A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 1: Plastics

A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 1: Plastics

Author: BLISTER June 28, 2019 Duration: 1:08:13

Ski boots are made of plastic, and different plastics feel and perform very differently from one another. So we get deep into the details with Atomic Ski Boots product manager, Matt Manser, to help you figure out which plastics are used in your ski boots, and the pros & cons & general performance characteristics of different plastics — which will help you understand why you might like or dislike your current boots, and what you ought to be looking for in your next pair.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • What has been the focus of your recent work in ski boots? (2:10)
  • The 3 main families of plastics: PP, PU, and PA (6:57)
  • “PP” — Polypropylene (11:15)
  • How recycled plastics are used in the production process (19:18)
  • “PU” — Polyurethane (23:06)
  • Low-grade PU: Recycled PU (26:53)
  • Mid-grade PU: PU-Ester (27:53)
  • High-grade PU: PU-Ether (31:33)
  • Colors: how they affect plastics’ performance (33:44)
  • What is Desmopan? (38:32)
  • “True Flex” PU — Atomic’s proprietary PU (44:26)
  • How to make a lightweight boot out of heavy materials (49:40)
  • “PA” — Polyamide (53:58)
  • How to verify which plastics your boot is made of (1:00:24)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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
Gear Predictions, 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:03
Today, we’re following up last week’s episode, where we looked back at 2023’s “Gear Of The Year,” and we’re now looking forward to 2024. Jonathan Ellsworth, Kara Williard, Justin Bobb, and Luke Koppa attempt to predict w…
Gear of the Year, 2023 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:48
Jonathan Ellsworth sits down with Luke Koppa, Kara Williard, and Justin Bobb to reflect on some of the standout products and notable trends that defined the past year in ski and snowboard gear. So, what trend does Luke t…
Biggest Ski Buying Mistakes + Ski Tuning, Ski Wax, & Ski Boots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:09
What are some of the biggest mistakes skiers make when buying gear? And what do regular, recreational skiers & snowboarders need to know about ski tuning and waxing? Jonathan discusses these questions and more with Logan…
The Pro's Gear: Ted Ligety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:30
Jonathan talks with Ted Ligety (2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 5x World Cup champion) about his approach to gear; the specific gear he’s using today; how to best deal with flat light and low-vis conditions; his take on the c…