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MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes - Men's

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Explore the backcountry with MSR Lightning Ascent 30 snowshoes, which are outfitted with aggressive traction and a full feature set to help you earn your views.

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
PosiLock™ AT bindings provide the most secure, freeze-resistant attachment system that MSR offers
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
Compatible with MSR Lightning Snowshoe Flotation tails (sold separately) for an easy-on/off flotation boost when in deep snow or carrying extra weight
All materials are waterproof, so they don't soak up water, freeze and get heavy
Please note: without tails, recommended load is up to 280 lbs., and with 5 in. tails, recommended load is up to 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 825002

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MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes - Men's Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes - Men's

4.6

(based on 7 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Good traction (7)
Stable (7)
Attach securely (6)
Lightweight (5)
Easy in/out (4)

Cons

Best Uses

Everyday (7)
Deep snow (6)
Icy conditions (5)
Off trail (5)
Steep pitches (5)

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

- Reviewer Profile:
- Intermediate (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)

Reviewed by 7 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-7

Mar

2013

3.0

Simplify the bindings please.

By Riversong6

from Anchorage, AK

About Me Expert

See all my reviews

Pros

Good Traction
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Difficult Entry & Exit

Best Uses

All Terrain
Deep Snow
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes - Men's:

I'm a land surveyor in Anchorage, Alaska and just spent a month in the field with these. They are rock solid, have exceptional traction, but I don't care much for the bindings.

One of the straps pulled out from its fixed end the very first time I put them on. The grip tabs are not big enough to grab with heavy mittens on, and, the c-shaped open sided clasps are a pain. It takes an extra step of fumbling to make sure the strap is in the tab before snugging it up.

It seems like in trying to improve and update the bindings they have made them more complicated, complex, and prone to failure.

Lastly, these are very grippy shoes, to the point that I fell a few times when I misstepped and one shoe grabbed the other. They also readily snag on whatever brush you may encounter.

The plus is they were very secure on steep sunhardened crusty sideslopes. As a surveyor I go where I need to and don't have the luxury of picking an easy route. Once I got the bindings snugged up these shoes performed admirably.

Comment on this review

Jan

2013

4.0

Awesome Snowshoes!

By stevencurl

from Portland, OR

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Stable

Cons

Too Heavy

Best Uses

All Terrain

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes - Men's:

We've recently entered the world of snowshoeing and all love it. These are the first snowshoes I've purchased, and I couldn't be more delighted with them. I feel stable and have great flotation in varying consistencies of snow. This style of design also has a huge advantage over tubular frames with it's added grip and traction. The entire frame is like a giant crampon, very nice on hills.

The bindings look confusing at first, but are very easy to tighten and setup in a way that is comfortable for your feet (size 11 boots). The elevation assist is also convenient, though I find myself forgetting it's there and not engaging it.

These are definitely not as quick as some of the other snowshoes, but I don't really have a problem with working a little harder. These snowshoes were purchased by me, my brother bought a pair and my sister in law bought the smaller 25 womens version.

The only con I could say is that they are heavier than the solid decked versions and competitors tube design. This is only a slight con because the added weight makes them feel so durable.

We've gone out twice this year, and are going out again this weekend, and I'm excited to get to use these some more!

Comment on this review

Dec

2012

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Excellent!!

By markf

from Frisco, CO

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Durable
Good Traction
Rugged
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Carrying A Heavy Pack
Deep Snow
Heavier Users
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Rolling Terrain
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes - Men's:

I bought these to explore the backcountry near my home, and they've been an excellent backcountry travel tool. They're extremely sturdy, they float well in deep snow, and they climb extremely well. The crampons are extremely durable (and sharp!), so they grip well on ice or hard snow. The four straps on the bindings take a bit longer to buckle than other snowshoes, but they are so secure that much less time is spent re-tightening and re-attaching the bindings than with other designs. The climbing bale is very well thought out. It goes up and down very easily with a ski pole, and it makes an enormous difference in climbing performance. Not only does putting the bale up ease the strain on the calf muscles, it puts the crampon at a better angle to bite into steep snow, and presses the tail down into the snow for better traction.

These are expensive snowshoes, but they work extremely well and should give many years of good service. They are definitely overkill for a smaller person or someone traveling in flat terrain or on groomed trails, but for someone heavy enough to need this size snowshoe who wants an all-terrain tool, the MSR Lightning Ascent 30" snowshoe is an excellent investment.

Comment on this review

Jan

2012

(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Amazing Performance!

By Marcus The Wild

from Stevens Pass.

About Me Expert

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Durable
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 - Men's:

First of all, size is a major factor in the Lightning ascents. I convinced 4 of my friends to buy a set of these so far! four heavier users (me being the lightest at 5' 11'' and 175 lbs.) and one light user (130lbs) on a pair of the Womens 22" snowshoe. The tail extensions offered are an amazing concept! add some weight? make your snowshoe longer!

My style of snowshoeing is best described as trailblazing. If I see a difficult route, I take it. I have ZERO fear of losing traction in these bad boys!! I used to snowshoe in a set of Tubbs 30" mountaineering snowshoes, with a traditional tube style frame, underfoot crampon, etc. The Lightning ascent is hands down the superior snowshoe in ALL conditions! No longer do I fear sidehilling, untouched acents, or questionable terrain, even on the steepest of slopes. My ankles often give up before I get to the snowshoe's limit. I went with the 30" shoe because I often carry a load. 40 lb winter pack is the norm for two nights out in the woods. Mine squeak when dry, but get them in the snow and they turn silent. I Bought my set last year when they had a stud retention system for the overlap of the tensioning belts. Now they come with a much more convenient clip. I recently gave a set of the ascents as a gift to a close family member, and was pleased to see that they have updated the strap retention system.

Some people will complain that the 4 strap binding system is cumbersome, or too complicated. I would never hold this as a negative. These things are darn near impossible to be ejected from. The 4 strap binding takes a little longer to get on, but the security it offers over a two strap system is needed for the technical proficiency attainable by this top notch snowshoe!

I would recommend the Lightning Ascent to backcountry specialists, Gnarly adventurers, and gear nuts! If you must have the best. Look no further.

Comment on this review

Dec

2011

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great snowshoes

By alaskamatt

from Alaska

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
Off Trail

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes - Men's:

If your going to buy this product I suggest using it mainly for mountain terrain. If your looking for a good trail snowshoe or for light snow I would go with a smaller set. These are great in the deep snow and off trail.

Comment on this review

Dec

2011

(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

TRACTION A MUST, THESE ROCK

By DIGITY777

from WENATCHEE WA

About Me Beginner

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Deep Snow
Icy Conditions
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes - Men's:

first time snowshoeing i took these into the cascades. 4000+ ft evevation gain and snowing like crazy on the 4th of july trail. over the 10+ miles i hiked that day they worked better then i had hoped for. i cant say enouch about how great having the extra traction is. they climb without slips and on the way back down no falling on my butt. i am about 225 lbs and they kept me afloat no prob with my 25lbs pack

Comment on this review

Nov

2011

(10 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great Snowshoe

By cgass

from Lynnwood, WA

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
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 30 Snowshoes - Men's:

I've only used these snowshoes a few times but so far I couldn't be happier. The bindings hold very securely and I find them quite easy to get in and out of with gloved hands. They do take a little longer than 2 or 3 strap systems, but the secure hold is well worth it. You can't beat the traction either. I haven't been on too severe of inclines but on a few icy descents I've had no issue while others in tube style shoes have been sliding all over the place. The flotation is very good as well. I weigh about 220 without gear and I haven't had any issues sinking, even in powder. I haven't found anything negative about these shoes yet.