MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe Evaluation

Backside Line

The MSR Lightning Ascent is one in every of our long-time favourite snowshoes and continues to prime the record in most of our metrics. With among the finest flotation and traction of any snowshoe we examined, the Lightning Ascent continues to impress us to be used in steep terrain and deep snow. 

We love the traction supplied by the tooth across the fringe of the body in addition to aggressive crampon-style factors underneath the ft. The light-weight aluminum body and nylon deck hold the burden low and the flotation excessive when venturing into deep snow. Heel risers are simply deployed with the flick of the hand or ski pole to reinforce climbing up steep hills.

Their massive floor space could make it cumbersome for adventures on path and in packed snow. The traction, whereas superb in slippery terrain, can simply be overkill and is simple to journey over and snag on when strolling in agency situations. The bindings can take some determining to get fitted correctly at first. Regardless of these small shortcomings, the MSR Lightning Ascent is an especially well-built choice for these demanding probably the most out of their gear.

Flotation

When venturing off the path and into deep and unsupportive snow, the MSR Lightning Ascents instantly supplied flotation to coast in among the deepest situations. They supply a big floor space because of their longer size. The nylon deck is light-weight and versatile, cupping the snow with every step to offer glorious flotation. 

The one situation we discovered that challenged the MSR Lightning Ascent’s flotation was in breakable crust on prime of powder. The versatile deck was not capable of present as a lot flotation within the crust/powder mixture and would typically require a number of steps in the identical location to interrupt up the crust to then stroll by means of. If extra traction is required, MSR gives flotation tails, which will be added to those snowshoes.

Traction

MSR Lightning Ascent’s traction is excellent and units the bar excessive for what a snowshoe can obtain. The claw-style crampon underneath the foot has two entrance factors that extra intently resemble crampons. This makes kicking steps whereas climbing steep slopes safe and regular. After the claws, two rows of vertical aluminum with serrated tooth present extra traction, particularly when strolling downhill.

To spherical out this snowshoe’s spectacular traction, there are even tooth across the perimeter of the profile etched into the body. These have been notably helpful for traversing throughout slopes and strolling down steep hills. They supplied a stage of safety and grip that is without doubt one of the finest out of all of the merchandise in our lineup.

Walkability

A barely tapered profile to every snowshoe permits for simple strolling whereas on numerous terrains. This helps to lower a cowboy stance and allows a extra pure gait. The snowshoes have a slight rocker, which helps them roll alongside when strolling on flat floor. The heel risers are an enormous bonus for climbing. They add help for climbing steep hills, so there’s much less pressure on the calf, and so they evenly distribute your weight throughout the snowshoe. Make sure you fold these again down as carrying them downhill is uncomfortable and makes it straightforward to topple ahead and down the hill.

Strolling in these on hard-packed and groomed trails will be cumbersome. Their aggressive traction often catches on agency floor. With none form of flex within the body, strolling downhill can really feel awkward because the tails would generally catch and push us away from the hill. With their comparatively low weight for the dimensions of the platform, the MSR Lightning Ascents is not going to weigh you down unnecessarily and hold you contemporary for protecting many miles in deep snow. They could really feel like overkill close to the trailhead, however the deeper we went into the backcountry, the higher these carried out.

Ease of Use

The binding system across the heel took a while to determine. The strap and hook system is simple sufficient to tighten, however the open hook for the heel strap will be problematic if not tightened all the way in which. The heel strap slipped off our foot, and the strap popped out of the open hook if we didn’t crank on it.

The rubber webbing of the forefoot is a implausible closure system. The rubber strap on both sides will be set to the specified tightness as soon as, after which not need to be touched once more, even to placed on or take away the snowshoes. The size of those rubber straps will be troublesome to seize with gloves due to their brief size, however a loop on the finish of every helps.

We discovered that the heel riser is a superb characteristic that enhances the usability of the snowshoes. They’re simply flicked up or down with a ski pole, eliminating the necessity to bend over. These are excellent for climbing up and over steep hills the place going from climbing to descending shortly is required.

Ought to You Purchase the MSR Lightning Ascent?

For these wanting uncompromising efficiency from their snowshoes, the MSR Lightning Ascent is the clear winner. These snowshoes present among the finest traction and flotation round. Their aggressive crampons and full-length serration across the body of the snowshoes present glorious traction. Their massive floor space and versatile deck present sufficient traction for adventures effectively off-trail and in deep, unsupportable snow.

Whereas a prime performer, this snowshoe could also be overbuilt for some customers’ wants. They are often cumbersome to stroll on packed trails attributable to their massive form, and the massive entrance factors simply catch on agency floor. Whereas safe, their binding system will be exhausting to lock with gloves on and require extra fiddling than others we examined. Regardless of these minor hangups, the MSR Lightning Ascent continues to be one in every of our prime decisions for taking out within the harshest environments.

What Different Snowshoes Ought to You Take into account?

MSR Revo Discover Evaluation – A equally styled snowshoe with traction across the body, the Revo Discover gives glorious traction at a cheaper price level.

Tubbs Flex RDG Evaluation – With comparable traction to the Lightning Ascent however with higher walkability, the flex of those snowshoes makes for snug strolling even on steep downhills.

XtremPro Outdoor Evaluation – If the value level of the Lightning Ascent is a bit too excessive, the Xtrem Professional Outdoor gives snowshoes at an accessible worth level for a superb beginner-friendly setup.