Testing Pow Skis in Alaska & Japan + Shop Talk

Testing Pow Skis in Alaska & Japan + Shop Talk

Author: BLISTER February 12, 2018 Duration: 42:48

We talk to blister reviewer, Paul Forward, about some of the powder skis he’s been reviewing recently in Alaska and Japan, including the Faction Prime 4.0, the Black Diamond Helio 116, and the DPS Spoon.

And then we talk to Jeremy Cole, owner of Alpine Sports, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which is one of our Blister Recommended Shops. Jeremy and I cover 3 topics: new gear; some of his favorite price-point boots & skis, and some real-world issues surrounding boots, bindings, and bench test results.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Join us in Telluride the weekends of February 24, March 10, March 17 (2:11)
  • Paul Forward on the DPS Spoon, Faction Prime 4.0, Black Diamond Helio 116 (3:01)
  • Jeremy Cole, owner of Alpine Sports, Santa Fe, New Mexico (20:31)
  • As a buyer, what were some of the most intriguing new products you saw at OR/SIA (21:52)
  • Bang for the Buck: some of Jeremy’s favorite price-point boots & skis (27:02)
  • Bench Test Results: real-world issues around boots + binding compatibility (32:41)

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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: 398

GEAR:30
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