Review: MSR Lightning Ascent Bindings: Once you experience the evolved comfort, you'll never go back! [Comparing the old and new models]

MSR's Lightning Ascent series of snowshoes, which are trusted worldwide for their safety and ease of use that can withstand tough mountaineering, has been unexpectedly renewed this season

I say "no way" because the previous model was already impeccably perfect. Lightweight and compact, it offered excellent grip and a comfortable fit, and was also highly durable. As a snowshoe for use in Japan's steep mountains with a wide variety of snow conditions, it was widely supported by everyone from serious backcountry snowboarders to alpinists

However, when it comes to renewing such a classic model, it's easy to feel anxious rather than excited. So what's the truth behind it? We immediately compared it to the previous model and checked out the improvements in the new model

I compared it with Mt. Tanigawa, which is covered in soft, fluffy snow, though only knee-deep

Main specifications and evaluation

What's changed? Detailed comparison review

When I saw the latest model at the exhibition, I honestly felt more anxious than anything

The bindings have been significantly revamped this time. The latest model has been changed to a "Paragon Binding," a structure in which a mesh-like urethane resin completely covers the instep. This part can be considered the heart of the shoe, determining its stability and ease of walking. Personally, I can say that it looks a little flimsy than before. With winter mountain gear, the harsh environment means that durability and ease of repair are among the most important factors, so I was interested (or rather worried?) in the new model, wondering if these features had been compromised

The conventional model is also sold

Only after its release did we realize that the latest model will retain the name "Lightning Ascent," while the previous model will be sold alongside it as the "Lightning 3-Strap Ascent." From this, we can infer that the latest model is not a simple successor to the previous model, but rather a variation that meets modern needs, separate from the previous model

So, here we'll take a closer look at the differences between these two models, focusing on the type of users each model is designed for

The blue frame model (left) is the traditional 3-strap model, while the black frame model (right) uses the latest Paragon binding

No changes other than the binding

The MSR Lightning Ascent has a lightweight and simple design, with a sawtooth aluminum frame and a durable fabric deck. However, its durability is what you'd expect from an MSR, and I've been using the previous model for a long time and it has never broken

The structure of the latest model has not changed, and when you look at it from the front, you can see that the only difference between the latest model and the previous model is the binding part

On the flip side, the Lightning Ascent's greatest feature is its serrated edges and sharp steel crampons that allow for 360° traction

There is no difference between the old and new models here either

The tail section also comes standard with a heel lift (Tele-Lab), which raises the heel to make it easier to climb steep climbs

The weight is slightly lighter than the previous model

When we actually weighed each of the 22-inch models, the latest model was 1,900 grams and the previous model was 1,817 grams, meaning that the latest model is only about 100 grams heavier. When you're on a snowy mountain, you're prepared for the weight to begin with, and the weight can easily change depending on the snow conditions when you're walking with them on, so it's not a big deal, but it's something to be aware of if you want to strip down as much as possible. If you're looking for the lightest option, the 22-inch 3-strap model is the one to go for

The latest "Paragon Binding" is incredibly comfortable to wear

First, without further ado, please watch the video below, which compares the installation speed

While it took about 1 minute and 40 seconds to put on both feet with the previous 3-strap model, with the latest Paragon bindings, I was able to put on both feet in just under 30 seconds

I'm a 3-strap model enthusiast, and I'm fairly used to wearing snowshoes and crampons (I think), so I don't think this time is extremely slow. The 3-strap model in particular can be difficult to determine the front and back position of your feet if you're not used to it, so some people may take even longer. The time-consuming attachment of the previous model was, in fact, the only weak point of these snowshoes

On the other hand, with the new Paragon bindings, you can adjust the size of the front mesh strap to your shoes beforehand, then simply place your feet into the snowshoes and tighten the heel strap where your toes rest, and you'll instantly be locked into the ideal position

Since the toe is fixed at the tip, it is easier than you might think to fasten the heel strap. This securely holds the front and back of the boot in place, achieving the ideal position

Once the heel strap is securely fastened, simply thread the excess strap through your belt loop

The strap loop has been changed from the conventional hook type to a loop type that passes through a hole, reducing the risk of it coming off while walking

Even if you adjust it at home, if it doesn't fit properly when you actually put it on in the field, you'll need to tighten the mesh strap at the toe to get a good fit. For details on how to put it on, please refer to the instructions on the official website

If the shoes still move, tighten the mesh straps on both sides to adjust the tightness. The straps are flexible, so you can pull them up and secure them while wearing your inner gloves

Other companies' snowshoes that are easy to put on and take off include models that use the "Boa system." In comparison, Boa makes it easier to make fine adjustments, but you still have to tighten and loosen the bindings every time you put them on and take them off. On the other hand, Paragon bindings don't require this if you've already fitted your shoes beforehand, so it can be said that they offer almost the same ease of use

The mesh strap was easy to put on and take off, but it also held the bag in place better than I expected

No matter how tightly you fasten it, it never feels too tight, and you'll be amazed at how comfortable it is to wear

Now that I was blown away by how smoothly they were put on, I'll continue with my impressions after actually walking in them

The most unexpected thing about the new bindings was the change in tightness

The traditional three-strap design simply straps onto the instep, so you can directly feel whether the straps are tight or not. The tighter you tighten them, the more pressure is applied to the instep (from above the shoe). In other words, if you tighten them too much, it could have a slight effect on blood flow

On the other hand, with the latest model, even when the shoe is fastened firmly, pressure is distributed evenly across the entire instep, so there is no such feeling of pressure, making for an extremely comfortable fit

Even when fitted to the exact size, there is little pressure and it is comfortable to wear

Despite this, the shoes remained firmly fixed in the bindings and did not slip even when walking for long periods of time. This is likely due in large part to the careful attention to detail that goes into preventing slippage, such as the bumps placed on the forefoot of the binding base (see photo below)

With Paragon Binding (left), there is less pressure when tightening the instep, but there are more bumps and grooves to prevent the sole of the foot from slipping

You can wear it with large shoes other than hiking boots without any problems, but be sure to get a fitting before purchasing

I was a bit worried about the fit, so I checked to see if it would fit larger boots. I didn't have any snowboard boots, so I tried wearing them with backcountry ski boots, which are similar in size. The conclusion was that, as you can see in the photo below, I was able to secure the boots without any trouble, even with 27cm ski boots

However, caution is advised when using large snowboard boots for people with large feet. I actually saw some overseas reviews saying that the front strap was a little short. The wide range of adjustable sizes and types makes the traditional three-strap design more reliable. If you're worried, I recommend trying it on before purchasing

I don't think this is a common occurrence, but I tried wearing them on my ski boots to test the size

The ease of walking, grip, and storage remain the same

To test the snowshoes' ability to handle deep snow and slopes, I walked up the Tenjin Ridge of Mt. Tanigawa using the 22-inch model, wearing them separately on each foot

First of all, one thing that can't be ignored is the high packability of this model. Compared to other snowshoes, the bindings can be flattened, so they don't stick out when attached to a backpack, making them easy to carry. Of course, they are bulkier than snowshoes

The storage capacity of these snowshoes is particularly noteworthy. By the way, when wearing them with the teeth facing outwards as shown in this photo, be careful not to catch them on your surroundings or your clothes. If you do not do so, you will regret it very much

As I wrote before, Paragon Binding wraps around the entire instep, so there's little pressure on the instep and it doesn't restrict the blood flow to the cold toes. Despite this, it's firmly in place and didn't slip off even when I wore it the entire trip. Compared to 3-strap bindings, which require some getting used to to properly secure them, Paragon Binding is easier to use even for beginners

It's easy to handle and the ease of walking is exactly the same as the previous model (which is only natural). As for the durability, which I was worried about, I didn't experience any strain from putting too much strain on it during my use

It still provided decent buoyancy, just like the previous model, and the fabric deck was comfortable and snow didn't stick to it

Furthermore, the snowshoes' greatest asset, the 360° serrated edge, continued to provide stable grip even when traversing slopes

The grip is effective no matter where the edge is placed, so you can walk safely on slopes

Even on the slightly hard, steep slopes we came across as we reached the ridge, where others had to change into crampons, I was impressed by the grip they had, which made it completely unnecessary (although the danger varies depending on the weather, snow quality, and other conditions, so I do not recommend it at all. It is safer to just change into crampons)

When the slope gets steeper, if you raise the heel lift (tele-lift), the edges of the frame and the crampons on the toes will dig into the snow, allowing you to climb straight up even on very steep slopes. The design is simple and the operation is easy, so there are no complaints here either

Summary: Is the new model worth buying?

MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes, 25-inch, Black, 40006 [Official Japanese Product]

created by Rinker

MSR

¥66,822 (as of 2026/02/19 11:01:16, according to Amazon - details)

• Amazon
• Rakuten Market
• Yahoo Shopping

While maintaining most of the advantages of the previous model, which offered outstanding grip, satisfactory buoyancy, ease of walking, and storage, and a sense of security that set it apart, the new model has also made the previously problematic task of putting on shoes surprisingly easy, and is now even more comfortable to wear. Personally, I can only say that it's a must-buy. It's also ideal for Japan's mountains, where the varied terrain of steep slopes, crusty slopes, traverses, heavy snow, and wet snow means frequent removal of shoes, and it's perfect for beginners and experts alike, eliminating blind spots

However, in terms of versatility and simplicity, it must be said that the binding structure of the 3-strap model is inferior to that of the simple 3-strap model. However, if you are looking for lightness, compactness, the ability to match any boot, and the peace of mind that comes with easy repairs, the traditional 3-strap model is still well worth using

Which one is best for you depends on your style. Personally, once I experienced the ease of wearing them, I couldn't go back

   

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