MSR Snowshoes Reviews | All Men / Women MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe Reviews

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ALL MEN / WOMEN MSR LIGHTNING ASCENT SNOWSHOE REVIEWS

Read the reviews below to find out what other customers are saying about the men's and women's MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes.

Very Pleased

this MSR Lightning Ascent men's snowshoes review by Keith

Went snowshoeing once and was hooked, so decided on the best. My only suggestion would be a more secure heel strap.

Product is Excellent

this MSR Lightning Ascent women's snowshoes review by TAP1

Product is excellent, easy to strap on and use. Found the ordering to be very easy and convenient to follow. Nice response on confirmation of product from ORS.

Best Snowshoes for Safety + Best Site/Store/Knowledgeable

this MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by Alex

ORS (Onion River Sports) Snowshoes Direct is the best site/store for snowshoes & accessories. They are located in Montpelier, Vermont (a very cold area, close to the Canadian/USA border). They have been in business since 1974. They are rated A+ (the highest rating by the Better Business Bureau). Based on my experience with ORS, they know and have pride in their trade! I am new to snowshoes since we do not have snow in Miami, Florida. For the past few years, my family has wanted to have a vacation in a snow area in the future. I began to do research to what was available in order to purchase snow gear. I found the ORS videos described in detail the features/benefits of the different brands of snowshoes that they sell. I selected MSR because they are made in Seattle, WA. The MSR snowshoes are a bit more expensive than other brands made abroad, but their design offer the best traction for safety. MSR also offers the 5” snowshoe extensions for added weight capacity. I sent an email to ORS and another 5 web sellers describing what I wanted to purchase (3 MSR Lighting Ascent Snowshoes + a couple of accessories) and requested a price quote. ORS was the first to reply to my email and they offered the best price. They also offered free ground shipping on purchases over $100. The package was shipped & arrived fast. In the packaging, ORS used paper in between each snowshoe to reduce the risk of scratching each other in route. Their customer sales/service is the best. Looking at their site they have other ORS companies that offer Cross County Skis & Gear, Bicycles, Car Racks, Camping & Hiking Gear, Outdoor Clothing & Footwear and Baby Strollers/Joggers. I was very happy with ORS Snowshoes Direct excellent service, so I would recommend them without any hesitation. If you are in the market to purchase any snow gear, give ORS a try. Based on my experience you would not be disappointed.

Best All Condition All-Terrain Snowshoes That I Have Used

this MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by PSW

I have used many brands of snowshoes and MSR Lightning Ascents are by far the best shoes that I have used. Excellent going up and down steep grades. Very good at going across the side of a hill. Lots of traction. Very light in weight. Comfortable bindings. Foot stays nice and straight in the bindings. Lightning Tails are a nice feature for the deep snow. Easy to install. Well worth the $$$.

ORS is Great to Work With

this MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by megacab52

I decided on the MSR Lightning Ascents (and the Tubbs Mountaineer women snowshoes for my wife) and went looking for a retailer to purchase them from. orssnowshoesdirect.com was who I decided on. Their price was competitive, they had free shipping and the people I talked to on the phone knew snowshoes. So many of the online retailers I talked too did not know or use snowshoes which was not the case with ORS. I ordered them in the morning and they shipped on the same day. I found their video reviews helpful as well. If I was to do it over again I wouldn't change a thing. You will not be disappointed in buying from ORS.

Just What I Was Looking For

this MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by Rich

I went to a local snowshoe demo day on Mt Hood Oregon in January. I made sure I was there early so I was able to try all the top rated snowshoes from the 3 major suppliers that were there. The MSR Lightning Ascent 25" snowshoes are the ones I liked the best. I felt that it had the best grip on side hills and going straight up the banks. On the flats they all performed well. Having grips all around the outside of the snowshoes works practically well on the ice crested snow I was on a couple of weeks ago. I was following my wife and watching how her snowshoes were working. We both got new snowshoes and she chose a different brand. Her snowshoes would pivot and slide around the center cleats on the side slope. The MSR Lightning Ascent did not slip at all with the outside cleats digging in. I also liked how the incline bar snapped up and down. The others I tried came up easy but I had a hard time getting them flipped back down while bending over. The straps held my boots snugly in place. I never felt like my pack boots ever moved with the 3 straps system that the MSR Lightning Ascents use. I am about 200 lbs and could have gone to either the 25” or 30” snowshoe. After trying them on I decided to stay with the 25 inch ones. If I need 30” snowshoes I will just purchase the 5” extensions that MSR sells for the Lightning Ascent. I tried out the extension at the demo day. They worked well but I think for most conditions I would not need them. One big snow might change my mind. I like having that option for the future. I have been told while shopping the local sporting good stores that the MSR Lightning Ascent were an over kill for what I was going to do. I am a beginner and use them mainly for day hikes in the Oregon Cascades. But I have found that it is cheaper to buy the best and what I want right from the start. There is no economy in buying, being disappointed, selling and buying what you really wanted afterwards. I couldn’t be happier. I made the right choice with the MSR Lightning Ascent 25”.

Most Advanced Full Featured Shoe Out There

this MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by Jon

When researching what snowshoes to purchase I knew I wanted the best. MSR delivers! Unreal traction, superb comfort, and ease of use. You just can't go wrong.

Perfection on Snow!

this MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by Chip

The Lightning Ascent lives up to all of the claims that you read in the company literature and the operational videos. From the ease at which you can secure and release the bindings, the tenacious hold and confidence you have climbing any terrain, to the great design allowing easy replacement of all key parts should they wear out or break on the trail. A trail side repair kit is available to carry with you as well as extra binding straps should one break. The binding albiet simple is perfect, having 3 straps over the foot, if one breaks you have two more to get you home.... As a member for 25 years of the National Ski Patrol I rate this product very highly, and will use it in my search and rescue activities. Good hiking...

Perfect!

this MSR Lightning Ascent woman's snowshoes review by DD

My first pair of snowshoes, probably my last! They are light, easy on and off, and I love the narrow design for women!

Great Service / Great Snowshoes

this MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by rtfisher

It took me awhile to decide between the MSR's and the Atlas 12's. After trying both, it was clear to me that the MSR's were simple to use, provided excellent traction and stable footing in the 12" of new powder snow we just received. I also found you can leave the heel strap done up. Just undo the front straps and step out of the shoes. To put them back on just place you heel against the heal strap and fasten back the front straps. Real easy. The shoes are nice to pack since the straps lay flat. Finally, the straps don't catch brush. I'd be worried about that with the Atlas shoes. One other nice feature is the 5" extension piece you can add on. I also want to thank the staff at ORS for allowing me to try out the Atlas shoes (carefully) before making this selection. Great outfit and I'll be back.

Awesome on the Ice!

this men & women MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by D. Corey

First trip was up Giant Mountain in New York. The shoes worked perfectly. There was ice in the lower part and the shoes gripped well. There were three of us trying these out and not one slipped. All straps held tight. Second trip was up Slide Mountain in the Catskills, NY. There was deeper snow and the shoes felt great!

Great Grip On Sidehills

this MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by K. Floyd

I love these shoes, easy to use, and the design of the Lightning Ascents works really great on crossing steep sidehills. Great grip. I weigh about 200 lbs and bought the 30".

GREAT

this MSR Lightning Ascent snow shoes review by JAMIE

I do alot of backwoods mountain hiking looking for those moose antlers here in Vermont. The MSR Lightning Ascents are great. I weigh about 220 lbs, I use the 30" size.

SATISFACTION

this men & women MSR Lightning Ascent review by midwest shoerz

We ordered both the mens and womens Lightning Ascents 25" as our first snowshoe purchase. We researched all the shoes on ORS and watched the comparison video. As first timers we wanted a shoe that would cover all situations we might encounter. The LAs met our every expectation. They arrived quickly. They were easy to put on and adjust to. The strapping system worked perfectly in the cold and snow. They have never slipped yet on any of the fairly steep terrain we have been on. The heel lifters worked great, but were not necessary because the traction is so good (we havent gone too extreme yet however). We never had any feeling of the stappings coming loose, and it was extremely easy to walk in them. They cleaned up quickly and were easy to store in out MSR tote bags. We were very pleased with not only the product, but with ORS Snowshoes Direct's friendly, courteous staff, who helped us along the way with our decision.

Great Snowshoes

this MSR Lightning Ascent women snowshoes review by CA Snowshoer

I've only been snowshoeing a couple of times, and these are great beginner shoes (much nicer than the other ones I've used)- no sliding down hills, no tripping over myself, no flipping snow on myself. Great traction, love the riser bars - they cost more than most others, but in my opinion, are well worth the money.

Take Me Anywhere!

this MSR Lightning Ascent women snowshoes review by Wanda

Light. Great traction. Not too wide.

The Ferrari of Snowshoes...Fast and Responsive!

this MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by RockDaddy

I snowshoe in the Alps on mixed ice, rock and snow. After waiting for a helicopter to lift out my friend, who wore substandard snowshoes and paid the price with a dislocated shoulder on the descent, I decided to go big and get the best shoe I could find. The guide providing us avalanche rescue training last week calls these shoes "Ferrari's". If you're just slogging through powder, save your money and buy something cheaper. But if you're making ascents and descents with a load on your back, and appreciate the sense of security that comes with knowing you have the best equipment, these are the shoe to go for. The first time you transition from snow to ice on a descent, or make a technical traverse, you will know exactly what I mean. They bite like a bulldog and don't let go.

Fit's natural stride for comfortable movement in snow

this women MSR Lightning Ascent review by sheilaC from NM

I LOVE my new pair of women's lightening ascent. Went out for a trail hike after a big snowstorm in NM, I felt secure and comfortable, consequently, stayed out on the trails much longer than anticipated...which is a very good thing! Can't wait for Yellowstone! Easy to adjust, no problems with the fitting, bindings supported a natural stride and movement.

Awesome Snowshoes

this women MSR Lightning Ascent review by Lake Tahoe Debbie

These are the best snowshoes I have ever used. I climb very steep stuff on my good days and rolling terrain on others. They are grippy and handle it all. I go quite a bit as I like to take my dogs out in the woods. Light and EZ.

Best Snowshoes for My Application

this MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by kyle

I needed a set of snowshoes that were easy to use, light, and got great traction on very steep slopes. I am more than satisfied with my Lightning Ascents. I have used them at least a couple times a week for the past month. Could not have enjoyed the outdoors near as much with out them. I would have rated the snowshoes excellent except for a tiny little improvement they could make. The rear heel strap could use an extra strap holder to keep the same strap setting all the time. I've used many different brands and sizes. The MSR Lightning Ascents are by far the best I've tried, backpacking, hiking, hunting, and icefishing.

Ideal for "ALL" Snowshoe Enthusiasts, Worth The Cost!

this MSR Lightning Ascent review by NM Snow Lover

I recently purchased these snowshoes from ORS Snowshoes Direct after snowshoeing for several months with a similar type/brand. On average I snowshoe 4 days a week (if not more) at an elevation of 8500ft ascending to 10000ft with each daily climb. My ascents are steep (up advanced ski hills and rugged mountain trails)and snowfall/type conditions vary from day to day from soft to packed powders. Our local snowshoe club as well as search and rescue groups swear by these shoes. You cannot fail when considering them for steep climbs and rolling terrain. Easy on and off, stable and secure mounting onto boots providing a firm and stable base with each step yet not slowing one down on active hiking adventures. The heel elevator feature is irreplaceable when ascending hilly terrain. Make the MSR Lightning AScent snowshoe your first and last choice when choosing an all terrain snowshoe.

I Like Them

this women MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes review by Myrna

Never having tried or rarely even seen any other snowshoes, it would be hard for me to compare, but they are easy to walk in. I live in Eastern Nebraska where most people, even clerks in sporting goods stores, think snow shoes are snow boots. Any trails I want to travel I have to make myself. I found the ORS video very helpful. We recently had 2 feet of snow, and I have been chugging through it, sinking in about 6 inches in the powder and a little deeper in the bigger drifts. The bindings seemed hard to use at first, but they are loosening up and are now much easier.

Glad I Chose These Shoes

this MSR Lightning Ascent review by D. Henry

I chose the MSR Lightning Ascents because I wanted the lightest snowshoes I could get, and I got them. These things barely weigh anything at all and they work great. They have great traction on steep hills, and the climbing bar really helps to put more pressure on the frame for even better grip. And the bindings are easy to use and they never loosen. Just make sure you don’t over tighten them. I did the first time I used them and my feet went to sleep. Not a good thing on a cold day!

The Best Snow Shoes I've Ever Had

this MSR Lightning Ascent review by love2hike

I love to snowshoe and have been snowshoeing for over 20 years. I have gone through at least 4 different pairs and I can say that the MSR Lightning Ascent snow shoes are the best so far. I have no problem staying on top of the snow, and with the narrow design, they are by far the easiest to walk in.

Great Snowshoe, Difficult Exit/Entry

this MSR Lightning Ascent review by U. Nehal

First, ORS is great to deal with. They really know their stuff and have great selection at the right price. The shipping is incredibly speedy -- I got the snowshoes two days after placing the order. I had initially wanted the Tubbs Mountaineer, but they sold out. So I then got the Ascent. The Lightening Ascent is a fully loaded snowshoe with tons of traction and narrow enough to navigate small spaces easily and allow for a natural gait. I was disappointed by the new binding system though. Having previously had a single pull Atlas Electra 923 that constantly came off my foot, I liked the idea of three straps across the foot for security. But, the three straps across the foot and the one heel strap, while secure once properly fastened, are hard to get in/out of. They replaced the clips for excess strap with a new system with rivets that are very hard to get into the holes. My hands were freezing and cramping up while trying to get my snowshoe on. I ended up going for the Lightening Axis as it has the speedlock binding, the same traction, and a little cheaper (and comes in purple!). But the back strap in the Axis has the same difficult rivet. I gave up on trying to get it in the hole (thought it was only to keep the excess strap from flapping)....and that resulted in my snowshoe coming off mid-hike. In the Axis, the "optional" middle strap comes off the snowshoe on it's own (that's not an issue with the Ascent). I do like that MSR now has add-on tails that can extend your snowshoe for deeper snow conditions (two snowshoes in one). I like how light they are and how compact they are to carry/stow. I like that they shed snow (no snow thrown on you like Atlas) yet don't swing all the way forward. I found it easier to back up than friends wearing Tubbs (but maybe that's skill-based..friends were newbies). From what I understand, MSR is more of a mountain-oriented snowshoe used by professionals (search and rescue teams) while Tubbs is more of a traditional snowshoe. I see Tubbs at most snowshoe rental places. I like the ease and comfort of Tubbs binding best. But in terms of adaptability in multiple terrains and traction, MSR seems to offer more for your money (plus MSR is still U.S. made). But, the recent changes to MSR seem to not be fully field tested and I expect next year's models will address the issues. The materials seem very durable (time will tell) but the painted frame of the snowshoe gets scratched and paint chips off quickly (already looks "worn" after a single use). You might want to go with the silver color that will show less wear since these snowshoes are supposedly going to last you a lifetime. If you call the company that makes MSR (Cascade Designs), they will send you clips for free to replace the rivets. The rivet fastener was really my biggest issue with the snowshoe.

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