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)

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
Ted Ligety on Ski Tuning, World Cup Racing, & the Art of Going Fast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:45
As part of the 5850 Fest at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Jonathan talked with Ted Ligety about the tricky conditions and the very challenging course here in Sun Valley for the Super G and GS races, and the incredi…
New Gear from Blister Summit 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:19
Blister reviewers Jonathan Ellsworth, Luke Koppa, Sascha Anastas, Kristin Sinnott, and the strikingly handsome Justin Bobb discuss a bunch of new ski and snowboard gear they spent time on at last week’s Blister Summit. T…
Reviewer Reports: Pow Skis, New Bindings, & Our 40” Storm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:23
Crested Butte Mountain Resort recently got 40+ inches of new snow in just a few days, so it was time to break out the big skis. Jonathan and Luke discuss the very new (and very different) Head Kore 118Ti and Kore 112Ti;…
Matt Manser on Atomic's New Redster Ski Boots, New Remedy 130, & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:31
What’s the difference between a true race boot; a race-inspired ski boot; and a high-performance freeride or freestyle boot? Matt Manser is back to talk about all of these things and more, and to walk us through Atomic’s…
Reviewer Reports: New Head Kores, Ski Boots, & One Age-Old Question [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:41
In today’s episode, Luke Koppa sits down with Jonathan Ellsworth and Kara Williard to discuss just a small portion of all the gear we’ve been testing lately. We cover Head’s overhauled collection of Kore skis; Jonathan m…
New Salomon Dual BOA Ski Boot & New Salomon QST Skis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:05:40
Today we’ve got 2 episodes in 1 for you. We first talk about the biggest development in the world of snowsports gear: dual BOA ski boots. Joining Jonathan for that conversation are Salomon’s Lauren Samuels and Cesar Brou…