Reviewer Reports: Closing-Day Setups, Trip Reports, Cody’s Surprise Visit, & More

Reviewer Reports: Closing-Day Setups, Trip Reports, Cody’s Surprise Visit, & More

Author: BLISTER April 18, 2025 Duration: 58:03

In this episode, Luke Koppa sits down with Kara Williard, Jonathan Ellsworth, and the strikingly handsome Justin Bobb to talk about the many skis Jonathan and I opted to take out during closing weekend at CBMR; Kara’s powder-filled winter trips, and the two skis and single boot she used throughout; and Justin’s latest, crazy biking / skinning / snowboarding adventure + some of the boards and boots he’s been testing. Finally, we dive into some ski-touring boots discussions, and Jonathan tells us about his surprise visit from Cody Townsend.

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TOPICS & TIMES:

Jonathan & Cody’s Surprise Coffee Date (2:49)

Colby MunicipalBoundaryLine (6:07)

Kara’s Trip Report (8:45)

Justin’s Trip Report (14:43)

Salomon QST X (16:23)

Luke’s Closing-Day Skis (24:02)

New Snowboards & Boots (26:32)

Jonathan’s Closing-Day Skis (35:46)

Black Crows Anima Birdie (47:06)

Atomic Hawx Ultra 115 XTD (49:25)

La Sportiva Sender (53:26)

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CRAFTED

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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]

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Blister Summit ‘26 Preview, Big Announcements, & Reviewer Reports [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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

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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…