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Avatar photoMarshal Olson

33
Sram XX1, Blister Gear Review

SRAM XX1 Drivetrain

July 15, 2014June 5, 2013 by Marshal Olson
With the XX1 kit, SRAM has basically defined exactly what a purpose-built trail group should be, with a number of designs that will likely become industry standards.
Categories Drivetrain & Pedals, Featured, Mountain Bike Reviews, Recommended, Reviews
Scott Off-Grid Goggle, Blister Gear Review

Scott Off-Grid Goggle and Lens Guide

May 27, 2013May 9, 2013 by Marshal Olson
The Scott Off-Grid Goggle offers solid optics, an excellent field of vision, and a variety of tint options that we'll break down, too.
Categories Apparel, Featured, Goggles, Recommended, Reviews
Bern Baker EPS, Blister Gear Review

Bern Baker EPS Helmet

May 6, 2013April 11, 2013 by Marshal Olson
The Bern Baker EPS helmet has a good fit, clean look, and great durability. Which only leaves one question: to vent, or not to vent?
Categories Apparel, Featured, Helmets, Recommended, Reviews
Dynafit Beast 16 AT Binding, Blister Gear Review

UPDATE: Dynafit Beast 16 AT Binding

April 10, 2013March 18, 2013 by Marshal Olson
The Dynafit Beast 16 has a massive amount of technology, a massive amount of R&D, and it comes with a massive price tag. It demanded a massive, honest review. This is a Must Read.
Categories AT Bindings, Featured, Recommended, Reviews
ZipFit GARA Liner, Blister Gear Review

ZipFit GARA Liner

March 5, 2013March 5, 2013 by Marshal Olson
The ZipFit GARA liner offers a rare blend of durability, performance, and comfort, rather than forcing you to pick just one.
Categories Recommended, Reviews, Ski Boots
Dynafit Beast 16, Blister Gear Review

First Look: Dynafit Beast 16 AT Binding

August 12, 2014February 25, 2013 by Marshal Olson
Here are our first thoughts from the field (and the work bench) on the new Dynafit Beast 16 binding.
Categories AT Bindings, Recommended, Reviews

2nd Look: Lange XT 130 LV

January 2, 2013December 19, 2012 by Marshal Olson
Consider this a Must Read: Marshal Olson's review of the Lange XT contains an important discussion about boot materials that everyone who skis ought to understand.
Categories Featured, Recommended, Reviews, Ski Boots

Reviewers’ Rides, Part 6

May 22, 2015November 29, 2012 by Marshal Olson
When BLISTER reviewers aren’t out testing new stuff, what do their own builds look like? Marshal Olson recently relocated, and where he rides has changed up what he rides.
Categories Recommended, Reviewers' Rides

Follow Up: Atomic Tracker 16 / Salomon Guardian 16 AT binding

September 13, 2016November 8, 2012 by Marshal Olson
Marshal Olson follows up on our initial review of the Atomic Tracker 16 / Salomon Guardian 16 AT binding, and weighs in on AT boot compatibility, stack height, and that climbing guide....
Categories AT Bindings, Recommended, Reviews

Best Mountain Bike Handlebars

June 13, 2013October 18, 2012 by Marshal Olson
You would be hard-pressed to find a bar these days that strays from the 8-9° sweep and 4-5° rise formula, but that doesn't mean all bars are created equal. Marshal Olson puts four bars to the test.
Categories Cockpit, Mountain Bike Reviews, Recommended, Reviews

SCARPA Maestrale RS

November 2, 2012October 16, 2012 by Marshal Olson
The SCARPA Maestrale RC boot has been flying under the radar a bit, though with all it has going for it, we're not sure why. It definitely deserves a serious look.
Categories Recommended, Reviews, Ski Boots

Reviewers’ Rides, Part 1

May 22, 2015October 8, 2012 by Marshal Olson
When BLISTER reviewers aren't out testing some frame or fork or wheelset, how have they built up their own rides, and why? First up, Marshal Olson.
Categories Features, Recommended, Reviewers' Rides

2012-2013 Tecnica Cochise Pro Light AT boot

August 12, 2014September 21, 2012 by Marshal Olson
Marshal Olson's primary goal in life is to find a ski boot that truly performs like a race boot with a walk mode. The new Tecnica Cochise Pro Light comes very close. It's a long story. You should read it.
Categories Recommended, Reviews, Ski Boots

Best Used Bikes for Your Buck

August 28, 2012August 8, 2012 by Marshal Olson
Sticker shock of a new bike got you down? Here’s our list of the best used bikes from years past that have stood the test of time.
Categories Featured, GEAR 101, Mountain Biking 101, Recommended

Used Bikes—What You Need To Know Before Buying

August 8, 2012July 10, 2012 by Marshal Olson
If you're even considering buying a used bike, here's what you need to know to get the most bike for your buck (and not end up with a piece of crap).
Categories Featured, GEAR 101, Mountain Biking 101, Recommended

ENVE Composites XC, AM, and DH Carbon Rims

November 15, 2012June 29, 2012 by Marshal Olson
Reviewer Marshal Olson contends that the ENVE Composite carbon rims simply blow similar-weight rims out of the water. But are they worth the price? Read up and decide for yourself.
Categories Featured, Recommended, Reviews, Wheels

2012 Marzocchi 888 RC3 EVO V2 Fork

September 25, 2012June 21, 2012 by Marshal Olson
Marshal Olson has this to say about the 2012 Marzocchi 888 RC3 EVO V2 fork: "Go sell your hunk of junk and buy one." Well, then.
Categories Featured, Forks & Shocks, Recommended, Reviews

Marzocchi 55 Micro Ti Fork

November 2, 2012June 18, 2012 by Marshal Olson
The Marzocchi 55 Micro Ti is a smooth, reasonably light fork with good feel, though reviewer Marshal Olson did hit one snag with the axle.
Categories Featured, Forks & Shocks, Recommended, Reviews

2012 Hope Tech Evo M4 Brake Set

September 25, 2012June 13, 2012 by Marshal Olson
The Hope Tech Evo M4 brakes are ultra reliable, stack up extremely well against the competition, and are at home on nearly any ride—from a general-purpose trail bike to a true downhill race bike.
Categories Brakes, Recommended, Reviews

2011 Panaracer CG XC; CG SC AM; CG AC AM; CG 4X AM

September 25, 2012June 7, 2012 by Marshal Olson
Tires—'tis the season. In case you missed it, here's a breakdown of all of the Cedric Garcia Panaracer Pro Model tires: XC, SoftCondition, AllCondition, and 4X / AM.
Categories Featured, Recommended, Reviews, Tires
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