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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Gorham, Maine on 11/28/2008
I have owned these snowshoes for a year now and have been very impressed with how well they perform. I used to use the tube framed snowshoes and it's not even a question of which are better. these are much more durable and easy to use. climbing steep slopes with ice on top and under layers of powder is a breeze with the televators and they relieve most of the up-hill strain on your calves. the serated rails on the underside of the shoe provide incredible traction and boost confidence which makes long climbs alot easier and more fun. Definitely worth the steep price.
from Orangevale, Ca on 6/9/2008
At first, I wasn't sure if I should buy these, or the classic design without the televator option. After doing some moderately serious back-country snowshoeing, I found it is well worth the upgrade. I tend to go out 8-15 miles in a day across frozen lakes and then back-country.
The televator is great for long, steep climbs, and I put the 6 inch tail on when there is a lot of fresh powder. It is nice to have the tail option for powder, but then take them off during packed areas- even though the tails aren't too heavy, it is nice not to be able to remove them and not move that extra weight when not needed.
If you plan on doing back country snowshoeing, I would fully recommend them. However, I would consider these very "aggressive" snowshoes and might not be best option for someone who only goes out where it is very flat and when the snow is fully packed (such as by a snow cat or frozen lake). The "teeth" and sections underneath grip the snow very well (sometimes too well) and the snoeshows don't slide across harder, flatter surfaces that other snowshows do.
from Fitzwilliam, NH on 3/23/2008
The first time I used the shoes, I was out 'shoeing with 6 friends in Southern Vermont. We were breakin' trail in steep terrain, and the ease with which I climbed the grade annoyed my friends. These shoes instill confidence. After that trip, at least two of our party had decided to upgrade to the Denali Ascents as well. Kudos for a well-designed shoe. The only negative comment I would make is that occasionally, the rubber strap ends will come out of their stays and start floppin' around but the shoe remains firmly attached. That's merely a minor inconvenience.
from Mechanicville, NY on 2/13/2008
I enjoy hiking the Adirondack high peaks. This is my first year snow shoeing - with hopes of attempting a high peak in the winter. I attended an EMS demonstration before deciding which snow shoes to purchase. After trying out several kinds, [...] I purchased the MSR Denali Evo Ascents. After a few practice hikes on a couple of the smaller mountains, I attempted a high peak. I couldn't have made a better choice - they were great. I had no problem shoeing through the deep snow and the cramp-ons worked great on the ice covered rocks. I now have my first winter high peak and looking forward to my next.
from Oregon on 2/8/2008
I bought a pair for my wife and myself and neither of us has any complaints about their performance (or really any MSR product we have). I highly recommend the optional floats, though. At 160lbs with a 25lb pack, I needed them in the powder.
from Holderness, NH on 1/21/2008
I really like these snowshoes. They are not for deep snow, the tails do add some range and are a whole lot easier to carry than another set of snowshoes. Moving my feet back in the bindings helps a great deal with the tails. The lifters make steep ascents easier.
I have heard some complain that they are noisy, which I find silly. They are no noisier than any other snowshoe.
EMS needs to carry the field repair kit. Mine have not failed at the hinge yet, but I have heard a few say their hike was ruined/saved by the lack/having the repair kit.
from State College, Pennsylbama on 1/5/2008
I found these shoes to be good on a backcountry winter snowshoe backpacking trip in northern ontario. Their traction is top notch and their design seems very durable. I snowshoed off trail through the bush over buried fallen logs and on very difficult terrain. The only problem I found is that they were a little lacking in float, even with the tails, in powder. I weigh 170 and I was carrying a 50lb pack and after a day of fresh powdery snow i found I was sinking a bit too much.
from Broomfield, CO on 1/4/2008
I purchased these with the hopes of getting two pairs of snowshoes for the price of one (adding tails for greater flotation in deeper snow. While I can say that I love the performance of the shoes themselves, I was greatly disappointed with the tails. The problem is that all the added flotation is so far back that it feels like you are falling forward in deep snow which puts tremendous stress on your back. I tried moving my boots farther back in the bindings to compensate, but that didn't help a whole lot, and put far too much stress on my calves. I would recommend this product for light snow, icy conditions and steep ascents but you'd be better off purchasing a different pair for deeper snow.
My only other gripe is that the "televators" are a little stiff and difficult to engage/disengage with heavy gloves on, and the angle is too steep for all but the most serious climbs. Then again, I suppose that's the whole point. It would be really cool if MSR could design a dual televator, perhaps with inner and outer bars, to handle both steep ascents and in-between grades.
These are my first pair of snowshoes. Still they seem to work really well. I have tried everything i can find in them. They take it all and seem to beg for more. This is one of the best purchases i have made in a while.
[0 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from White Mountains of New Hampshire on 12/16/2007
If you do steep winter hikes, you've got to have the Televators! They make it so much easier. I use mine for winter hiking.