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS:CARVPalisades TahoeEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaysOur Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us! Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Test Our Opinions Yourself w/ Carv (1:80)Blister to Palisades Tahoe (2:34)This Week’s Gear Giveaway (3:12)Blister Summit 2026 (3:45)The Question of Ski Width (4:53)Ski Width Ranges65mm - 71mm (11:49)72mm - 78mm (16:48)79mm - 85mm (27:41)86mm - 92mm (38:08)Q: Width / Getting a Ski On Edge (39:48)93mm - 99mm (45:06)100mm - 106mm (53:19)107mm - 113mm (53:34)114mm - 120mm (57:21)Coastal Snowpack (1:07:17)Significant Width Breaks (1:14:14)What's Optimal? (1:16:45)Ideal Width for Skiing Moguls? (1:20:38)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 13, 20261h 30m

Ep 381Reviewer Reports: Paul's New Pow Ski Design; Carving Skis; & More

Luke, Koppa, Paul Forward, and Jonathan talk about some of the gear they've been reviewing; discuss topics related to that gear; and dive deep into the ideas behind a new pow ski design that Paul has been thinking about for years, and are now being incorporated into a brand new ski.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS:Episode Sponsor: OpenSnowEpisode Sponsor: SnowbirdEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaysOur Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us! Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Hallelujah! Check the Forecast! (2:58)Snowbird (4:03)Our Very Unique Gear Giveaway (5:24)Paul Back in AK (6:47)Paul’s Boot Surprise: Atomic Remedy 130 (13:08)Luke on the 1000 Skis Carve (22:57)Carving (28:12)Jonathan’s Mistake / PSA (38:02)Paul’s New Pow Ski Design (41:15)The Heritage Lab HB 135 (53:47)Flex Pattern vs Shape (1:04:50)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 6, 20261h 17m

Ep 380Rewriting the Rules of Ski Boots? K2 Ski Boots’ Tom Pietrowski

(1) Why is it that typically, only the stiffest ski boots have all the best features and get the best liners and all the bells and whistles? (2) What are boot manufacturers doing about the fact that many of the best skiers on the mountain also have the least amount of money in their bank accounts? And (3) did K2 just create the first ski boot that was truly designed for women, from the ground up? To address these questions, we’re talking with Tom Pietrowski, the global product line manager for K2 ski boots.Note: We Want to Hear From You!We’d love for you to share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS:Episode Sponsor: CarvEpisode Sponsor: SnowbirdEpisode Sponsor: OpenSnowEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaysOur Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us At Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Blister Summit (2:30)This Week’s Gear Giveaway (3:49)Tom’s Super Hot Take (5:02)K2 Cortex 140 (12:49)Boa Cable Length (15:41)K2 Cortex Team 120 (18:23)Flex Rating vs Price of Ski Boots (21:30)New Recon (28:15)K2 Anthem: the 1st True Women's Ski Boot? (30:48)K2 Boot Collection Upgrades (47:06)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 30, 202657 min

Ep 379Reviewer Reports: Luke’s in the Heli, Paul’s on Carving Skis, & Jonathan’s Trading Skis w/ Pros

Why is reviewer and heli-skiing guide Paul Forward in Crested Butte testing skinny skis? How did Luke Koppa end up being the one in a helicopter? And why have Luke and Jonathan been able to test the same new ski boot? Today we discuss it all, as well as a bunch of new freeride skis from 4FRNT and Heritage Lab; Jonathan swapping skis with Daron Rahlves; Luke face-planting in front of some other pro skiers, and more.RELATED LINKS:Episode Sponsor: CarvEpisode Sponsor: SnowbirdEpisode Sponsor: OpenSnowEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaysOur Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us At Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Carv (1:38)Snowbird & Giveaway (2:23)Luke’s Trip Report (5:39)Jonathan’s Trip Report (15:43)Salomon S/Pro Alpha C BOA (21:24)4FRNT Sinister (32:28)Heritage Lab Skis (37:08)Part 2: Jonathan & Paul Forward (41:05)Testing Ski Boots, Skis, & Carv (45:35)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 23, 20261h 31m

Ep 378Peak Skis is Back; New Gear Reveals; Current Product Reviews; & Best Snowboard Gear of the Century w/ Powder Hound AK's Eric Helmbrecht

Jonathan shares his thoughts on the stated return of Bode Miller & Peak Skis, then Powder Hound Ski & Bike Shop owner, Eric Helmbrecht, joins us to discuss several big new product announcements; review some current ski & snowboard gear; and then Eric shares his top 10 list of the most important developments in snowboard gear of the 21st century.RELATED LINKS:Enter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaysSee Our Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us @ Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Summit RegistrationGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Why My Voice is Gone (0:04)Blister Summit 2026 (2:59)Peak Skis is Back?? (4:11)The ‘New New’ Gear (16:27)- Nordica Nordica Promachine 3 (16:59)- Salomon S/Pro Alpha C BOA (27:49)- Atomic / Salomon Shift² 16 (35:33)- Armada Snowboards (41:48)- Current Ski & Snowboard Gear Reviews (44:38)- 4FRNT MSP 99 (45:55)- Marker X binding (47:04)- Armada Ski Boot (49:13)- Atomic Remedy (51:22)- Rossignol XV Sashimi ( 52:48)JE's Snowboard Questions (54:07)Top 10 Snowboard Gear of the Century (58:00)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 16, 20261h 21m

Ep 37725 Years: The Evolution of The North Face Summit Series w/ Sage Cattabriga-Alosa & TNF’s Head of Innovation, Cory Olson

The North Face’s iconic Summit Series collection has not only been a part of some of the greatest athletic feats of the past 25 years, it’s also had a major influence on the technical apparel we all use today.In this 2-for-1 conversation, Luke Koppa dives into its backstory, major milestones, and standout pieces with The North Face’s Global Head of Innovation, Cory Olson. He also talks with the one and only Sage Cattabriga-Alosa to get his perspective as an athlete who’s been involved with this series for its entire run — including how he went from hitting backcountry booters in the baggiest clothes he could find, to summiting high-altitude peaks in the most technical gear on the market.RELATED LINKS:Episode Sponsor: SnowbirdEpisode Sponsor: OpenSnowEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaysOur Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us At Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:OpenSnow (2:09)Snowbird (4:25)Weekly Gear Giveaway (6:03)Sage's History w/ The North Face (7:10)Sage’s Ah-Ha Moments w/ Apparel (23:00)Layering Evolution (36:30)Sage’s Standout Products (40:56)Cory Olson’s Role at The North Face (49:52)Historic and Throwback Pieces (54:14)Standouts Materials (56:36)Athlete Feedback & Design Impact (1:01:11)PFAS-Free Apparel: Present & Future (1:05:19)Care & Washing (1:10:20)Himalayan Suit (1:18:58)Summit Series x Streetwear (1:23:30)Future Projects (1:32:01)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 9, 20261h 34m

Ep 376Gear of the Century, Part 2

What are the most significant developments in snowsports gear of the 21st century? We’ve already covered the ‘Best Skis of the Century’ on GEAR:30, and now, we’re ranking the most important gear and / or technological developments in skiing and snowboarding. And today, you’re going to get the real story of the first rockered ski.RELATED LINKS:Get CARVGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+Enter Our Weekly Gear GiveawayOur Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us @ Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Weekly Gear Giveaway (2:27)New Boot Testing & Carv (3:42)BLISTER+ (5:19)Greg’s Background in Skiing (6:32)Greg’s Top 10#10: Removal of Fluoro Waxes (11:12)#9: GripWalk (14:31)#8: Tuning Robots (16:53)#7: Gore Tex Patents Expiration (20:56)#6: Step in / Step on Snowboard Bindings (25:51)#5: Hybrid AT Systems#4: Ski Boot Design (35:16)Rockered Skis Unsolved Mysteries (46:13)#3: Rockered Skis (44:17)#2: Twin Tip Skis (50:19)#1: K2 Four (53:46)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 3, 20261h 8m

Ep 375Gear of the Century, Part 1

What are the most significant developments in snowsports gear of the 21st century? We’ve already covered the ‘Best Skis of the Century’ on GEAR:30, and now, we’re ranking the most important gear and / or technological developments in skiing and snowboarding.RELATED LINKS:OpenSnowCARVGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+Enter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaysOur Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us At Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationEp.323 w/ Carv & Marcus CastonCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Weekly Gear Giveaway: J Skis (1:01)Jan 1, 2026: Changes to BLISTER+ (1:25)OpenSnow Forecast is Looking Good! (3:11)New Skis, Ski Boots, & Carv (4:05)Our Top 10 Gear Developments:#10: (6:48)#9: (15:36)#8: (27:11)#7: (38:47)#6: (46:17)#5: (51:15)#4: (56:41)#3: (1:04:07)#2: (1:15:36)#1: (1:19:54)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big Ideas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 27, 20251h 29m

Ep 374Ski Testing, Ski Technique, & Data Analytics with Carv

What can you learn when you analyze hundreds of thousands of ski turns? What does it tell you about ski technique? And what can be learned about the gear you use to make those turns — and the gear we test and evaluate? Luke Koppa discusses all of the above with the team at Carv.RELATED LINKS:Carv Digital Ski Coach SystemEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaysOur Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us At Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+Ep.323 w/ Carv & Marcus CastonCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Weekly Gear Giveaway (2:01)What is Carv? (4:33)What’d They Learn Last Year? (6:41)What’s New This Year? (11:30)How Does Carv Turn Data into Scores? (14:46)Off-Piste vs. On-Piste Analysis (20:50)Using Carv in Our Reviews (23:28)Why Do Certain Skis Score Higher? (24:00)Skiing Switch With Carv (35:00)Who is Carv For? (49:55)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 19, 202554 min

Ep 373A New Approach to Apparel: Raide Founder on Unconventional Shells, Zip-Off Baselayers, & ‘Staying Slippery’

The skis, ski boots, and bindings made for human-powered ski-touring are very different from the ones built for the resort. But what about the clothes? Raide has been rethinking what apparel for the skintrack vs. the resort should look like, and their new collection is quite the ambitious debut. Luke Koppa discusses it all with Raide founder, Kyle Siegel.RELATED LINKS:Carv Digital Ski Coach SystemEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaysOur Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us At Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Carv & This Week’s Giveaway (3:03)Raide State of the Union (6:15)Raide’s First Apparel (12:22)New TourTech System (13:13)Hybrid Bibs (16:15)Raide’s New Waterproof/Breathable Fabrics (29:13)DWR Coatings (32:51)Testing & Impacts of Washing (36:36)Bib & Shell Featureset (39:26)Zip-Off Baselayer (44:52)Hybrid Hoody (51:36)Kyle’s Favorite Non-Raide Products (56:57)Future Raide Products? (1:01:02)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 12, 20251h 3m

Ep 372Reviewer Reports: Early-Season Testing & Luke’s Dumbest Moment on Skis

We’re back on snow! And testing gear! And excited to talk about it! Jonathan and Luke cover several of the standout skis so far; Luke confesses to one of the dumbest things he’s ever done on skis; they discuss underappreciated upsides of early-season skiing; some interesting new outerwear and gloves; and more.RELATED LINKS:Our Recommended Shop: Round House Sports CenterEnter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaysAll of Our Blister Recommended ShopsJoin Us At Blister Summit 2026For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit RegistrationGet Yourself Covered with BLISTER+CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:We’re Back on Snow! (3:40)Luke’s First Skin (10:45)Rossignol Arcade 94 (17:53)Faction Dancer 79 (22:31)Volkl Peregrine 72 (29:33)Head Kore 88 Ti vs. Kastle Paragon 93 (33:41)Outerwear & Accessories (38:18)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 5, 202550 min

Ep 371Gear Gossip w/ Moment Skis’ Luke Jacobson

Today we spill some tea, break some news, fire off a few rants, and we walk through Moment’s 25/26 lineup, including what Moment CEO, Luke Jacobson, believes to be the most significant changes to the line.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on GEAR:30. Or if you’d like to nominate yourself for a ‘Gear Therapy’ episode, let us know that, too! You can email us at [email protected] LINKS:BLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredJoin Us! Blister Summit @ SnowbirdCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Vintage Moment Skis (4:05)Belafonte Revival? (9:26)Gear Gossip (12:32)Moment’s New Ski Press (13:40)Company Growth (28:30)Luke’s Current Ski Boot (36:22)Moment’s Factory Shop (40:58)Moment 25/26 Lineup (46:40)Women’s Skis (57:30)Communism vs Democracy (59:12)Ski Forums (1:03:38)Moment’s Bella Skis (1:16:54)Recap (1:23:57)Blister Summit Talk + Alta vs Snowbird (1:28:34)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 28, 20251h 37m

Ep 370The Science of Staying Warm: Innovations in Insulation w/ PrimaLoft

If you’ve worn a puffy jacket in the past 30+ years, there’s a good chance it used PrimaLoft insulation. And they’ve just announced their warmest insulation to date. So today, we get all the details on PrimaLoft UltraPeak from Andrea Paulson, PrimaLoft’s Senior Vice President of Innovation & Technology — and learn a ton about insulation in general along the way. Whether you’re curious about the latest puffy tech or just want to learn more about how to stay warm in the outdoors, this one’s for you.RELATED LINKS:BLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:PrimaLoft History (3:07)Ultra Peak (9:41)What’s Driven Innovation? (16:03)UltraPeak vs. Other Insulation (19:08)Warmth to Weight & CLO Values (21:20)UltraPeak Use Cases (27:15)Weights of Insulations (28:33)Breathable Insulation (36:03)Other New PrimaLoft Products (40:09)How To Care for Your Insulation (45:53)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 21, 202551 min

Ep 369Best Skis of the Century, Part 5

What are the Top 10 skis of the century? Top 3? #1 Ski? Today, Blister reviewers Dylan Wood, Luke Koppa, and Jonathan Ellsworth reveal their selections, and we also share some of the picks and insights from a number of pro skiers and ski industry professionals.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on GEAR:30. Or if you’d like to nominate yourself for a ‘Gear Therapy’ episode, let us know that, too! You can email us at [email protected] LINKS:BLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELSBlister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Setting the Stage for Best Skis of the Century (3:15)Luke & Dylan’s Top 10 (7:24)Top 3 (34:40)Luke's #1 (46:44)Dylan’s #1 (50:03)Honorable Mentions (53:02)Jonathan Joins (56:52)Jonathan's Top 10 (1:02:01)Most Influential? (1:06:54)Jonathan's Top 3 (1:09:27)Jonathan's #1 (1:15:14)More Takes from listeners and Industry (1:24:15) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 14, 20251h 33m

Ep 368Best Skis of the Century, Part 4

What are the Top 10 skis of the century? Top 3? #1 Ski? Today, Blister reviewer, Paul Forward, reveals his very personal picks, plus we share a story from the Blister archives that involves New Zealand farmers and helicopters.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on GEAR:30. Or if you’d like to nominate yourself for a ‘Gear Therapy’ episode, let us know that, too! You can email us at [email protected] LINKS:BLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELSBlister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:What’s New at Blister Studios (1:55)BDog & Benchetler on Blister Cinematic (2:33)BLISTER+ and Bangtail Bike & Ski (3:28)Paul’s Top 10 (4:40)Our NZ Heli Story (16:33)Some Formative Skis (28:35)Paul’s Top 3 (39:09)Paul’s #1 Ski of the Century (44:07)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 7, 202552 min

Ep 367Blizzard-Tecnica: 10 Years of Designing Women-Specific Skis & Boots

Do “women-specific” skis need to exist? What about ski boots? In our conversation today, Leslie Baker-Brown shares her thoughts after leading Blizzard-Tecnica’s Women2Women program for the past 10 years.Few people have been as deeply involved with women’s ski gear — and the community of women in skiing — as Leslie. Today, she discusses what the landscape looked like 10 years ago; the details of how and why the Women2Women program designs truly women-specific products; the cases where a unisex approach makes more sense; why it’s so hard to find a 130-flex boot if you have small feet; how the industry has changed for the better; and more.RELATED LINKS:BLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredWomen2Women Home PageBlizzard Black Pearl 88 Special EditionCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELSBlister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:BLISTER+ Members (1:36)Leslie’s History w/ Blizzard-Tecnica (3:15)Formation of Women2Women Initiative (4:41)Marketing to Women in the Early Years (8:45)Current Trends (13:12)Black Pearl Series (15:10)Graphics (19:49)Most Important Factors in Designing Women’s Gear (22:35)Ski Boots (25:10)Current Challenges (30:30)Education (33:44)Book and skis for kids, Hilaree, scholarship programs (39:21)Community (42:30)Unisex Gear (47:36)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 31, 202551 min