Product Name:

MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Mens
Manufacturer: MSR
Group Name: Snowshoes
Weight: 1701.0 Gram(s)
Cost (MSRP): $285.00 CDN
Hitcount: 2599
ReviewScore:

Description

“Cutting edge technology” at its most literal. The frames of these snowshoes are vertical rails of aluminum, making the entire outside edges into traction-biting blades. They provide grip in all directions: forward, backward, and side-to-side. The aluminum rail construction also makes the Lightning Ascents among the lightest snowshoes in their class.

2010 has seen the introduction of a new refined version of this snowshoe: To increase floatation, an optional cam-on tail is available. It adds 12cm of extra length, and is not compatible with pre-2010 Lightning models.

Features

Aluminum blade frame, braced with two high-strength steel cross-members.

Rotating steel crampon pivots on the front cross-member for stability and single-plane motion. (The rear cross-member acts as a heel support.)

Durable, waterproof deck fabric. Moulded urethane “Step On” binding is light, fast, and easy to use. Fits men’s footwear sizes 4-14.

Heel lift bar for greater efficiency and comfort on ascents.

Dimensions are 20 x 64cm (8 x 25in.).

Provides approximately 68 to 102kg (150 to 225lb.) of flotation, depending on snow conditions. Consider weight of user, pack, and winter clothing when sizing snowshoes.

Photographs

Review(s)Note: You can edit your own reviews after login. Add New
 
Title: I don't slide!
Score:
Written by: deeks Created Time:4/12/2007 2:41:10 PM
Strengths: Excellent Traction
Weaknesses: Paint peeling, heel lift bar was stiff at first
Conclusions: I rented a few different brands last year and ended up going with these. The MSRs in general are known for thier traction, these ones are awesome. I considered the delanis b/c they are more versatile with the option of tails however, from the weight ratings on these, even with the tails and looking at my own weight + pack... well I have a heavy pack ;-) I also considered the weight and cost of the delanis w/ tails and opted to go with the Lightnings

I've used them at least every other week since our first snow in October on everything from powder to hard packed spring snow. They offer great traction on the hard packed stuff, I've been able to go up or down angles that my companions could not without slipping. I am having the same problem with peeling paint as FB mentioned on her review of the ladies version, I'm even gettings a bit of rust, I'm trying to figure out what to do about that.
Review Based on: 6 Month(s)
Title: Incredi-grip
Score:
Written by: guntis Created Time:2/20/2008 1:29:38 PM
Strengths: Unsurpassed traction, light
Weaknesses: Poor binding system, expensive
Conclusions: Climbing a steep trail in these snowshoes is easy. I scoffed at the heel lift until I tried it...the fact is, the simple lift makes uphill hiking incredibly easy.

They are lightweight and narrow so your gait is not affected (as it would be in wider snowshoes).

Complaint: the binding system is inferior to many other types on the market. The loose end of the strap is supposed to be held in by a plastic clip. I found these came loose constantly. I wouldn't trust them on a serious backcountry journey.

Fun factor: the incredible traction means it's difficult to glissade and have to walk down.
Review Based on: 2 Month(s)
Title: Fantastic
Score:
Written by: pafcwoody Created Time:10/14/2010 6:23:54 PM
Strengths: Won't slide
Weaknesses: Won't Slide
Conclusions: I rented several different pairs of snowshoes and did lots of research before settling on the Lightening Ascent.

The MSR plastic ones are lighter but they make a lot of noise which will drive you crazy on longer hikes.

Tubular style snowshoes are light and cheap, but I've had some scary moments where they slid along in an involuntary glissade, meaning foot placement has always got to be very intentional.

These snowshoes have been developed to take you deep into the back country on a variety of surface conditions. They are not unlike wearing giant crampons. The fasteners need to be managed carefully after they have worn in as they don't stay within their 'tidiers'. It's my understanding that the new models have better fasteners. Also I have got the tails tangled once or twice, bringing me to do an ungentlemanly face plant, but that was more a case of my technique than shortcomings in these shoes. I love em.
Review Based on: 3 Year(s)