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
2020 Outdoor Retailer Highlights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:27
We sat down at the Outdoor Retailer / SIA show to discuss some of the most notable trends, interesting products, weirdest products, and the thing at the show that caused Jonathan to legally change his name.TOPICS & TIMES…
SCARPA CEO, Kim Miller, on the new F1 LT & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:41
In part 2 of our conversation with SCARPA CEO, Kim Miller, Kim offers his predictions for the ski industry and how SCARPA is positioning itself for the future; discusses which materials they use in their boots and why; s…
The Future of Lange & the New XT3 Ski Boot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:10
We talk to Lange’s Global Brand Director, Thor Verdonk, about Lange’s use of 'dual core' technology; why “ski boots should be alive”; the brand-new, 3rd generation, Lange XT3; heat-moldable shells; 3d printed boots; the…
Ski Gear Predictions for the Next Decade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:16
Last week we talked about the best ski gear of the past decade, so now it’s time to make our predictions about what gear will look like 10 years from now? What product categories have the most room for improvement? What…
Best Ski Gear of the Past Decade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:27
Of the entire past decade, what was the most influential ski, ski boot, and ski binding? What was the best ski? What were the biggest trends? And what was our selection for the Best Product of the Decade? We cover all of…
New Skis, Ski Boots, & Bindings with Paul Forward [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:02
Today we’re catching up with Blister reviewer, Paul Forward, about some of the skis, AT boots, and an AT binding that Paul has been spending time on in Girdwood, Alaska. Paul and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the Volkl Mant…
SCARPA CEO, Kim Miller, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:26
Earlier this week, Sam Shaheen visited SCARPA’s North American headquarters to talk with SCARPA’s CEO, Kim Miller, and they had a great conversation that we’ll be releasing in two parts. Here in Part 1, Kim and Sam discu…
Ski Quiver Questions (19/20), Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:00
Last week, Sam Shaheen, Luke Koppa, and I addressed some of the questions you have been asking us about ski quivers, and we also discussed the topic of the one-boot quiver. And now, we are running part 2 of this conversa…
Ski Quiver Questions (19/20), Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:30
We recently published the 19/20 edition of our reviewers’ personal selections for their 5-ski, 4-ski, 3-ski, 2-ski, and 1-ski quivers. And now, we’re addressing some of your questions related to how we design our quivers…