What's New in Ski & Snowboard Bindings (Burton, Spark R&D, ATK Bindings, AlpenFlow Design)

What's New in Ski & Snowboard Bindings (Burton, Spark R&D, ATK Bindings, AlpenFlow Design)

Author: BLISTER May 2, 2025 Duration: 1:02:25

What new thoughts and ideas emerge when you bring together in conversation makers of hybrid ski bindings and AT bindings and snowboard bindings and splitboard bindings? Well you’re about to find out, because at Blister Summit 2025, Jonathan Ellsworth led a conversation along these lines with Will Ritter of Spark R&D; Royal White, from Burton; Andy Merriman, from ATK Bindings; and Steven Waal, from the very new company, AlpenFlow Design. Enjoy, this is a great one.

RELATED LINKS:

Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+

TOPICS & TIMES:

Exploring the Evolution of Bindings (3:11)

Customer Feedback in Product Development (5:47)

Design Principles of New Companies (08:50)

The Importance of User Experience (12:13)

Evolution of ATK Bindings (15:00)

The Future of Snowboard Bindings (18:02)

Challenges in Binding Production (21:02)

User Errors / Misuse of Bindings (23:58)

Understanding Binding Mechanics & Maintenance (34:03)

The Importance of Familiarity with Gear (37:10)

The Shift towards Lightweight Ski Gear (41:18)

Ethical Considerations in Product Development (46:54)

Bindings Compatibility (50:00)

The Cost of Backcountry Bindings Explained (54:03)

The Future of Binding Standards in Skiing (57:15)

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

Blister Cinematic

CRAFTED

Bikes & Big Ideas

Blister Podcast


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
Rewriting the Rules of Ski Boots? K2 Ski Boots’ Tom Pietrowski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:59
(1) Why is it that typically, only the stiffest ski boots have all the best features and get the best liners and all the bells and whistles? (2) What are boot manufacturers doing about the fact that many of the best skie…
Gear of the Century, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:04
What are the most significant developments in snowsports gear of the 21st century? We’ve already covered the ‘Best Skis of the Century’ on GEAR:30, and now, we’re ranking the most important gear and / or technological de…
Gear of the Century, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:18
What are the most significant developments in snowsports gear of the 21st century? We’ve already covered the ‘Best Skis of the Century’ on GEAR:30, and now, we’re ranking the most important gear and / or technological de…
Ski Testing, Ski Technique, & Data Analytics with Carv [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:54
What can you learn when you analyze hundreds of thousands of ski turns? What does it tell you about ski technique? And what can be learned about the gear you use to make those turns — and the gear we test and evaluate? L…
Gear Gossip w/ Moment Skis’ Luke Jacobson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:16
Today we spill some tea, break some news, fire off a few rants, and we walk through Moment’s 25/26 lineup, including what Moment CEO, Luke Jacobson, believes to be the most significant changes to the line.Note: We Want t…