Gear:30

Often on GEAR:30, we zoom way in on the particular design details of a product. But today, we zoom way out, and take a look at how some of the biggest, global, ski and outdoor gear manufacturers actually operate, with Jake Stevens (Rossignol); Jesse Ambrogi-Yanson (Armada); Joe Johnson (Salomon); and Sean Kennedy (Atomic).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 us at: info@blisterreview.comRELATED LINKS:Get 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)Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email us at: info@blisterreview.comTOPICS & TIMES:Shoutout: New BLISTER+ Members (1:55)Introductions (3:34)From Europe to the USA & Beyond (6:44)Armada: from the USA  to Europe & Beyond (16:33)Marketing Products: Domestic

Luke and Jonathan compare notes on a number of skis they got on at the Blister Summit; confess some crimes; and offer one public service announcement.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 us at: info@blisterreview.comRELATED LINKS:Parallel Mountain Sports, PalisadesGet Yourself Covered: BLISTER+Enter Our Weekly Gear GiveawaySee Our Blister Recommended ShopsCRAFTED Trip Report: Blister Summit & SLCCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Parallel Mountain Sports, Palisades (1:05)Hoji & Marcus Goguen: New BLISTER+ Members (3:10)Nordica Unleashed 106 (6:00)Dynastar M-Free 100 (11:46)Ellis Kanso 106 & Meraki 112 (18:51)Kastle Sublime 93 & Transcend 104 (26:15)Armada AntiMatter 100 & 114 (35:39)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

We’re still buzzing from Blister Summit 2026, which we held last week at Snowbird, Utah. And in this conversation, a number of our reviewers got together to recap their favorite moments, runs, and gear.We also cover what it’s like to ride with the strikingly handsome Justin Bobb (whether he’s on a board, skis, or blades); one of the aspects of ski reviewing that Sascha Anastas does better than Jonathan and Luke; CRAFTED podcast co-host Eli Brown’s perspective as a newcomer to the Summit; and more.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: 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:Jonathan’s Driving Advice (2:40)Sascha's Summit Record (6:40)Eli's First Summit (8:15)Conditions & Favorite Terrain (11:05)Sascha & Eli

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

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 Revie

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)F

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)

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

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 Har

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)“Pin

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)T

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)CH

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 Mist

(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 Revie

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 (41:0

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

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 (

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 Mysteri

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.co

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 Cine