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
Powder Ski Comparisons: Old vs New vs What Should Be Next? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:01
The snow’s been falling here in Crested Butte, and we’re already fantasizing about those really deep days. So today, Jonathan Ellsworth and Paul Forward are discussing pow skis. They start by making the case for wide pow…
Moment Skis 24/25 Lineup with Luke Jacobson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:46
Jonathan talks with Moment Skis CEO, Luke Jacobson, about Moment’s latest skis; some former Moment skis; some other companies’ skis; Moment snowboards?; why Hoji is a traitor(!!); and more.RELATED LINKSGet Yourself Cover…
24/25 Ski Season & Big Moves w/ Spokane Alpine Haus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:06
Kara Williard catches up with Drew and Rachel Harding of our Blister Recommended Shop, Spokane Alpine Haus, to hear all about the exciting recent developments at the shop; how this news runs counter to a lot of what you…
GEAR THERAPY: Elite Football Player Gets Back into Skiing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:17
When it comes to gear, we’ve all been there: loads of questions, crippling confusion, severe analysis paralysis. You need some help! So in this edition of GEAR THERAPY, BLISTER+ member, Pete Brantley, talks about getting…
ON3P Skis 24/25 Lineup with Scott Andrus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:07
We talk to ON3P Skis founder, Scott Andrus, about the 24/25 ON3P lineup; building skis in Portland, Oregon; and we dive into the weeds about numerous aspects of ski design and ski manufacturing that you really won’t hear…
The Pro's Gear: Cody Townsend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:43:21
We spend so much time reviewing the news these days on our Blister Podcast, we were officially overdue to have Cody Townsend back on GEAR:30 to talk about his current gear preferences and the specific gear he’s using mos…
A Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting, Pt.7: The Pedorthist’s Perspective [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:31
A Pedorthist is someone who is trained in the assessment of lower limb anatomy, biomechanics, and, of course – feet. Heather Van Glider is not only a Pedorthist, but also an experienced ski bootfitter, making her particu…
Venture Snowboards — and New Venture Skis — w/ Klem Branner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:52
This week Venture Snowboards announced that they will also be making Venture skis. So Jonathan talked with Venture’s Klem Branner about why skis — and why skis now; what’s harder or easier about making skis vs snowboards…