LL Bean snowshoes?

[AcornMan]

I bought MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes last year and I absolutely hate them because the bindings are so cumbersome and they don't stay secured. I refuse to bring them up another mountain with me. Today I noticed an interesting looking line of snowshoes from LL Bean with bindings that appear to be far more user-friendly. I've seen reviews for all kinds of snowshoes, but never for anything from LL Bean. Anyone have any experience using them for winter hikes/climbs?

[Scott P]

Unless they have changed in recent years, LL Bean snowshoes aren't very good, especially for peak climbing.

LL Bean, Yukon Charlie, Red Feather, and Coleman are snowshoe brands to avoid.

Try another model of MSRs, Atlas, or Tubbs.

[TallGrass]

OP, did you consider other types of bindings? MSR has several.

[JeffR]

They're not hardcore climbing snowshoes, but should be fine for standard recreational use.

[Cruiser]

I'm considering replacing my ~10yo Salomon snowshoes this season. Been ogling these though I can't see spending ~$300 on them...

[benlen]

As someone who grew up 45 minutes from the flagship LL Bean store in Maine, I can vouch 100% for LL Bean's quality gear. They make far superior tents to REI's branded tents, for example, and their flannel shirts and moccasins are to die for.

Plus, if you find out you absolutely hate the snowshoes, you can return them, no questions asked.

[summitrunner]

Have you ever demo'ed other brands? RMNP puts on a good event that I have attended in the past to promote my snowshoe race: https://m.facebook.com/events/193255664361016/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Scott P]

As someone who grew up 45 minutes from the flagship LL Bean store in Maine, I can vouch 100% for LL Bean's quality gear. They make far superior tents to REI's branded tents, for example, and their flannel shirts and moccasins are to die for.

LL Bean actually doesn't make the snowshoes with their name on them. They are subcontracted out to Synergy Sports in China. LL Bean, Yukon Charlie, and Coleman are all made in the same Synergy Sports factory in Shanghai. Other than the name slapped on the shoes and the warranty, they are all the same.

Anyway, if AcornMan really does want a pair, I'll sell him mine for cheap. I only used them once. I bought them so extended family members could come visit and go snowshoeing with us when they did, but everyone spread out and no one comes to visit anyway.

[Trotter]

I'm considering replacing my ~10yo Salomon snowshoes this season. Been ogling these though I can't see spending ~$300 on them...

Those look like crocs.

[Shaolin]

Yeah, stick to MSR, Atlas, or Tubbs.

[TravelingMatt]

I have LL Bean snowshoes and they're just Tubbs rebranded. They've served me pretty well, although next time I'll get a smaller size. It's common for Bean to rebrand stuff.