MSR Lightning Explore
Reviewed by
Gary Bowen
+203
May 17, 2022 (original Dec 18, 2018)
I'm a 200-lb man. These snowshoes give terrific, secure grip on steep forested pitches.
Pros
- Ease of entry and exit
- Terrific grip
- Terrific floatation
- Steady grip on pitches
- Binding, even though only one strap and ratchet keeps my Snow Junkies secure
- Televator is easy to flip up and drop with a trekking pole
Cons
- Binding, though can be adjusted laterally for pronators tends to slip out under heavy use.
I love them, save for the caveat mentioned in the cons.
Whether along the fall line or perpendicular to it they float beautifully in deep snow above lurking forest floor debris. Nice to enter, adjust, and exit them.
I've used them in deep open field and deep snowed in open forest. Really nice.
As far as durability, terrific overall except the lateral adjustment on one of the snowshoes. It doesn't really throw me off when it slips, but when the pin shifts out, it's noticeable. I don't know what that would be like in a survival situation.
I've used these Lightning Explores for three winters now.
I'd give them 5 stars if it wasn't for the one con.
Background
The only snowshoe that I've used. I'm a XC skier mostly.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $275 CDN
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The Lightning Explore replaced the MSR Lightning Flash.
Accessories: MSR Lightning Tails,
Specs
| Men's | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 in | 25 in | 30 in | ||
| Price |
MSRP: $279.95 Current Retail: $220.83-$339.95 Historic Range: $161.93-$339.95 |
|||
| Weight per pair | 3 lbs 12 oz / 1.70 kg | 3 lbs 14 oz / 1.77 kg | 4 lbs 8 oz / 2.04 kg | |
| Load | Up to 180 lbs / Up to 80 kilos | 120-220 lbs / 54-100+ kilos | 150-280 lbs / 68-127+ kilos | |
| Load w/ Tails | Up to 250 lbs / Up to 114 kilos | 120-280 lbs / 54-127 kilos | 180-300+ lbs / 82-136+ kilos | |
| Frame material |
7075-T6 Aluminum |
|||
| Deck material |
TPU coated Nylon |
|||
| Women's | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 in | 25 in | ||
| Price |
MSRP: $279.95 Current Retail: $339.95 Historic Range: $155.93-$339.95 |
||
| Weight per pair | 3 lbs 8 oz / 1.59 kg | 3 lbs 11 oz / 1.66 kg | |
| Width |
7.25 in / 18 cm |
||
| Load | Up to 180 lbs / Up to 80 kilos | 120-210 lbs / 54-95 kilos | |
| Load with tails | Up to 240 lbs / Up to 109 kilos | 120-270 lbs / 54-123 kilos | |
| Frame material |
7075-T6 Aluminum |
||
| Deck material |
TPU coated Nylon |
||
