Gear:30

4FRNT Skis founder, Matt Sterbenz, recently launched WNDR Alpine, a company that’s incorporating biotech into skis. So we sat down with Sterbenz and WNDR’s brand manager, Xan Marshland, to discuss the creation of and the future plans for WNDR Alpine; its relation to the biotech company, Checkerspot; and we dive deep into the details of their new ski, the Intention 110, which is available now for pre-order.To learn more about WNDR Alpine and its relation to the Berkely-based biotech company Checkerspot, check out our latest BLISTER Podcast with Sterbenz and Checkerspot’s co-founder & CEO, Charlie Dimmler.TOPICS & TIMES:Matt’s background & founding 4FRNT (3:08)Xan’s background (8:36)What is WNDR Alpine? (16:20)The first ski: the Intention 110 (22:00)Why start with a backcountry ski? (22:32)Comparable skis to the Intention 110? (29:22)Materials (41:08)Weight (49:34)Mount point (56:54)Price (1:00:06)Bindings (1:04:50)Where to see the skis & ship dates (1:07:07)Future plans for WNDR? (1:08:54) See

Why are more and more companies making products out of wool? In part two of our “What You’re Wearing” miniseries, we’re taking a closer look at the fabric that was once most associated with itchy old sweaters and fancy suits, but that’s now being used in some of the most comfortable and highest-performing apparel on the market. But how exactly does wool naturally suppress odor? How does the species of sheep affect the finished product? And is wool actually more environmentally friendly than other fibers?To answer these questions and more, we’re talking with Josh Vaughan, head of Wholesale Sales at Icebreaker. We walk through every step of making wool garments (from sheep to shirt); discuss some exciting new uses for wool in apparel, and Josh provides some incredibly in-depth answers about the secrets behind wool’s unique natural properties.Topics & TimesHow climate affects wool quality (2:55)The process: from herding sheep to the final fabric (9:03)How & Why is wool blended with other fibers? (18

Crosson Skis is a small, new company building skis outside of Seattle — and they are making some very big claims.So we talk to their founder, Chase Englehart, about the origins of Crosson; what makes their skis different — and better — than what’s out there; manufacturing skis in Tukwila, WA; working with athletes like Bobby Brown and Banks Gilberti; and their 19/20 lineup.Topics & TimesThe Crosson Backstory (2:03)What makes your skis different / better? (12:44)Park Ski: Rogue (22:14)All-Mountain Skis: Imperium & Raider (28:11)Powder Ski: Marauder (30:21)Weight (31:23)Crosson bases & custom base structures (35:19)Price, Warranty, & Added Value (39:22)Materials & what they’re doing in-house (44:34)Their press (46:04)Why manufacture in Tukwila? (48:55)Their athletes: Banks Gilberti & Bobby Brown (51:17)Where to check out or buy Crosson Skis (54:59) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How do elite ski racers like Marcel Hirsher, Mikaela Shiffrin, Bode Miller, and Daron Rahlves “feel” their gear, and their ski boots in particular? Matt Manser and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss how some of the all-time greats are superhumanly attuned to the slightest changes of a binding or ski boot.They also discuss Forward Lean (how to measure it, whether lots or less of it is better, etc.); ‘static’ power straps vs. ‘elastic’ Booster Straps; whether WC skiers or WC DH mtn bikers are pickier about their equipment; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Marcel Hirscher & Bode Miller’s insane attunement (4:11)How many boots does Marcel bring to a race? (18:46)WC ski racers vs. WC DH bike racers (22:40)Mikaela Shriffin’s boot preferences (33:20)Which racers wear the stiffest boots? (36:40)Forward Lean / measuring forward lean (44:27)‘Static’ power straps vs ‘elastic’ Booster Straps (59:24)Why it’s so hard to name ski boots (1:12:03) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonathan Ellsworth, Luke Koppa, & Sam Shaheen argue about the new Volkl Mantra 102 and how it compares to the M5 Mantra; discuss with more civility the Line Vision 98; Dalbello Lupo Pro HD ski boot; Camp Nano 22 vs. Orbit Wire carabiners; and close with several extremely random reviews.This episode is presented by Tribe Alpha & GEAR:30 listeners get a special discount!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.GEAR:30 listeners: visit tribealpha.com/gear to receive a 10% discount off their standard pricing. TOPICS & TIMES:Volkl Mantra 102 (3:13)Volkl Mantra 102 vs. Volkl M5 (13:40)Line Vision 98 (22:29)Carabiners: CAMP Nano 22 vs. Orbit Wire (24:57)Dalbello Lupo Pro HD (28:30)Sam’s review of Luke Koppa (31:13)Review: buying furniture (3

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/gearTribe Alpha is great ecommer

How much do you actually know about the clothes in your closet, and the stuff you wear to go play in the mountains? Today we’re introducing our “What You’re Wearing” miniseries, where we’ll be shining a light on the most foundational part of apparel: the fibers.In part one, we dive into the world synthetic fibers with Sara Ellis from Gore (the makers of GORE-TEX) to discuss everything from the performance and environmental impact of synthetics compared to natural fibers; the crazy new material that Gore developed with Underarmour; what’s on the horizon in terms of waterproof / breathables; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Synthetic vs. Natural fibers (2:15)Where do synthetic fibers come from? (8:08)Which synthetics are the most durable? (9:17)Polyester vs. Nylon (12:18)What are the environmental issues associated with synthetics? (14:38)The story behind Gore’s new ePTFE baselayer with Underarmour (24:05)Gore’s current (and upcoming) waterproof / breathable lineup (36:54)What’s the biggest misconception about synth

We talk to DPS Skis founder, Stephan Drake, about the new DPS 19/20 product lineup, and about two new skis — that incorporate a brand-new construction — they are introducing for their DPS “Dreamtime” event, which officially runs from July 15th to August 1st.Stephan also breaks news about their “Koala” skis, gives an update on the DPS ski boots that he and I spoke about back on Ep. 38 of the Blister Podcast, and shares some new developments with DPS Phantom base glide treatment.TOPICS & TIMES:Building skis in Salt Lake City, Utah (2:45)What is “DPS Dreamtime”? (7:17)Foam & DPS’ new construction (11:01)DPS Wailer 100 RP vs 112 RP (25:10)DPS’s “C2“ vs “RP” (29:30)The redesigned DPS Wailer 106 (35:12)DPS freestyle skis / DPS Koala 119 (36:25)Update on the DPS Ski boot (41:10)Update on DPS Phantom (44:27)Other Conversations We’ve Had with Stephan:Blister Podcast, Ep. #38: DPS Skis Founder, Stephan Drake (4.17.17)Blister Podcast, Ep. #59: DPS Phantom & the End of Ski Wax (11.1.17)GEAR:30, Ep. #22: New D

Last week on GEAR:30, we talked plastics with Atomic Ski Boots product manager, Matt Manser. Here in part 2, we talk with Matt about the messy world of flex ratings; progressive vs. linear flex patterns; the actual differences between some brands’ 120 and 130 rated boot; how Atomic arrives at their own flex ratings; the next areas of innovation that Atomic is focused on, and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Flex Patterns & All the Feels (4:13)“Progressive” vs. “Linear” flex patterns (5:10)The mess that is Flex Ratings (13:13)How Atomic arrives at their own flex ratings (17:24)How brands make a “110” vs. “120” vs. “130” etc. (27:34)Colorways & Geopolitics (34:20)Why a standardized flex rating probably won’t happen (35:55)The damping / “suspension” of a boot (42:32)Weight & Damping (47:04)Next areas of innovation for Atomic boots? (55:08) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ski boots are made of plastic, and different plastics feel and perform very differently from one another. So we get deep into the details with Atomic Ski Boots product manager, Matt Manser, to help you figure out which plastics are used in your ski boots, and the pros & cons & general performance characteristics of different plastics — which will help you understand why you might like or dislike your current boots, and what you ought to be looking for in your next pair.TOPICS & TIMES:What has been the focus of your recent work in ski boots? (2:10)The 3 main families of plastics: PP, PU, and PA (6:57)“PP” — Polypropylene (11:15)How recycled plastics are used in the production process (19:18)“PU” — Polyurethane (23:06)Low-grade PU: Recycled PU (26:53)Mid-grade PU: PU-Ester (27:53)High-grade PU: PU-Ether (31:33)Colors: how they affect plastics’ performance (33:44)What is Desmopan? (38:32)“True Flex” PU — Atomic’s proprietary PU (44:26)How to make a lightweight boot out of heavy materials (49:40)“PA”

BLISTER Editors Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa discuss their time this week at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, including mind-boggling new technologies like titanium-coated fibres; inventive sustainability stories involving recycled medical supplies; and noteworthy trends — both good and bad. TOPICS & TIMES:Rumpl Puffy Blankets (1:08)Gore-Tex Infinium Fibers (3:08)Topo Designs’ new apparel & packs (6:37)Mystery Ranch Skyline 23 Pack (9:11)Sunski Sunglasses (10:40)Patagonia Storm Racer Shell (12:35)Rab Mythic Ultra sleeping bags (14:34)New Gore-Tex Paclite Plus (17:53)Black Diamond Z4 Cams (20:02)Saola Shoes (23:05)Notable trends (26:16)Products we wanted to steal (29:34)Weirdest / most alarming booths (30:55) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Things get a little loose in this roundtable conversation, and kind of go off the rails. So consider yourself warned. But there are a few gems in here, including our group review of the ON3P Woodsman 108; Luke Koppa’s take on the new Tecnica heat-moldable hiking shoe, the Plasma S; Kristin Sinnot’s and my conversations about two new ski boots we’re excited about, and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Review: Hard Seltzers (2:30)Salomon S/Max 120 W (6:20)K2 Mindbender 99Ti (9:45)Tecnica Plasma S Hiking Shoe (16:47)Nordica Promachine 120 (21:34)Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket (27:39)Maui Jim North Star Sunglasses (29:10)ON3P Woodsman 108 (31:40)Smashburger’s Black Bean Burger (34:47)Larabar flavors (37:33)Dirtbag Chic (39:17) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

GPS communication devices can be the difference between life and death in remote places. So we talk with Bivy’s Pitt Grewe about the different types of technology and devices on the market; how these devices can affect decision making; satellite networks; complicated payment plans; and … Pitt’s impressive skills as a DJ.TOPICS & TIMES:Pitt’s background in the outdoor industry (1:21)Bar Mitzvahs and the Humpty Dance? (5:32)The differences between GPS devices (10:13)When should you bring a GPS device? (13:53)Providing peace of mind for friends & family (21:28)Garmin vs. Spot vs. Bivystick: the state of the market (25:44)After you push the SOS button, what happens next? (31:26)(Confusing) payment plans of various GPS devices (37:50) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 rating ski descents; the gear, apparel, and food he used on the mountain; and the safety and decision-making process throughout the day. We’ve also included a complete list of the gear, apparel, and food that Sam used on the day in the the shownotes to this episode.  TOPICS & TIMES:Torrey’s Peak Triple Crown (1:03)What is the D-scale? (3:45)What did Sam pick for skis? (14:04)Bindings (18:00)Skins (19:40)Poles (20:53)Pack (21:20)Apparel (22:39)Food (27:04)Avalanche forecasts vs. decision making in the field (33:10) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 & Revolt 121, Faction Candide 5.0, and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Heli Skiing at Deplar Farm, Iceland (1:15)ON3P Woodsman 108 (5:00)Volkl Mantra 102 (13:25)Volkl Revolt 121 (17:05)Faction Candide 5.0 (20:51)HEAD Raptor 140 RS (24:12)Fischer Ranger 99 (25:49)Salomon QST 99 (27:16)Icelantic Nomad 105 (31:08)Black Crows Navis (33:02)Liberty Origin 106 (36:45) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 using 3 different airbag technologies in 19/20? (2:55)Supercapacitors, pt. 1 (7:30)Jetforce technology and design (11:03)Airbag standards testing (16:04)Alpride E1 — Supercapacitors pt. 2 (18:54)Alpride canister systems (27:19)Pete’s airbag pack of choice (35:45) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 fabric development lies in sustainability; the advantages and disadvantages of working with big names like Gore-Tex; and a whole lot more outerwear geekery.TOPICS & TIMES:The “Killer Wash” and Patagonia’s other fabric tests (3:50)The relationship between fabric and garment (12:50)Waterproof laminates — 3L? 4L?? 5L?!?! (19:00)What comes first: concept or material? (22:43)Designing fabrics to be recycled (23:45)Gore-Tex — challenges and advantages of working with the fabric juggernaut (29:44)Biggest misconceptions about waterproof / breathable fabrics (34:52)Why the future of fabric tech is green (46:08)Other brands that Pasha is excited about (48:04)Sam and Luke’s article on Outerwear CareOuterwear 101Outerwear 201Information on Breathability Testing See acast.com/privacy for privacy and o

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 name (2:41)Building custom ON3Ps for Michael Jordan & Tinker Hatfield (5:22)Wrenegade Lineup (12:00)Metal Wrenegades (13:18)Metal Jeffrey & Woodsman?? (18:30)ON3P Touring Skis (19:22)How Scott’s trying to help people understand skis specs better (21:04)Jeffery and Jessie Lineups (23:30)Mount Points, Part 1 (26:24)Woodsman Lineup (29:21)Mount Points, Part 2 (31:55)Sidecut Radius: why it does — and doesn’t — matter (36:08)ON3P custom skis (40:35)Scott’s Random Review selection for us (43:02) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 background in the mountains (2:18)Does safety gear affect risk assessment? (3:55)How an airbag saved Doug’s life (12:15)Are airbags becoming “required” backcountry gear? (22:34)An unfair hypothetical: airbags or transceivers? (25:12)The importance of good partners in the backcountry (29:40)Doug’s favorite guiding experiences (32:33) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 Goggles: high-end, price-point, and awful ones (5:50)Armada ARV 106Ti & 96Ti (16:00)Which ski companies stood out the most to us this season? (14:25)Some favorite answers from our Blister Survey (29:40)Some very random reviews (35:10) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.