Initial Review: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes
Date: Dec 28th, 2004 Manufacturer Information Name: Mountain Safety Research (MSR) Website: http://www.msrcorp.com	Product Information Manufacturer: Mountain Safety Research (MSR) Model: Lightning Ascent Snowshoes Year of Manufacture: 2004 Color: Orange & Black Size: Men's 8 x 25 in. (20 x 64 cm) MSRP: $249.95 (US) Listed Weight: 3 lbs. 10 oz. (1645 g) per pair Measured Weight: 3 lbs. 9.9 oz (1641 g)

Initial Review

Snowshoes arrived in generic packaging from CascadeDesign, the parent company of MSR, and came packaged ready for display in a stacked array with two securing rubber straps and wraparound cardboard/placard strap.  The wraparound placard covers/shields the lower shoe's snow claw and the 2 cross-members are covered by plastic slip on protectors.  A protective cardboard panel, between the shoes, eliminates the sharp claw and cross-members from the upper shoe from damaging the lower shoe's binding and deck.

To date, this is the 8th pair of snowshoes I've owned.  My first 2 pair were traditional wood, one a long tailed version, and the other an oval Bear Paw design for bushwhacking.  My 3rd pair was a military model constructed of  a magnesium/aluminum frame and stainless webbing.  With the exception of my MSR Denali Classics, the remainder have all been tubular aluminum frame with a solid deck and some sort of articulating binding.

 

The distinguishing feature of the Lightning Ascent snowshoes is the lack of tubular frame, and use of flat stock aerospace-grade aluminum.  The frame utilizes a 0.10 in. (2.5 mm) piece of aluminum stock that is stamped and shaped into a vertical blade with a shape that includes teeth the full circumference of the frame.  MSR calls this full 360o of ice biting frame a Total-Traction™ Frame and definitely appears ready for tackling icy snow conditions.  The frame has considerably more flex/twist than my tubular framed shoes.  By grasping the shoe at both ends, I'm able to twist the frame about an inch (2.5 cm).  This had me concerned, and I further tested the frame by stepping on a 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) piece of wood; first on a front corner and then on a rear corner.  In both cases the shoe twisted enough to allow the remaining 3 corners to contact the floor surface, but sprung back into shape once I stepped off the shoe.  In addition to using aerospace-grade aluminum, MSR added 2 cross-members to strengthen the frame, provide traction, and act as a binding anchor and heel plate.  The front binding is very similar to the MSR Denali Classic, except that it has 2 across-the-boot straps instead of 3.  I particularly like the open metal binding/latch that allows the bindings to be fully swung away during boot placement and then latched and secured when ready.  I've owned a pair of MSR Denali Classics for 3 years and have had no issue with this style of bindings.  In comparison to my heavy-duty backcountry shoes, the bindings are on the light side, but I consider the MSR line as recreational snowshoes. For if they were intended for backcountry travel they would be longer to support the added weight of heavy/extended packing. Other than on my back-country skies, I've never used heel lifts or what MSR calls Televators™.  As is evident in the photo, the retractable bar behind the binding is a welcomed addition when climbing.  Not only does it reduce calf fatigue when climbing on your toes, but distributes the weight more evenly.  The Televators™ pronounced click when locked out of the way and when activated appears well designed.  This may not seem like an important consideration, but I've used heel lifts on skies that would work away from the heel.  Consider stepping down expecting to contact a heel lift and it isn't there, it can throw a person off balance.

The articulating binding's pivot point is under the ball of the foot as expected, and secured by 2 pins on either side.  The binding is not spring loaded as many shoes, but drops/drags as the user steps forward.  Many of the modern snowshoes have spring loaded articulating bindings.  This allows the shoe to be distanced away from the snow as the wearer lifts their feet, thus allowing the user to step backwards.  The Lightning Ascent has a hard stop at about 70^o, thus requiring the user to lift their feet and tip their toes forward/down in order to raise the rear of the snowshoe above the snow.  I can't say one has an advantage over the other.  I have both and find the spring loaded bindings tend to throw snow up the back of the legs or up the back. They make for stepping backwards more easy, but one generally isn't walking backwards that much.

The twin tooth snow claw is constructed of stainless and is the base plate on which the binding is mounted.  Penetration depth is 1 inch (2.54 cm) and points are 1 inch (2.54) apart.  Considering the 360^o Total-Traction™ Frame, 2 protruding cross-members, and snow claw, these shoes should be aggressive in icy conditions.

The deck material is constructed of what appears to be fiber/cord reinforced synthetic rubber, and is attached to the frame and front cross-member by rivets through stainless tabs.  Attachment to the front cross-member and frame makes for 22 rivets/attachment points and for a taut deck.  The rear cross-member also serves as heel plate, thus the decking material is never used to support the user.

 

Test Plan

January testing involves 2 extended weekends skiing between yurts.  I take snowshoes as I like to hike around in the evening.  This means that the shoes worn will be of two types; plastic telemark boots and lighter Nordic boots.  I suspect that at least 8 different people will be experimenting with these new snowshoes while on the yurt trips.  Since the binding facilitates an open toe, I don't foresee any issues.  A third trip in January will consist of a short overnight trip in preparation for an extended annual backcountry trip. February consists of a 5 day back country ski trip and the snowshoes will be carried along as community gear as an emergency backup in the event of a broken ski.  They will also be used for around camp.  Again plastic telemark boots and deep/light snow are expected.  Since the user would be following ski tracks the short length may be sufficient.  The January preparation trip will determine if they make the selection. Late February and March will be marked with at least 1 overnight trip and several weekend day trips.

Tester Information & Background

Name: Andy Rad

Gender: Male

Age: 47

Height: 6 ft (1.83 m)

Weight: 165 lb (75 kg)

Email: aisrad@cableone.net

I started backpacking 21 years ago, mostly 3 day trips with at least one 7 day trip per year.  By backpacking, I’m referring to summer, winter camping, and fall hunting.  About half my trips are light weight solo and the other half with my family.  I own a llama that was purchased when my 3^rd child was 2, some 10 years ago.  This allowed me to continue backpacking as a family activity.  When I’m not with the family/llama I tend to take less-traveled trails or bushwhack the hard mountainous terrain in and around Idaho.  In recent years I’ve begun substituting a collie for the llama.  The majority of my trips are in central Idaho, with a few into northern Idaho, eastern Idaho, and eastern Oregon.