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MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes
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Ascend new terrain with these MSR Lightning Ascent 30 snowshoes, which provide exceptional traction, versatile and easy-to-use bindings and lightweight performance to explore mountain terrain.
- Total-Traction™ frame is made from a single, vertical blade of aerospace-grade aluminum, supported by 2 cross-members of high-strength steel
- Frame supplies 360° of traction, thanks to aggressive teeth integrated into the frame along the outside edges and underfoot
- Urethane-impregnated nylon decking is lightweight, waterproof and durable; heel strike area features a welded reinforcement patch
- Bindings fit a variety of boots, open wide for easy access, and feature 3 easily adjustable silicon instep straps and a heel strap for a secure fit
- Steel crampons underfoot not only grip well, they provide stability and reduce heel drift for an efficient gait
- Heel lifts ease the strain on your calves during steep ascents
- All materials are waterproof, so they don't soak up water, freeze and get heavy; straps remain adjustable and easy to use in all conditions
- Lightning Flotation Tails (sold separately) add buoyancy when walking in deep powder snow or carrying heavy loads
- Please note: without tails, recommended load is 150 - 280 lbs., and with 5 in. tails, recommended load is 180 - 300 lbs.+
- Recommended load specification for the MSR Lightning Ascent 30 snowshoes includes weight of hiker with gear; flotation will vary with snow conditions
Please note: MSR products can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.
Made in USA.
Item 805326
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MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Good traction (11)
- Lightweight (9)
- Stable (9)
- Attach securely (8)
- Easy in/out (7)
Cons
Best Uses
- Off trail (9)
- Everyday (8)
- Rolling terrain (8)
- Steep pitches (7)
- Deep snow (6)
- Sizing:
Feels full size too small
Feels half size too small
Feels true to size
100%
(7 reviews)
Feels half size too big
Feels full size too big
- Width:
Feels too narrow
Feels true to width
100%
(7 reviews)
Feels too wide
- Reviewer Profile:
- On the mountain (4), Intermediate (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (8), Yes (3)
Reviewed by 11 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Attach Securely
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Good Traction
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Tough
Cons
Best Uses
- Climbing
- Deep Snow
- Icy Conditions
- Off Trail
- Rolling Terrain
- Steep Pitches
Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes:
I use these snowshoes almost every week during the winter. They are great snowshoes all round but are best on hills and steep terrain. I even took them up in icy conditions to 9,500 ft. on Mt. Hood before conditions forced me to put on crampons. The traction that you get on these snowshoes are matched by no other. So far I don't have anything bad to say about these. Definiteley worth the money. Try these once and you will never settle for any other snowshoe.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to mount on pack
- Floatation excellent
- Good Traction
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Very tough well made
Cons
- Hard to secure straps
Best Uses
- All Terrain
- Deep Snow
- Flat Terrain
- Icy Conditions
- Off Trail
- Rolling Terrain
- Steep Pitches
Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes:
After much research I decided to spend the extra cash and invest in the Lightning Ascents. I'm very impressed with the 360 deg traction. Tested them out with a 3 mile round trip in Rocky Mountain National Park to Emerald Lake and back. The terrain was very steep and deep with atleast 20" of fresh powder at the top. I had no problems on both the well-traveled main winter route, as well as some very off camber traverses where I noticed several other shoers (in tube-framed shoes) sliding sideways down the hill. I even got a chance to descend glissade-style down some very steep hills with no issues of the bindings popping loose. The shoes overall feel very comfortable and light.
The only problem I immediately noticed was trying to secure extra slack in the straps after tightening down the binding. Snapping those little knobs through a strap hole required me taking off my gloves.
I've taken 3 trips in these shoes and have not had any problems aside from securing the binding straps. The paint does stratch easy and already shows the aluminum after sliding on some rocks. No wear noticed anywhere else.
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Width:
- Feels true to width
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by CiscoJay
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Attach Securely
- Compact Design
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Good Traction
- Lightweight
- Stable
Cons
Best Uses
- All Terrain
- Flat Terrain
- Icy Conditions
- Off Trail
- Rolling Terrain
- Steep Pitches
Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes:
This is the first snow shoe I ever purchased. I am glad I spent the extra money, they are definitely worth it. I used them today and had no issues, I am going to purchase the floatation extensions - I weigh about 245 so I am close to the max. weight with clothing and pack.
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Width:
- Feels true to width
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Traction
Cons
- Difficult Entry & Exit
Best Uses
Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes:
MSR snowshoes are tried and true. But the latest iteration of the bindings doesn't work in cold weather. Used them at Icicle Creek (Leavenworth area) last week. At about zero degrees F, It was nearly impossible to get the "rivets" to go through the holes in the straps. Why didn't someone at MSR actually try using these at various temperatures? There are so many good bindings out there ... New: Called MSR, rep said they somehow neglected to test these in cold weather, are trying to re-engineer to come up with a fix that works. Meanwhile, MSR sent me an envelope of the old-style clips but those clips are too narrow to fit onto the new straps.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Good Traction
- Lightweight
- Stable
Cons
Best Uses
- Deep Snow
- Flat Terrain
- Off Trail
- Rolling Terrain
Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes:
These are great snow shoes. They are light, durable, stable and secure bindings. The bindings are what I like most. I tried some tubbs and they always loosened up. The lightnings have a very nice strap system. Once you set it there is no need to mess with it again. Get some adjustable poles for additional stability and head out into the wilderness. You will love these shoes.
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Width:
- Feels true to width
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Traction
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- All Terrain
- Off Trail
- Steep Pitches
Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes:
With these, you will be able to go places most other snowshoes can't. Side-hill traction is unsurpassed. The heal lift bail does a great job when climbing. Many other high end snowshoes have a simpler binding cinch design, but once you are in, these set the standard for off-trail travel.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Compact Design
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Good Traction
- Lightweight
- Stable
Cons
Best Uses
- All Terrain
Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes:
this is my first pair of snow shoes, so i do not have a compaired to what story, my wife has the 25", we both love them. as far as advice, dont't even look at anything else. i can't find anything wrong with these. we both bought boots just for snowshoeing, so the bindings work perfect, i kept thinking the back strap would come off but it did not, . would like to see msr team up with a boot company and make a stepin binding!! that would put them over the top.
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Width:
- Feels true to width
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Good Traction
- Lightweight
- Stable
Cons
Best Uses
- All Terrain
- Deep Snow
- Flat Terrain
- Off Trail
- Rolling Terrain
Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes:
These are the first pair of snowshoes I've purchased and I'm glad I spent the extra money. I took them on an ascent of Mt Defiance and was able to wear them to within 200 feet of the summit on some really steep terrain, but was forced to take them off due to an icy exposed slope that required crampons. My friend on the same trip was using the Evo's from MSR and had a lot of trouble with traction and slipping and I had virtually no issues. The heel lift is also a great touch. I was surprised at how much it really helped on the steep slopes and made life a lot easier. My friend in the Evo's was regretting not spending the extra bucks to get the Lightnings.
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Width:
- Feels true to width
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Climbs amazing
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Good Traction
- Lightweight
- Stable
Cons
Best Uses
- All Terrain
- Deep Snow
- Flat Terrain
- Icy Conditions
- Off Trail
- Rolling Terrain
- Steep Pitches
Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes:
These are amazing, went up in the Chugach range this weekend here in Alaska, and they climbed like a dream, I went off trail for about 4 miles and I was able to climb perfectly. The snow was real variable, from soft to wind blown slabs. They are worth the money!! I was the only one in my group who just went across the overflow frozen on the slopes.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Good Traction
- Stable
Cons
Best Uses
- All Terrain
- Icy Conditions
- Off Trail
- Rolling Terrain
- Steep Pitches
Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes:
Have used these shoes several times at high elevation on trips in the Sierra's. Have worked really well both in deep snow and icy hard packed conditions. Bindings hold firm. The bindings take a wee bit longer to get in and out of than the Atlas design perhaps but they hold really well. Able to climb and descend almost any pitch. They hold in all conditions. Light weight. MSR makes good stuff!
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Width:
- Feels true to width
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-10
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