snowshoes

Posted by: misnshoe

snowshoes - 04/13/08 06:50 PM

Thinking of upgrading my snowshoes as the ones I have now have nylon web and plastic buckles for the bindings and loosen up over time,not good in cold conditions as have to take off the gloves to adjust. Have been crusing the web to different manufactures and from what I read VG seems to have a good thing going with their TRACTION BAR technology.DO any of you have these shoes or know anyone who has them? Would appreciate any feedback as these are a major investement for the retiree.Went cheap the first time and regret it.Good quality ,easy to use bindings and, a manufacturer that stands behind their product is a must.Feel free to let me know of your thoughts on any others. THANKS
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Posted by: TomD

Re: snowshoes - 04/13/08 08:50 PM

Never heard of them. I think you mean GV, which I have never seen. I looked at their website-they don't sell them very many places in the US-looks like Cabela's-the fishing and hunting store may be it, although they list a distributor for back East and the Midwest. It looks like they offer a pretty complete range of shoes, so what you may want will depend on your intended use.

Here is a link to an online showshoe magazine with a gear guide. Scroll down the beginner page and there is a list of links to almost every manufacturer available in the US.
Snowshoe Magazine

I had a pair of Atlas 1025 shoes before they changed the bindings. Very well made, but I didn't use them much before I changed over to skis.

Now is a good time to look for shoes-the stores like REI should be clearing them out, if they haven't done so already.

Search through the old posts-go back a couple of years; there are several threads on who has what shoe.
Posted by: bmisf

Re: snowshoes - 04/13/08 10:47 PM

What kind of snow and terrain will you be in? How much do you and all of your gear and clothing and boots weight?

With answers to those, I can give you some suggestions.
Posted by: ringtail

Re: snowshoes - 04/14/08 01:26 AM

I prefer skis over snowhoes, but.... the snowshoes I use are NorthernLites.

http://www.northernlites.com/
Posted by: misnshoe

Re: snowshoes - 04/14/08 08:46 AM

with equipment and clothing will be pushing 250 lbs. snow conditions vary from packed trails to 1-2 ft of powder will be pulling sled also. the shoes i have now are 9x30 's I do reconize now that i am going to go to a longer shoe. the terrain we are on is mostly wooded and gentley rolling not to many serious hills. like I said the shoes will be a big purchace so it is important that i get my $ worth. thank you for the input
Posted by: bmisf

Re: snowshoes - 04/15/08 04:21 PM

Cool.

Well, first I second food's recommendation - the larger Northern Lites could be a good match for your conditions and size. Since you won't be on steep traverses and mountain climbing (at least not too often), I think those are a fantastic choice. I have the Backcountry and Rescue models and love them.

There are other models from Atlas and TSR I'd recommend if you want something more substantial - their very largest ones, which have more aggressive crampons and more sophisticated ratcheting bindings - but I've not had a problem with durability (or any other issues, for that matter) with the Northern Lites.

Here's the model I'd recommend for you:

http://northernlites.com/tundra.php

Enjoy...
Posted by: misnshoe

Re: snowshoes - 04/15/08 04:54 PM

hey, thanks for the input.like the idea of try befor you buy from northern .as well as being U.S. made.Also planning a camp trip for next winter so I,ll be asking more about provisioning. thanks again!!
Posted by: casedog

Re: snowshoes - 04/18/08 04:16 PM

Just my two cents, the MSR plastic shoes are the greatest things ever! Really they are light, bindings rock, and they are virtually indestructible (except fire as I have learned).
Posted by: northernbcr

Re: snowshoes - 06/01/08 04:41 PM

i use the gv 12x 42 wide trail with traction bar my weight is usually alittle less240ish and often pull a sled, our snow stays very powdery all winter. these snowshoes work very well for me.the buckles can be used with gloves on they seem to be lasting well probally get used about 50 times yearly between hunting season to burn off fat walks after work. usually 2 camping trips per month and day trips to the ice fish lakes. they are now 5 years old and are pretty much the standard shoe here for workers and hunters at that weight .they have been proven in cold temp and powder snow if you chose these shoes you would be happy, they would be overkill for packed trails but at your weight if you want to go in powder snow then you will need a larger shoe witch is not needed for packed trail if i am trail walking i have a pair of 9x30 atlas but they do not work well in powder. it is pretty much one or the other.
Posted by: kutenay

Re: snowshoes - 08/02/08 10:19 AM

I have used many different snowshoes and currently I am most happy with my Crescent Moon Expedition Golds. These are NOT "cheap", but, they will last and are very supportive.

In deep winter powder snow, in the B.C. interior, where I am from and in northern B.C., I prefer 11x56 or 12x60 original "babiche"and wood-framed shoes, from Faber or Bastien Brothers of Quebec. You can almost "ski"these along and make really good time, but, they are a pita in steep country or heavy timber.