Comments about MSR Lightning Axis Snowshoes (pair):

At 6'5" tall and 315lbs. I am not your typical snowshoer. Over the last 7 years I have been trying AND selling several different brands and models of snowshoes. Including, Tubbs, Atlas, MSR and Crescent Moon. The largest were the Crescent Moon 36 inch shoes, they were OK, but the teardrop design doesn't help with any flotation.
The BIGGEST problem that I had with ALL of these shoes was when I got tired, my feet would revert to a TOES OUT stance, which eventually led to me stepping on a shoe then falling down. I purchased the MSR lightning ascent last year and while I did like them alot, I still had the same problems, though the traction was far better then any other brand I used. Then this year MSR came out with the axis AND the 5 inch tails, well I had to try them(Sunnys was the FIRST Place on-line that I could get both, and cheaper then anywhere else, even now). WHAT A GREAT DEAL, I have since been on trails here in RMNP and ARNA and broken my own trails in both areas, I can walk for 4-5 hours and still be comfortable. Another thing, when you look at my trail, it is straight! The bindings are secure, I was not sure about the single heel strap and the big foot strap, but it does work. I have since removed the mid-foot strap. The large strap NEEDS to be fitted PRIOR to going into the field (like the manual says) the locking system is different, and not easy to do one handed, the other straps are the same as in past models easy on and easy off.
As with all lightning models, they have a monster grip on just about any surface and the ascent bar is easy to pull up and put down.
FINALLY a great shoe and tail combo for someone my size and my normal toes out walking style - the best shoe I have ever owned.