And regardless of the terrain we crossed –straight up steep wind-crusted slopes, straight down powder-covered fields, or across icy hillsides –the Lightning Ascents held our feet in perfect alignment on the snowshoes. The four-strap binding locked down securely, without pinching or constricting our feet. The MSR Lightning Ascent bindings earned top marks for ease of use, as well as pure performance. Binding Support/EffectivenessĮase of operation doesn’t also lead to peak performance, but in the case of MSR’s binding system, the two went hand-in-hand. But snow and ice did build up at times, preventing those straps from locking in securely along their entire length. Tubbs nearly equaled MSR’s ease of use performance – the bindings on the Mountaineers proved equally easy to use while wearing gloves, though the straps did at times accumulate small clumps of ice that slightly hindered operation in extreme conditions.Ĭrescent Moon also came close to the Lightning Ascent’s performance here, with the hook-and-loop closures on the binding straps being the easiest system to operate in clean, dry conditions. The MSR bindings could be worked comfortably while wearing gloves, and the straps were immune to snow and ice accumulation. The MSR Lightning Ascents proved to be masters of ease, both in the operation of the bindings in all possible conditions and the performance of secondary features like the heel lift bar for climbing assistance. Will you be able to affix the bindings to your boots when it’s windy, snowing, and frigidly cold? Do you need to strip off your gloves, or can you stay safe and warm as you do-up the bindings? If you remove the bindings mid-outings, will you be able to step back into them in a deep field of powder? Uphill Efficiency: Ergo Televators reduce fatigue and increase traction on the steeps with an ergonomic design that engages with a flick of a pole grip.The first criterion in selecting snowshoes is determining whether you can use them in the rugged, winter conditions for which they are made.

Paragon Binding: Comfortable, freeze-resistant mesh strap wraps securely around a wide range of boots for ultimate control, while toe stops offer fast, precise foot alignment.Īll-Condition Adaptability: Add-on Modular Flotation tails allow you the maneuverability of a smaller, primary snowshoe with the added, on-demand flotation of optional, 5-inch (13-cm) tails. Combined with their Ergo Televators and add-on Flotation Tails, these snowshoes are built to get you there-wherever 'there' may be.Įxternal Traction: Aggressive perimeter teeth and durable steel DTX crampons deliver advanced traction, especially on traverses and in challenging conditions.ĭurable: Injection-molded plastic deck withstands abusive conditions, and offers a subtle torsional flex underfoot for excellent purchase. Underfoot, the ExoTract deck pairs external steel teeth with the torsional flex of plastic for confidence-inspiring traction. With a glove-like fit that eliminates pressure points, the binding's mesh strap delivers excellent comfort and security in technical terrain.

Revo Ascent snowshoes deliver rock-solid durability in aggressive terrain and now feature MSR's advanced Paragon binding for ultimate foot control.

Msr revo ascent snowshoe review