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MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Men's
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Unlike traditional, tubular-shaped snowshoes which often lack necessary grabbing power on uneven terrain, the MSR Men's Lightning Ascent Snowshoe features a 360-Degree Traction Frame with serrated edges so that you can traverse icy slopes and navigate steep terrain with greater confidence. Designed for go-getters looking to move up the mountain quickly, the aggressively designed Lightning Ascent delivers deep grip without weighing a metric ton.
- Durable frame made from aircraft aluminum features 360-degree traction for supreme grip over challenging technical terrain
- Pivot Crampon shares a rotating hinge with your binding to provide secure traction regardless of your foot position or the angle of terrain
- PosiLock AT binding employs four straps for a precise fit and a freeze-resistant, two-piece urethane body that securely conforms to a wide variety of winter footwear
- The binding's low-friction Speed Straps attach to stainless steel hardware for easy adjustments
- The Ergo Televator heel lift system reduces calf fatigue, conserves energy, and improves traction on the steeps—the intuitive design engages in seconds with a simple flick of your pole
- Optional Modular Flotation Tail allows you to custom-tailor your footprint size to match trail conditions—attach the connector piece when expecting powder, and leave it off for hardpack (sold separately)
- Made in Seattle, USA
Bottom Line: Superior traction, performance, and comfort for winter expeditions.
Talk shop with all the gear freaks out there: ask 'em questions, upload/browse photos, and give your 2¢.
Awesome Snowshoes
By:
Ryan Roeber
March 17, 2012
Used these for mountaineering in the White Mountains. Floatation of these are awesome. They bite into hard snow, giving your sure footedness even when it does get steep. I used these on the way up Avalon, and the trail gets quite steep there, and just throw the heel lifter up, and you can cruise up no problem. I'm 170 lbs, and about 200 with a pack, and the 25" are great, gives floatation, and still small enough to be very maneuverable.
sticks to anything
By:
Kevin R.
January 12, 2012
While not as light as the Evo or as packable (but then again, what shoe is), these are fantastic. I have put uncountable miles on these in many boots and they fit them all. The heel lifter and aggressive edges make going up the steeps as easy as can be and the HUGE well allows a great natural movement of the boot at any angle. When the snow is to deep or steep for skins and too soft for crampons or you are just trying to hike it out to the falls for an ice climbing day, this shoe is more then you could ever ask for and will never let you down.
I live in Colorado, and intend to start climbing 14ers. I'm
I live in Colorado, and intend to start climbing 14ers. I'm wondering if there is a significant enough difference between these and the Evo Ascents to warrant the money. I know I want an aggressive snowshoe to tackle whatever conditions are up on the mountains, but can't really decide between the two. Are the Lightning's more durable than the Evo's, or anything else significant to cause such a price difference?
By: rob4855723
January 16, 2012
My buddy rocks the EVO's. He's done all the CO 14ers at least one time. He's about 220-230 with a loaded pack. He has had no problems with them and uses the optional tail extensions. I use the Lightning 30's and have had no problems, and don't use the tail extensions. I weigh 240 loaded up with all my gear. Make sure that if there is super deep pow then you have the appropriate tail extensions based on your total loaded weight.
By: Joe4696420
January 17, 2012
Break Time Pika Glacier Denali Park Alaska
By: rka5408264
February 4, 2012
Thoughts from a rookie
By:
rlo5457118
March 1, 2012
So I bought these as they were on sale and went out this past weekend where I did two trails with them. First, I'm 5'10" and 215 lbs and they worked quite well. I think I will get the tails though for extra flotation. The snow was quite 'sugary' so I don't think any snowshoe would have stayed afloat very well. All in all very comfortable, didn't have to change my style of walking that much. The Ergo Televator heel lift system was definitely nice to have for those inclines. Traction was good. Straps were easy to get on and off. The bindings can accommodate VERY wide boots (ie Baffin Endurance). I was overall very pleased with them as my first snowshoe.
Are these snowshoes snowboard boot compatible. And what would
Are these snowshoes snowboard boot compatible. And what would your recommendation be for the best snowshoes for hiking in the backcountry with snowboard boots on?
By: rob4511588
November 19, 2011
Absolutely would work with snowboard boots. As R. Pitman mentioned, you can buy tail extensions for these if you find you need some extra surface to hold up your pack weight. The Evo Ascents are also great. Allow for a little more lateral torsion on uneven terrain and also have the tail extensions.
By: Nathan Belz
January 10, 2012
These are great shoes for when you want to hike up with your favorite solid board. They are slighly heavier than the Evo, but have better float in the soft light stuff. I've used 3 different MSR shoes and settled on the Evo tour, with the added float tails in my back. The bindings take some set up time before you head out but will fit a wide range of footwear. I'm a size 11 in ThirtyTwo and 10.5 DC, both fit great. Enjou
By: Reid Pitman
November 28, 2011
Hey there, from the looks of the binding/straps, I would say you should be able to fit snowboard boots in these... The best method for back country travel? A splitboard... www.mnttechnologies.com... I never carried my snowboard again... if you go the snowshoe route, make sure you get some big enough to carry all your gear, etc!
By: Dean Whitehead
November 21, 2011
Great Snowshoe
By:
Tim Erickson
January 1, 2012
Have made many trips in these shoes in mostly powder snow conditions. A few likes: 1) I love the ease at which they go on. With an aging hip, it is nice that they "lace" from the inner side of my boot, rather than the outer. 2) Good when crossing icy slopes. The outer frame helps with the traction. 3) At 180lbs, I have the large size and float well on loose powder. 4) I will never buy another pair of snowshoes that don't have the wire "lift" that snaps into place when ascending. That is such a calf saver!!
Dislikes -- I keep tearing at my loose fit pants because the metal frame isn't smooth and catches my snowpants. So wear these only when you have ballistic cloth or thick gaiters, such as Outdoor Research, on the inside of your leg.
Great Snowshoe
By:
Tim Erickson
January 1, 2012
Have made many trips in these shoes in mostly powder snow conditions. A few likes: 1) I love the ease at which they go on. With an aging hip, it is nice that they "lace" from the inner side of my boot, rather than the outer. 2) Good when crossing icy slopes. The outer frame helps with the traction. 3) At 180lbs, I have the large size and float well on loose powder. 4) I will never buy another pair of snowshoes that don't have the wire "lift" that snaps into place when ascending. That is such a calf saver!!
Dislikes -- I keep tearing at my loose fit pants because the metal frame isn't smooth and catches my snowpants. So wear these only when you have ballistic cloth or thick gaiters, such as Outdoor Research, on the inside of your leg.
Standard
By:
Jordan Scampoli
December 2, 2011
The absolute standard when it comes to quality and functionality. Add the tails for multi- or super-heavy-pack days. I never have busted my straps..but if you need to they are easily replaced with ski straps or MSR sells a replacement kit. I've used these all over New England including wind scoured Presi-traverses when crampons were overkill and deep pow trailbreaking.
Stick with the Lightning Ascent though, I'm a bit skeptical of the "Speedlock" system and the Flash lacks the same crampon structure that the Ascent has. The Lighting Axis and Flash seem to have too many moving parts...very few parts for Murphy's Law to prove itself on the Lightning Ascent.
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Men's
By:
hussjim2372733
January 26, 2012
Not much to say, these are the standard, straps easy to adjust with gloves on, well built in the USA.
If there was a wish with them, that would be to add a very agressive crampon, I was in conditions of slick dry powder on top of ice in steep terrain.
"GRIPTION"
By:
7speeder1025984
November 27, 2011
Great 'shoes. VERY good lateral traction and very durable. You don't have to baby these babies. I also have Atlas 30" 'shoes and I much prefer my Lightning Ascent 30s.
Atlas just released the "Aspect", their copy of of the Lightning Ascent. (Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.)
Change me.
Research out-of-stock versions:
Please choose an option to order this item.
Yellow, 30in (239.96)
Yellow, 25in (215.96)
Matte Black, 30in (239.96)
Awesome Snowshoes
Used these for mountaineering in the White Mountains. Floatation of these are awesome. They bite into hard snow, giving your sure footedness even when more...
sticks to anything
While not as light as the Evo or as packable (but then again, what shoe is), these are fantastic. I have put uncountable miles on these in many boots more...
- Frame Material:
- aircraft-grade aluminum
- Binding System:
- PosiLock (AT binding)
- Crampon Material:
- aircraft-grade aluminum, stainless steel
- Deck Material:
- urethane
- Binding Material:
- PosiLock (3 toe straps, 1 heel)
- Snowshoe Weight:
- [22 in ] 3 lb 13 oz; [25 in ] 3 lb 15 oz; [30 in ] 4 lb 7 oz
- Recommended User Weight:
- [22 in] 100 - 180 lb; [25 in] 120 - 220; [30 in] 150 - 280
- Recommended Use:
- winter backcountry adventures over rugged, uneven terrain
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime