Redfeather Race Snowshoes - 25"

The Race R700 is a great snowshoe! It's the minimum frame/deck size of 8"x25" for men's USSSA (United States Snowshoe Association) racing events. For the women, minimum size is 7"x21". In regards to Ely's review on 02/16/2011: that weight limit for the race version is incorrect - it is not 175lbs. I am not sure where you got this information. Redfeather.com clearly indicates 190lbs for the weight limit on the current model/year: http://www.redfeather.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=2 However, I am 6'2", weigh about 194lb, so I contacted Redfeather support on 02/25/2011 & gave them my height/weight details. They confirmed it's not an issue - see below: "For the race snowshoe I don't think you are pushing the weight limit. Then again it all depends on the type of snow you are running on. Packed/icy snow is going to take more abuse than just a packed snow or powder. The materials we use can handle quite a bit of stress. I would say you would be fine in a race shoe. Maybe a bit much for the vapor." Hope this helps, Rose Jones Customer Service 800-525-0081 Redfeather If you ever have a question on weight limit, give Redfeather a call!

This is my second pair of Redfeather running snowshoes. The first pair lasted 10 years, with one replacement of the binding. I leave them attached to a pair of running shoes all winter and run with them every time conditions allow. It's a very vigorous workout.

The boot strap bindings are a very soft and flexible rubber, which I am holding my breath to see how they stand up to use in -35 below zero temps and then warm indoor storage. My other pairs of snowshoes all have a more rigid, thick plastic binding that secure the boot to the snowshoe. The rest of the snowshoe is really well-made and has handled beautifully on packed trails with minimial snow. The design is definitely for trail use and going off trail renders them useless even for a user that is well under 175 pounds in full winter gear.

I used these shoes in an orienteering race and came in second! Not for powder, although I was off trail a couple of times...best for broken or groomed trails.

I am a photographer and often venture into the mountains during the winter. This is the first pair of snowshoes I've owned. They are limited to weight, and they are lightweight. They fit my winter boots well and provide a gliding motion over the snow with fast action and traction. They are built to last and perform very well. Overall I am pleased with these snowshoes as a gift this winter!

I am an ultra runner and use snowshoe running when the trails are not runnable. I have used these on groomed trails and non-groomed backcountry trails. The traction is superb, they allow you to run with a natural gait, snow clears the cleats quickly, and they work well on groomed and deep snow. The only con is that they take time to get into. once your feet are in, you are good and adjustments are easy. I was really excited to get out in these and I have not been disappointed at all. They work well for speed work and I am able to keep up & pass many xc skiers! I gave it 4 stars due only to the time it takes to get into them. Be prepared for a tremendous workout!

These snowshoes are very comfortable. I am able to run in them without altering my stride.

We have some excellent snowshoe trails on the 165 acres we own on the northern edge of the Adirondack Park in New York State. I usually walk about a mile at a time through snow that varies from 1 to 2 or more feet in depth, with varying amounts of powder and base. I am 180 pounds in weight. When I bought these snowshoes, I was a little unsure of how they would work in powder - so far so good. I have no problem with 6 to 8 inches of powder and find them to very manuverable. They are easy to jump with when crossing small runs of water. I wear my LL Bean Pacs and find they fit well in the bindings. I am sure that when March arrives and we have a very solid base with no powder that I will wear my light hikers instead of the bean boots. When I ordered them, I wondered how the bindings would work - since that to me is the key part of the snowshoe. The bindings work great. This is a very light snowshoe that tracks very well. After 40+ years of using the old style snowshoes, it was a big move for me to make when I purchased these. I have no regrets. Now I would like to enter a snowshoe race.

Really liked the performance, they tighten different from typical snowshoes as you adjust 4 straps like a belt. This helped keep them tight. They worked great as I did a 10K race and had no issues.

I am very much a recreational snowshoeer. I have been borrowing some MSR's from a friend for the past couple of years. Loved them, and they worked well. When I saw these on sale I decided to try them. These hold my weight better and are very manuverable, easy to get in and out of. Love them!