2020: Gear in Review

2020: Gear in Review

Author: BLISTER January 1, 2021 Duration: 55:24

Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about some of the skis they’ve recently been testing; name some of the most surprising products of 2020 and some of the standout products of 2020; offer a few gear predictions for 2021; and end with what they’re celebrating this week.

TOPICS & TIMES

  • The end of the Year of Ellsworth (1:15)
  • Luke’s new diet (2:26)
  • Renoun skis are still mind-blowing (4:36)
  • New 4FRNT Devastator & Sego Big Horn 106 (10:50)
  • New ski we can’t talk about yet (16:18)
  • Elan Wingman 86 CTi (16:47)
  • 102 Wars: Ranger 102 vs. Mantra 102 vs. Stance 102 (19:15)
  • Most Surprising Products of 2020 (28:05)
  • Standout Products of 2020 (35:12)
  • Gear Predictions for 2021 (39:18)
  • What We’re Celebrating (50:36)



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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 398

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
What You're Probably Getting Wrong about Ski Width [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:18
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 w…
Reviewer Reports: Paul's New Pow Ski Design; Carving Skis; & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:34
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…
Rewriting the Rules of Ski Boots? K2 Ski Boots’ Tom Pietrowski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:59
(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 skie…