Reviewer Reports: Palisades Tahoe; New Skis & Snowboards; & the Hunt for Red October

Reviewer Reports: Palisades Tahoe; New Skis & Snowboards; & the Hunt for Red October

Author: BLISTER March 6, 2026 Duration: 1:07:37

JBobb, Luke, Koppa, Kristin Sinnott and Jonathan Ellsworth just wrapped up a week at Palisades Tahoe, and today, they’re sharing lots of stories and impressions, and talking about the gear they reviewed — but didn’t bring with them. Thanks to everyone who made this a truly unforgettable trip.

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TOPICS & TIMES:

Getting There w/o Skis & Boards (1:34)

How Jonathan Jinxed Us (6:06)

What Luke’s Reading (10:22)

Day 1:

- Demo Center & People We Met Up With (14:23)

- Favorite Runs of the Day (17:31)

- Skis & Boards (19:23)

- Palisades Patrol Shreds Harder Than You (23:10)

- Slot Bar Sneak Attack (26:33)

Day 2:

- Armada Declivity 102 & Antimatter 100

- Day 2 Favorite Runs (37:00)

- Day 2 Equipment Picks (41:12)

Day 3:

- Rakim & Alpine Meadows (48:55)

- Connery Lundin (54:44)

- Wildfour & Rocker (59:35)

Day 4: (1:02:36)

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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: 100

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
New Gear from Blister Summit 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Blister reviewers Jonathan Ellsworth, Luke Koppa, Sascha Anastas, Kristin Sinnott, and the strikingly handsome Justin Bobb discuss a bunch of new ski and snowboard gear they spent time on at last week’s Blister Summit. T…
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Matt Manser on Atomic's New Redster Ski Boots, New Remedy 130, & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:31
What’s the difference between a true race boot; a race-inspired ski boot; and a high-performance freeride or freestyle boot? Matt Manser is back to talk about all of these things and more, and to walk us through Atomic’s…
Reviewer Reports: New Head Kores, Ski Boots, & One Age-Old Question [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:41
In today’s episode, Luke Koppa sits down with Jonathan Ellsworth and Kara Williard to discuss just a small portion of all the gear we’ve been testing lately. We cover Head’s overhauled collection of Kore skis; Jonathan m…
New Salomon Dual BOA Ski Boot & New Salomon QST Skis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:05:40
Today we’ve got 2 episodes in 1 for you. We first talk about the biggest development in the world of snowsports gear: dual BOA ski boots. Joining Jonathan for that conversation are Salomon’s Lauren Samuels and Cesar Brou…
Athletes & Bootfitting w/ Freeride Skier Nat Segal x Pulse Boot Labs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:20
Freeride athlete Nat Segal has had a long and impressive journey as a professional skier, and part of this journey has been getting in a properly fitting ski boot. Our Blister Recommended Shop, Pulse Boot Labs and Ski Co…