Is there any kick-up of snow with these? I had a pair by Atlas that threw tons up on my back! Looking for a good alternative "starter" pair..

I've experience little to no kick-up with them. My backside is always dry. Well, until I sit on my bumper for a post hike beer.

One of the best features of the MSR snowshoes is the pivot. The problem you experienced with your Atlas snowshoes had to do with the webbing pivot that didn't allow the snowshoe to fall away once you picked up your foot. Instead it literally shot back toward your leg and back due to the tension the webbing created thus kicking up snow almost the entire length of your back. The MSR snowshoes have a free-falling pivot with a stopper that allows the snowshoe to fall away once it's picked up, but not so much that it causes you to stumble as in many snowshoes that have 90 degree pivots. This along with the best traction and durability of any snowshoe on the planet makes them easy to walk in, less noticeable on your feet, and ultimately snowshoes you can't wait to put on! I would also add the binding is one that you adjust once while securing them to your feet, and forget. They aren't made from nylon webbing which can stretch and freeze, but from a super durable rubber composite that conforms to your foot. This binding allows the snowshoe to become one with your foot without the constant need of readjusting and re-tightening. Once you get the hang of it, they are super easy to put on and take off, even with mittens. If a strap breaks (unlikely) it can be field-repaired without tools unlike many snowshoes where the straps are riveted on (they are inexpensive to buy as well). The combination of all these attributes makes the MSR Evos some of the best snowshoes out there and definitely the best value of any snowshoe.