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MSR Lightning Axis 25 Snowshoes - Men's

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The MSR Lightning Axis 25 snowshoes boast customizable bindings that compensate for your individual gait, maximize stride efficiency and promote all-day comfort.

Sturdy aluminum 360° Traction frame provides security on any terrain, thanks to aggressive teeth integrated in the frame along the outside edge and underfoot
Urethane-impregnated nylon decking is lightweight, waterproof and durable; heel strike area features a welded-on reinforcement patch
SpeedLock™ system offers quick and easy, glove-friendly adjustment of your bindings
Axis™ Gait Efficiency Technology can be adjusted to compensate for individual toe-in and toe-out tendencies in gait, maximizing stride efficiency and overall comfort
Make use of optional instep straps (sold separately) for even greater security; straps stay pliable and easy to adjust in cold temperatures, even when wearing mittens
Steel crampons underfoot not only grip well, but also provide stability and reduce heel drift for an efficient gait
Ergonomic heel lifts engage with the flick of a pole grip to ease strain on your calves during steep ascents
All materials are waterproof, so they don't soak up water, freeze and get heavy
Compatible with MSR Lightning Snowshoe Flotation tails (sold separately) for an easy-on/off flotation boost when in deep snow or carrying extra weight
Please note: without tails, recommended load is 120 - 210 lbs., and with 5 in. tails, recommended load is up to 280 lbs.
Recommended load specification for the MSR Lightning Axis 25 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 822857

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MSR Lightning Axis 25 Snowshoes - Men's Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

MSR Lightning Axis 25 Snowshoes - Men's

4.7

(based on 6 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Attach securely (6)
Easy in/out (6)
Good traction (6)
Lightweight (5)
Stable (4)

Cons

Best Uses

Deep snow (6)
Everyday (6)
Icy conditions (6)
Off trail (6)
Flat terrain (5)

- Sizing:
- Feels full size too small
  
  Feels half size too small
  
  Feels true to size
  
  100%
  (4 reviews)
  Feels half size too big
  
  Feels full size too big
- Width:
- Feels too narrow
  
  Feels true to width
  
  100%
  (4 reviews)
  Feels too wide

- Reviewer Profile:
- Advanced (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (5)

Reviewed by 6 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-6

Apr

2012

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great shoe, simple binding

By RusselC

from Portland, Oregon

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Lightweight

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Deep Snow
Flat Terrain
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Rolling Terrain

Comments about MSR Lightning Axis 25 Snowshoes - Men's:

I picked these shoes up after researching heavily online. I couldn't see why these cost less than the other Ascent series, or more importantly I couldn't see why the others were worth more. This binding takes a little time to adjust to your boot, but once it is set it is really easy to put on/remove for that same boot. If you frequently change between winter boots then maybe it could be less ideal, but it works great for me with 1 pair of Garmont GTXs.

I've taken these shoes on a few hikes in the Cascades and one near Breckenridge, the shoes have never come loose. They have great traction and are so much quieter than the rigid plastic models. The Ascent climbing bar is great for long climbs.

I can't imagine how you could make a better shoe, add the extension tail and these are pretty versatile. I almost bought the 30" shoe but didn't want to deal with the more cumbersome size when it wasn't necessary, the flexibility of the add on tail is great.

Comment on this review

Mar

2012

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

A Great Product

By Tom in Colorado

from Woodland Park

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Lightweight

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Deep Snow
Icy Conditions
Off Trail

Comments about MSR Lightning Axis 25 Snowshoes - Men's:

This product is the best I've tried. I actually bought them on sale and the value I've received has been outstanding. I bought the 25's even though I am at the top end of the weight rating, because I can add the tails if the snow is deep or if I am carrying a pack. The swiveling bindings are a great feature. When I add the tails I would occasionally step on the heel of the other shoe. Once I adjusted the cant of the bindings, the problem disappeared.
Great traction on all terrain - even icy conditions. And the new strap design is very quick entry. I only use the middle strap when conditions are really deep, so the rest of the time I just stick in the toe of my boot, adjust the heel strap and I'm in. The "heel risers" are broad, easily engaged and make a big difference on long or steep uphill climbs. A great product, all the way around. I have no complaints.

Comment on this review

Feb

2012

5.0

Awesome set of Snowshoes!

By eodboarder

from Anacortes, Washington

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Deep Snow
Flat Terrain
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Rolling Terrain
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Axis 25 Snowshoes - Men's:

Great Product! Feel sturdy on all terrain! All angles!

Comment on this review

Feb

2012

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Excellent Shoes :D

By MedicKev

from Denver, CO

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Compact Design
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Deep Snow
Flat Terrain
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Rolling Terrain

Comments about MSR Lightning Axis 25 Snowshoes - Men's:

Very light weight shoes. They have awesome grip, are easy to use, and float nicely. I used them on some 24" dry powder, and floated incredibly well considering. Seem tough, and I'm sure they'll last a long time.

Haven't used them on steep climbs, but they feel like they'd work well just considering the secure heel lift, the long toe crampons, and the baffled style of instep and heel crampons.

Comment on this review

Jan

2012

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Serious snowshoe

By TotemLake

from Seattle, WA

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
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 Axis 25 Snowshoes - Men's:

Although I'll hit the flat snowshoe hikes, I'm mostly a mountain snowshoer. I wore Atlas 2006 version of the 1235's for 5 years. Even though they have good crampon coverage around the foot, I would find myself slipping while going uphill, sometimes imitating the stair master technique while not moving forward. Going downhill on icy conditions would see me slipping before the crampons would meet the snow and get a bite, causing some ankle strain.

Not the MSR Lightning Axis. When I plant my foot uphill or downhill, the entire snowshoe bites into the snow. I've only worn them twice so far, but the grip is very noticeable over the Atlas. Especially when I try to shuffle to the side. You have to lift your feet up with these versus dragging the Atlas because the 360° traction is doing exactly what it was designed to do, to keep you from slipping.

These shoes have to be prefitted before you step foot on the trail. The shoes can be adjusted for your natural foot position. It's important to get this adjustment right or you'll find yourself stepping on each snowshoe. The straps are quick lock and release and the middle strap is optional. I find I struggle less with this kind of setup than the binders the Atlas snowshoes have The heel strap on the Atlas has always been my nemesis for release when they're caked in snow.

In summary, the shoes are a snap to put on and take off. I find myself more sure-footed on steep inclines in fresh and sloppy snow. I still need to try it on ice crusted snow but I'm sure I won't slip and slide as much as I did with the Atlas. The heel lifts (or televators) make going up steep hillsides much easier with just the flick of the trekking pole handle. I bought the tails to go with these for the softer stuff and they work pretty good. When not on the shoe, they are carabiner attached to my pack for easy access. Atlas makes a good snowshoe. For now, MSR made it better.

Comment on this review

Dec

2011

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great Snowshoe

By Firefighter 17 the Backpacker

from Fort Wainwright, Alaska

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
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 Axis 25 Snowshoes - Men's:

I took these out for the big test today. On Wickersham Dome in Alaska outside of Fox, the snow was up to 3 feet in places and the terrain is rolling hills with steep grade to the summit. These shoes preformed flawlessly! Easy in & out,Great traction, work great in rock terrain.