Tubbs Flex RDG Snowshoe Evaluation

Backside Line

The Tubbs Flex RDG is one in every of our top-performing snowshoes because of its wonderful walkability, nice traction, and ease of use. We took these on adventures from the foothills to the peaks of Alaska’s Chugach vary and located them to be some of the versatile choices available on the market.

Their versatile decking offers among the finest walkability of any snowshoe we examined. The deck bends with every step, eliminating the cumbersome clomping of conventional snowshoes. This was particularly noticeable when strolling downhill the place the tails flexed with every step.

Twin parallel traction rails present wonderful traction regardless of comparatively small claws underneath the forefoot. These dug properly into packed and unfastened terrain. With a barely smaller floor space than different snowshoes we examined and a big gap within the toe to pivot by way of, we discovered that the Flex RDG makes some concessions on the subject of flotation. Regardless, it’s some of the versatile and well-rounded snowshoes we examined.

Flotation

The Tubbs Flex RDG has a comparatively slim width in comparison with many different snowshoes we examined. It comes with a big opening within the entrance for the binding to pivot by way of and diamond-shaped holes within the tail for decreased weight and suppleness. Nonetheless, we discovered that these drastically diminished the snowshoe’s flotation.

The versatile deck that provides this snowshoe its namesake additionally reduces flotation barely. When in dense snow, we discovered the deck curving upward, barely decreasing flotation because the deck gave means and bent. This isn’t noticeable in most conditions; nonetheless, in deep, moist snow, these snowshoes begin to lose their flotation.

We discovered that these snowshoes excel finest in blended terrain and circumstances when venturing from packed path, to powder and again once more. Whereas their flotation might lower in among the deepest snow, they’re greater than sufficient for many makes use of and are extraordinarily versatile.

Traction

When kicking steps when climbing up a ridge in Alaska’s Chugach Vary, we had been instantly impressed with the Flex RDG’s traction. The comparatively brief claws on the forefoot are aided by massive parallel rails of powder-coated metal. These rails had been particularly efficient in climbing steep hills and traversing throughout slopes. They bit into ice, crust, and deep snow and by no means felt slippery or insecure. The underside of the deck additionally options molded brake bars.

Whereas smaller than the traction rails, these small parallel fins of plastic had been sufficient to assist assist strolling downhill and preserve us from sliding uncontrolled. We extremely advocate these for a light-weight snowshoe that comes armed with some critical traction.

Walkability

The most important perk of this snowshoe is its versatile deck that just about eliminates the clunkiness of conventional snowshoe designs. That is particularly evident when strolling downhill. When descending, the tails of the snowshoe bend with every foot placement, eliminating the awkward slapping and clomping so frequent to most different snowshoes. We beloved the deck’s flexibility for each steep and rolling terrain.

The form of those snowshoes doesn’t diminish your agility, which is uncommon whenever you may be used to the “tennis racket in your toes” feeling of conventional snowshoes. With a comparatively slim form, they’re one of many narrowest we’ve examined. This enables for a pure stance with none bowlegged emotions. We beloved their consolation whereas strolling and spending hours within the snow and mountains.

Ease of Use

Tubbs continues their wonderful binding system by incorporating boa expertise. This straightforward dial is likely one of the most user-friendly snowshoe bindings available on the market. Merely pull up on the dial to launch them, then pop it down and rotate to tighten. This enables for an especially comfortable match and the power to regulate to the precise degree of tightness desired.

We additionally beloved the heel riser on these snowshoes. This makes mountain climbing uphill comfy and supported. Nonetheless, we had hassle deploying and laying down the riser. This can be very stiff and we had to make use of two arms as a substitute of a ski pole to boost and decrease it. 

Whereas utilizing these snowshoes, we seen an incessant rattle and wiggle by way of the pivot level on the bindings. Upon additional inspection, we discovered that the bindings pivoted round a single bolt on both sides that was very unfastened. Frustratingly, we couldn’t tighten these down with a socket wrench because the nut was extraordinarily tight whereas nonetheless having a lot of play. This can be a little bit of an annoyance because the foot wiggles and the binding rattles with each step, however up to now there appears to be no lack of integrity within the snowshoe’s total development.

Ought to You Purchase the Tubbs Flex RDG?

The Tubbs Flex RDG is ideal for many who prioritize versatility of their snowshoes. This snowshoe works properly throughout a number of circumstances and might simply go from the path to the powder. We love the boa system on the binding for ease of use and adjustability. It may’t be beat on the subject of simplicity and preserving your toes safe.

Whereas the snowshoe’s slim form makes strolling comfy, we discovered that these snowshoes concede some flotation for consolation. The versatile deck improves walkability however bends upward in dense snow, sacrificing some flotation. Regardless of these small shortcomings, the Tubbs Flex RDG stands out to us as a prime performer in our lineup of finest snowshoes available on the market.

What Different Snowshoes Ought to You Think about?

MSR Lightning Ascent Evaluation – For those who love the traction of the Flex RDG however need much more, the MSR Lightning Ascent has among the finest traction in our lineup.

MSR Evo Path Evaluation – Equally constructed however in a smaller and lighter body measurement, the MSR Evo Path has parallel bars for traction however is smaller for extra maneuverability on the path and thru tight bushes.

Retrospec Drifter Evaluation – For those who’re in search of one other well-rounded snowshoe, the Retrospec Drifter works properly throughout most circumstances. At lower than half the worth of the Flex RDG, it comes at an attainable worth level.