Lineup comparison: We compared MSR snowshoes, so we'll introduce some recommended models.

Snowy mountains are certainly cold and dangerous, and on top of that, they are a very expensive activity, but it is equally true that the charm of a silver world enveloped in snow and silence is something that you can never experience in the mountains in summer, and only those who have experienced it can understand why people go to such lengths to go to snowy mountains

Snowshoes are the gear that allows you to experience the snow-bound world of winter mountains with ease, and with the recent popularity of snow hiking, the number of manufacturers entering the market has increased, and the lineup of each brand is becoming increasingly diverse.So, as the full-scale snow season begins, Outdoor Gearzine will be trying out representative models from major brands and introducing the differences in their features and how to choose the best one in several articles by brand

The first of these is MSR snowshoes. I tried out each model at Tenjindai on Mt. Tanigawa after a heavy snowfall in the third week of December. I also borrowed samples of some of the snowshoes from each brand

Please note that the following discussion assumes that you have some knowledge about snowshoes. If you find any parts of this article difficult to understand, we recommend that you also read the following article, which explains and reviews how to choose snowshoes

• Once you try it, you won't be able to stop! 3 things you need to know when choosing snowshoes ~How to choose snowshoes~
• Comparison review: Comparing shoes from the four major snowshoe manufacturers, MSR, ATLAS, TSL, and TUBBS!

table of contents

• About the MSR Snowshoe Lineup
• Specific comparison of detailed parts - Learn about the differences in use, not grades -
  • Differences between "series" = differences in frame (deck) and blade
  • Differences in "play area" = differences in binding tails
• Introducing recommended MSR snowshoe models for different occasions
  • If you enjoy walking on trails with stable snow and gentle slopes: EVO
  • If you're looking for a reliable pair of shoes for winter mountaineering and backcountry skiing: Lightning Ascent
  • If you're looking for an all-around versatile model: REVO Ascent

About the MSR Snowshoe Lineup

Each MSR snowshoe model can be distinguished to some extent by the naming convention of "series type + play area type." This makes it easier to understand the model that's right for you compared to other brands. First, let's explain what each type represents

First, let's check the manufacturer's explanation. According to the catalog and online information, the main "series types" are:

• Lightning " suitable for steep slopes
• REVO " emphasizes the balance between steep slopes and flat ground
• EVO " suitable for walking on flat ground

And the "play area type" is,

• Ascent " is perfect for climbing
• Explorer " suitable for gentle slopes
• Trail suitable for flat ground *This is the only one that is not particularly reflected in the name.

These are then combined to create the names of each model, such as "Lightning Ascent" or "REVO Explorer." For reference, let's map the entire lineup onto a matrix of different types

By type	Ascent	Explorer	(Trail)
Lightning	Lightning Ascent	Lightning Explorer
REVO	REVO Ascent	REVO Explorer
EVO	EVO Ascent		EVO
others	Denali Classic Ascent (reprint of previous model)

Specific comparison of detailed parts - Learn about the differences in use, not grades -

Well, the above division of "series x play area" seems neat at first glance, but if you look closely, it feels like they're saying the same thing. I kind of get what they're trying to say, but it's hard to really understand what the differences are, so let's take a closer look at the specific differences

Differences between "series" = differences in frame (deck) and blade

The specific differences between the Lightning, REVO, and EVO series are the overall frame (deck) and the blade structure, such as the claws and teeth (see photo below)

Comparison of frames and blades. From left: EVO Ascent, REVO Explorer, Lightning Explorer

" EVO " series on the left of the photo has a durable and flexible plastic frame, the " REVO " series in the middle is a hybrid deck that combines a plastic frame with a steel blade that is strong and has excellent grip, and the " Lightning " series on the right is a deck made of a flat aluminum frame that has high grip and is lightweight.

Lightning series: reliable on any terrain

After comparing these two, the first thing I noticed was that the Lightning series has excellent grip when it comes to its ability to walk safely and securely on any terrain. The entire 360° circumference is a blade, and the frame twists to grip the slope, regardless of the snow quality, even on traverses or uneven slopes. The two horizontal rows of blades also provide solid traction even on steep slopes, so the Lightning is clearly less slippery than other series . In particular, with the EVO series, which has fewer (weaker) horizontal blades, I had a hard time hiking up steep slopes in fresh snow.

A side view of the blade. The grip of the Lightning (right), which is made up of two horizontal rows of steel blades on the outer periphery of the frame and on the inside, provides a firm grip no matter how you place your feet

There is a charm that can only be found in the REVO and EVO series

The REVO and EVO series cannot match the Lightning series in terms of stability in harsh environments I realized this when I asked a brand representative about the difference in grip strength between the two series, and received the following answer:

With the REVO series (which has relatively weak grip on slopes), you can slide down a little. With the Lightning, the tail is also surrounded by a frame, so it gets caught there and you can't slide down a slope. The plastic deck has a short ski-like feel (at least in my opinion) when it comes to gripping the snow on the way down

While it's certainly important to be able to stop firmly, being able to slide down a snowy slope can speed you up and make the action just that little bit more enjoyable. If snow hiking is about enjoying the natural pleasures of snow, then good snowshoes don't just mean digging your toes firmly into the slope and grinding your way up and down. I felt like I'd been hit right over the head with this. Come to think of it, techniques like silissades and glissades, which allow you to slide down the snow surface, have long been a part of mountaineering skills. the Lightning Ascent , I honestly didn't even think I needed any other model, so this was an eye-opener, and I almost forgot something important.

There wasn't a clear difference in the buoyancy of each model, and they all seemed adequate for the fresh and deep snow found in North America. Whether or not your feet sink is likely to depend more on the snow quality and your own weight than on the model itself

Differences in "play area" = differences in binding tails

Next, what specific changes are there depending on the play area? Broadly speaking, there are two main differences. The first is the bindings, which are the parts to which the boots are attached

Do you want quick bindings or flexibility for different boots?

Differences in bindings. From left: EVO, Explorer x 2, Ascent x 2

Ascent bindings (though technically they are slightly different) are secured at two points, the heel and the instep, with a total of four resin bands, and although they are a little more difficult to put on and take off, they provide a flexible fit and secure fastening to any type of boot. This is a natural specification for securely fastening a variety of shoes, from hiking snow boots to backcountry ski boots.

On the other hand, Explorer bindings use a "hyperlink binding" that simply fastens at two points, the heel and instep, with buckles. Putting them on is as easy as it looks, but you need to be careful because if you don't place your foot in the correct position and fasten it, it's easy for it to slip off while you're walking . This was mainly because I wasn't used to them, but I was a little worried because the urethane shell that encases the shoe just didn't fit perfectly with the shape of the shoe. Overall, compared to Ascent bindings, it's more difficult to fine-tune the fit to suit your shoe size and shape, so it's a good idea to try the Explorer bindings on with the shoes you'll actually be wearing before purchasing.

Climbing support available

Another difference to note is that the Trail Series (EVO) is the only model that does not have a climbing support . Climbing support is a mechanism that lifts the heel when climbing, allowing the foot to be placed nearly horizontally even on steep slopes.

Using the climbing support lifts the heel, making it easier to apply consistent pressure to the snow surface even on steep slopes, making it less likely to slip

The Trail series, which is only designed for gentle slopes, does not have this mechanism, so in that sense, the EVO on mountain climbing where steep slopes are expected, you should be prepared for considerable inconvenience.

Introducing recommended MSR snowshoe models for different occasions

Taking the above differences into consideration, we will organize the recommended models when choosing snowshoes from the MSR series

For snow hiking on flat terrain: EVO

EVO

MSR

20,520 yen

1630g

It's not a category for beginners or anything like that, but unless you're climbing particularly steep slopes or going over hard, slippery slopes that require you to use your edges, the EVO, with its lightness, flexibility, and moderate traction, is more than enough, and it's also great for fun descents. It's important to note that the buckles are simple and there's no climbing support, but in return it's easy to put on and take off, and best of all, it's reasonably priced. In that sense, it's perfect for winter mountain beginners who want to get a feel for the atmosphere of winter mountaineering

If you're looking for a reliable pair of shoes for winter mountaineering and backcountry skiing: Lightning Ascent

Lightning Ascent (22 inches)

MSR

41,040 yen

1760g

I would undoubtedly recommend these snowshoes to anyone interested in rugged, varied terrain and intense ascents and descents, as well as beginners looking for a more stable landing and maximum safety. Their lightness, offering the best grip and ease of release of any snowshoe I've ever used, helped me overcome a variety of challenges, from breaking through deep snow to climbing steep slopes and traversing crusty slopes. I was unsure whether to get an Explorer-style binding, but since I often use them for multiple purposes, including winter alpine boots and ski boots, I decided on a more versatile binding. As for size, I personally don't weigh much, and I chose the lighter 22-inch size because I can add a flotation tail if necessary. It this page and other resources to decide based on your weight and the area you'll be using them in.

If you're looking for an all-around versatile model: REVO Ascent

REVO Ascent (22 inches)

MSR

34,560 yen

1840g

If you're looking for both the fun of snowshoeing and the reliability of serious winter mountaineering, this model is recommended. It offers decent buoyancy and grip, and is also fun to descend, so you're sure to enjoy any activity. Since I intended to use it for all-around activities, I chose an ascent-style binding, but if you can properly match your boots beforehand, a lighter explorer-style binding might be a better choice. However, when choosing the REVO series, be careful, as you may end up with a half-baked look. If you keep that in mind, this is a well-balanced model that will undoubtedly satisfy anyone who enjoys a wide variety of activities

We also recommend this article about snowshoeing

• Once you try it, you won't be able to stop! 3 things you need to know when choosing snowshoes ~How to choose snowshoes~
• Comparison review: Comparing shoes from the four major snowshoe manufacturers, MSR, ATLAS, TSL, and TUBBS!
• Comparison of lineup: We've compared TSL snowshoes, a talented person only knows, so we'll introduce some recommended models.
• Comparison of lineup: We've compared TUBBS snowshoes, a long-established brand that never stops innovation, so we'll introduce some recommended models.

(Reference) MSR Snowshoe Lineup Comparison Chart

   

Related reading

Comparison of lineup: We've compared TUBBS snowshoes, a long-established brand that never stops innovation, so we'll introduce some recommended models.

Review: MSR Lightning Ascent The evolved bindings are comfortable to go back once you experience them! [Comparison of new and old models]

Comparison of lineup: We've compared TSL snowshoes, a talented person only knows, so we'll introduce some recommended models.

From snow hiking to backcountry. How to choose the right snowshoes for your wonderful snowy mountain adventure