Reviewing the Reviewer: Luke Koppa

Reviewing the Reviewer: Luke Koppa

Author: BLISTER July 26, 2019 Duration: 1:08:18

Today we are launching a new series called, “Reviewing the Reviewer,” and the idea is pretty simple: we’ll be asking various Blister reviewers questions about their backgrounds and gear preferences, to give you a more complete picture of the people behind our reviews. And since we like to rank & review things around here, we will be scoring each of our reviewers’ answers to come up with a review grade for each of them.

I sat down with Luke in Blister HQ and asked him about where he grew up and what he was into as a kid; his gear preferences and what gear he is most picky about and least picky about and why; then ON3P Skis founder, Scott Andrus, wrote in with a number of questions for Luke; and I also asked Luke things like: who his favorite BLISTER reviewer is, and I got him to rank his siblings from most favorite to least favorite, before wrapping up with some questions about Luke’s favorite books, music, and movies.

This episode is presented by Tribe Alpha — tribealpha.com/gear

Tribe Alpha is great ecommerce for the great outdoors, and can help you improve the performance of your ecommerce site. With more than 25 years of web experience, Tribe Alpha has a long and successful history working with retailers in the outdoor industry, and will help you grow your ecommerce business.

Bonus: GEAR:30 listeners get a special discount. Just visit tribealpha.com/gear to receive 10% off their standard pricing.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Random Review: Orange Vanilla Coke (5:52)
  • Luke’s Background (7:02)
  • How did you first get connected with BLISTER? (19:05)
  • What are you ski preferences? (22:30)
  • Who is your favorite reviewer at BLISTER? (25:13)
  • What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done? (26:32)
  • What are you better at than Sam Shaheen? (37:07)
  • What gear are you most & least picky about? (38:11)
  • Questions from ON3P’s Scott Andrus (43:07)
  • Rank your siblings from favorite to least favorite (50:07)
  • Top 3 favorite books, movies, and musicians (52:29)
  • Give us a random review (1:03:19)
  • What’s the best question I haven’t asked you? (1:04:32)

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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
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