MSR  Lightning Explore Snowshoes

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If you want all-day comfort and ease of use on your off-trail forays, look no further than the MSR Lightning Explore snowshoes. They provide easy on/off and heel lifts to reduce fatigue.

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Features

  • Improved ratchet system makes getting in and out for lunch stops a breeze, not to mention making on-the-fly adjustments
  • Cushioned cradle in the bindings offers exceptional comfort
  • Heel lifts deploy with the simple flick of a pole grip to reduce fatigue and increase traction on the steeps
  • Macro adjustment straps accommodate a wide range of boot sizes
  • 360° Traction frames deliver a level of security that tubular frames simply can't, especially on traverses
  • Add-on modular flotation tails (not included) accommodate heavier loads, or allow you to go from packed snow to deep powder with a single pair of snowshoes

Made in USA.

Recommended load ranges
  • 22 in. model: up to 180 lbs.; max with tails (not included): 250 lbs.
  • 25 in. model: 120–220 lbs.; max with tails (not included): 280 lbs.
  • 30 in. model: 150–280 lbs.; max with tails (not included): 300+ lbs.
Max recommended load specification includes weight of hiker with gear.
View the MSR Lightning Product LineView all MSR Men's Snowshoes

Technical Specs

Best Use

Snowshoeing

Snowshoe Terrain

Rolling Terrain

Snowshoe Closure

Rubber Strap

Frame Material

7075-T6 aluminum

Deck Material

TPU-coated nylon

Crampon Material

Martensetic steel

Toe Crampon

Yes

Heel Lift

Yes

Gender

Unisex

Reviews
67 reviews with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

13 out of 21 (62%) reviewers recommend this product

Review this Product

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Average Customer Ratings

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Most Helpful Favorable Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely worth the money
Swedish Fish
7 years ago
Seriously one well built snowshoe system. Lightweight but the frame is a beast. The decking and bindings, use and time will tell, but both appear solid. The revised HyperLink Binding is the primary reason I chose this shoe. Ease of entry and how well they hold to my boot is outstanding. But the most significant improvement over my old shoes is the entire binding "tracks"; there is little lateral movement, making them so much more comfortable and efficient. The 360 Traction Frame is grippy as you could possibly need. But it also allows for a more even foot placement on packed and uneven trails. Tube frames lay on the contour of the crunchy stuff while the Traction Frame cuts through and sets more evenly. It's kind of a big deal. 240 pounds with a 30" shoe. Would not want to go smaller, and there is no need to. Really easy to maneuver. Larger shoes carry so much better in the deep stuff, so I would advocate going larger if you are in doubt. Because there is not much more weight between lengths and maneuverability is not compromised.
Swedish Fish
MN
28 people found this review helpful

Most Helpful Critical Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 1.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing harness, bad MSR service.
Michel
6 years ago
My pair has very stiff straps and the small red release buckel broke (probably a 50 cents part). After numerous emails to Cascade (parent company of MSR), I spoke to a manager to obtain their new buckel. Impossible, liability issues, against policy, etc. I have to send back (40$ each way) and wait 3 to 4 months... a simple small plastic part that fit in a tiny envelope. Had exchange with ttheir public relations person. She refered my request ( just ship me the small part please) and I never heard back. Impossible to contact them via their WEB site. You fill up a form and their server answers back that it might take 2 months fot them to respond. Worst customer service I ever encountered, and I am 66 years young... I changed the broken buckles myself from another snowshoe brand ( a 5 minute job), and will tell my story to everyone I know. Many snowshoe companies out there that make good product and care about customer service. Unfortunately, MSR is not one of them anymore. It is a shame.
Michel
Charlevoix, Qc. Canada
65 people found this review helpful

Customer Images

Brian Minnesota
Stillwater Minnesota
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great for serious snowshoeing.

5 years ago

Just spent 2 days in and around the BWCA in northern Minnesota. Temps were below 0 & snow was very deep. We had a totally awesome experience. No issues at all. We were up and down steep hills & open lakes. The heel lift for the uphill climes made it so much easier to clime steep hills. Shoes stayed put & never needed adjustments. Only minor issue is the length of the frontstrap. It was just barely long enough to fit over boots needed for such extreme cold. Otherwise I love them.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Brad
Spokane, WA
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Great on the trails, hard on the front of feet

4 years ago

I bought these thinking I could save $40 off the price of the Lightning Accent. Traction was great on Mt. Spokane. Good flotation even though I am 210lbs and I used the 25 inch. My main concern/gripe is the one strap binding over my front toes. Not enough comfort support for the front of my feet. There were pressure points due to the strap essentially locking your fee in tight. I tried to loosen the straps, but it wasn't enough. I since returned these and purchased the Accent 25 inch with the Paragon binding. Much better. If you're already going to spend $279, might as well just pony up the extra $40 and get the much better binding on the Accent.

Age:55–64
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 12
No, I do not recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
Helpful?
Gary
Boston NY
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Very much enjoy the MSR lightning so far

4 years ago

I have use these snowshoes almost every day since first snow (2 months). I really do enjoy them, they’re lightweight easy to put on and easy to takeoff, even with gloves. I was looking at other ones with the BOA restraints but decided to go with these. Very happy with the MSR lightnings so far.

Age:45–54
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10
Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
SuttonHoo
Park City, Utah
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great, but one flaw

6 years ago

Quality construction and its features meet every snowshoeing need. However, they come with one problem: the single strap that goes over the top of the foot makes for a sore foot. The cure is to buy a pair of metatarsal guards ($20 - $25) and fasten them to the tops of your boots with the laces. With this problem in mind, I would recommend these snowshoes to a close friend.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Swedish Fish
Minnesota
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Absolutely worth the money

7 years ago

Seriously one well built snowshoe system. Lightweight but the frame is a beast. The decking and bindings, use and time will tell, but both appear solid. The revised HyperLink Binding is the primary reason I chose this shoe. Ease of entry and how well they hold to my boot is outstanding. But the most significant improvement over my old shoes is the entire binding "tracks"; there is little lateral movement, making them so much more comfortable and efficient. The 360 Traction Frame is grippy as you could possibly need. But it also allows for a more even foot placement on packed and uneven trails. Tube frames lay on the contour of the crunchy stuff while the Traction Frame cuts through and sets more evenly. It's kind of a big deal. 240 pounds with a 30" shoe. Would not want to go smaller, and there is no need to. Really easy to maneuver. Larger shoes carry so much better in the deep stuff, so I would advocate going larger if you are in doubt. Because there is not much more weight between lengths and maneuverability is not compromised.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Michel
Charlevoix, Qc. Canada
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars

Disappointing harness, bad MSR service.

6 years ago

My pair has very stiff straps and the small red release buckel broke (probably a 50 cents part). After numerous emails to Cascade (parent company of MSR), I spoke to a manager to obtain their new buckel. Impossible, liability issues, against policy, etc. I have to send back (40$ each way) and wait 3 to 4 months... a simple small plastic part that fit in a tiny envelope. Had exchange with ttheir public relations person. She refered my request ( just ship me the small part please) and I never heard back. Impossible to contact them via their WEB site. You fill up a form and their server answers back that it might take 2 months fot them to respond. Worst customer service I ever encountered, and I am 66 years young... I changed the broken buckles myself from another snowshoe brand ( a 5 minute job), and will tell my story to everyone I know. Many snowshoe companies out there that make good product and care about customer service. Unfortunately, MSR is not one of them anymore. It is a shame.

No, I do not recommend this product
Helpful?
Backwoods S.
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars

Not for backwoods snow shoeing

6 years ago

I bought the 30"" MSR Lighting Explore. They performed well except the shoe binder pivots. I had to take my snow shoe off several times during my hike and straighten the shoe binder. Very disappointed this did not stay straight. Overwise, good shoe but the bindings on my Atlas snow shoes performed perfectly. Hopefully MSR will correct this issue.

Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
ImNoSaint
Salt Lake City
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Start with These

6 years ago

Being new to the activity, I hedged a bit on buying a more advanced product, but I have no regrets in going with these shoes. The pivot is ideal, providing excellent crampon traction regardless of rake. They flex well and yet provide a reliable rigidity in floating. If the single strap binding over the top of the foot is too tight it'll created discomfort. These don't need to be cranked, just a lick or two in after engagement of the strap provides ample grip and pain free.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
JNelson22
Eden prairie, mn
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great for breaking trail

7 years ago

These things are great. Very easy to get on and off once you have the heal strap dialed in. I originally bought the EVO was explorer but I felt it didn’t do as well in heavier snow. I used this up in jay cook state park for about. 6 mile backpack with a 40 lb pack. They worked wonderfully. This is the first pair of snow shoes I’ll be ever owned. But very happy I spent the extra cash for a product that I know will last.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Terry
Vancouver Wa
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars

Very Poor Design

3 years ago

These failed on the first use. 3 miles into our snowshoeing I noticed one of my bindings flopping around. Apparently one of the pins that hold the bindings on either broke or simply fell out. Fortunately a friend happen to have a thick key ring on hand and we rigged it back together. I was 3 miles from the trail head in a few feet of fresh snow. Not the best situation for faulty gear. Fortunately REI promptly refunded my money. After reading other reviews this appears to happen often. Buyer beware.

No, I do not recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
Helpful?
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