Product Reviews: Snowshoes
Specs on 5 Possible Snowshoes.
As featured in the Jan Feb 2003 issue of Running Times Magazine
Atlas Snow-Shoe Company Dual-Trac SL ($289)
www.atlassnowshoe.com
The lightest just got lighter. Atlas has reduced the price of the appropriately-named "Super Light," with a running-shaped aluminum frame, rugged yet light urethane decking, and titanium base-plate, heel cleat and toe crampon. The SL also features Atlass spring-loaded binding system for an energy conserving push-off and convenient one-pull buckles.
Crescent Moon 12 ($219)
www.crescentmoonsnowshoes.com
Crescent Moons "12" was improved for the 2002-03 season with new bindings that feature easy ratchet buckles and a modified anatomically-shaped footplate with a malleable rubber-like bed that allows for more natural foot flexion and features a "snow hole" that both lightens the weight and provides an escape hatch to prevent snow buildup.
Northern Lites Elite ($199)
www.northernlites.com
The Elite is a straightforward snowshoe that offers a lot of flotation, given the large surface area of the aluminum alloy frame decked with Coolthane, a polyurethane-coated nylon mesh attached with rivets and burly "perimeter cleats" that give traction along the edge of the frame.
Redfeather Sport SR25 ($229)
www.redfeather.com
Redfeathers SR 25 is the lightest of the Sport Series, which offer a lightweight and versatile shoe that tracks well on packed trails. The SR25 uses Redfeathers XCR Ultra Binding system for weight savings and security, titanium crampons and Hypalon Plus decking.
Tubbs Catalyst ($249)
www.tubbssnowshoes.com
The Catalyst returns to Tubbss innovative asymmetric frame shape, brings back titanium hardware, and features effective toe crampons for exceptional toe-off forward thrust. The Catalyst performs well on packed surfaces, where the asymmetric shape allows for a natural stride.