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
Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 2: Giro / Bell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
We talk with Rob Wesson about Giro’s approach to various helmet safety standards and certifications; the differences between a $65 helmet and a $260 helmet; the pros and cons of adding a chin bar to a full-face helmet, o…
Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 1: Sweet Protection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In our new GEAR:30 mini-series, we’re talking to key designers in the world of snowsport and bike helmets to stitch together a current state of helmet tech and helmet R&D.To get things started, we are talking with Ståle…
A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 6: Ski Boot Suspension [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:42
Matt Manser is back to talk about bike crashes and ski boot suspension.TOPICS & TIMES:Bike crash stories (2:17)Ski-boot suspension (11:43)Damp vs. Plush (14:25)How to achieve good suspension (21:18)Ski bindings (28:08)“P…
Old Principles & New Challenges of Apparel Design [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:19
Carl Moriarty was the Design Director at Arc’teryx, and is currently the Design Director at Rapha. We discuss his background and career in the outdoor industry, then dive into several principles of technical apparel desi…
Ski Touring Gear & Listener Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:52
Which tech bindings feel the most like alpine bindings? What “very light” skis offer the best suspension and damping? Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about a bunch of ski touring gear they’ve been reviewing and an…
AT Boots, Bindings, & Skis w/ Sebastian Steinbach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:28
We talk with Sebastian Steinbach, the owner of Blacksheep Sports Freeride Shop in Munich, Germany, about a bunch of ski touring gear, including the new Tecnica Cochise 130, Lange XT3 Tour Pro, Dalbello Quantum Free 130,…
Reviewer Reports: Powder Skis w/ Paul Forward [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:03
Paul Forward and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about a bunch of the powder skis Paul’s been reviewing this season in Girdwood, Alaska.TOPICS:This heli season in AK (3:34)Moment Chipotle Banana (5:32)Folsom Rapture (19:48)Facti…
The Mt. Rushmore of Ski Suspension [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:21
Today we’re talking about one of the most important concepts in ski design: suspension. So what do we mean by “suspension”? Are terms like “plush” or “damp” synonyms, or are there important differences? And what are some…
Reviewer Reports: Fun Carvers & All-Mountain Skis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:22
Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth report on the new skis they’ve been reviewing from Black Crows, Salomon, Dynastar, Wagner, RMU, Moment, & more.TOPICS & TIMES:CB's closing day, Luke's diet, & more (0:00)Black Crows Mirus…
Hoji on the Dynafit Radical Pro; the Hoji Hole; & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:38
Our patron saint of GEAR:30 is back on the show today, and we talked to Hoji about the new Dynafit Radical Pro; how it compares to the Hoji Free boot; the evolution of the “Hoji Hole” testing prototypes; and more.TOPICS…