o-store.ca: BlogBloghttps://www.o-store.ca/Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:07:06 GMTurn:store:1:blog:post:37https://www.o-store.ca/en/compasses-around-the-world-3Compasses around the World<p>Now that this blog post has been translated into French, we wanted to share it with you again because we just find it so fascinating! Did you know that your compass is specifically balanced for the zone that you're in? If you're in North America and you want to travel south to orienteer, you may want to consider purchasing a compass that is balanced for the zone you'll be in. &nbsp;Here at the O-Store we sell one for Australia/New Zealand and one for Brazil. If you're as curious about this as we were, take a look at the article we wrote for more information! Download the pdf document <a href="/images/uploaded/Compasses around the world EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:7https://www.o-store.ca/en/how-to-choose-compassesHow to Choose: Compasses<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Is it time for a new compass? Curious about the different options available? Let us help you determine the best option for you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Ce billet de blog est aussi disponible en français&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:515,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:10797812},&quot;12&quot;:0}">Ce billet de blog est aussi disponible en français <a href="https://o-store.ca/fr/comment-choisir-boussoles">ici</a></span></span></p> <h2><strong><span style="color: #333399;">O-Compass</span></strong></h2> <table style="height: 189px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 704px;" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Model 2</strong></span></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Model 3</strong></span></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Model 8</strong></span></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Model 9</strong></span></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Model 8* Elite</strong></span></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Model 11</strong></span></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Model 22</strong></span></span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #333399;">Price*</span></strong></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">$60</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">$60</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">$60</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">$60</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">$75</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">$40</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">$31</span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #333399;">Speed/Stability</span></strong></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Fast</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Stable</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Stable</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Super stable</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Super stable and fast</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Good</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Moderate</span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #333399;">Face Display</span></strong></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Compass degrees</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Compass degrees</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Rainbow colours</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Clear</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Rainbow colours</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Compass degrees</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Compass degrees</span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #333399;">Special Features</span></strong></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Coloured housing allows for quick rough bearings</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Coloured housing allows for quick rough bearings</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #333399;">Available Plates</span></strong></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="7"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">All O-Compass Plates</span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #333399;">To order</span></strong></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="4"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://o-store.ca/moscompass-competitor-models">Click here</a></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/model-8-elite">Click here</a></span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/model-11-universal">Click here</a>&nbsp;</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;<a href="https://o-store.ca/model-22-tourist">Click here</a></span></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><span style="font-size: 9pt;">&nbsp;</span></p> <table style="height: 24px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 628px;" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 9pt;"><strong>O-Compass Plates</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Baseplate</span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Left Open</span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Right Open</span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Left Closed</span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Right Closed</span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Wrist Plate</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p> <!-- <h2><strong><span style="color:#333399">Silva</span></strong></h2> <table border="1" style="height:162px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:611px"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#333399"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#333399"><strong>Race Jet</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#333399"><strong>Race S Jet</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#333399"><strong>Race Plate Zoom</strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#333399"><strong>Price*</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align:center">$75</td> <td style="text-align:center">$75</td> <td style="text-align:center">$75</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#333399"><strong>Face Display</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align:center">Clear</td> <td style="text-align:center">Rainbow colours</td> <td style="text-align:center">Clear</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#333399"><strong>Special Features</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align:center">&nbsp;</td> <td style="text-align:center">Coloured housing allows for quick rough bearings</td> <td style="text-align:center">&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#333399"><strong>Available Plates</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align:center">Left or right thumbplate</td> <td style="text-align:center">Left thumbplate&nbsp;</td> <td style="text-align:center">Baseplate</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#333399"><strong>To order</strong></span></td> <td colspan="3" style="text-align:center"><a href="https://o-store.ca/silva-compasses">Click here</a>&nbsp;</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p> --> <h2><strong><span style="color: #333399;">Str8</span></strong></h2> <table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><strong>Str8 Original</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><strong>Str8 Kompakt</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><strong>Str8 Evo</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><strong>Str8 First</strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Price*</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">$105</td> <td style="text-align: center;">$105</td> <td style="text-align: center;">$68</td> <td style="text-align: center;">$34</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Face Display</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Clear</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Clear</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Clear</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Dark, not over map</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Special Features</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"> <p>Adjustable thumb angle</p> <p>Anti-slip map gripper</p> <p>Aluminum housing</p> </td> <td> <p style="text-align: center;">Adjustable thumb angle</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Anti-slip map gripper</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Aluminum housing</p> </td> <td> <p style="text-align: center;">Adjustable thumb angle</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Plastic housing</p> </td> <td style="text-align: center;"> <p>Worn on hand where<br />thumb and fingers meet</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Available Plates</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Left or right thumbplate</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Left or right thumbplate</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Left or right thumbplate</td> <td style="text-align: center;">No plates, can be used on either hand</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>To order</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/str8-compass">Click here</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/str8-kompakt">Click here</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/str8-evo">Click here</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/str8-first">Click here</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><span style="font-size: 9pt;">*If price on chart and price on product page are different, price on product page is taken as accurate.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Factors to Consider when Choosing your Compass</strong></span></h2> <h3><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Target Audience</span></strong></h3> <p>We offer the O-Compass Models 11 and 22 and the Str8 First as affordable options for school, cadet, scout, guide, and other groups.&nbsp; For recreational and competitive orienteers, we recommend O-Compass models 2, 3, 8, or 9, and any of the Silva or Str8 compasses.</p> <h3><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Plate</span></strong></h3> <h4><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Type</strong></span></h4> <p>When selecting a compass, one of the first things to consider is the type of plate you want.&nbsp; &nbsp;We generally recommend thumb plates for orienteering.&nbsp; If you are more familiar with a baseplate, it may take a few tries out in the woods with a map to get comfortable with the thumb, but we think you will learn to love it relatively quickly.</p> <p>The thumb plate allows you to keep map and compass together and helps you keep in contact with the map.</p> <h4><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Left or Right</strong></span></h4> <p>If you choose a thumb plate, you want your compass in the same hand you like to hold your map.&nbsp; It is not related to whether you are left- or right-handed.&nbsp; By the way, if you choose an O-Compass, you can watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghYDXy56kgE">this video</a> to learn how to switch a compass from left to right if you ever change your mind or lend it to a friend.</p> <h4><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Open or Closed</strong></span></h4> <p>This is only an option for O-Compass thumb plates, and it is entirely personal preference.&nbsp; Some people like the open as they feel it gives their thumb a better grip on the map.&nbsp; Some prefer the closed as it gives them a longer red direction line to point them forward.</p> <p>Silva compasses come with open thumb plates.&nbsp; Str8 compasses use the anti slip pad rather than the thumb to grip the map.</p> <h4><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Adjustable Thumb Angle</strong></span></h4> <p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 9pt;">If you feel that you might hold your thumb compass at a bit of angle and your direction line isn’t pointing straight ahead of you, then this feature of the Str8 compass might be right for you!</span></p> <h3><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Module</span></strong></span></h3> <h4><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong><span style="color: #333399;">Reaction Time and Stability</span></strong></span></h4> <p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 9pt;">Consider whether you want a quick reaction time of the needle and less stability in pointing your direction, or a bit slower to get there but more stable when it is there.</span></p> <h4><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong><span style="color: #333399;">Face Display</span></strong></span></h4> <p>Orienteers tend to NOT look at the degrees on the compass.&nbsp; The “rainbow” version (available in Silva and O-Compass) allows you a quick glance at your compass for the direction you want to run.</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:25https://www.o-store.ca/en/sportident-maintenance-and-supportSPORTident Maintenance and Support<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Did you know?? O-store.ca is the authorized repair depot for SPORTident equipment in North and South America.&nbsp; That means we have all the equipment and knowledge needed to replace batteries, repair damaged controls, replace waterproof seals, and solve orienteering related computer issues.&nbsp; We can also provide you, the users of SPORTident equipment, with tips, tricks, and tools for proper use and cleaning.&nbsp; If you are someone who uses SPORTident equipment, particularly as a timing specialist, event organizer, or race volunteer, you may be interested in checking out our SPORTident-specific blog page.&nbsp; There you&rsquo;ll find updates from SPORTident, technical support for SI software, and details about repairs.&nbsp; Check it out at <a href="http://sportident.ca/archive/2009/11/30/getting-your-units-repaired.aspx" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">sportident.ca</a> and if you have any questions about your timing equipment, contact erict AT o-store.ca</span></span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:24https://www.o-store.ca/en/land-acknowledgment-and-reflectionsLand Acknowledgment and Reflections<p>Tomorrow is Canada Day. As you celebrate and reflect, remember that for so many people in our country, Canada Day is not a day of celebration. We would like to acknowledge the struggle and hardship that has been and still is imposed upon indigenous people in Canada.</p> <p>The o-store would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe People. The Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be present in this territory.</p> <p>As orienteers, we are thankful to all who have and who continue to take care of, fight for, preserve, and love the land from coast to coast to coast. We recognize that as we orienteer our way across the country, we are witnessing the beauty of the traditional lands of different Indigenous groups &ndash; First Nations, M&eacute;tis and Inuit.</p> <p>We at the o-store are on a journey of continual learning. We want to learn and grow and understand. We used the following resource to help us determine whose traditional lands our home is on. From now on, before every orienteering race we participate in, we will learn in advance about the territory that we will be running through. <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.native-land.ca%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR09SCm0bZpxe84VJhWh1BKDuWeNu1PoPzzKtXjWIscWmVG59j3Hcjf4stQ&amp;h=AT03dgYWd9DhhkBraW0XZeq4rYgEoPylkxVzQ_7es6GqvdotVD1bOtAVaIKD_kdJoP-cUBihYzg4ToZ2Z0fx5zGjwM32wNfmidBAoA05oZ9WZuTlQWcWjbmjPNr4Gj9lAhnJwlL5FipfR4sTHYwM&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1rUcEjS_qyRaGEefy4VuDEOGo8dRs9e6ZCFurv1mhUmaSir9T6E7ItLYuY5Mmuz4PSwf_rn081hOG0mTMe8B93szEbq151Ol_LDjBJ_kXiHosAzNX9cKADG_31fGfq9VR9wiqomBMpTAwSrltvyqU2vP9dzF8zSB11t61V1V6ag_o4turm84tj6uSrgdEuTwn5WB8" rel="nofollow noopener" tabindex="0" target="_blank">www.native-land.ca</a></p> <p>--------------------------</p> <p>This picture was taken during an orienteering meet at what we know as the Constance Bay area. A land acknowledgement was not made at the time of the event, and now that we know the significance and importance of this, we will do better at future events. This picture was taken during an orienteering meet on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe People.</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:22https://www.o-store.ca/en/bienvenue-ànosclients-francophonesBienvenue à nos clients francophones!<p><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Nous sommes tr&eacute;s heureux de vous annoncer que, dans le but de mieux vous servir, nous d&eacute;butons un projet en traduction afin de vous fournir avec un site en fran&ccedil;ais. La traduction se fera au fur et mesure, alors sachez qu&#39;il faudra un certain temps pour que tout le site soit disponible en fran&ccedil;ais.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Soyez patient avec nous! Le fran&ccedil;ais n&rsquo;est pas notre langue maternelle et la plupart de nos communications continueront &agrave; se faire en anglais. </span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Welcome to our French speaking customers!</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">We are very excited to be working on translating our site into French to better serve you. Please know that this is an ongoing project, and although we will have the French site available, you will find that it will take some time for all of our pages and products to be translated. Please also be patient with us as French is not our first language and most of our communication will continue to be in English! </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:21https://www.o-store.ca/en/top-10-christmas-gift-ideasTop 10 Christmas Gift Ideas<p><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Christmas is on its way and if you&#39;ve got orienteers on your shopping list, then you&#39;ve come to the right place! We&#39;re here to help you find just the right gift for all the orienteers in your life.&nbsp; Take a look at the following top ten gift ideas!</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5" class="table table-striped" style="width:100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:middle"> <h4><strong><span style="color:#f96302">1.&nbsp;Handmade Note Cards</span></strong></h4> </td> <td><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/Silva card collection of 6 cropped.png" style="height:162px; width:250px" /></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt">These greeting cards are perfect for orienteers to address notes, letters, or gifts to loved ones over the holidays.&nbsp; They are designed and created by orienteer and artist Silva Tratnik.&nbsp; What better way to celebrate the holidays than by supporting a local artist?</span></span></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt"><a href="https://o-store.ca/note-cards" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Order here</a></span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:middle"> <h4><strong><span style="color:#291670">2.&nbsp;Scents of Direction Lip Balm</span></strong></h4> </td> <td><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/Scents of Direction Lip Balm.png" style="height:167px; width:250px" /></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt">This lip balm makes a great stocking stuffer.&nbsp; It is created with all natural ingredients and has a delicious, lemony scent.&nbsp; Fight the dry winter air with a delightful, locally made lip balm.</span></span></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt"><a href="https://o-store.ca/scents-of-direction-lip-balm" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Order here</a></span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:middle"> <h4><strong><span style="color:#f96302">3.&nbsp;Stephen Stagg Story and Puzzle Books</span></strong></h4> </td> <td style="text-align:center"><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/IMG_0606.jpg" style="height:250px; width:188px" /></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt">These adorable books will definitely become your child&rsquo;s favourite.&nbsp; With flowing rhymes, beautiful artistry, and fun puzzles, Stephen Stagg can be read many times and reveal something new every time.</span></span></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt"><a href="https://o-store.ca/stephen-stagg-series" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Order here</a></span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:middle"> <h4><strong><span style="color:#291670">4.&nbsp;Murder at the 14th Control Novel</span></strong></h4> </td> <td style="text-align:center"><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/murderat14thcontrol.jpeg" style="height:250px; width:174px" /></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt">For the older reader in your family, Wilf Holloway&rsquo;s classic Murder at the 14<sup>th</sup> Control is a must read for every orienteer.</span></span></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt"><a href="https://o-store.ca/murder-at-the-14th-control" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Order here</a></span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:middle"> <h4><strong><span style="color:#f96302">5.&nbsp;SI 10 Timing Chip</span></strong></h4> </td> <td><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/si10.jpeg" style="height:231px; width:250px" /></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt">Does someone in your family need an upgrade to their SI timing chip? This is the perfect time to surprise your loved one with an SI timing chip that will help them achieve their orienteering goals.</span></span></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt"><a href="https://o-store.ca/si-10" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Order here</a></span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:middle"> <h4><strong><span style="color:#291670">6.&nbsp;Orienteering Canada Buff</span></strong></h4> </td> <td style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle"><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/ocanbuff.jpeg" style="height:250px; width:116px" /></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt">It&rsquo;s getting chilly out there! Provide your beloved orienteer with a comfy, multi-purpose neck warmer and support Orienteering Canada&rsquo;s High Performance Program at the same time.</span></span></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt"><a href="https://o-store.ca/high-performance-program-buff" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Order here</a></span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:middle"> <h4><strong><span style="color:#f96302">7.&nbsp;Orienteering Board Game</span></strong></h4> </td> <td><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/suunnistuspeli.jpg" style="height:188px; width:250px" /></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt">This is a fantastic game for the whole family! Imagine sitting by the fire, with a nice cup of hot chocolate, all cozy in your blankets, and having a great laugh as the family races toward the finish line of this orienteering board game.</span></span></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt"><a href="https://o-store.ca/finnish-orienteering-game-suunnistuspeli" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Order here</a></span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:middle"> <h4><strong><span style="color:#291670">8.&nbsp;Orienteering Themed Rubik&#39;s Cube</span></strong></h4> </td> <td style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle"><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/Rubiks cube 1.jpg" style="height:250px; width:237px" /></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt">Do you have a puzzler in your family? This orienteering themed rubik&rsquo;s cube is a fun twist on the classic cube puzzle, with an extra challenge (orientation matters!)</span></span></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt"><a href="https://o-store.ca/orienteering-themed-rubiks-cube" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Order here</a></span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:middle"> <h4><strong><span style="color:#f96302">9.&nbsp;Orienteering Bumper Sticker</span></strong></h4> </td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/Bumper sticker.jpg" style="height:64px; width:250px" /></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt">Everyone knows someone whose car is an homage to all of their marvelous adventures.&nbsp; These bumper stickers are an excellent addition to any orienteer&rsquo;s bumper sticker collection. &nbsp;Or maybe this gift will jumpstart a new love of collecting bumper stickers.</span></span></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt"><a href="https://o-store.ca/i-love-orienteering-bumper-sticker" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Order here</a></span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:middle"> <h4><strong><span style="color:#291670">10.&nbsp;Gift Card for o-store.ca</span></strong></h4> </td> <td><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/Gift certificate Sample 2.jpg" style="height:83px; width:250px" /></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt">Got an orienteer who&rsquo;s tricky to buy gifts for? How about a gift card for Canada&rsquo;s orienteering store? You can choose the value so they will be certain to find something they&rsquo;ll love.</span></span></td> <td style="vertical-align:middle"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11pt"><a href="https://o-store.ca/o-store-gift-certificate" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Order here</a></span></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:20https://www.o-store.ca/en/new-product-start-clockNew Product: Start Clock<p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">The O-Store family is very excited about a project we did during the pandemic: <a href="https://o-store.ca/en/orienteering-clock">an orienteering clock</a>! The o-clock has all the features of a regular race clock plus the universally recognizable orienteering beeps!&nbsp;&nbsp;Our clock is great for use as either a start clock or a finish line clock at&nbsp;all your events.&nbsp; And&nbsp;of course&nbsp;a clock with all the start beeps is particularly valuable at any championship event.&nbsp;As organizers and&nbsp;participants&nbsp;ourselves, we’ve tried to incorporate in our clock&nbsp;all the features that we would want to have available.&nbsp;Here are some details:</span></span></p> <p><span style="color: #f96302;"><strong>Display</strong></span></p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8"> <ul> <li>Size: 34 x 8 cm</li> <li>Each digit is 11 x 16 LEDs</li> <li>Adjustable brightness, with 5 settings</li> <li>Red LEDs</li> <li>Excellent visibility from large angles of centre, readable in direct&nbsp;sunlight</li> <li>High-accuracy, temperature-compensated internal clock</li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-md-4"><img style="height: 188px; margin: 10px; width: 250px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200930_084424-Copy-1.jpg" alt="" /></div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-6"> <h4><span style="color: #f96302;"><strong>Case</strong></span></h4> <ul> <li>Size: 46 x 20 x 13 cm</li> <li>Weight: 3.6 kg, including battery</li> <li>Aluminum handles for easy carrying; doubles for hanging the clock</li> <li>Multiple set-up options including,: stable on a flat surface; hangs easily using straps through handles either left to right or back to front (through the hollow handlebars); sits nicely on a tripod using tripod mount on base of case</li> <li>Case has no parts sticking out, no pieces to cause damage or get damaged during transportation</li> <li>Battery pocket at back of case makes inserting and removing the battery an easy task</li> <li>Case is water resistant, but should have tarp above it if being used in significant rain</li> <li>12 key numeric keypad for easy programming of all modes</li> <li>Built-in, waterproof speaker&nbsp;allows ample volume for beeps to be heard throughout the starting arena of your race</li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-md-3"><img style="height: 188px; margin: 10px; width: 250px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200930_083812.jpg" alt="" /><img style="height: 188px; margin: 10px; width: 251px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200930_084955.jpg" alt="" /></div> <div class="col-md-3"><img style="height: 188px; margin: 10px; width: 251px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200930_084354.jpg" alt="" /></div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8">&nbsp; <h4><span style="color: #f96302;"><strong>Power</strong></span></h4> <ul> <li>Rechargeable battery and charger included</li> <li>Battery life: 8 hours at regular brightness with beeps</li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-md-4"><img style="height: 188px; margin: 10px; width: 251px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200930_085158-Copy-1.jpg" alt="" /></div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8">&nbsp; <h4><span style="color: #f96302;"><strong>Modes and Command Codes</strong></span></h4> <ul> <li>Count Up or Count Down modes; count down mode can stop after reaching 0 or can begin counting up</li> <li>Numerous beeper options include <ul> <li>Intervals of 60, 30, 15, or 10 seconds</li> <li>One beep per interval or "O-beeps" (10 second warning beep, followed by leadup beeps (optional number) and, longer beep on the interval)</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-md-4"><img style="height: 250px; margin: 10px; width: 188px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200930_085114.jpg" alt="" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="/images/uploaded/clock codes.JPG" target="_self"><img style="height: 87px; margin: 10px; width: 250px;" title="Click image to enlarge" src="/images/uploaded/clock codes.JPG" alt="" /></a></p> <p>Click image to enlarge</p> </div> </div> <p>Now that you know a little bit about the clock, we hope you'll invest in one for your club or event and let us know what you think of it! We are always open to feedback and are looking forward to continuing&nbsp;the development and improvement of this passion project.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>If you're interested, read on for a little bit of behind the scenes/making of!</p> <p><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>The R&amp;D Process</strong></span></p> <p>This project has been on our minds for a long while and the COVID-19 lockdown provided the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with it.&nbsp; We now had the chance to delve in and start building.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-4"><img style="height: 250px; margin: 10px; width: 188px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/new whiteboard image.jpg" alt="" /></div> <div class="col-md-8">Our home office white board was perfect for drawing out our design ideas.</div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-4"><a href="/images/uploaded/Clock/20201019_150821 figuring out the design on paper.jpg" target="_self"><img style="height: 118px; margin: 10px; width: 249px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20201019_150821 figuring out the design on paper.jpg" alt="" /></a></div> <div class="col-md-8">Here's a few more early drawings.&nbsp; These were our ideas for the battery case.</div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-4"><a href="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200513_173557.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: 188px; margin: 10px; width: 251px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200513_173557.jpg" alt="" /></a></div> <div class="col-md-8">We tested various possibilities for the display and software design.&nbsp; Here you see the time display on two panels.&nbsp; We decided to add another panel, allowing us to increase the size of each digit.</div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-4"><a href="/images/uploaded/Clock/20201019_150051 On the CNC Router.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: 118px; margin: 10px; width: 249px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20201019_150051 On the CNC Router.jpg" alt="" /></a></div> <div class="col-md-8">We used one of our favourite toys in the basement, the CNC router, to create the front of the case.</div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-4"><a href="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200803_222835.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: 141px; margin: 10px; width: 251px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200803_222835.jpg" alt="" /></a></div> <div class="col-md-8">Here you see the three panels and larger digits with the front of the case for a better sense of what it would eventually look like.</div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-4"><img style="height: 188px; margin: 10px; width: 251px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200408_113750.jpg" alt="" /></div> <div class="col-md-8">Even during breaks we couldn't stop thinking about the readability of our clock&nbsp;<img style="height: 23px; width: 23px;" title="wink" src="https://o-store.ca/Plugins/Editor.CKEditor/Scripts/ckeditor/plugins/smiley/images/wink_smile.png" alt="wink" /></div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-4"><img style="height: 118px; margin: 10px; width: 249px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20201019_150243 early attempts at the battery case.jpg" alt="" /></div> <div class="col-md-8">Even once we had the design it took several attempts to perfect the battery case.</div> </div> <div class="h-100 row"> <div class="col-md-4"><a href="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200904_215510.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: 188px; margin: 10px; width: 251px;" src="/images/uploaded/Clock/20200904_215510.jpg" alt="" /></a></div> <div class="col-md-8"> <p>Here's an early pre-assembly of the clock case.</p> </div> </div>urn:store:1:blog:post:9https://www.o-store.ca/en/how-to-choose-glasses-and-magnifiersHow to Choose: Glasses and Magnifiers<p>Are your arms getting too short to read the o-map? Do you have trouble distinguishing a boulder from a cliff?&nbsp; Do fences look like trails?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe, just maybe,&nbsp;it’s time to admit you need&nbsp;some assistance reading the map.</p> <h2><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Glasses</strong></span></h2> <table style="width: 100%;" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="3" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Vapro Down-cut Glasses</strong></span></td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Vapro Half-Frame Glasses</strong></span></td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Vavrys Sports Bifocal Glasses</strong></span></td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Vavrys Sports Bifocal Glasses with Hole</strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Price*</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">$32</td> <td style="text-align: center;">$35</td> <td style="text-align: center;">$30</td> <td style="text-align: center;">$35</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Available Diopters</strong></span></td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;">1.0 to 4.0 in 0.5 increments</td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;">1.0, 1.5, 2.0</td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;">1.0 to 3.0 in 0.5 increments</td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;">1.0 to 3.0 in 0.5 increments</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Special Features</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">The shape of these glasses allows for easy map reading, without having any lens in front of your eyes when looking out at the terrain</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Comes with headband for easy adjustment of lens position.&nbsp; Half-size frames allow for terrain reading over the lens and map reading through the lens</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Magnifier is low in the lens to offer easy switch between close map reading and distance terrain reading.&nbsp; Full lens offers eye protection</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Same as Vavrys Sport Bifocal Glasses but with a&nbsp;hole in the middle of the lens to prevent fogging</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>To Order</strong></span></td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/vapro-down-cut-glasses-10-to-40">Click Here</a></td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/vapro-half-frame-glasses-10-to-20">Click Here</a></td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/vavrys-sports-bifocal-glasses-10-to-30">Click Here</a></td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/vavrys-sports-bifocal-glasses-with-hole">Click Here</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Magnifying Lenses</strong></span></h2> <table style="width: 100%;" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Moscompass Magnifier**</strong></span></td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Ekens Lupp</strong></span></td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Str8 Magnifier**</strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Price*</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">$17</td> <td style="text-align: center;">$70</td> <td style="text-align: center;">$70</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Special Features</strong></span></td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;">Aluminum rod attaches directly to any Moscompass.&nbsp; Rotating lens allows for close up reading of map or compass</td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;">Comes in left or right hand models and fits on all brands of thumb compass.&nbsp; Rotating lens allows for close up reading of map or compass</td> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;">Fits with the Str8 compass and comes in left or right hand models.&nbsp; Attaches using the thumb strap and has adjustable angle to match your compass.&nbsp; Rotating lens allows for close up reading of map or compass</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #dfdcd4; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>To Order</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/lens-kit">Click Here</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/ekens-lupp-magnifying-lens">Click Here</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/str8-magnifier">Click Here</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>*If price on chart and price on product page are different, price on product page is taken as accurate.</p> <p>** Remember that these magnifying lenses only fit with their respective compass brands.</p> <h2><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Factors to Consider when Choosing your Lens</strong></span></h2> <h3><span style="color: #f96302;"><strong>Magnifying Lens or Glasses</strong></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">If you’re starting to notice that you can’t make out some of the smaller details on the map, the magnifying lens may be the better option.&nbsp; It can easily be moved out of the way when you’re feeling confident about your map-reading, and it can be super helpful in those treacherous, nitty-gritty parts of the map.&nbsp; &nbsp;If you’re feeling that the whole map is looking a little fuzzy, it’s probably time to try out some glasses.&nbsp; Sometimes it's even nice to have both! And some of the young sharp-eyed elite orienteers like to have a magnifier for the busy sections&nbsp;of&nbsp;a 1:15,000 map.&nbsp; </span></span></p> <h3><span style="color: #f96302;"><strong>Diopter</strong></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">The experienced glasses user in our O-Store team has found that it is helpful to have a slightly stronger lens than what you use for regular reading glasses at home.&nbsp; Not all of our glasses come in all diopter options so check what is available in the strength you are looking for.&nbsp; </span></span></p> <h3><span style="color: #f96302;"><strong>Lens Shape</strong></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Each of our glasses offers a different lens shape to facilitate quick switches between close map reading and distanced terrain reading.&nbsp; The choice here is really personal preference and comfort.&nbsp; Do you feel that you prefer to have some eye protection with a full lens? Or do you find it easier to read the terrain with nothing in front of your eyes? Are your glasses always fogging up and making it difficult to see anything at all?</span></span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:11https://www.o-store.ca/en/how-to-choose-shoes-2How to Choose: Shoes<p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Have your orienteering shoes finally bitten the dust? Hoping to find a pair that will suit your feet and your needs? Let the O-Store and our guest Emma Waddington, a national team member and ambassador for NVii shoes, help you find a pair of new O shoes! In this blog post, you will find some major ideas first, followed by an overview of the products available at the O-Store.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">&nbsp;</p> <h2 style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="color: #291670;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">Key Elements to a Good Orienteering Shoe</span></span></strong></span></span></span></h2> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">As you can see in the picture, orienteering shoes are generally considered a “minimalist” shoe. They generally have a low “drop”, which is the difference between the height of the heel to the toe, and are narrow-fitting. The shoes are designed to be very lightweight, so that they do not become overly heavy when racing through swamps and creeks. All of these elements make orienteering shoes fully capable of moving through any kind of terrain efficiently and safely – narrow shoes ensure that your feet don’t slide around on side-hills, and low-profile shoes help keep a close contact with the ground and minimize ankle sprains. Let’s dive into some of the different features of the shoes provided to help you find your best pair. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">&nbsp;</p> <h2 style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="color: #291670;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">Factors to Consider when Choosing Orienteering Shoes</span></span></strong></span></span></span></h2> <h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #f96302;">Grip</span></strong></span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Orienteering shoes come in two varieties: Metal studs or rubber dobs. Most shoe soles are built like very aggressive trail shoes with large dobs (4-8mm, generally), on which some shoes&nbsp;have small metal studs for extra traction. The need for metal studs compared to rubber dobs depends on a few factors. If you are going to be orienteering in wet, muddy, steep-sloped terrain, metal studs will make a huge difference in your ability to safely move through the terrain and minimize slipping in a wet forest. Our Icebug Spirit 5/7 or NVii Forest 1 shoes have metal studs. However, if you’re going to be orienteering in dry terrain, rubber dobs will likely do the job quite well. Often, rubber dobs are better in very rocky terrain, as they are able to mould to the rock better and give better grip. The Icebug Acceleritas 5/7, NVii Forest 2, and Inov-8 X-Talons have rubber dobs. Some lightweight rubber orienteering shoes are popular to use in sprint orienteering racing for their incredible grip in all kinds of terrain, both urban and park/forest. The Inov-8 X-Talon 210s would be best suited for sprint orienteering. </span></span></p> <h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f96302;"><strong>Protection&nbsp;</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Orienteering shoes are designed to be light and to drain quickly, while&nbsp;not compromising foot protection in the forest. Shoe companies take considerable time to develop the best materials and elements to allow for adequate foot protection. The Icebug Spirit models have a specially placed upper material that is resistant to abrasions and rips to keep your feet protected and comfortable. NVii Forest models have a similar upper material for all-over toughness, and an added inner arch ProtectOR element that supports the arch and reduces impact in this area of the foot. Inov-8 shoes are known for their lightweight and fast draining materials, and the Inov-8 X-Talon 230&nbsp;adds underfoot protection within the sole and footbed to keep the soles of your feet safe on rugged ground and does not reduce flexibility. The Inov-8 X-Talon 210 provides good side foot protection, but with its extremely light weight, is the least protective of our shoes. </span></span></p> <h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f96302;"><strong>Comfort and cushion</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Orienteering shoes are lightweight and minimal, meaning that they have less cushion compared to regular road running shoes. Orienteering shoes are designed to get the&nbsp;most comfort out of their profile with advanced footbed technologies. In general, the heavier shoes will have greater support and comfort compared to lighter ones. Shoes with a higher drop will also provide more support and foot comfort, compared to the flatter shoes that will give a faster response and allow higher speed for running. In our models, the Icebug Spirit 5 and 7 will give the most cushion and comfort, followed by the Icebug Acceleritas, Nvii Forest models, Inov-8 X-talon 230. The Inov-8 X-Talon 210 provides the least cushion and support but is a very fast and responsive shoe. </span></span></p> <h3><span style="color: #f96302;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><strong>Foot type</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Your foot type plays a large role in what shoes you should be wearing. If you have flatter feet, joint issues or foot pain, you may require more supportive shoes than those who have high arches. The Icebug Spirit models have the most cushion and support of our shoes, followed by both the NVii Forest models and Inov-8 X-Talon 230s. Wider feet will require wider shoes. Of our shoes, the Icebug Spirit models are the widest, and the Inov-8 models are the narrowest.</span></span></p> <h3><span style="color: #f96302;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><strong>Orienteering Events</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">The type of event you are going to be running will also impact your shoe choice. If you are running a fast sprint race, you want the lightest shoes possible with great grip (rubber). Shoes such as the Inov-8 X-Talon 210s or Icebug Acceleritas are good choices in these distances. For longer races, Rogaines, or for when you will be on your feet for a longer period of time, more supportive shoes such as the Icebug Spirit models are more suitable and will keep your feet and joints happy. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">&nbsp;</p> <h2 style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="color: #291670;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Final notes from NVii Ambassador Emma Waddington</span></strong></span></span></span></h2> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">There are many factors that go in to selecting orienteering shoes, but the most important thing is how the shoe fits on your feet. Your feet are arguably the most important part of your body, and when your feet are taken care of, the rest of your body will fall into place. Feet often get very battered during an orienteering race, so it’s important to take care of your feet beyond picking the best O-shoes. Having comfortable shoes and dry socks to put on&nbsp;after races, first-aid items for blisters, and products to help massage your feet and calves will help your feet and the rest of your body stay healthy.&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">For Emma, shoe choice is extremely important due to a past history in foot injuries but also having a high priority for shoes that will help perform at an elite level in all terrains. Emma opts for the NVii shoes which offer great grip and support, but don’t compromise weight and protection. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Please see below an overview of all of our orienteering shoes.</span></span></p> <h2 style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>IceBug</strong></span></h2> <table style="width: 700px;" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Spirit 5</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Spirit 7</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Acceleritas 5</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Acceleritas 7</strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Available Fits</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">Women/Men</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">Women/Men</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">Women/Men</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Men</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Outsole Grip</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">Carbide tip studs</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">Carbide tip studs</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">Rubber</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Rubber</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Drop</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">4mm</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">4mm</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">4mm</td> <td style="text-align: center;">4mm</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Weight</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">260g</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">470g (W), 565g (M)</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">210g</td> <td style="text-align: center;">230g</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Outer Material</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">Woven polyester fabric, Protective PU<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">™</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Bluesign® high abrasion Polyester mesh,&nbsp;TPU mudguard</span></span></p> </td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Woven nylon, Protective PU™</span></span></p> </td> <td style="text-align: center;"> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Bluesign® high abrasion Polyester mesh,&nbsp;TPU mudguard</span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Fit</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">Narrow</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">Narrow</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">Narrow</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Narrow</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Cushioning and Flexibility</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Light and durable</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Light, durable and protective without compromising comfort</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Minimal, Flexible and light</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Minimal, Flexible and light</span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Price*</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">$140 (SALE)</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">$180</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">$150</td> <td style="text-align: center;">$160</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>To Order</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/spirit5-l">Women</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/spirit5">Men</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/spirit7-l">Women</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/spirit7">Men</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/icebug-acceleritas5-womens">Women</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/icebug-acceleritas5-mens">Men</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/acceleritas7">Men</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>NVii</strong></span></h2> <table style="width: 700px;" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Forest 1</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Forest 2</strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Available Fits</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Unisex</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Unisex</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Outsole Grip</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Metal studs</td> <td style="text-align: center;">6.5-7.5mm rubber dobs</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Drop</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">4mm</td> <td style="text-align: center;">4mm</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Weight</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">239g</td> <td style="text-align: center;">219g</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Outer Material</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Breathable and durable SuperFrabric® material</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Breathable and durable SuperFrabric® material</span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Fit</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Narrow</td> <td style="text-align: center;">Narrow</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Cushioning and Flexibility</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Flexible and responsive, less cushion</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Flexible and responsive, less cushion</span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Price*</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">$180</td> <td style="text-align: center;">$168</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>To Order</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/forest-1">Click Here</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/forest-2">Click Here</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Inov-8</strong></span></h2> <table style="width: 700px;" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>X-Talon 210</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>X-Talon 230</strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Available Fits</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Unisex</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">Women/Men</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Outsole Grip</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">8mm Rubber StickyGrip Dobs</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">8mm Rubber StickyGrip Dobs</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Drop</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">3mm</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">6mm</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Weight</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">210g</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">230g</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Outer Material</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Lightweight, breathable and fast-draining upper</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Lightweight, breathable and fast-draining upper </span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Fit</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Narrow (2/5)**</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Narrow Precision Fit (1/5)**</span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Cushioning and Flexibility</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Flexible and responsive, less cushion</span></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Flexible, responsive, and increased cushioning</span></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>Price*</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;">$165</td> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2">$165</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #291670;"><strong>To Order</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/inov8-x-talon-210">Click Here</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/x-talon-230-l">Women</a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/x-talon-230-m">Men</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>*If price on chart and price on product page are different, price on product page will be taken as accurate.</p> <p>**1/5 is narrowest</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:8https://www.o-store.ca/en/how-to-choose-control-description-holdersHow to Choose: Control Description Holders<p>New to orienteering and wondering what those things on people's arms are for? Or do you have an old control description holder that's getting a little ratty?&nbsp; Let's walk through the available control description holders (referred to as CDHs).</p> <table style="height: 366px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 767px;" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 87.53125px;"><span style="color: #333399;">&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Basic</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Classic</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 98.515625px;" colspan="2"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Combi</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 126.546875px;" colspan="2"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Race</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 128.3125px;" colspan="2"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Tube</strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 87.53125px;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Length Options</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">N/a</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">N/A</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 49.40625px;">Short</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 49.109375px;">Long</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 61.921875px;">Short</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 64.625px;">Long</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 62.796875px;">Short</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 65.515625px;">Long</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 87.53125px;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Price*</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">$10.75</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">$13.50</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 49.40625px;">$19.50</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 49.109375px;">$21.50</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 61.921875px;">$21.50</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 64.625px;">$23.50</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 62.796875px;">$17.50</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 65.515625px;">$19.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 87.53125px;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Orientation</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">Perpendicular to arm</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">Perpendicular to arm</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 98.515625px;" colspan="2">Parallel to arm</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 126.546875px;" colspan="2">Parallel to arm</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 128.3125px;" colspan="2">Parallel to arm</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 87.53125px;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Length</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">15cm</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">17.5cm</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 49.40625px;">15cm</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 49.109375px;">20cm</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 61.921875px;">15.5cm</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 64.625px;">20.5cm</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 62.796875px;">15cm</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 65.515625px;">18cm</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 87.53125px;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Strap Closure</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">Elastic strap with friction grip in eyelet</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">Velcro</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 98.515625px;" colspan="2">Elastic strap with clip closure</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 126.546875px;" colspan="2">Elasticized velcro</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 128.3125px;" colspan="2">Stretch sleeve</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 87.53125px;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Extra Features</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">&nbsp;</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;">&nbsp;</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 98.515625px;" colspan="2">Detachable thumb grip</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 126.546875px;" colspan="2">Sleeve peels off from velcro backing for easy insertion of control description and angled placement</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 128.3125px;" colspan="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;Sleeve peels off from velcro backing for easy insertion of control description and angled placement</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 87.53125px;"><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>To Order</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/en/control-description-holder-basic">Click here</a></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 100.546875px;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/en/control-description-holder-classic">Click here</a></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 98.515625px;" colspan="2"><a href="https://o-store.ca/en/control-description-holder-combi">Click here</a></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 126.546875px;" colspan="2"><a href="https://o-store.ca/en/control-description-holder-race">Click here</a></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 128.3125px;" colspan="2"><a href="https://o-store.ca/en/control-description-holder-tube">Click here</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;*If price on chart and price on product page are different, price on product page is taken as accurate.</p> <h2><span style="color: #333399;"><strong>Factors to Consider when Choosing a Control Description Holder</strong></span></h2> <h3><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Length</strong></span></h3> <p>It’s important to consider the length of your control description holder (CDH) because this will determine whether your&nbsp;control description will fit.&nbsp; If you’re often running races with many controls, it may be a good idea to opt for a longer CDH.&nbsp; If your courses are shorter or often have fewer controls, then a short CDH will likely do.</p> <h3><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Orientation</strong></span></h3> <p>This is all about personal preference, but we do find that most people prefer a CDH that runs parallel to the arm.&nbsp; This provides easier readability of the control description.&nbsp; The Race option provides the extra feature of being able to place your CDH at a comfortable angle along the arm if straight parallel is awkward for you.</p> <h3><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Strap Comfort</strong></span></h3> <p>This is also personal preference.&nbsp; Which one feels good on your arm and is going to provide the most comfort while running?</p> <p>As for the detachable thumb grip available with the Combi option, we’ve never met any orienteers who use it, so if you try it and like it, please let us know!!</p> <p><img style="height: 333px; width: 500px;" src="/images/uploaded/CDH backs.JPG" alt="" /></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:6https://www.o-store.ca/en/how-to-choose-si-timing-sticksHow to Choose: SI Timing Sticks<p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Are you&nbsp;trying&nbsp;to determine which SPORTident timing stick is best for you? Continue reading for a comparison of each of the available options.</span></p> <p><span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Ce billet de blog est aussi disponible en français&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:515,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:10797812},&quot;12&quot;:0}">Ce billet de blog est aussi disponible en français <a href="https://o-store.ca/fr/comment-choisir-si-timing-sticks">ici</a></span></p> <table style="height: 268px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 747px;" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 78px;"><span style="color: null;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">&nbsp;</span></span></td> <th style="text-align: center; width: 60px;"><span style="color: null;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;">SI-8</span></strong></span></span></th> <th style="text-align: center; width: 63px;"><span style="color: null;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;">SI-9</span></strong></span></span></th> <th style="text-align: center; width: 102px;"><span style="color: null;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;">SI-10</span></strong></span></span></th> <th style="text-align: center; width: 121px;"><span style="color: null;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;">SIAC</span></strong></span></span></th> <th style="text-align: center; width: 124px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><span style="color: null;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;">pCard</span></strong></span></span></span></th> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 78px;"><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Price*</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 60px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">$42</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 63px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">$53</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 102px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">$68</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 121px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">$90</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 124px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">$17-18</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 78px;"><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Control Capacity</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 60px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">30</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 63px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">50</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 102px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">128</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 121px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">128&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 124px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">20</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 78px;"><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Speed</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 60px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">115ms&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 63px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">115ms&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 102px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">60ms&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 121px;"> <p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">50ms(Air+) /</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">60ms(regular)&nbsp;</span></p> </td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 124px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">115ms</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 78px;"><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Colours</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 60px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Red or Blue body; black tip&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 63px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Wide variety of colours for both body and tip&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 102px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Transparent body; five colour options for tip&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 121px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Six colour options for body; white tip</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 124px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">N/A</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 78px;"><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Special Features</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 60px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 63px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 102px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 121px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">&nbsp;</span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 124px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Recommended for groups/ schools&nbsp;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 78px;"><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>To order</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 60px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/si-8-2">Click here</a></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 63px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/si-9-in-stock-in-canada">Click here</a></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 102px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/si-10-in-stock-in-canada">Click here</a></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 121px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/siac-in-stock-in-canada">Click here</a></span></td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 124px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><a href="https://o-store.ca/si-pcard-timing-chip">Click here</a></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">*If price on chart and price on product page are different, price on product page is taken as accurate.</span></p> <h3><span style="color: #333399; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Factors to Consider when Choosing your SI Stick</strong></span></h3> <h4><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Control Capacity</strong></span></h4> <p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">What is the maximum number of controls you will check in at in each race (including any mispunches!)? 30 is great for almost all regular orienteering events.&nbsp; 50 is better for Rogaines or Adventure Racing. 128 is… a very long race!</span></p> <h4><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Speed</strong></span></h4> <p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">This is the amount of time (in milliseconds) that the stick has to be in contact with the control to register a time.&nbsp; Yes, we realize that this isn't actually a measurement of speed, but this what they call it.&nbsp; It affects your ability to “run through” the control without slowing down.&nbsp; To offer some perspective, 115ms is 0.115 seconds! Still pretty quick!</span></p> <h4><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Contactless Punching</strong></span></h4> <p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">For ambitious orienteers who want to shave as much time as possible off their race, the contactless punching option (only available in the SIAC) reduces punch time to a mere 50ms but also removes the need for accuracy in inserting the chip into the control’s timing box.&nbsp; This means that you don’t even need to slow down as you pass the control.</span></p> <h4><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Colour</strong></span></h4> <p>Some people find that it is nice to have different colour SI chips from other members of the family in order to easily distinguish.&nbsp; Some also like to have a colour that is easy to find if it falls on a forest floor.</p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">&nbsp;</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:18https://www.o-store.ca/en/the-winning-eyeloeil-qui-gagneThe Winning Eye/L'oeil qui gagne<p><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/books and references/winning eye english-french.jpg" style="float:right" />We now have in stock Michel Gueorgiou&#39;s excellent book in both English and French.&nbsp; Gueorgiou&#39;s well respected book is a great training tool for orienteers at all levels.&nbsp; We are so pleased, in our bilingual country, to have the French version of the book available for sale now.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://o-store.ca/the-winning-eye-loeil-qui-gagne">https://o-store.ca/the-winning-eye-loeil-qui-gagne</a></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:17https://www.o-store.ca/en/aluminum-control-postsAluminum Control Posts<p><img alt="O-Store aluminum posts" src="/images/uploaded/Aluminum Posts/aluminum post 2019 tops both.jpg" style="float:right; height:175px; width:300px" /></p> <p>Last year, the O-Store spent much time, many aluminum rods and loads of experimentation with our new CNC router developing a new Control flag post.&nbsp; We are very pleased with our final product.&nbsp; We wanted:</p> <ul> <li>light weight,</li> <li>easy to carry in a bundle of 10</li> <li>straightforward&nbsp;to attach the BSF control unit</li> <li>easy flag attachment</li> <li>ability to include back-up pin-punch on permanently on the post</li> </ul> <p>The posts use Sportident&#39;s plate BSF8 holder for the control unit.&nbsp; The BSF8 snaps into place very nicely.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>So far we have made and sold over 600 of these posts, approximately half with punches, half without.&nbsp; <a href="https://o-store.ca/aluminum-control-post-for-bsf-8-set-of-10">Have a look</a>, and let us know if you are interested or have any questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:16https://www.o-store.ca/en/holiday-gift-idea-5-2Holiday Gift Idea #5<p>&nbsp;<a href="https://o-store.ca/orienteering-themed-rubiks-cube"><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/Rubiks cube 1.jpg" style="float:right" /><strong>O-Store Gift Suggestion #5</strong></a></p> <p>Gift Suggestion #5 from the O-Store is our orienteering themed Rubik&#39;s-type cube.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>Designed and produced by the O-Store we love these cubes. A challenging puzzle for youngsters and adults alike, with an extra twist for Rubik&#39;s Cube aficionados. The extra challenge? In a standard Rubik&#39;s cube, success is getting all the right colours in the right places. In this orienteering cube, all the squares need to be int he right places but also facing in the correct direction - no upside down symbols allowed in the centre square!!!</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:15https://www.o-store.ca/en/holiday-gift-idea-4-3Holiday Gift Idea #4<p>&nbsp;<a href="https://o-store.ca/note-cards"><img alt="" src="/images/uploaded/Silva card collection of 6 cropped.png" style="float:right; height:324px; width:500px" /><strong>O-Store Gift Suggestion #4</strong></a></p> <p>A set of 6 note cards by orienteering friend Silva Tratnik.&nbsp;</p> <p>Specially designed for the O-Store, three of these hand made cards feature an orienteering theme, the other three feature a floral theme.</p> <p>A beautiful gift idea for any orienteer!</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:14https://www.o-store.ca/en/stephen-stagg-2Stephen Stagg<p>As Christmas and the holiday season draw near the O-Store would like to help you by featuring some of our favourite holiday gift ideas.&nbsp; <a href="https://o-store.ca/stephen-stagg">Stephen Stagg</a>&nbsp;is a new children&#39;s storybook by Betsy Giese that we highly recommend.</p> <p>This wonderful book is full of coloured pictures, rhymes, riddles and puzzles and the story of Stephen Stagg, the orienteering deer, who is puzzling his way thorugh an orienteering course.&nbsp; Read the book, study the drawings and then try solving the many puzzles at the end of the book.</p> <p>What a great way to draw youngsters into the orietneering world!</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:4https://www.o-store.ca/en/sportident-repairsSPORTident Repairs<p>If you have SPORTident controls that need batteries replaced or other repairs please ship them to us!</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:3https://www.o-store.ca/en/compasses-around-the-worldCompasses Around The World<p>Most of the compasses we sell are specifically balanced to North America and Europe.&nbsp; If you plan to orienteer elsewhere in the world, you may need a different compass.&nbsp; Check out the following article for more information.&nbsp; If you would like a printable copy of this article click&nbsp;<a href="/images/uploaded/O-Store files/Compasses around the World.pdf">here</a>.<img style="height: 1000px; width: 772px;" src="/images/uploaded/Compasses around the World 1.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p><img style="height: 1000px; width: 772px;" src="/images/uploaded/Compasses around the World 2.jpg" alt="" /></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:13https://www.o-store.ca/en/testing-backdateWelcome to the New O-Store!<p>We are excited to introduce the O-Store on our new platform. &nbsp; We hope you like it, and we welcome your comments.</p> <p>Thank&nbsp;you to Alex Teutsch for his work at setting up our new store platform.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>