MSR Lightning Flotation Tail - 5 inch

These tails do increase flotation and when they are attached to the MSR lighting snowshoes, they become like a part of the snowshoe. The elastic strip that holds the tail to the shoe is very strong - making the tail very secure - but also a little difficult to get mounted - at least for us old weak guys.The reason for the 4 rather than 5 rating does not have to do with the tail itself, but with the way it changes how the snowshoe works. With more flotation at the tail, the toe tends to sink in deeper than the tail, changing the angle of the foot in the snow. I'm using the Lightening Axis 25 snowshoes, with the ball of my foot centered on the pivot. I like that location because it brings the toe of the snowshoe straight up out of the snow, never pulling a load of snow with it. And it's just feels natural to walk that way in them. With the tails on, I might try setting the bindings to hold my toes back an inch or so to do a better job of putting my weight in the center of flotation.With the tails on and toes sinking in more, you have a flatter step when going uphill, which is nice, but in the reverse situation going downhill it can be a little disconcerting with the toe diving deeper than the tail.Having not had a pair of 30 inch lightnings in my hand, I don't know if they have the pivot farther toward the tail than the 25's. IF they don't, the 30's would have the same tail flotation issue as the 25's with the tails. If you are buying MSR showshoes and considering whether to get the longer shoes or shorter and use the tails, I would try to get them side by side and see if the longer shoes have the pivot set farther back. If they do, I would start with the longer shoe. If they don't, then having the shorter shoe for crusty, firm snow and icy conditions would be a benefit and using the tails for flotation would be no different than having the longer shoes.So my recommendation is to measure the distance from the toe to the pivot on the two lengths of snowshoes you are considering. If that distance is the same, then I'd buy on the short side of your weight range and use the tails for flotation in soft snow. If the distance from the toe to the pivot of the shoe is an inch or two longer on the longer shoe, I'd probably start with the longer shoe and only get the tails if I needed additional flotation.As it is, I really like the 25's in firmer snow conditions and the tails make fresh soft snow doable (and as I said, the next trip out, I may try to move my boots back an inch or so in the bindings with the tails on.) I'm at about 215 pounds with winter clothes and pack with emergency clothes and gear.

I rec'd the tails as they were described. Right on time and in great shape. I haven't used them yet because conditions didn't require them yet but I know I will need them next season. I take them in my backpack and am really looking forward to using them next year.

MSR Lightning Tail Snow Shoes (5-Inch, Black)I weigh in at 220 lbs. I use a 45 lb. Photo Pack and LOVE taking Winter Scenic Pictures.These tails and the MSR Lightning Ascent Snow Shoes (Yellow, 30-Inch) are a GREAT combination for me.

If you are already buying the msr snow shoes these go with you might as well get these as they are a lifetime purchase and you never know if you are going to hair a pack in the future.

These tails are as heavy duty as the Lightning snow shoes. A bit cumbersome to get on, but once on, they're secure. As a big man, these are a must with the Lightning snow shoes to give needed length.

Easy to put on and take off. nice addition to my Lightening Axis snow shoes which I used this winter extensively. These pack light and even though you are obviously going to sink in any snowshoe, definitely aid flotation

This was the winter in New England for a ton of snow. When it got really deep I put these tails on my MSR snowshoes and just floated. The MSR snowshoes are worth the extra money for a very stable, quality product

Got to use them once before the snow was gone and they work great! Easy on and off and give me the extra floatation I needed. And I got them for a GREAT price....THANK YOU AMAZON!

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