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Comparing Snowshoes for Men

Showing 13 products | Change
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award  Best Buy Award   
Price $292.39 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers		$223.96 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$104.83 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers		$250 List
$134.95 at Amazon		$127.39 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
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73
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63
Star Rating
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Pros Rigid, precise, excellent binding security, impressive tractionFully featured for steep and technical useInexpensive, easy to use, versatileGood traction, easy-to-use and comfortable bindingInexpensive, simple, reliable
Cons New binding trades ease-of-use for comfortLoud decking and bulky harnessUnimpressive tractionClumsy, strapped binding attachment isn't idealLoud decking on crusty snow
Bottom Line The best snowshoes in our test, complete with high end features and simple engineeringThis contender provides excellent traction, heel lifts, a comfortable binding, and moderate weightThis snowshoe does everything well and at a low price, making it a great valueThis is a great traditional snowshoe that's outshone in a few areas by newer designsThis affordable molded snowshoe offers widespread appeal for its reliability and its compatibility with add-on tails that improve flotation
Rating Categories MSR Lightning Ascent Tubbs Flex VRT Atlas Helium Trail Atlas Montane MSR Evo Trail
Flotation (30%)
5.0
5.0
7.0
8.0
4.0
Traction (25%)
9.0
8.0
5.0
6.0
6.0
Stride Ergonomics (15%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
3.0
6.0
Ease of Use (15%)
9.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
Bindings (15%)
9.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
9.0
Specs MSR Lightning Ascent Tubbs Flex VRT Atlas Helium Trail Atlas Montane MSR Evo Trail
Uses Spring snow and steep terrain Spring snow and steep terrain Spring snow and moderate terrain Spring snow and moderate terrain Spring snow and moderate terrain
Optimum Weight Load (per manufacturer) 22": up to 180 lbs;
25": 120-220 lbs;
30": 150-280 lbs		 21": 80-160 lbs;
25": 120-200 lbs;
29": 190+ lbs		 23": 80-160 lbs;
26": 150-220 lbs;
30": 200-270+ lbs		 25": 120-200 lbs;
30": 150-250 lbs;
35": 180-300+ lbs		 up to 180 lbs (up to 250 lbs with tails)
Weight (per pair) 4 lbs 0 oz 4 lbs 6 oz 3 lbs 7 oz 4 lbs 8 oz 3 lbs 11 oz
Surface Area 188 in² 195 in² 207 in² 218 in² 183 in²
Dimensions 25 x 8" 26 x 8" 27 x 9" 27 x 9" 24 x 8"
Crampon/Traction Aids Steel crampons, rails, and teeth Steel crampons and rails Steel crampons and rails Steel crampons and rails Steel crampons and rails
Frame Material Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Plastic and steel
Deck Material Fabric Plastic Nytex nylon Fabric Plastic
Heel Lift Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Binding/Deck Connection Hinged Hinged Hinged Strapped Hinged
Binding System Rubber net and straps with pin-in-hole Boa and rubber strap Nylon straps with plastic buckles, rubber strap with pin-in-hole Nylon straps with cam buckles, rubber strap with plastic buckle Rubber net and straps with pin-in-hole
Flotation Tails Sold Separately? Yes No No No Yes
Men's and Women's Versions? Yes Yes Unisex Yes Unisex
Sizes Available 22", 25", 30" 21", 25", 29" 23", 26", 30" 25", 30", 35" One size (22")
Tested Size 25" 25" 26" 25" 22"