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User Review: MSR Lightning Ascent

MSR Lightning Ascent
Above: The current Lightning Ascent, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed January 12, 2009 by Danny158

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Price Paid: $275

I think the review that gave these zero stars smells of pilot error. Walking downhill on ice with snowshoes takes a little practice (like walking downhill in crampons) and snowshoes do not miraculously provide levitation. 250lbs with a pack and you should have been on at least 30" snowshoes - possibly even larger depending on the shoe.

The Lightnings are the sweetest thing happening in snowshoes. I have worn and sold every brand's "top end" model out there and these are the lightest, most efficient shoes I've ever worn.

After swearing them off for skis years ago, a recent approach to an ice climb forced me to try them out again. I was blown away. Primarily - you can traverse a crusty snow - which you encounter far more than powder! I can still remember a trip with Atlas shoes in Colorado where I almost threw them into the forest as I slid into tree wells on a long traverse. Round edges simply don't 'cut it'.

I'd still rather ski approach any day but if I have to wear snowshoes, I no longer guess what to wear.

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Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Lightning Ascent at 8 online stores:

StoreProduct DescriptionPrice

Campmor
4 purchase options:		Lightning Ascent 25 Lightweight High Traction All Terrain Snowshoe$239.98Buy Now
Women's Lightning Ascent 25W Lightweight High Traction All Terrain Snowshoe$239.98Buy Now
Women's Lightning Ascent 22W Lightweight High Traction All Terrain Snowshoe$239.98Buy Now
Lightning Ascent 30 Lightweight High Traction All Terrain Snowshoe$269.98Buy Now

Backcountry.com
2 purchase options:		Lightning Ascent Snowshoe$259.95Buy Now
Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Women's$259.95Buy Now

Oregon Mountain Community
2 purchase options:		Lightning Ascent Snowshoes$259.95Buy Now
Women's Lightning Ascent Snowshoes$259.95Buy Now

Moosejaw
3 purchase options:		Men's Lightning Ascent Snowshoe$233.95Buy Now
Women's Lightning Ascent Snowshoe$233.95Buy Now
Lightning Ascent Snowshoe$260.95Buy Now

CampSaver.com
2 purchase options:		MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes$259.95Buy Now
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes - Womens$259.95Buy Now

GearX.com
2 purchase options:		Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (2008)$179.99Buy Now
Lightning Ascent Snowshoes Womens (2008)$179.99Buy Now

EMS
5 purchase options:		Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes, Orange$259.95Buy Now
Lightning Ascent 22 Snowshoes, Orange$259.95Buy Now
Women's Lightning Ascent 25W Snowshoes, Red$259.95Buy Now
► more Lightning Ascent choices from EMS

US Outdoor Store
2 purchase options:		Lightning Ascent 22 Snowshoes - Orange$259.95Buy Now
Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes - Women's$259.95Buy Now

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