Atlas E12 Series Elektra Snowshoe - Women's - 2008 BCS

Pros: easy to put on, lightweight, tapered a bit so I didn't step on my other foot, great traction.

Cons: the way the metal teeth/grips are configured at the bottom allows snow to be compacted and stuck to the bottom of the snowshoe so now you're lifting up the weight of the snow as well. My friend had the MSR's and didn't have this problem. Wasn't as bad on groomed trails and not going so far but on ungroomed trails it's a problem esp. when you go for miles lifting up the extra snow.

I really wanted to like these, but both times I tired them I ended up completely covered in snow up my backside. I went the other day with a friend who rented a pair, and he didn't have this problem (I assumed it was just part of the sport...silly me). I'm planning on getting the MSR Lightning Assent shoes, as I have read the reviews and they look decent.

These are nice snowshoes. What others said about throwing snow at the bum is correct. I solved it with putting on gaiters-don’t even notice the snow anymore. However they are very comfortable due to suspension and are very easy to put on. I am 130 lbs and with day pack on my back stayed on top of 12” of powdery snow on my snowshoes. Love them!

I've now had these snowshoes for 2 seasons and they're the best I've tried yet (although I also like MSR snowshoes too). They're lightweight, easy to strap on to your boots (even with mittens), and your foot stays put. The heal is also very useful when going on steep hikes.

I am going to answer my own question: I tested both Atlas 12 and MSR Lightning Ascent - they are both amazing but I found that MSR is great if the snow conditions are icy and steep hills whereas Atlas 12 just as good except you have to kick in the toes to grip when going uphill, however coming downhill is quite fun, you can run downhills without tripping over the snowshoes (which I did when accidently stepped on the other shoe with MSR). Overall, they both are amazing so it is a matter of personal preference.

I learnt what spring loaded really means with these snowshoes...it means wet bum! Atlas are the brand of snowshoe you see out on the trails that kick up a lot of snow directly at the user's bum. Now if you can get past the feeling of having snowballs thrown at your backside for the hours your are treking, then these snowshoes are great. Really, they are smooth to walk with felt nice and light and were plenty grippy. Just wish someone had told me they flung snow at you before I bought them.