Betty Birrell riding the North Shore (Photo: Travis Rummel)

“North Shore” Betty Birrell on MTB at Age 73

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Few 45-year-old women were taking up mountain biking in the early 1990s, and even fewer are still riding the North Shore nearly 30 years later — but Betty Birrell hasn’t let that stop her, and at 73, she’s still getting after it. So we sat down with Betty to talk about what keeps her going, and along the way she shares some great insights on motivation, role models, and not letting the expectations of others slow you down.
Luke Koppa & Dylan Wood review the J Skis Masterblaster for Blister

2022-2023 J Skis Masterblaster

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The latest J Skis Masterblaster continues to stand out because of its rare combination of suspension, stability, and maneuverability. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons for the whole story.
Luke Koppa & Dylan Wood review the J Skis Masterblaster for Blister

Deep Dive: J Skis Masterblaster

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We compare the latest Masterblaster to the previous J Skis Masterblaster, J Skis Fastforward, Volkl Mantra 102, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Black Crows Camox, 4FRNT MSP 99, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Faction Dancer 2, Salomon QST 98, Volkl M6 Mantra, Nordica Enforcer 100, Dynastar M-Free 99, Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Wagner Summit 97, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Moment Commander 98, Renoun Endurance 98, Fischer Ranger 102, Line Blade Optic 96, Salomon Stance 102, & Salomon Stance 96.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

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Roxanne Vogel on Lightning Ascents, Flavor Science, and GU Energy Labs (Ep.125)

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Ultramarathons are sometimes called eating competitions with a bit of running thrown in, and with so many different nutrition products and approaches at our disposal these days, it can be hard to know how to fuel properly. So, we talked to GU Energy Labs’ Nutrition and Performance Research Manager, Roxanne Vogel, about the ins & outs of eating on the run; how GU’s line of products fit into that equation; and much more.
David Golay reviews the 2023 Santa Cruz Hightower for Blister

Flash Review — 2023 Santa Cruz Hightower

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We've been spending time on the new 2023 Santa Cruz Hightower. Check out our Flash Review for our early impressions.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

If you’re already an active member, please log in.

(If you're already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)

Stuff We Like: June 2022

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In the June edition of our "Stuff We Like" series, we've got everything from sun hoodies to ski racks, fishing gear, handlebars, water-treatment options, and much more. Check it out to see the latest gear our reviewers have been digging.

Trail Running 101: How to Run in the Rain

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No matter how much running experience you have, at some point you’re going to look out a rain-spattered window and wonder, “am I really going to run in this?” Wet weather can put a huge damper on our motivation, but with the right gear (and some adjusted expectations), getting out for a rainy run can be downright enjoyable. In part five of our Trail Running 101 series, we offer a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when showers are in the forecast.

Altra Lone Peak 6

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The original Altra Lone Peak debuted over 8 years ago, and after quickly gaining prominence among trail runners and thru-hikers alike, the shoe helped to further legitimize Altra’s unique approach to footwear design. Now in its 6th iteration, the latest Lone Peak received some considerable updates — check out our review to see where the latest Lone Peak slots into the running market.
At the Blister Summit, We talk with Sean Van Horn about two of La Sportiva’s new ski boots: the lightweight Skorpius CR II, and the freeride-oriented Vanguard. We cover all the interesting design elements that La Sportiva packed into each boot; where each boot slots into the wide-ranging “touring” category; and how touring gear has evolved to reflect shifting consumer trends.

2023 La Sportiva Skorpius CR II & Vanguard Boots | Blister Summit Brand Lineup

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We talk with Sean Van Horn about two of La Sportiva’s new ski boots: the lightweight Skorpius CR II, and the freeride-oriented Vanguard. We cover all the interesting design elements that La Sportiva packed into each boot; where each boot slots into the wide-ranging “touring” category; and how touring gear has evolved to reflect shifting consumer trends.
2022 Blister Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide

The New Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

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Last year we released the Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s guide — a different type of guide, one that doesn’t just compare this new bike to that new bike, but that would help you better understand and think about mountain bikes in general. This year, we’ve updated the guide to not only keep it up-to-date in the evolving bike industry, but have also added several new sections, including an in-depth one on how to get the most out of your suspension.
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