Customer Reviews

MSR Women's Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (22-Inches, Red)

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I love to be outside in all weather. In the winter I need to snow shoe and I try to every day; I am extremely lucky. As a snow shoe enthusiast please let me highly recommend that you not consider any other snow shoes but one made by MSR and let me explain why:

I received a pair of these 25" MSR Women's Ascent snow shoes, December 2008 and have used them in all snow conditions since. I have used them when there are just a couple inches and they help with traction, I've used them in deep heavy snow, inches of pure sleet, slick ice; you can think of any condition possible, and these snow shoes are fantastic. I have used them on steep terrain, rocky slopes, mild pastures; any terrain surrounding me, these have made my life easier. They have held up extremely well to sharp brush such as brush-hogged Hard Hack and rocks, though I try to avoid the rocks and stubble, they are still in great shape. I've used them to flatten down brambles so my dogs can get through, and my dogs have stepped on them time and time again. I can not imagine winter with out my MSR Women's Lightening Ascents.

I'm about 120lbs, and I prefer a slightly longer size than they recommend, the couple inches difference does not bother me and gives me more options. The bindings are easy to use and quick to adjust and the rubber straps are holding up well. "4-strap step-on binding is fast, secure, easy to use and won't freeze." As stated from the company website. The company website states: "True Hinge(tm) steel crampon enhances foot stability and minimizes heel drift, resulting in a more efficient and natural stride." And that is exactly true; I would not have thought to comment on that issue because I have not even had to think about my feet sliding around in the binding. I have noticed that the placement of my foot in the snowshoe is perfect, and I can vary placement with their completely flexible binding design.

These snow shoes are a light aluminum frame with strong rubber riveted inside the frame. I read on their website that the inventors are X-Boeing engineers. The aluminum has edges with points all around the frame, to help with traction; most other brands only have tubes and the crampons are the main source of traction. The company calls it: "Total-Traction(tm) frame delivers the best possible 360° grip - even while traversing."

They are so light and narrow that my mom trudged around on them one day; she thought she would only go out back a bit, but once she got them on she was surprised by how easy they were to walk in and went further out back than anticipated. The company states, and I agree with this statement: "Lighter and narrower than Lightning Ascent snowshoes for maximum, gender-specific stride efficiency."

Don't waste your time with any other snow shoe; these are worth the monetary investment. I've studied the other major brands and I am sure they are fine in some conditions, but not in every condition. These will last, so even if you say to your self "I only go out a couple times a year..." but why not get full enjoyment out of those couple times? You might find that you'll get out more if you have the right gear!
Good travels!