Spark R&D - Part 2

Spark R&D - Part 2

Author: BLISTER November 9, 2018 Duration: 44:25

Last week we talked to Will Ritter, the founder of the biggest splitboard binding company in the world, Spark R&D, about the origin story of Spark R&D, and some of the milestones and setbacks that the company has achieved — and survived — along the way.

This week we’re running Part 2 of our conversation, and Will and I discuss some of Spark R&D’s current products, discuss the old hard boots vs. soft boots debate, talk collaborating with companies like CAST Touring and 22 Designs, and using solar power at the Spark R&D factory.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Sparks’ new "Pro Series" of bindings (1:05)
  • Should we expect any drastic changes in Spark's splitboard interface? (4:43)
  • Thoughts on Karakoram’s new interface? (14:02)
  • Hard boots vs. soft boots (15:48)
  • Will the next biggest innovation be in bindings, splitboards or boots? (21:30)
  • Spark's collaborations with CAST Touring, 22 Designs, Phantom, etc. (29:31)
  • What’s the best question I haven't asked you? (35:54)
  • Using solar power at Spark R&D (38:45)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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
Gearing Up for Big Days in the Mountains [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:45
Last Saturday, Sam Shaheen skied three different lines in one day on the Colorado 14er, Torrey’s Peak. Jonathan Ellsworth sits down with Sam to discuss the details of this “Torrey’s Peak Triple Crown”; the ‘D-Scale’ of r…
Skiing in Iceland + New Ski Reviews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:15
Jonathan Ellsworth talks about testing the ON3P Woodsman 108 and Black Crows Navis while heli skiing with Eleven Experience in Iceland, and Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa talk about their time on the Volkl Mantra 102 & Revol…
Avalanche Airbag Tech Talk with Black Diamond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
Supercapacitors, Venturi valves, and scary-high currents — this week we discuss airbag design and technology with Black Diamond’s Director of Design Engineering.TOPICS & TIMES:Pete’s Background at BD (1:10)Why is BD usin…
Patagonia’s Technical Fabric Development & Design [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:58
This week we talk to Patagonia’s senior material developer, Pasha Whitmire, about how Patagonia designs, develops, and tests their technical fabrics; myths surrounding waterproof / breathable materials; why the future of…
ON3P Skis 19/20 Lineup with Scott Andrus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:12
We talk to ON3P founder, Scott Andrus, about the 19/20 ON3P lineup, building skis for Michael Jordan & Tinker Hatfield, and we break quite a bit of news along the way.TOPICS & TIMES:ON3P’s 10-yr anniversary & the ON3P na…
Avalanche Airbags, Close Calls, & Backcountry Safety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:19
Near-death experiences, avalanche airbags, and changing risk tolerance — this week we talk to mountain guide and Mammut’s safety expert, Doug Workman, about life and survival in the mountains.TOPICS & TIMES:Doug’s backgr…
New Skis, New Goggles, & Random Reviews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:03
Sam Shaheen, Luke Koppa, and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about new goggles; new skis; which ski companies made the biggest impressions on us this season; funniest answers so far to our BLISTER Survey; and more.TOPICS & TIMES…
New Gear + Sam’s Review of Tinder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:14
Sam Shaheen, Kristin Sinnott, and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about some of their favorite new skis, then — in what might be our most anticipated review ever — Sam Shaheen gives us his honest, in-depth, pretty hilarious, and…