MSR Lightning Explore Snowshoe (2017 Model)

These were purchased for my husband. He is writing this review. I bought these shoes because of the MSR reputation for quality. They performed flawlessly on the hardpack and the powder I walked in on Mt Spokane. No slipping what so ever and great floatation. Despite some of the negative comments about the bindings, they were comfortable and stayed secure on my boot. However, the first time I tried to adjust the bilateral binding adjustment, the red tab on the end of the cord pulled off into my hand. When I got them adjusted they did track nice and straight. After my first use I noticed that the finish was severely flaking/peeling off in big strips. I emailed MSR customer service with the issues on the snowshoes, after two days I called them. The customer service rep was unsure about the finish, as to whether it is powder coated or not. She viewed the pics I sent in my email, consulted with her supervisor, and told me I could send them in to be refinished. I returned them and purchased the Ascent model. On MSR's website it does state that these are powder coated, so they should not peel and flake. I realize that normal wear and tear will show signs of bare metal in spots, but the bare metal showing on the explores after only 10 miles was really bad.

I have used these on a few different trips this year and they performed really well. I am gravitationally and vertically challenged so the large size made a difference on the amount of float while pulling a heavy pulk in 2-3 feet of snow and made packing down camp areas a breeze. Easy on off, quick adjustment and no issues with bindings and the foot angle adjustment to adjust for stride is a plus especially on longer treks.

I have used mine for one full season of winter hiking in the back country near Park City, Utah. They are excellent. I don't understand the comments about them not fitting properly or causing blisters or other discomfort. If that happens, it must be the boots worn with the snowshoes, not the snowshoes themselves. Well-made bindings hold the boot to the snowshoe; the bindings are adjustable and allow for easy on and off, while holding the boot firmly in place while in use. These snowshoes are lightweight. Couldn't ask for a better pair of snowshoes for the back country.

I purchased these snowshoes for back country snowshoeing. I used them one time on a five mile hike and the binding adjuster snapped off. I was already unhappy with the binding since it pinches on your foot and is very uncomfortable. If you loosen the strap to keep it from punching your boot is not snug and moves around. It seems like it should have a third strap also. The snowshoe itself is awesome. Super grippy and lightweight. This snowshoe with a different binding, like the Lightning ascent, would have gotten 5 stars from me. Consider this review a warning to not purchase msr's with this style binding. You will be disappointed.

I love the frame of these. The binding is TERRIBLE. Super uncomfortable, I can be out 4 to 16 hours depending on the hike, and my pinky toes were in pain and actually ended up bent under the next toe over with blisters (I never get blisters). The one other person I know who has them went out on a 2.5 mile hike and ended up with bloody toes. Returned!!