Snowshoe advice

M

Mean

New member
Going to buy a new pair of snowshoes,any advice on brands? Wood or aluminum. Stores I have to choose from is cabelas or fleet farm.
 
Welcome to the board from another Wis fellow! I bought the wife a very nice pair of snow shoes from Gander Mtn in Deerfield and this year I put a pair on the wish list for myself for Christmas. I actually picked out a pair from Sam's club called Yukon Charlie that were very reasonable.

If I can make any suggestions, it would be to get one size larger than what you might first imagine. For a 200 pound man the size that goes up to 250 pounds seems reasonable at first. But if you are really 200 pounds on the bathroom scale in the morning then add a rifle, some guys carry a shotgun too, a caller and lots of camo clothes, boots, shooting sticks etc. I think that you will be happier with the snow shoes rated to a max of 300 pounds instead of the 250 pound shoes.

I like light weight aluminum and I look toward bindings that are very easy to get on an off.

Good luck with the process.
 
Definitely go bigger than the weight chart would have you believe you need. I'm 6 feet 180 lbs and use 10"x36". Cabelas would have you believe these are for a 300lb guy, but they are just right. Really need the extra floatation, you're not walking on trails. I actually prefer the military surplus ones, I think you can get them at fleet farm still. You will want to order some quick release buckle shoe harnesses to bolt on them as the military attachment straps are junk.
 
Bought a pair of atlas outfitter trans Alaska. Leaving in a few to hunt tonight, hope they were worth the cash
 
I wish we had snow to use them on here. We have only had a couple inches so far this winter and it is starting to get pretty dusty again. Keep us posted on your 'shoes.
 
I agree go wood or go home.They are way quieter and all around better.I tried fake snow shoes and returned them and fell in love with my Iversons all over again.
 
Originally Posted By: MeanBought a pair of atlas outfitter trans Alaska. Leaving in a few to hunt tonight, hope they were worth the cash

Those look pretty sweet. Let us know how they are working out for you. Congrats.
 
Wood all the way. I have 3 pair of wood shoes and wife has a pair of aluminum. If I am hunting I use the wood, ice fishing and I don't want to break through crusty snow I use the aluminum. With the wood ones you can use a small stool and sit right on the snow shoes with out taking them off, a big help.
 
run the biggest shoe you can find. unless you are traveling packed trails you will need all the flotation you can get. once we get into spring and the snow sets up you can go smaller.

the wood shoes are far quieter, and are made in bigger sizes. i also think they dont slide as easy as aluminum ones. i have also had problems with aluminum ones packing ice under the foot when conditions are warm.
 
I've got a set of wood snowshoes I'd sell if someone is interested. Off the top of my head I don't remember the size, but if someone is interested, PM me and I'll measure them. Worn once.
 
I would get some military surplpus ones from sportsmans guide they were $30 when I bought 2 pairs they are just as quiet as the wood ones. I have worn out my wood shoes walked right through the rawhide I have walked many many many miles in both and I would prefere the mill surp over the wood. I had the bob maki bindings they were ok but I would get snow in them then your snow shoes would twist on your feet making them pigeon toed I bought some cabelas bindings and they are a lot easier to put on and stay put on my feet and the bob maki bindings would not stretch very well when it got cold out making them nearly impossible to put on over my big boots (size 14)
 
I shopped a long time for some. I found a set at a garage sale for 25 bucks. They have been really good for me. I have had them hanging in the storage shed for five years now. I think I can get 25.00 for them next fall.

Never had them on. I winter in Phoenix.
 
been really good for me ... never had them on?? are you saying you wouldnt use them for anything but decor? or just braggin you no longer spend winter in snow?
 
Naw I had full intention of using them but due to health reasons I have not attempted to use them. But I got em,....

I asked the same question five years ago too... What brands, how big,...what type,...Interesting that more recommended metal frames then as now, as I remember.

Won't need them for the PM hunt, then on to Arizona... They are still in the shed...been really good for me...HAR!
 
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