New Ski & Climbing Gear + Random Reviews

New Ski & Climbing Gear + Random Reviews

Author: BLISTER August 2, 2019 Duration: 41:42

Jonathan Ellsworth, Luke Koppa, & Sam Shaheen argue about the new Volkl Mantra 102 and how it compares to the M5 Mantra; discuss with more civility the Line Vision 98; Dalbello Lupo Pro HD ski boot; Camp Nano 22 vs. Orbit Wire carabiners; and close with several extremely random reviews.

This episode is presented by Tribe Alpha & GEAR:30 listeners get a special discount!

Tribe Alpha is great ecommerce for the great outdoors, and can help you improve the performance of your ecommerce site. With more than 25 years of web experience, Tribe Alpha has a long and successful history working with retailers in the outdoor industry, and will help you grow your ecommerce business.

GEAR:30 listeners: visit tribealpha.com/gear to receive a 10% discount off their standard pricing. 

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Volkl Mantra 102 (3:13)
  • Volkl Mantra 102 vs. Volkl M5 (13:40)
  • Line Vision 98 (22:29)
  • Carabiners: CAMP Nano 22 vs. Orbit Wire (24:57)
  • Dalbello Lupo Pro HD (28:30)
  • Sam’s review of Luke Koppa (31:13)
  • Review: buying furniture (33:41)
  • Review: new Lion King movie (35:48)

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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
Introducing: Blister Labs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:30
Today we are excited to introduce you to a very big new initiative at Blister: Blister Labs. Blister Labs is a new partnership between Blister, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the brand-new, state-of-the-art engi…
On our Upcoming Blister Summit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:49
Jonathan Ellsworth and Blister Summit director, Kristin Sinnott, discuss the ins and outs of our upcoming Blister Summit; why we’re including free professionally guided backcountry tours; which brands will be there; when…
ON3P Skis 22/23 Lineup with Scott Andrus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:42
We talk with ON3P Skis founder, Scott Andrus, about what’s been going on at ON3P, and we walk through the brand’s 22/23 lineup of skis.TOPICS & TIMES:Overview of the past year + Scott’s brother (3:45)Supply chain issues…
Reviewer Reports: Backcountry Ski Touring Gear w/ Paul Forward [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:05
Paul Forward and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss some of the backcountry gear Paul’s been testing around Girdwood, Alaska, including skis from Moonlight and Movement; bindings from Moment and Dynafit; skins from G3 and Pomoca…
Shop Talk: Backcountry Skis, Boots, & Bindings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:39
John Weir from Bentgate in Golden, CO, is back to discuss advances in backcountry skis; draw comparisons between some high-profile touring boots; and reassess the pros, cons, & compromises of various AT bindings.TOPICS &…
The Pro's Gear: Hadley Hammer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:29
We talk to professional skier, Hadley Hammer, about the gear she’s most & least picky about; her own gear preferences; some of the keys to happiness; and we fight about The Queen’s Gambit.TOPICS & TIMES:The Queen’s Gambi…
Shop Talk: Pulling Back the Curtain on Gear Testing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:58
We’re pulling back the curtain on ski testing, and to provide their wealth of experience in this arena are The Ski Monster co-founder & CEO, George Michaelsen, and Matt Berkowitz, who is now the brand director of The Ski…
Our 21/22 Blister Winter Buyer’s Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:22
Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss our 21/22 Blister Winter Buyer’s Guide and some corresponding industry trends and category highlights. They also talk snowblades, clarify our Buyer’s Guide ‘Best Of’ Awards, and…