Comparison of lineup: We've compared TSL snowshoes, a talented person only knows, so we'll introduce some recommended models.
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
This is the second installment of our ongoing project to try on representative models from major snowshoe brands. This time, we will be introducing the lineup from TSL, a proud French snowshoe brand
We borrowed five models from TSL's 2016 lineup, covering as broad a range as possible, from high-end to entry-level models, and during the third and fourth weeks of December, we tried out each model at the lightly snowy Nyukasayama (rain) and the snow-covered Kagura Ski Resort (snow). As always, the following discussion assumes some knowledge of snowshoes. If you find any parts of this article difficult to understand, please 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
- table of contents
- Features of TSL Snowshoes
- Introducing recommended TSL snowshoe models for different occasions
- SYMBIOZ ELITE: Unbelievable walking performance and ease of use, recommended for all activities
- High-performance snowshoes that provide stability on vertical climbs and descents: 418/438+UP&DOWN GRIP
- For a simpler and more enjoyable walk on gentle terrain: 305/325 RIDE
- [Bonus] Backpacks packed with convenient features for snowshoeing: DRAGONFLY 10/20, 15/30
table of contents
- Features of the TSL snowshoe lineup
- Introducing recommended TSL snowshoe models
- SYMBIOZ ELITE: Unbelievable walking performance and ease of use, recommended for all activities
- High-performance snowshoes that provide stability on vertical climbs and descents: 418/438+UP&DOWN GRIP
- For a simpler and more enjoyable walk on gentle terrain: 305/325 RIDE
- [Bonus] A convenient backpack for snowshoe hiking: DRAGONFLY 10/20, 15/30
Features of TSL Snowshoes
Pioneer of plastic snowshoes
Source: Wikipedia
TSL snowshoes may seem a bit low-key in Japan these days, overshadowed by the popularity of American brands. While it's true that TSL's history as snow walking equipment may not match that of North America, they boast a history that is just as impressive as that of modern snow sports gear. Incidentally, the first snowshoes I encountered over 10 years ago were TSL
In 1980, when snowshoes were still oval wooden frames made with rawhide lace, the founder of TSL had a fateful encounter while traveling in North America. He saw the potential of snowshoes as a new snow sport, and upon returning to his native France in 1981, he came up with the idea of manufacturing them out of easy-to-handle plastic . This marked the birth of TSL, a pioneer of snowshoes as sports gear for walking on snow and becoming closer to nature. According to " The Complete Guide to Mountain Gear" (Yama to Keikokusha), this was before aluminum alloy frame snowshoes were commercialized in North America and before metal snowshoes were produced in Japan.
A unique form that allows for light walking
The hourglass shape that is the hallmark of TSL snowshoes (Source: Official website)
The common feature of all TSL snowshoes is, above all, the smooth walking experience. For snowshoes to gain buoyancy on the snow, the foot's contact area inevitably increases, making walking difficult. However, the snowshoes developed by TSL are designed to allow you to walk smoothly without being aware of this unnatural feeling, thanks to the rational "HOURGLASS SHAPE" that combines tradition and science. Many other unique technologies (described below) that have been cultivated over many years make walking even easier and safer. Only those who have tried them can understand the light and airy feeling of walking, regardless of snow quality or terrain
Flexible size adjustment and easy on/off
TSL snowshoes also have unique bindings. Basically, they all adjust to the length of your foot and secure your toes and ankles, similar to the buckles on ski boots or the bindings on skis. While you need to adjust them to fit your shoes beforehand, they are very easy to put on and take off, as you don't have to forcefully tighten the belts every time you put them on. It's easy to determine your foot position, and as long as you get the size just right, you can always get a fast and stable fit, which makes them superior to other manufacturers' methods that require you to adjust your foot position and the tightness of the bands every time
TSL snowshoe bindings are basically the same type, but the materials and fastening methods for the sole, toe, and ankle vary depending on the grade
Excellent grip on all terrain
The third feature of TSL snowshoes is their high grip on all terrain thanks to their plastic frame. In North America, where people often walk on gentle, deep powder snow, buoyancy was prioritized, leading to the development of aluminum alloy tubular frames. However, in European mountains, where the terrain is rugged and requires a variety of snow conditions and terrain, from powder to wet snow to frozen snow, a plastic frame is more suitable, offering a good balance of flexibility to grip the slope and edge effectiveness all the way to the outer edge of the frame. This ability to adapt to a variety of terrain is also a feature required in Japan, where steep terrain and diverse snow conditions are a given, and in this respect TSL snowshoes are ideally suited for use in Japan
While based on a basic high level of grip, each model is divided into various blade crampon configurations depending on the purpose and expected terrain
Reference: Comparison of the features of the snowshoes we tried on
| Deck Type | HYPERFLEX | UP&DOWN | COMPOSITE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item | SYMBIOZ ELITE | SYMBIOZ MOTION | 418/438 UP&DOWN | 305/325 TOUR | 305/325 RIDE |
| image |  SYMBIOZ ELITE |  SYMBIOZ MOTION |  418+UP&DOWN |  325+TOUR | 325+RIDE |
| grip | ◎ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | △ |
| buoyancy | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Ease of putting on and taking off | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Ease of adjustment | ◎ | △ | ◯ | △ | △ |
| Fixed force | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Ease of walking | ◎◎ | ◎◎ | ◎ | ◯ | ◯ |
| The fun of going downhill | ◯ | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Toe Adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
| ankle strap |
|
|
|
|
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| Front claw | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Blade Crampons | 8 large stainless steel crampons | 8 small stainless steel crampons | 6+2 Steel Crampons + Blades | 6 Steel Crampons + Blades | 6 Steel Crampons |
| Climbing Support | Binding heel bottom | Binding heel bottom | Frame (3 levels) | Binding heel bottom | Binding heel bottom |
| Size (cm) | 21×59 | 21×59 | 21×57.5 | 22×59.5 | 22×59.5 |
| Weight (g) | 1960 (medium size) | 1830 (M size) | 1920 (418 size) | 1980 (325 size) | 1770 (325 size) |
| Size variations | S/M/L | S/M/L | 418/438 | 305/325 | 305/325 |
Introducing recommended TSL snowshoe models for different occasions
Taking the above features into consideration, we will introduce some recommended models in the TSL series that are particularly easy to use
SYMBIOZ ELITE: Unbelievable walking performance and ease of use, recommended for all activities
It takes some care and practice to walk naturally in snowshoes, and that feeling of discomfort is more or less present with all snowshoes, but with the SYMBIOZ series, such care is completely unnecessary. They are easier to walk in than any other snowshoes I've tried. The main reason for this is the "HYPERFLEX" mechanism, a special plastic frame that can bend significantly, as shown in the photo
When walking normally with snowshoes, your heel inevitably gets caught the moment your foot touches the ground. However, with "HYPERFLEX," notches are added to the conventional frame, allowing the frame to flex once your heel touches the ground, allowing for natural foot movement just like normal. In addition, combined with the aforementioned "HOURGLASS SHAPE" that prevents your foot from getting caught, the frame crampons provide an excellent sense of unity between your body and the snowshoes and allow for precise edging, providing high performance in all situations, from fresh snow to speedy mountain climbing over more technical terrain
This season's SYMBIOZ series includes three models, "Elite," "Hiker," and "Motion," depending on the binding configuration. I've been using the previous model, the SYMBIOZ EXPERT, since two years ago, but this season's flagship model, the "Elite," features buckles and tape straps at the toe and ankle of the binding, making it much easier to put on, take off, and adjust. Other features include the excellent grip of the stainless steel crampons and the excellent balance of rigidity, lightness, and flexibility provided by the carbon reinforced plates, making it exceptionally easy to use in many ways. This is truly a pair of snowshoes that embodies all the features of TSL snowshoes
High-performance snowshoes that provide stability on vertical climbs and descents: 418/438+UP&DOWN GRIP
The UP&DOWN GRIP is a new masterpiece that I discovered during this comparison. At first glance, it looks the same as other models, but what makes this model significantly different from other snowshoes is that the inside of the frame (heel area) is hollow, making it more similar in structure to snowshoes. Seeing is believing, and as you can see in the photo below, by setting the heel bar in three different patterns, you can set the height of your heel's landing point in three different positions
The heel bar is set to "climb," "flat," and "descent" modes from left to right
Source: Official website
Being able to raise and lower the heel height in this way allows you to keep your feet flat (horizontal) not only on uphill slopes, but also on downhill slopes, which are difficult with regular snowshoes, allowing for a stable landing (photo). In other words, this model combines the high buoyancy of snowshoes with the stable climbing and descending ability of crampons. When actually using them, you can feel the difference in how easily you don't lean forward, especially on steep descents, and how easily you can push your heels down while still maintaining buoyancy (of course, this is pointless on frozen ground where your heels don't dig in). In terms of being strong on steep slopes, which are relatively difficult for snowshoes to handle, these snowshoes are perfect not only for backcountry adventures, but also for mountain climbing, where you would normally bring crampons but would like more buoyancy
For a simpler and more enjoyable walk on gentle terrain: 305/325 RIDE
For beginners just starting out in snowshoeing, or those who don't require a reliable grip on steep ascents or descents or varied, complex terrain, a lighter, easier-to-walk-in model is more appropriate. While the TSL lineup includes several budget-friendly models, the RIDE offers the minimum basic functionality, is lightweight (1590g for the 305 size), and is easy to use, making it a particularly cost-effective model. While the resin band adjustment is somewhat stiff and inconvenient, once you've done it, you won't need to repeat the adjustments often. The crampons are also on the weaker side, with only a front claw and six pins, but on the flip side, they allow you to glide along while walking, just like on short skis. This is the easiest model for enjoying snow, and is highly recommended for light snow-mountain users!
[Bonus] Backpacks packed with convenient features for snowshoeing: DRAGONFLY 10/20, 15/30
Finally, I'd like to introduce the backpack I used during this comparison, which turned out to be surprisingly well-made. As you'd expect from a backpack made by a snowshoe manufacturer, it's packed with all the features you need for snowshoeing. There are two sizes, 10-20L and 15-30L, but what they both have in common is that they have straps on the front to tie down your snowshoes (skis/snowboard) (see photo on the right; the straps can be tucked away when not in use)
The front buckle allows you to expand the pack or compact it without it feeling bulky. There are pole attachments on both sides, plus a zippered pocket. There are also small pockets on the exterior, on the top and on both hip belts
The 15/30L model also allows for easy access to your gear and accessories from the back. It also features a hydration tube cover on the shoulder strap for added warmth, making it a highly-finished model for a snowy season backpack at an affordable price
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!
- Lineup comparison: We compared MSR snowshoes, 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.
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