Powder Ski Comparisons: Old vs New vs What Should Be Next?

Powder Ski Comparisons: Old vs New vs What Should Be Next?

Author: BLISTER November 1, 2024 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 skis, then, they talk about a bunch of current pow skis, old pow skis, and some design specifics that they think are good ideas when you’re building a wide ski that’s designed to float for days.

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TOPICS & TIMES:

The Case for Wide Pow Skis (7:45)

1st Gen DPS Lotus 138 (27:56)

Line Pescado (21:09)

Heritage Labs 132 (34:18)

K2 Powabunga (43:33)

Volkl BMT 122 (54:32)

DPS Lotus 124 Tour (57:06)

K2 Hellbent (59:49)

Praxis Protest (128) (1:01:17)

Praxis Powderboards (1:04:07)

Folsom Rapture (1:06:38)

4FRNT Renegade (1:09:51)

Faction La Machine 5 (1:10:35)

Blizzard Spur (1:14:22)

Salomon Rocker2 122 (1:22:53)

Volkl Shiro (1:27:53)

K2 Reckoner 124 (1:32:30)

Paul’s Injury & Recovery (1:35:38)

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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
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…
What You're Probably Getting Wrong about Ski Width [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:18
When it comes to the question of ski width, there are some very strong opinions held by skiers, and lots of them aren’t true. Are lots of people on skis that are too wide? Will a skinnier ski always carve better than a w…
Reviewer Reports: Paul's New Pow Ski Design; Carving Skis; & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:34
Luke, Koppa, Paul Forward, and Jonathan talk about some of the gear they've been reviewing; discuss topics related to that gear; and dive deep into the ideas behind a new pow ski design that Paul has been thinking about…