Garneau Versant

Bindings disappointing, didn't fit around boot and heel moved.

I did a lot of research before I bought these to replace my 20-year-old super reliable Tubbs. Unfortunately, I will be returning them and looking for something else.

The binding system, which was why I chose these, didn't fit properly around my boot, no matter how I adjusted them (and I'm a gear junkie, I tried lots of variations of foot position and tension). There were gaps at the front part of the wrap around the boot and as I walked, my heels slipped to the inside of the snowshoes. The heel plate is quite smooth so that didn't help.

The Boa system was pretty easy to use but the knobs that have to be pulled out to loosen and snapped in to tighten are snug and can take a firm pull to move, not easy with mitts or even gloves on. I found these snowshoes a bit wide at the front (8 inches) so that they sometimes contacted as I moved one shoe forward.

They had pretty good crampons and traction even on steep ups and downs and seem to have very durable construction in general.