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: 391

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
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…
Nikwax & the Future of DWRs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:04
DWRs — or “Durable Water Repellent” coatings — play a huge role in the performance of your outdoor gear, and are used on nearly every waterproof garment on the market. But most DWRs are made with chemicals called PFCs, w…
Moment Skis CEO, Luke Jacobson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:14
We talk to Moment Skis CEO, Luke Jacobson, about Moment’s entire “Commander” series; why we still need to do a better job educating skiers; how the Deathwish got its name; the history of the Bibby and the Blister Pro; so…
What is The North Face Futurelight? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:45
The North Face is attempting to do something that many have tried, but few have succeeded: compete head-to-head with Gore-Tex in the waterproof / breathable fabric category. So we talked with Scott Mellin, the Global Gen…
Reviewing the Reviewer: David Golay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:14
In our “Reviewing the Reviewer” series, 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 r…
New Marker Duke PT; Backcountry.com; New Apparel & Skis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:55
Today, Marker unveiled their brand-new Duke PT binding, so Luke Koppa, Sam Shaheen, and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the new binding and where it fits with respect to the Shift MNC and CAST Touring binding.We also discuss…
Gore’s 3 New Gore-Tex Pro Fabrics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:43
Gore-Tex has been the leader in waterproof fabrics for decades, and today, they’re announcing a complete overhaul of their flagship fabric, Gore-Tex Pro. So this week we went to Banff, Alberta, and sat down with the cate…
The Science & Witchcraft of World Cup Ski Tuning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:40
How do the world’s elite ski racers and their technicians squeeze every drop of performance out of their skis? We sat down with Cameron Smith who runs the race department for Head USA to learn about all the major aspects…