The Life of a Ski Engineer + 24/25 LINE & K2 Skis

The Life of a Ski Engineer + 24/25 LINE & K2 Skis

Author: BLISTER June 21, 2024 Duration: 1:14:19

Sean Fearon is a ski development engineer at LINE & K2, and he’s been busy — between the two sister brands’ 24/25 collections, Sean helped design over a dozen of the new skis. So Luke Koppa sat down with Sean to get the details on LINE’s new Pandora, Vision, and Optic skis (and how they all relate to each other); the overhauled K2 Reckoner and Omen series; working with Karl Fostvedt to create his unique pro model, the Reckoner KF, and more. He also peels back the curtain on what it actually means to be a ski designer / engineer, why his job is often very similar to what we do at Blister, and how others might pursue a similar career.

RELATED LINKS:

Bag Balm: use code BLISTER to get 20% off

BLISTER+: Become a Member

Blister Summit 2025: register before July 1st to save $150 

Reviews: Line Pandoras, K2 Reckoners, K2 Omens

TOPICS & TIMES:

Sean’s Background (3:55)

Being a Ski Engineer / Designer (7:25)

24/25 LINE Skis Overview (13:20)

LINE Pandora, Vision, & Optic Skis (17:02)

K2 Omen Skis (41:47)

K2 Reckoner Collection (51:05)

Karl Fostvedt & The Reckoner KF (53:38)

Advice For Future Ski Designers (1:09:43)

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

Blister Cinematic

CRAFTED

Bikes & Big Ideas

Blister Podcast

Off The Couch


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: 100

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
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…
The New Armada AR ONE Ski Boot: What Is It & Who's It For? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:32
For the first time in company history, Armada is releasing a ski boot: the AR ONE. It’s a project that’s been in development for five years, and this release comes with a number of questions, like: why do a boot? And why…
Reviewer Reports: Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 usi…
The Design & Development of the New DPS Carbon Pisteworks 79 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:50
This week, DPS introduced a new product that represents quite a departure for the company: the DPS Carbon Pisteworks 79. And today, you’re going to hear one of the deepest dives we’ve ever done on GEAR:30 about the desig…
Reviewer Reports + a Shop Talk First [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:00
Luke and Jonathan offer their early-season reviewer reports, then Jonathan talks to Bangtail Bike & Ski’s new owner about why he did something that no other shop in the world has done — but why others might want to.RELAT…
Gear Quiz, Ski Recycling, & Circular Business w/ Powder7 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:49
On this week’s episode, Kara Williard sits down with some of the crew from our Blister Recommended Shop, Powder7, to quiz them on gear; discuss the skis, boots, and outerwear they’re most excited about this season; gear…