Joe and Garrett dive into the ski construction cycle: why brands refresh models, what actually changes year to year, and how those updates affect the way you ski. We compare icons and their latest iterations (Nordica Enforcer, Elan Ripstick + Black Edition, Salomon QST, and Blizzard’s Anomaly replacing Brahma/Bonafide) to show how companies balance “accessibility” with true top-end performance. Is it just the iPhone effect…or meaningful engineering? We break down shape tweaks, metal/wood layups, rocker profiles, and why tails that release easier don’t mean “dumbed down.”We talk: How the update cadence works across top brands (and why it’s surprisingly consistent)What “more forgiving” really means and when it’s not a downgradeWhy mid-width, one-ski-quiver models dominate How the market pendulum swings from tanky, metal chargers to lighter, nimble all-mountain skis and where it’s headed next00:00 Premieres + Big Night Live highlights 03:03 Upcoming premieres (TGR, Armada) 04:34 Main topic: ski construction cycle 05:15 Why brands update (“iPhone effect”) 06:51 Ripstick surge → market reacts 10:23 Enforcer refresh (more forgiving) 12:31 Are updates “dumbed down”? (No) 13:21 Bonafide → Anomaly: modern feel 16:36 Ripstick & QST get stronger 19:40 One-ski-quiver explained 26:15 Why not yearly updates (2–5 yrs) 35:28 Mount point quick take 45:29 Lifecycle summary 51:04 Wrap👉 Listen: https://linktr.ee/thebostonskiparty👉 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebostonskiparty/
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51:35
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51:35
What Ski Brand has the Biggest Cult Following?
The boys riff on ski brand “cult” followings and why certain gear inspires lifelong loyalty. We start with a fresh pickup, the Bent 110 GDs and use it to unpack the Atomic Bent phenomenon before widening out to other die-hards: Pivots, ZipFits, Black Crows, Mantra, and even indie stalwarts like Surface. Along the way, we revisit frontside carvers and spotlight a few underrated winners (Rossi’s Arcade 94/84, Armada’s Declivity line), plus a practical bindings chat: how Pivots feel different from Griffons, and when that matters for real-world skiers. A special guest drops in to set the stage for Boston’s ski-film run: Hunter Henderson’s multi-film night at Big Night Live (Oct 24), TGR at House of Blues (Nov 6), and a free in-store screening of Armada Ornada (Nov 8). We also react to some news in the world of skiing.00:00 – Intro & questionable life choices 02:00 – Buying new skis (Bent 110 GDs) 05:00 – The Bent cult and brand loyalties 09:30 – Ski gear with cult followings 14:00 – Indie brands and who builds what 19:00 – The Pivot binding obsession 25:00 – ZipFit liners 32:00 – Snowboard cults & brand loyalty 36:00 – Underrated skis worth a look 43:00 – X Games rebrand, fantasy & betting 51:00 – Boston ski movie premiere season 55:00 – Hunter Henderson, TGR & Armada Ornada👉 Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebostonskiparty/
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58:39
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58:39
Top Frontside Skis 2025-2026: Best Carving Skis for Hardpack & Groomers
Joe and Garrett dig into some of our favorites from the frontside/carving category and why so many skiers (us included) have slept on it while the 90–100mm “do-everything” crowd got all the hype. They discuss how narrower, purpose-built skis can be more fun, faster edge-to-edge, and a smarter second ski for your quiver.Follow the show on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thebostonskiparty/
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46:41
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46:41
Best New Ski Boots for the 2025-2026 Season
Garrett and Joe break down what’s new in ski boots for 2025-26: the surge in double-BOA designs, smarter LV/MV/HV fit options, and liner upgrades. They dive into a few different categories, out of the box fit, break-in vs heat molding, picking the right flex and last, and who benefits from these updates, whether you’re all-mountain, freeride, or an ex-racer. If you’re shopping 2026 ski boots, this episode hits the big trends, practical fit tips, and how to choose confidently.👉 Full Blog: https://theskimonster.com/blogs/posts/best-new-ski-boots-for-the-2025-2026-season👉 Follow the show on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebostonskiparty/
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56:46
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56:46
2026 Ski Gear Preview & What’s Ahead
Garrett and Joe are back in the podcast studio to discuss skis and boots they're excited about for the 2025/2026 winter. Joe recaps his trip to the Tyrolia/Head factory last spring. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebostonskiparty/Watch Here
The Ski Monster is an elevated ski and snowboard experience based in the heart of Boston. Our podcast, The Boston Ski Party, offers an unfiltered and honest view behind the scenes of the ski and snowboard industry. We talk with guests ranging from TSM team members to athletes to major movers and shakers that push this industry forward.
Canada - english