Looken to buy some wood snowshoes
Which one , I live out west
Call the folks at Iversons in Michigan. Tell them how you'll be using them and where you live and they'll help you with the perfect shoes. These will be the best snowshoes you can buy and they'll last you forever.
What style snowshoe you need will depend on the terrain and cover in your area.
Long shoes are for trailing.
Circular or nearly so allow you to work thru brush, etc.
The aluminum sherpa snowclaw shoes may have kept me from sliding down the mountain into the sea on Adak one night.
You might want to find out more about your area before you commit.
Also check out:
Snowshoe Sales and Repair Ontario, Canada(google)for their 400# monofilament weave and ratcheting pivoting binding(great traction).
mgsnowshoes.homestead.com They sell a great snowshoe and also a star shaped ice cleat.
You will want the traction of the cleat and binding an anything beyond level. Get the best of new and old school.
An old pair of Lund 10x56 Alaskans can be found on the big auction and relaced by the above people. The old Lunds have a big upturn in front that won't nose dive under powder.
Bigger is better for powder so you don't sink to your knees with each step.
The modern crampon style with aluminum and plastic are better for steep,crusted,and icy snow.
One snowshoe will not handle all conditions IMHO.
LKH, Adak? I lived there from 81-83 and got a fair amount of snowshoeing in. The sides of the mountains make for treacherous walking.
Look on some of the surplus sites-you might get some of the metal or wooden models the government does not us.
These right here would do the job...decent price too.
http://northwoodsoutfitters.com/page.php?ID=162
Westbrook, the NWO Alaskan models look really similar to the old Lunds. Wonder if they copied the forms as they were both from Mich. I believe. Notice how the master cord/foot is placed back a little farther than the other models. The foot placement and higher rise upturn really don't let them nosedive in soft snow which makes them work so well.
The binding I mentioned earlier is far superior to their standard binding.
A lot of modern SS have a very short toe with excessive steep rise and they sink in front and ride high in the rear tail...not good.
Faber snowshoes
Maine Guide Snowshoes, they have a lot of different styles and great quality
Being a traditionalist I have two pairs of Iverson Alaskans; one 10x56 and a discontinued 11x56, both in rawhide. They have served me well for over 20 years. Iverson has over 17 different styles. www.iversonssnowshoes.com (http://www.iversonssnowshoes.com)
Thanks for all the info going to do some calling and ask some ?
Vermont-Tubbs if they are still made.
Toejammer, I think all they make anymore are the aluminum things. I have 2 pair of their 10 X 56 Alakans and love them, they are from the mid 70's
Eric
does anyone have some for sale?
Sportsmans guide has several
I have a pair that belonged to our neighbor's dad. The frame and lacing look good, but I would think they would need a new binding. I walked once around our lake (about 2 miles) and with my bum knees was crippled for two days. They've been hanging on my wall since then. They measure 12" x 42" and have a mild up-turn at the toe. I will take some pics and e-mail them to you if you send me your e-mail address.
Ron Peek
bladepeek@chartermi.net
PM sent, Craig
QuoteOriginally posted by grayfeather:
Faber snowshoes
Iv' had a pair of Alaskan trail Fabers since I was 15 yrs old. I'm 54 - their still going strong.