Reviewer Reports: Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth

Reviewer Reports: Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth

Author: BLISTER December 27, 2024 Duration: 33:04

Luke and Jonathan discuss some of the frontside skis they’ve recently been on; why choosing the right frontside ski requires as much consideration as any other type of ski; and they give an update on how they’ve been using the CARV system (so far) to enhance their ski reviews.

RELATED LINKS:

1: Blister Rec Shop: Alpenglow Sports

2: Taos Ski Valley

3: Blister Summit 2025: Learn More

4: Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+

TOPICS & TIMES:

Alpenglow Sports (1:12)

Taos (2:26)

Blister Summit 2025 (3:10)

Frontside Skis (8:20)

- Stockli Montero AR

- Volkl Peregrine 80 & 82

- Nordica Steadfast 85

CARV & Our Ski Reviews (21:44)

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

Blister Cinematic

CRAFTED

Bikes & Big Ideas

Blister Podcast


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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
Reviewing the Reviewer: Kara Williard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:28
On the latest edition of our Reviewing the Reviewer series, our resident ski reviewer, bike tester, boot fitter, and sustainable farmer, Kara Williard, is in the hot seat. We cover everything from ski and bike gear prefe…
Our (Massive) Ski Binding Shootout + Wildlife Encounters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:57
Luke Koppa, Kara Williard, and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about our upcoming test, where we’ll be mounting up more than 20 pairs of the same ski with more than 20 different alpine bindings in the attempt to find out what re…
Domestic Apparel Manufacturing, Supply-Chain Logistics, & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:55
A few years ago, Kitsbow undertook an incredibly ambitious plan to move to Old Fort, North Carolina, and bring all of their apparel production to the United States, after years of working with overseas factories. In doin…
The Design Principle of “Simplexity” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:32
We talk to Naked Sports Innovations’ president and co-founder, Lindsay Dakota, about how the concept of “simplexity” drives Naked’s design process; growing a small brand sustainably; the future of footwear; and how ski r…
Reviewing the Reviewer: Drew Kelly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:12
Blister reviewer, Drew Kelly — the man with the best turn in Crested Butte — is in the hot seat today, and in this insanely wide-ranging conversation, we talk about choss monsters, cave trolls, geek beaks, Drew’s dating…
European Food Reviews & Trip Report + Updates on our Buyer’s Guides [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:30
Luke and Jonathan discuss Jonathan’s travels across France & Italy; his visits to the Lange factory and ATK bindings factory; provide updates on our Mtn Bike Buyer’s Guide and Winter Buyer’s Guide; and more.TOPICS & TIME…
Ski Development & Ski Testing with AJ Kruajitch & Jake Stevens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:57
Few people spend as many days as we do testing skis on snow. But Rossignol’s AJ Kruajitch definitely does. So Jonathan Ellsworth spent a day at Les Deux Alpes going through AJ’s testing process, then talking with him and…
Rossignol’s Recyclable “Essential” Ski, with David Bouvier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:11
A recyclable ski? Jonathan sat down with David Bouvier to talk about Rossignol’s new “Essential” ski; discuss the origin of the project; the challenges posed by making the circular economy of a ski a priority; who this E…
ATK Bindings, Part 2: Product Lineup & Design Differences [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:04
In part two of our conversation with ATK CEO (and one of ATK’s chief product testers), Davide Indulti, we discuss ATK’s current binding lineup; the design differences between their four collections: Race, Speed Touring,…