Peak Skis is Back; New Gear Reveals; Current Product Reviews; & Best Snowboard Gear of the Century w/ Powder Hound AK's Eric Helmbrecht

Peak Skis is Back; New Gear Reveals; Current Product Reviews; & Best Snowboard Gear of the Century w/ Powder Hound AK's Eric Helmbrecht

Author: BLISTER January 16, 2026 Duration: 1:21:54

Jonathan shares his thoughts on the stated return of Bode Miller & Peak Skis, then Powder Hound Ski & Bike Shop owner, Eric Helmbrecht, joins us to discuss several big new product announcements; review some current ski & snowboard gear; and then Eric shares his top 10 list of the most important developments in snowboard gear of the 21st century.

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TOPICS & TIMES:

Why My Voice is Gone (0:04)

Blister Summit 2026 (2:59)

Peak Skis is Back?? (4:11)

The ‘New New’ Gear (16:27)

- Nordica Nordica Promachine 3 (16:59)

- Salomon S/Pro Alpha C BOA (27:49)

- Atomic / Salomon Shift² 16 (35:33)

- Armada Snowboards (41:48)

- Current Ski & Snowboard Gear Reviews (44:38)

- 4FRNT MSP 99 (45:55)

- Marker X binding (47:04)

- Armada Ski Boot (49:13)

- Atomic Remedy (51:22)

- Rossignol XV Sashimi ( 52:48)

JE's Snowboard Questions (54:07)

Top 10 Snowboard Gear of the Century (58:00)

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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: 398

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
The Debate: Should We Change Our Winter Buyer’s Guide? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:52
For some years now, we’ve wrestled with some big ideas about how we could change our annual Blister Winter Buyer’s Guide. So today, Jonathan Ellsworth, Luke Koppa and Kristin Sinnott discuss those potential changes — as…
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Duration: 53:19
At our Blister Summit, we asked our Blister Summit attendees to pose their questions about ski design to Max Smith (vice president & ski designer at Moment Skis); Stu Gleason (senior designer at DPS Skis); and Mike McCab…
Starting a Ski Company from Scratch w/ Ellis Skis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:38
There’s no shortage of skis on the market these days, yet we’re still seeing new brands pop up. So what does it take to start your own ski company, and why do it in the first place?In this episode, Luke Koppa gets the st…
The Cutting Edge: Emerging Trends & New Products in Snowsports Gear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:39
Jonathan talks to our patron saint of GEAR:30, Hoji; Jeff Colt (ZipFit); Shane Chappell (Burton); and Will Ritter (Spark R&D) to get their sense of the most interesting trends and product developments across the ski and…
Luke & Jonathan: More Reviewer Reports from Blister Summit 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
Luke and Jonathan compare notes on a number of skis they got on at the Blister Summit; confess some crimes; and offer one public service announcement.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, top…
Reviewer Reports: 'Closing Day + Luke's a Father!' Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:51
Luke’s a dad! Our patron saint of GEAR:30, Hoji, will be back at the Blister Summit! You can win custom skis at our Summit Dinner! Plus, you’ll hear lots of talk from Luke and Jonathan about the skis they tested to close…
Blister Summit ‘26 Preview, Big Announcements, & Reviewer Reports [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:12
Monoskis! Snowblades! Price Drops! Jonathan talks with Luke Koppa and Kristin Sinnott about some big announcements about our upcoming Blister Summit, and Otto Solberg joins us to give an up-to-date conditions report from…