Luke Koppa

6 days ago | blisterreview.com | Luke Koppa

“Designed for hard-charging skiers, the new Ripstick 102 Black Edition floats effortlessly in fresh snow and blasts through crud with effortless power, stability, and smoothness for peak performance in challenging terrain and epic conditions. The new Ripstick 102 Black Edition is building a distinguished reputation for its ability to navigate soft and hard snow, in wide open spaces and tight situations with top-tier horsepower and composure at speed.

6 days ago | blisterreview.com | Luke Koppa

Elan’s “Black Edition” skis are meant to serve as higher-end versions of their existing models, and we’ve been spending time on the latest blacked-out version of the Ripstick 102. Here are our initial impressions.

6 days ago | blisterreview.com | Luke Koppa

Leave a rating and / or review in the Apple Podcast app or on the Spotify app. This free, 30-second action on your part lets us know you value all the time & energy that goes into producing & publishing GEAR:30, and it ensures that we can keep the show going.

1 week ago | blisterreview.com | Luke Koppa

Ski: 2025-2026 Salomon S/Lab QST Blank, 178 cm Available Lengths: 170, 178, 186, 192 cm Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length (straight-tape pull): 176.5 cm Stated Weight per Ski (178 cm): 1950 grams Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski (178 cm): 2000 & 2047 grams Stated Dimensions (178 cm): 138-112-127 mm Blister’s Measured Dimensions: 138.5-112-127 mm Stated Sidecut Radius (178 cm): 18 meters Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 69 mm / 36.5 mm Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: 5.5...

1 week ago | blisterreview.com | Luke Koppa

Part of Salomon’s overhaul of the QST series, the new 112mm-wide S/Lab QST Blank was reportedly designed with input from lots of Salomon’s younger “Mountain Collective” athletes. So, what’s changed vs. the original Blank? Based on our initial testing, you could argue that the answer is both “not much” and “a lot.” Here’s why.