Blister Summit Panel on Ski Design

Blister Summit Panel on Ski Design

Author: BLISTER August 20, 2021 Duration: 1:17:15

Today we are airing the panel session on ski design that we held at the Blister Summit. We talk to the designers behind the skis from Blizzard, Folsom Custom Skis, Rossignol, Dynastar, and Wagner Custom Skis to get their respective design philosophies; discuss current trends in ski design; debate whether skis are being dumbed down today; determine once and for all whether stated sidecut radius numbers are fake; & more.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Different approaches to ski design 01:46
  • Jed Duke, Blizzard Skis 02:25
  • Mike McCabe, Folsom Custom Skis 5:08
  • Pete Wagner, Wagner Custom Skis 9:32
  • Thor Verdonk, Rossignol & Dynastar 11:10
  • Rank the top 3 innovations in ski design today 14:50
  • Are skis being dumbed down today? 24:15
  • How much has the manufacturing process changed? 33:06
  • Women’s skis 40:06
  • Current demand: specific touring skis vs. “50/50” skis 49:39
  • Are stated sidecut radius numbers fake? 57:41
  • Which ski design trends do you like best? 1:06:31
  • Which ski design trends do you like least? 1:10:07

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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.
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