Snowshoe choices...

[WinterWarlock]

Anyone using the MSR Lightning Ascents? I've got some Redfeather's that were OK for messing about with my kids, but at 36" are just too darn big for much else. I'm looking for something in a 28-30", I think. Is anybody using 36" 'shoes, or I am right in thinking they're too big for most hiking...

Anyone buy something too small they'd like to swap?

Thanks

[JoeCedar]

Anyone using the MSR Lightning Ascents?

I have been using these snowshoes for just over a year, and climbed all the 46 with them. They have great traction and grip going up, on all types of surface, even over moderate ice spots (but do not replace crampons for real ice). On several occasions I went easily and safely up (and down) steep slopes while my companions were having significant difficulty with other 'shoes. They are a little slow going down (don't tend to slide) due to the two cross bars and the frame around the tail, so fast descents are not easy (OK with me, see what happened to the guys on Orebed last week). They are very light weight and durable, but as with all snowshoes, will show wear when used on rocks.

They come in 22 & 25" length in the ascent model but I think there is a non-ascent model at 29". Size depends of course on your body weight, pack, and depth of snow you expect to use them on.

I am a satisfied customer and have no desire to use anything else.

[DSettahr]

I use the Denali Evo Ascents. The ascent bar is well worth it, it takes a lot of strain off of your ankles and gives you a platform to rest on while standing on the side of a steep hill. It also improves traction by spreading your weight across the crampons more evenly.

[hillman1]

I also just bought the lightning ascents. Pretty good so far. Also--I picked them up for 158 bucks brand new. Look for the cheap gear thread for the company in VT selling super cheap snowshoes. I'm also picking up a pair of Atlas 1225's from them.

[billandjudy]

I use the Denali Evo Ascents. .

We use 'em too--Great for climbing--I use the tails in deep snow. The ascent bar is a great feature.

[Una_dogger]

I have MSR Denali Evo Ascents as well -- and I LOVE them! I really love to fly in them, and the televators are worth it.

The traction is also great, last weekend I went both up and down the ladder on the Twinway up to Mt Zealand WITHOUT taking my snowshoes off!!!

Today I spent about five miles in them (Canty Trail, Blue Ridge Mntn, Mendon VT) and had a grand time, especially flying back down the mountain on them.

I have never had any other snowshoes, though, so I'm probably biased!

[randomscooter]

I purchased MSR Evos in late winter of '04, used them some that winter, not at all in winter of '05, then moderate use in winter of '06. In November of '06 one of the crampon plates snapped on the Santanoni Range. Two days ago on Redfield/Cliff the other one snapped. I guess the bottom line is that I'm a bit disappointed. These failures did not require any field repairs, but if I hadn't noticed the break and used them a few more times then I believe a more catastrophic failure would occur.

I used earlier MSR's (back in '99-'01 timeframe) and they failed regularly. I finally gave up on them, but then tried again when I was told the problems had been solved. Perhaps I'm being too critical, I don't know. At least the failures on the Evos have not be catastrophic, but still the current failure will put the snowshoes out of commission for a few weeks in the heart of the season, requiring me to use a backup pair of Tubbs.

I also find that the crampons on the Evos are not really long enough. The points are the same length as the side rails, so on crusty snow or ice when the shoes are sitting up high on the side rails the crampons don't bite well and the rails act like sled runners (can be quite exciting!)

IMO they're far from perfect, but even so, I still prefer them over the others I've used in past years.

[mastergrasshopper]

IMO they're far from perfect, but even so, I still prefer them over the others I've used in past years.
try some others, then hike with a group of people that have msr's and you don't, after this you will learn to like msr's.
The evo's,because of the big toe cut out look to be the most fragile.the assents,new denali's with thicker crampon plate,and lighting ( I have heard ) are a lot more durable. The nylon binding can still tear and for those with a little more weight the front rivets are still a weak point.
bottom line loose weight:D cary some picture frame wire for repairs and quit your whinning:D :D
all snowshoes break because they are light.A freind had some "bomb proof" sherpa's but after he slid and skidded about following me and another guy with msr's he threw his off and tried mine and became a msr true believer.
Rent some atlas with nylon straps and cool little ratchets do a few stream crossings and walk in wet snow then camp out at 10 below and try to put them on the next morning.
MG

[Neil]

One thing about the detachable tails that you can get for MSR's. Once you have put them onto the back of the shoe your foot is too far forward relative to the overall shoe. When applying weight to the shoe the tail dosn't sink in and the snowshoe does a nose dive. This is what I experienced bushwhacking in late spring in Quebec. The nose would break through and then get caught underneath the crust. The snowshoe was angled downwards at a 30-40 angle and a PITA to pull out.

[randomscooter]

One thing about the detachable tails that you can get for MSR's. Once you have put them onto the back of the shoe your foot is too far forward relative to the overall shoe. When applying weight to the shoe the tail dosn't sink in and the snowshoe does a nose dive. This is what I experienced bushwhacking in late spring in Quebec. The nose would break through and then get caught underneath the crust. The snowshoe was angled downwards at a 30-40 angle and a PITA to pull out.

I agree, but I have also found that it isn't all that difficult to adjust my weight distribution to keep more weight on my heel and avoid the problem. My biggest issue with the tails is going down steep hills, because they stick back so far you can't dig the tails in at all to control descent speed.

And Glen, as for your suggestions, you are just SOOOOO harsh... but correct :D

[Una_dogger]

This is an interesting thread. I purchased my MRS Denali Evo Ascents this winter and they are much improved over the previous models (or so the nice REI salesperson explained).

I hope I don't experience any of the problems reported here, because I really love them and plan on abusing them regularly!!!

[Kerry]

I snapped my lightning ascents in half on the way to street&nye on Wednesday! I got them last January. They were a present to keep my spirits up after the dog mauling when I couldn't walk. My first hike with them was Feb.1. Because of my leg, I could only hike once/week and I was kayaking in Georgia (see picture) for 2 weeks in March. So maybe I used them 7 times? And this year I have hiked 20 of the 46 in the past month but have not used the snowshoes except for the Santanonis, Sewards, and Iroquois. EMS gave me a new pair which I wore yestersay on Street and Nye. I like them--light, narrow, good crampon, but given how little use was necessary to completely destroy them (and I am 5'2"), I am skeptical.

[Neil]

Brand new MSR's after their first outings from Upper Works to the Uphill Lean-to. One pair was purchased in Ottawa, the other in Syracuse or Rochester. :D

[Una_dogger]

Neil! Say it isn't sooo!

Wow, those pics are worth a thousand words...is MSR replacing them??

Question, what model are those in the picture? Because mine(Denali Evo Ascent) are tapered, not square like those. Wonder if that makes a difference??

Boy, that really sucks for whoever owns those....

[adkdremn]

Question, what model are those in the picture?

I believe those are the Classic Denalis, although the Denali Ascents look the same, but have the televator thingy.

[randomscooter]

Brand new MSR's after their first outings from Upper Works to the Uphill Lean-to. One pair was purchased in Ottawa, the other in Syracuse or Rochester. :D

That's one of the many failure modes I experienced with my old Denalis (circa '99-'01). I had heard they were better now, in fact MG also alludes to that in his post. Are you sure those are new MODEL Denali's, or might they be old model but never used until recently? FWIW, my Evos have NOT failed in that mode... so far.

[billandjudy]

Those are plain Denalis--The Evo Ascents have a much beefier construction w/ more built in bracing. But these surely shouldn't fail that bad. I've beat my Evo's up pretty bad and they never came close to failing.

[Neil]

The one on the right is a Denali Ascent. I don't know about the other one. I sent that pic to MSR and got a reply along the lines of, " 99% of our snowshoes don't fail, bla,bla,bla. That pic is a freak." The funny thing is, I think that's true. I also posted the pic on vftt with a thread title of, "thinking of getting MSR's? Thing again." I think the thread ran to more than a hundred posts.
FWIW I have Denali Ascents and they are fine.

[randomscooter]

Perhaps 99% of the users go for strolls into Marcy Dam. I'm not bashing MSRs; in fact I think I've gone out of my way to give them 2nd, 3rd, and 20th chances because I like the way they perform. I just don't like getting stranded on Couchie or MacNaughton. To put things in perspective, I own around 8 pairs of snowshoes, various brands and models. The only ones that have NOT broken are the ones that were sent by the manufacturer to replace the ones that I HAD broken and have barely been used. I bought my Evos while my 30" Tubbs were in the mail. When the new Tubbs arrived they got put on the shelf for emergency use only, and have seen limited use (one or two hikes). I bought another pair of Tubbs (24") on sale in the same time frame and they too are for emergency use only.

To keep this in line with WinterWarlock's original posting, although the information I've provided doesn't apply directly to the MSR lightning ascents (the original question) I hope it is still relevant to your decision process.

[hillman1]

My first real hike in my lightning ascents was street and nye just the other day. The right shoe, up in the front(toe piece area) is already a bit deformed. It doesn't affect the performance yet, I just went out and used them for a few hours. But I am looking forward to tomorrow on whichever mountain I end up on. I do not feel they are as sturdy as my either of my atlas models. I am probably going to purchase a new pair of 1225's from atlas.

[mastergrasshopper]

Ok I dropped my product endorsement with msr and promise to never mention them again.:D I to have had catasrophic failures out in the field.I've had talks with folks at msr over the years and have seen slow improvements.
bottom line these snowshoes are great performers but have durability issues.
they are best with total load under 200 lbs and with some snow for cushioning.
the northeast seems to be the worst place for them as on other hike boards and reviews out west they do very well.This years backpacker rating of snowshoes once again rated them as top pick over many other more expensive models.I buy a new pair every year on e bay and use last years for training and save the newest ones for high peaks hikes and cary a small repair kit.
I'm waiting for them to make the crampon/deck out of titainium and two small ridges moulded into the plastic up front to strengthen the toes.
MG

[Skyclimber]

I bought my Evos while my 30" Tubbs were in the mail. When the new Tubbs arrived they got put on the shelf for emergency use only, and have seen limited use (one or two hikes). I bought another pair of Tubbs (24") on sale in the same time frame and they too are for emergency use only.


Would they happen to be the Tubbs Katahdin Style? I've yet to see a good pair! I've sent mine back about every winter for repairs since I've owned them. Several in our group also have sent their Tubbs back for repair.

I swear by the old trusty Sherpas. I still have them after fifteen years and have had them repaired only once!

[Snohm Eizer]

Yeah Sky - Gold framed sherpas are still my favorite shoe of all! I have made my own replacement crampons (very aggresive Tucker style, but stainless steel), and also made step in bindings.

I don't know how to kill these and I sure have tried.

[Skyclimber]

Yeah Sky - Gold framed sherpas are still my favorite shoe of all! I have made my own replacement crampons (very aggresive Tucker style, but stainless steel), and also made step in bindings.

I don't know how to kill these and I sure have tried.

That's what I have the gold framing ones. The repair wasn't even that serious, the lacing was coming undone. Then when I did send them back, I got full new lacings and brand new foot pads. They did a complete overall, leaving only the old framing itself. I was quite impressed but also felt they took away part of my "sentimental value" to them as well. I too have the aggressive tucker bindings. You can't kill these shoes no matter what.

[WinterWarlock]

To keep this in line with WinterWarlock's original posting, although the information I've provided doesn't apply directly to the MSR lightning ascents (the original question) I hope it is still relevant to your decision process.

Well folks - I have some bad news about all this. Seems I don't need the snowshoes this year after all..but thanks for all your help and input. It'll come in handy...

I went skiing this weekend and ended up fracturing my hip, so I'm out for the season. Looks like I wait until next year to worry about snowshoes...now I wait and heal until summer backpacking season!

[WinterWarlock]

I swear by the old trusty Sherpas. I still have them after fifteen years and have had them repaired only once!

Am I correct in understanding that the Sherpa's are no longer available? Trust me - you do NOT want to follow the old link I found. :eek:

WARLOCK...

[Skyclimber]

Am I correct in understanding that the Sherpa's are no longer available? Trust me - you do NOT want to follow the old link I found. :eek:

WARLOCK...

You are correct. So now they will be antique. :)

There also I believe no place to repair them now either. So I guess I got them repaired just in time. Should be good for another 15 years.

[WinterWarlock]

Not antique - classic!

[Barb Harris]

To put things in perspective, I own around 8 pairs of snowshoes, various brands and models.


Scooter.....

and which pair do you use for your spring mud landscaping around the house? Seems I remember you posting about that a few years ago....it was hilarious!

[randomscooter]

To put things in perspective, I own around 8 pairs of snowshoes, various brands and models.


Scooter.....

and which pair do you use for your spring mud landscaping around the house? Seems I remember you posting about that a few years ago....it was hilarious!

Hey Barb!! Glad to hear somebody remembered that posting... over on the 46er listserv I think. Yeah, that was my oldest pair of MSRs. In the springtime my garden was too muddy to walk around in... except wearing snowshoes! I was able to start tilling, etc., earlier in the season thanks to the folks at MSR :tup:

Skyclimber, regarding my Tubbs, the model name is slipping my mind right now but they're NOT the ones you mentioned. In fact I refer to my Tubbs as the "workhorse" of my collection. They ain't pretty, but they do the job and fail least often of the ones I own. As for Sherpa, I refer to mine as the "glamor girl" of my collection. Very pretty and soft in all the right places, but they are constantly breaking a nail... I shelved them when I realized how high-maintenance they are. :rolleyes:

Oh yeah, the Tubbs are the Altitude model. I replaced the standard aluminum crampons with the Vipers.

[neighbor]

i'm a tubbs guy! own two pairs,altitude 30's and pinnicle 25's. i've beat the absolute crap out of both pairs,really have. they've broken,whether it be a binding or the platform. customer service,one time in stowe and the latest incident in seattle have been very very friendly and responsive to the issue at hand. one time they replaced everything but the aluminum frame for free!! this latest time they sent me two new bindings for free when i only needed one. i was thinking about getting some m.s.r.'s when these break but with service like that i'm not so sure. they've really impressed me.:tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: for tubbs!!!

[Stu]

I have both the 30" sherpas and 25" tubbs (can't remember the model, but they are the ones with the stainless crampon) The tubbs are the best shoes I've used, excellent binding, excellent traction and solid construction. Absolutely bombproof IMHO. The sherpas were state of the art when I 1st purchased them in the '80's. They have the old cookie cutter crampon which limits traction. I would like to mention that you can still purchase a sherpa type shoe with much more aggressive crampons. Go to VFTT and do a search. Mohamid has an excellent thread on the subject and has certainly done his research. Keep in mind I have nothing againest the MSR, just never used them. ;) From the number of people that have them, and rave about them, they must be good....Stu

[pete_hickey]

Hey Barb!! Glad to hear somebody remembered that posting... over on the 46er listserv I think. The old archives are full of your rants about snowshoes... Dug out of the archives, from March '02 we have:

As many of you know I have had my share of problems with snowshoes, especially my MSR Denali Llamas. In March '01 I finally broke down and got a pair of Sherpas, then in January '02 I added a pair of Tubbs to the stockpile. Still, unwilling to let go, I kept on trying to find the "right" application for my MSR's. Yes, that day has finally arrived. After last Sunday's heavy rains the section of my backyard I'd prepared for seeding was rather soft, so instead of waiting for it to dry out I strapped on my MSR's and finished the seeding job. I am pleased to say that the MSR's kept me afloat nicely on the rain-softened loam (the 8" extensions were not needed) and I experienced none of the usual crampon and binding failures. I did have some trouble with mud balling up under my feet, but I suppose that will help prepare me for winter! My MSR's are now proudly hanging beside the rakes in my lawn and garden shed, home at last!!

[randomscooter]

The old archives are full of your rants about snowshoes... Dug out of the archives, from March '02 we have:

Thanks for the memories Pete :D :tup:

It does seem that all my rants (and the rants of many many other snowshoers as well I'm sure) directly to MSR resulted in significant improvements in the MSR product, so I feel that I am owed a debt of gratitude for pioneering the way. The fine MSR snowshoe you all love so much today wouldn't be if not for me :rolleyes: :D

BTW, I'm very gentle with my snowshoes :rolleyes: And I agree with neighbor about the Tubbs service. I sent mine back several times for various repairs and was always satisfied. Until the last time that is. I sent back my 30" Altitudes with a list of the TWO parts that were NOT broken 1) the bindings (which they had just replaced about 1 month earlier) and 2) the frames. They sent me back a brand new pair (the works!) along with a "Don't call us, we'll call you" note :eek:

[NumNum]

I use Red Feather also and the've seen a bit of traffic. They are long compared to the MSR's, but at the time that's all i could afford. There's alot of experienced hikers that have responded to this thread, go with that info. I think when the time comes for a replacement MSR's are in my future, but then again technology is changing so fast..

I can still hear the Winter Warlock singing...."and soon you'll be walking out the door...."

Yeah, I'm old. :tup:

Neil or anyone else, are the failures a result of bushwacking or from trail use? I know many bushwack and truly enjoy it, but i would think the conditions are extreme compared to trail or herding?
I seen Neil after he bushwacked to dial and nip, he looked like he stepped out of the shower, i can only imagine what the shoe would look like? ha!