Gear:30

This week we’re talking with the co-founder of WaveCel, Dr. Steve Madey. We discuss the origins of and the development of WaveCel; Steve makes what might be the best case we’ve ever heard about why rotational forces play such a critical role in brain injuries; and we discuss how WaveCel compares to MIPS and Koroyd. TOPICS & TIMES:What is WaveCel? (2:08)Development of WaveCel (7:06)Woodpeckers, head injuries, & rotational forces (17:25)Current iteration of WaveCel (28:38)Koroyd and WaveCel (30:51)Lawsuit (32:51)A few specific WaveCel helmets (36:31) What’s next in helmet tech? (38:26)What We’re Celebrating (41:32)RELATED LINKS:Blister Bike Buyer’s GuideCurrent State of Helmet Tech, pt. 1Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 2Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 3Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 4Become a Blister Member See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Previously on GEAR:30 we laid out our Mt. Rushmore of Ski Suspension. Now, we’re moving to the opposite end of the spectrum to talk about the poppiest skis we’ve been on. We define some terms, talk about some of the characteristics that can help make a ski more poppy; and we work our way through a whole bunch of skis. Check it out, and let us know what skis you think are most deserving.TOPICS & TIMES:Update on Luke’s diet (3:08)What is “Pop”? (6:11)Our Mt Rushmore of Pop (17:28) Low-Speed Pop (30:19)Mid-Range Pop (34:21)High-Speed Pop (38:00)Other Notable Skis (40:22)What We’re Celebrating (44:49)RELATED LINKS:Recommended Shop: Powder Hound, AKOur conversations w/ Powder Hound’s Eric HelmbrechtBlister Bike Buyer’s GuideBecome a Blister MemberMt Rushmore of Ski Suspension See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk with the Head of Product at POC, Oscar Huss, about headforms — the things they stick into helmets to mimic your head before smashing up helmets in testing; the numerous variables that need to be considered when setting up a way to test “safety”; the different considerations that go into designing kids helmets; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Background of POC (2:29)Oscar’s background (7:34)More on certifications standards & tests (10:46)Optimizing for 1 standard vs. passing multiple standards (19:54)Testing for car impacts (25:22)Headforms (27:37)Customizing & tuning helmets (36:00)Kids helmets (45:51)Cyclist visibility (51:55)POC’s Kortal helmet (56:52)What We’re Celebrating (1:05:16)RELATED LINKS:Blister Bike Buyer’s GuideCurrent State of Helmet Tech, pt. 1Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 2Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 3Become a Blister Member See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk with the president & CEO of Pret Helmets about Pret’s approach to helmet design; the “dart test” portion of the safety certification process; the prospects of implementing customizable helmet liners; why Pret places such an emphasis on ventilation; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Steve Bellefeuille’s background (2:46)Safety Standards & the Dart Test (13:16)Fit & Ventilation (17:45)MIPS myth? (19:07)Fit and Shape (26:02)Customizable Helmets? (29:18)Biggest advances today (32:29)Pret’s Cirque & Fury helmets (35:54)The "safest" helmet (38:59)What We’re Celebrating (43:25)RELATED LINKS:Blister Bike Buyer’s GuideCurrent State of Helmet Tech, pt. 1Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 2Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 4Become a Blister Member See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk with Rob Wesson about Giro’s approach to various helmet safety standards and certifications; the differences between a $65 helmet and a $260 helmet; the pros and cons of adding a chin bar to a full-face helmet, or a large visor to an enduro bike helmet; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Giro / Bell background + Rob’s background (4:05)Overview of the helmet market & sales (5:05)How Giro handles the different safety certifications & standards (13:00)Where have the biggest advancements in helmet tech been made? (19:28)Where are consumer priorities these days? (24:04)$65 MIPS vs $260 MIPS helmet (28:00)Full-face helmets, Enduro helmets, etc.(32:04)spherical shape - aerodynamics - and safety as it relates to shape (34:04)What We’re Celebrating (40:02)RELATED LINKS:Blister Bike Buyer’s GuideCurrent State of Helmet Tech, pt. 1Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 3Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 4Become a Blister Member See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In our new GEAR:30 mini-series, we’re talking to key designers in the world of snowsport and bike helmets to stitch together a current state of helmet tech and helmet R&D.To get things started, we are talking with Ståle Møller, the co-founder of Sweet Protection, about the pros and cons of the two different safety certifications out there; advances in materials & our understanding of head injuries; ventilation; the unique challenges of designing helmets for various activities; and how to know when you ought to replace your helmet.TOPICS & TIMES:History of Sweet Protection (4:11)Safety Certifications: European vs North American standards (10:00)Rotational forces (16:12)Weight & Volume (26:35)Sweet’s New System: 2VI (32:10) Snow vs Bike helmets (32:55)Kayaking helmets: different challenges (36:31)Road bike vs. Mtn Bike Helmets (43:52)Sweet’s Trailblazer & Trailblazer MIPS mtb helmets (46:51)Sweet’s Falconer road bike helmet (49:23)When should you replace a helmet? (51:39)Sustainability

Matt Manser is back to talk about bike crashes and ski boot suspension.TOPICS & TIMES:Bike crash stories (2:17)Ski-boot suspension (11:43)Damp vs. Plush (14:25)How to achieve good suspension (21:18)Ski bindings (28:08)“Playful” ski boots (30:51)Cuff Test: compression & rebound (36:01)What We're Celebrating (48:52)RELATED LINKS:Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideA Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 1: Plastics (Ep.54)A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 2: Flex Patterns (Ep.55)A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 3: Racers & Race Boots (Ep.60)A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 4: Liners, Ramp Angle, & Forward Lean (Ep.88)A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 5: Heel Pockets, Tongue Volume, & Atomic’s new Hawx Ultra & “Professional” Liners & Dual Strap (Ep.132) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Carl Moriarty was the Design Director at Arc’teryx, and is currently the Design Director at Rapha. We discuss his background and career in the outdoor industry, then dive into several principles of technical apparel design; the pros and cons of various technologies; the challenge of balancing high performance with sustainability; and how being clear on these things can help us evaluate advertising claims about new pieces.TOPICS & TIMES:From New Zealand to Australia to Vancouver to London (2:28)Waterproof / Breathable Apparel (10:32)Breathable vs. Air Permeable Apparel (15:34)DWRs & fluorocarbons: truth in advertising (24:07)What We’re Celebrating (39:52) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Which tech bindings feel the most like alpine bindings? What “very light” skis offer the best suspension and damping? Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about a bunch of ski touring gear they’ve been reviewing and answer a number of your touring-related questions.TOPICS & TIMES:Blister Membership details (0:37)Fischer TransAlp Pro (3:46)DPS Pagoda Tour 100 RP (10:26)Ronin 108 (13:21)Weston Summit (16:48)WNDR Alpine Vital 100 (18:26)Alpine touring bindings (26:24)Downsides of the Hoji Hole? (35:54)“Very light” AT skis (37:25)AT vs Touring vs SkiMo (40:41)Pin bindings & the Hoji Pro Tour (42:36)Heel lift & AT boots (46:12)Inexpensive AT setups? (50:54)Backpacks for touring (55:23)What We’re Celebrating (59:26)RELATED LINKS:Blister Summit VideosBecome a Blister Member See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk with Sebastian Steinbach, the owner of Blacksheep Sports Freeride Shop in Munich, Germany, about a bunch of ski touring gear, including the new Tecnica Cochise 130, Lange XT3 Tour Pro, Dalbello Quantum Free 130, Plum Summit 12 binding, Moment Wildcat Tour 108, and more.TOPICS & TIMESTecnica Cochise 130 (3:30)Dalbello Krypton with tech toes (25:50)Dalbello Quantum Free 130 (36:13)Lange XT3 Tour Pro (48:19)Plum Summit 12 binding (58:13)Moment Wildcat 108 vs Wildcat Tour 108 (1:02:59)Augment Skis & the Augment AM98 (1:08:43)What We’re Celebrating (1:12:51)RELATED LINKS:Sebastian on the 20/21 Ski Season in EuropeBlister Summit Videos See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Paul Forward and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about a bunch of the powder skis Paul’s been reviewing this season in Girdwood, Alaska.TOPICS:This heli season in AK (3:34)Moment Chipotle Banana (5:32)Folsom Rapture (19:48)Faction La Machine (28:02)4FRNT Renegade 184 & 191 (35:01)More on La Machine (39:21)Blizzard Spur (40:05)Kye Shapes Numinous (49:16)Whitedot Ragnarok ASYM (52:59)What we’re celebrating (56:10)RELATED LINKS:Blister Summit VideosBecome a Blister Member See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today we’re talking about one of the most important concepts in ski design: suspension. So what do we mean by “suspension”? Are terms like “plush” or “damp” synonyms, or are there important differences? And what are some of the best skis of all-time when it comes to suspension? Let the debate begin.TOPICS & TIMES:Updates & fake IG accounts (0:00)Suspension: concepts, terms, & questions (6:29)Our Mt. Rushmore selections (20:26)What We’re Celebrating (53:18)RELATED LINKS:Blister Summit VideosRossignol Black Ops Sender Squad Flash ReviewThe real BLISTER instagram accountThe real BLISTER facebook account See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth report on the new skis they’ve been reviewing from Black Crows, Salomon, Dynastar, Wagner, RMU, Moment, & more.TOPICS & TIMES:CB's closing day, Luke's diet, & more (0:00)Black Crows Mirus COR (8:35)Salomon Stance 96 (13:14)Dynastar M-Free 108 (19:31)Wagner Blister Summit 97 (22:40)RMU Apostle 3.0 106 (25:46)Moment Commander 98 (26:55)Pit Viper jeans (32:55)What We’re Celebrating (35:15)RELATED LINKS:Blister Summit Videos See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our patron saint of GEAR:30 is back on the show today, and we talked to Hoji about the new Dynafit Radical Pro; how it compares to the Hoji Free boot; the evolution of the “Hoji Hole” testing prototypes; and more.TOPICS & TIMESThe new Dynafit Radical Pro (2:06)Updates to the Hoji Lock walk mode? (6:21)Radical Pro tongue update (10:12)Radical Pro vs Hoji Free (13:12)Hoji Hole & Skiing in the Future (15:55)Whistler lockdown, testing prototypes (19:06)More on the Hoji Hole (20:55)Hoji’s podcast recommendation (25:22)RELATED LINKSGEAR:30 ep.138: Escape Route director, James Reddy on the Radical ProBlister Summit Videos See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sascha Anastas and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss a couple of new liners they’re reviewing: the Zipfit World Cup liner, and the Atomic Mimic Professional liner that Matt Manser and Jonathan talked about on episode #132 of GEAR:30.And be sure to check out the Blister Summit Panel sessions that we’re rolling out on our BLISTER YouTube channel. We just posted a conversation about Rossignol’s 21/22 lineup — and Rossi’s decision to retire their “7 Series” and the Soul 7, and what they are going for with the Black Ops series that replaces it.TOPICS & TIMES:Blister Summit Panels & Product Lineup Videos (1:20)Blister Recommended Shop: Escape Route (3:35 )Sascha: Zipfit World Cup liner (10:37)Jonathan: Atomic Mimic Professional liner (19:56)What We’re Celebrating This Week (28:50)RELATED LINKSEp. 138: Escape Route director, James ReddyEp. 132: Matt Manser: Atomic Mimic Professional LinerEp. 35: Zipfit founder, Sven CoomerBLISTER YOUTUBE CHANNEL See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

MADE is a new company that’s setting out to make custom technical apparel. Their 3 co-founders are all veterans of the technical apparel and outdoor industries, and Luke Koppa and I talked to Cheryl LeBarr, Capri Philip, and Dustin Butcher about why they started MADE and how they are making this happen. (And, of course, we argue about anoraks, too.)TOPICS & TIMES:Co-founder backgrounds (04:63)How did you all meet? (06:26)MADE’s mission statement (09:46)How do companies decide what’s a S,M,L,XL, etc? (10:23)MADE’s measuring process (13:49)Modular designs (15:16)When does MADE launch? (17:18)Who is the MADE customer? (19:34)Industry sizing standards — or the lack thereof  (21:27)Materials (22:43)Feature Sets (26:43)Anorak Fight! (30:49)Sustainability (37:03)Time from placing order to receiving product (39:34)Circularity (43:22)Inclusivity & removing the concept of gender (44:50)The present & future of MADE (47:07)What We’re Celebrating (50:36)RELATED LINKSMADE’s Indiegogo campaignBlister Recomm

Today we’ve got another Shop Talk episode for you, where we speak with folks from one of our Blister Recommended Shops to get their perspective on a mix of topics ranging from broadly applicable to all of us, to topics that help us better understand what’s going on in the local community that each shop serves.James Reddy, the director of Escape Route in Whistler and Squamish, British Columbia, joins us to talk about Escape Route’s backcountry-only focus; the ski culture(s) of the Sea-to-Sky Corridor; elephant snot; the new Dynafit Radical Pro boot; the Fritschi Tecton; avy pack comparisons, and more.SPECIAL PROMO FOR OUR CANADIAN LISTENERS: Go to escaperoute.ca and enter the promo code “blisterreview” for $50 off your purchase of $200 or more! Good till 6.30.21TOPICS & TIMESEscape Route today (3:40)James’ background & history of Escape Route (5:51)Alpine Demo Center (12:46)Squamish vs Whistler: ski culture (21:17)Elephant Snot (23:07)Fritschi Tecton A/T binding (27:36)New Hoji walk-mode boot: Dynafit

Luka Koppa, Sascha Anastas, Kara Williard, and Jonathan Ellsworth offer a bit of a recap of our inaugural Blister Summit in Mt. Crested Butte, then discuss a number of skis from 4FRNT, Rossignol, Wagner Custom Skis, Dynastar, Icelantic Skis, WNDR Alpine, and Folsom Custom Skis that we spent time on at the Summit. TOPICS & TIMESBlister Summit Recap (00:42)4FRNT MSP 99, 107, & MSP CC (13:50)The new 4FRNT Hoji (17:19)Dynastar MFree 108 - 182 vs 192 cm lengths (23:09)Rossignol Rallybird TI (27:26)Rossi Soul 7 vs Rallybird (29:10)Rossi Sender vs Sender TI (32:34)Wagner Skis’ custom ‘Blister Summit’ skis (36:49)WNDR Alpine Vital 100 & Intention 110 (45:50)Iclenatic Nia Pro (54:45)Folsom Cash 106 & Folsom Primary 104 (57:16)What We’re Celebrating (1:09:19) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today we’ve got another Shop Talk episode for you, where we speak with folks from one of our Blister Recommended Shops to get their perspective on a mix of topics ranging from broadly applicable to all of us, to topics that help us better understand what’s going on in the local community that each shop serves.Mark "Osman" Osell and Jeff Perry join us from Gear West in Long Lake, Minnesota. We talk about the Minnesota ski scene; the Gear West campus; dropping cliffs in the Iowa backcountry; the fantastic bike culture of Minnesota, and more.TOPICS & TIMESThe surrounding community & ski culture of Long Lake, MN (4:32)How covid has changed the dynamics at the shop (9:44)The Gear West “campus” (15:42)The progressive bike culture of MN (17:37)Dropping cliffs in the Iowa backcountry (19:56)“Dad boards” & the snowboard side of Gear West (23:48)The bike side of Gear West (26:41)What We’re Celebrating (32:46) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today we’ve got another installment of our “Reviewing the Reviewer” series, where we ask various BLISTER reviewers questions about their backgrounds and gear preferences to give you a more complete picture of the people behind our reviews. And since we like to rank & review things around here, we also give a score to each of our reviewers’ answers, then come up with a cumulative review grade for each of them. And in the hot seat today is our mountain bike and ski reviewer, Dylan Wood.TOPICS & TIMES:Dylan’s Dry February / Athletic Brewing (3:58)Dylan’s background (8:43)What sports did you play growing up? (9:42))How did you first get connected with Blister? (22:41)Injuries (27:46)Dylan’s bike & ski preferences (35:56)Who is your favorite reviewer at Blister? (40:35)Who is your favorite pro biker & skier? (41:56)What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done? (45:14)What are you better at than Sam Shaheen? (54:07)What gear are you most & least picky about? (55:09)Top 3 favorite books, movies, a