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 trial wearing project for major snowshoe brands that have been running since the end of last year. This time we will introduce the lineup of TSL, France's proud snowshoe brand.
We borrowed five models from the TSL 2016 lineup, from high-end to introductory models, as much as possible, and tried out each model at Irikasayama (rain) with little snow and Kagura Ski Resort (snow) in the 3rd and 4th week of December. As usual, the discussion from here is based on the assumption that you have some knowledge about snowshoes. If you are reading this and finding some parts that are difficult to understand, please also read the following article, which I previously explained and reviewed on how to choose snowshoes.
- Once you know it, you can't stop! Three points 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 snowshoes for different scenes
- Impossible walking performance and ease of use, it is recommended for all kinds of activities: SYMBIOZ ELITE
- High-performance fishing experience that provides stability through vertical climbing and downhill: 418/438+UP&DOWN GRIP
- If you want to walk more simply and happily on calm terrain: 305/325 RIDE
- [Bonus] Backpack packed with useful features for snowshoeing: DRAGONFLY 10/20, 15/30
table of contents
- Features of the TSL Snowshoe Lineup
- Introducing recommended TSL snowshoes models
- Impossible walking performance and ease of use, it is recommended for all kinds of activities: SYMBIOZ ELITE
- High-performance fishing experience that provides stability through vertical climbing and downhill: 418/438+UP&DOWN GRIP
- If you want to walk more simply and happily on calm 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
When you think of TSL snowshoes, you may have the impression that they are somewhat overwhelmed by the popularity of American brands in Japan these days. It is true that its history as a snow-catching gear may not exceed that of the North American continent, but it boasts a track record that is no less than that in terms of its history as a modern snow sports gear. By the way, this TSL was the first snowshoe I ever met over 10 years ago.
In 1980, when snowshoes were still oval wooden frames woven from low-hide lace, TSL founder, who had a fateful encounter while traveling to North America, saw the potential for snowshoes as a new snow sport, and immediately after returning to his hometown of France (1981) he decided to make them from easy-to-handle plastic . This was the birth of TSL, a pioneer in snowshoes as sports gear that walks on the snow and becomes familiar with nature. " The Complete Guide to Mountain Equipment (Yamato Keikokusha) ", this was faster than the aluminum alloy frame snowshoes were commercialized in North America, and the metallic Wakans were produced in Japan.
Unique form that allows for light walking
The hourglass-shaped form that is characteristic of TSL snowshoes (source: official website)
One common feature of TSL snowshoes is its smooth walking experience. No matter how snowshoes gain buoyancy on snow, the contact area of your feet will expand and it will be difficult to walk around. However, the snowshoes developed by TSL are designed to allow you to walk smoothly, without being conscious of such unnaturalness as much as possible thanks to the rational form of "HOURGLASS SHAPE," which combines tradition and science. In addition, many of the unique technologies that have been cultivated over the years (described below) make walking easier and safer. Only those who have tried it will understand the light walking experience regardless of the snow quality or terrain.
Flexible size adjustment and easy attachment and removal
The TSL snowshoes also have distinctive bindings. Basically, all of them are designed to match the length of the feet while fixing the toes and ankles, so it can be said that they are similar to the buckle of ski boots or bindings on skis. In this case, you need to adjust it to suit your shoes in advance, but there is no need to tighten the belt with too much force when wearing it, making it extremely easy to put on and take off. In that it is easy to position your feet and that if you adjust the size perfectly, you can always secure them quickly and stably, making it better than other manufacturers' methods that involve adjusting the position of your feet and the tightening of the band every time.
The bindings for TSL snowshoes are basically the same method, but the material and fixation method of the soles, toes and ankles differ depending on the grade.
Excellent grip on all-round terrain
The third feature of the TSL snowshoes is the high grip that is compatible with all terrain thanks to the plastic frame. In North America, where people often walk on gentle, deep powder snow, buoyancy was prioritized, and pipe-like frames of aluminum alloy have developed, while in mountains in Europe, where the undulations are so strong that they must deal with powder, wet snow, freezing, and various snow qualities and terrain, plastic frames are more suitable, with a good balance of flexibility to capture slopes and edges to the outer periphery of the frame. This ability to accommodate a variety of terrain is a feature that is also required in Japan, where steep terrain and diverse snow qualities are premised, and TSL snowshoes have this characteristic that is perfect for use in Japan.
Based on the basic high grip, each model is divided into various blade clampon configurations depending on the intended terrain.
Reference: A summary of the features of the snowshoes I tried on this time
| 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 the descent | ◯ | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Toe adjustment |
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|
| Ankle strap |
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|
|
|
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| Front nail | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Blade Clampon | 8 Stainless Steel Crumpon (Large) | 8 Stainless Steel Crumpon (Small) | 6+2 steel clamps + blades | 6 steel clamps + blades | 6 steel clampon |
| Climbing support | Bottom of the heel binding | Bottom of the heel binding | Frame (3 levels) | Bottom of the heel binding | Bottom of the heel binding |
| Size (cm) | 21×59 | 21×59 | 21×57.5 | 22×59.5 | 22×59.5 |
| Weight (g) | 1960 (M 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 snowshoes for different scenes
Taking these features into consideration, we will introduce some recommended models that are particularly easy to use in the TSL series.
Impossible walking performance and ease of use, it is recommended for all kinds of activities: SYMBIOZ ELITE
To be able to walk naturally with snowshoes requires a bit of consideration and accustomment, and this feeling of discomfort is more or less common in every snowshoe, but with this SYMBIOZ series, this is extremely important. It's easier to walk in than any snowshoes I've tried so far. The main reason for this is the "HYPERFLEX" mechanism made of special plastic frames that can bend (flex) as shown in the photo.
When you try to walk normally with snowshoes, your heels will inevitably thrust into the moment your feet touch the ground. However, with "HYPERFLEX", by engraving the conventional frame, the frame becomes flexible after the heel has been grounded, allowing you to walk in a natural way, just like usual. In addition, along with the aforementioned "HOURGLASS SHAPE," which makes it difficult to get caught on your feet, the frame clamp allows for an exquisite sense of unity and fine edging between the body and snowshoes, providing an all-purpose high performance, from fresh snow to mountain climbing that allows you to quickly run through more technical terrain.
This season's SYMBIOZ series comes in three models, "Elite", "Hiker", and "Motion", depending on the shape of the bidding. I've been using the previous model SYMBIOZ EXPERT since the year before last, but with this season's flagship model, "Elite", the binding's toes and ankles, the binding's buckle and tape straps make it easier to put on and take off and adjust. In addition, it has outstanding ease of use in many ways, including the grip strength of the stainless steel clamp and the balance between rigidity and lightness and flexibility caused by the carbon reinforced plate, making it a perfect pair of shoes that condenses the features of TSL snowshoes.
High-performance fishing experience that provides stability through vertical climbing and downhill: 418/438+UP&DOWN GRIP
This UP&DOWN GRIP is a new and great piece I discovered during this comparison. At first glance, it looks the same as other models, but what makes this model very different from any other snowshoe is that the inside of the frame (heel part) is missing, and in that part alone it has a structure that is similar to that of a Wakan. Seeing is a great sight, and as you can see from the photo below, you can set the height of the heel landing point in three levels by setting the heel bars in three patterns.
The heel bar appears to be in "climbing", "flat" and "down" modes from the left.
Source: Official website
By allowing you to raise and lower the height of your heel in this way, you can keep your feet flat (horizontal) not only on climbing slopes, but also on descent slopes, which are difficult to use with typical snowshoes, allowing for stable landing (photo). In other words, this model combines the high buoyancy of snowshoes with the stable climbing and descending ability of Wakan. When you actually use it, it is difficult to lean forward, especially on steep slopes, and of course, you can see that the lightness of the heel can be stepped down while maintaining its buoyancy is clearly different from other snowshoes (though of course it is meaningless on ground that is so frozen that the heel won't bite into it). In the sense that it is strong on steep slopes, which are considered relatively poor in snowshoes, it seems to be useful not only in backcountry, but also in mountain climbs where you usually bring your own Wakan but want more buoyancy.
If you want to walk more simply and happily on calm terrain: 305/325 RIDE
If you are not a beginner who is about to start snowshoeing, or if you don't need a reliable grip on various and complex terrain, or use it for climbing and descending on harsh steep slopes, then a model that is lighter, easier to walk in, simpler, easier to handle, and more than anything, a more affordable model is suitable. There are several low-priced models in the TSL lineup, but the RIDE is one of the most basic performance, and is lightweight (1590g for a size 305), making it easy to use, and has excellent cost-effectiveness. Adjusting with the resin band is a bit stiff and inconvenient, but once you do it once, you won't be able to repeat it over and over again. The clampon is also the weakest, with only the front claws and six pins, but if you turn it over, you can walk while sliding like a short ski. This is a recommended model for snow mountain light users as the easiest model to enjoy snow!
[Bonus] Backpack packed with useful features for snowshoeing: DRAGONFLY 10/20, 15/30
Finally, I would like to introduce the backpack I used together when comparing these shoes, which was surprisingly well made, so I would like to introduce them to you. It's a backpack made by a snowshoe manufacturer, and it's packed with the features you need for snowshoeing. There are two sizes: 10-20L and 15-30L, but what both have in common is that there is a strap that binds snowshoes (ski/snowboard) to the front (on the right side of the photo. The strap can be stored when not in use).
By opening and closing the front buckle, you can expand the size and make it compact without any strain. Pole attachments on both sides and zippered pockets. There are also small pockets on the top and both hip belts outside.
The 15/30L model also allows you to take luggage in and out from the back. You can instantly access a variety of gears and small items. This model is probably a very well-made model for a snowy backpack that can be purchased at an affordable price, such as a hydration tube cover with a shoulder strap designed for heat retention.
We also recommend this article about snowshoes.
- Once you know it, you can't stop! Three points 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.
