Review of the TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Racing Snowshoes
The northeast just received over 2 feet of snow in areas, and here in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area of Colorado, we have had a steady base of snow since early November. Let the winter adventures begin!
One of the tools that allows us to continue to train and run in the deep snow and not posthole are the TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Racing Snowshoes. These are very lightweight, weighing in at a mere 320g per foot and still can support up to 220lbs. With its 4 steel spikes and smart design of the frame, the traction is awesome. When adjusted correctly to your foot size and choice of footwear, it feels very comfortable and natural to run and walk in. This model follows the European and American regulatory standards for competitive snowshoe racing.
While there are many brands of snowshoes out on the market we feel that the TSL’s and MSR line of snowshoes are the two brands that suit our needs the best. We use the MSR Lightning Ascent series when exploring the backcountry, climbing steep terrain or breaking trail. We use the TSL’s when heading out for a run on flat to rolling terrain.
Remember, the primary reasons for wearing snowshoes are so you don’t posthole (a deep hole from your footstep), ruining the experience of the snow packed trail and making travel more dangerous for backcountry skiers and other fellow snowshoers. Also, snowshoes provide more efficient and safer travel, especially in deep snow.
In this video I am adjusting the binding to fit Elizabeth’s women’s size 7 Salomon Sense Ride gore-tex shoe. You want the binding to fit securely and properly for a more efficient foot strike. We suggest fitting the snowshoe to your gore-tex shoe of choice before you head out to avoid making changes while out on the trail.
During our 8 outings so far using the TSL’s, we found the Salomon Ultra GTX Mid Boot, the Salomon GTX Sense Rides or for single digit days and temps below zero, the Salomon Quest Winter GTX work the best. If you are planning to race in them or looking for a really fast running setup, the MPF RNR team really likes the Salomon S/LAB XA Alpine 2 shoes.
Recommended Shoes, Gaiters & Gear
TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Racing Snowshoes - https://amzn.to/3it6IMU.
S/LAB XA Alpine 2 - https://amzn.to/3rcHA0N.
Salomon Ultra GTX Mid Boot - https://amzn.to/3mC7K9V.
Salomon GTX Sense Rides - https://amzn.to/38n8lXJ.
Salomon Quest Winter GTX - https://amzn.to/3mCsxKq.
OR Crocodile Gaiters - https://amzn.to/3ax7Pcm.
Kahtoola LEVAgaiter Mid GTX - https://amzn.to/38q3KE2.
TORX T25 Screwdriver for easy adjustments - https://amzn.to/39sPwmA
The availability of snowshoes and backcountry skis are limited right now and may be difficult to find until after the holiday season. We purchased ours from backcountry.com but they are currently sold out. Have a great winter and if you have any questions feel free to reach out.
