Tubbs Flex RDG Snowshoe Assessment

Backside Line

The Tubbs Flex RDG is considered one 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 probably the most versatile choices in the marketplace.

Their versatile decking gives a few of 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 effectively into packed and free terrain. With a barely smaller floor space than different snowshoes we examined and a big gap within the toe to pivot by, we discovered that the Flex RDG makes some concessions on the subject of flotation. Regardless, it’s probably the most versatile and well-rounded snowshoes we examined.

Flotation

The Tubbs Flex RDG has a comparatively slender width in comparison with many different snowshoes we examined. It comes with a big opening within the entrance for the binding to pivot by and diamond-shaped holes within the tail for decreased weight and adaptability. Nonetheless, we discovered that these drastically lowered 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 lowering flotation because the deck gave manner and bent. This isn’t noticeable in most conditions; nevertheless, in deep, moist snow, these snowshoes begin to lose their flotation.

We discovered that these snowshoes excel finest in combined terrain and situations when venturing from packed path, to powder and again once more. Whereas their flotation might lower in a few of 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 have been instantly impressed with the Flex RDG’s traction. The comparatively quick claws on the forefoot are aided by giant parallel rails of powder-coated metal. These rails have 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 have been sufficient to assist help strolling downhill and hold us from sliding uncontrolled. We extremely suggest these for a light-weight snowshoe that comes armed with some severe traction.

Walkability

The largest perk of this snowshoe is its versatile deck that almost 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 cherished the deck’s flexibility for each steep and rolling terrain.

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

Ease of Use

Tubbs continues their wonderful binding system by incorporating boa know-how. This easy dial is among the most user-friendly snowshoe bindings in the marketplace. Merely pull up on the dial to launch them, then pop it down and rotate to tighten. This enables for a particularly comfortable match and the flexibility to regulate to the precise degree of tightness desired.

We additionally cherished the heel riser on these snowshoes. This makes mountaineering uphill snug 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 the pivot level on the bindings. Upon additional inspection, we discovered that the bindings pivoted round a single bolt on all sides that was very free. 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 building.

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 effectively throughout a number of situations and may simply go from the path to the powder. We love the boa system on the binding for ease of use and adjustability. It could’t be beat on the subject of simplicity and conserving your toes safe.

Whereas the snowshoe’s slender form makes strolling snug, 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 high performer in our lineup of finest snowshoes in the marketplace.

What Different Snowshoes Ought to You Contemplate?

MSR Lightning Ascent Assessment – When you love the traction of the Flex RDG however need much more, the MSR Lightning Ascent has a few of the finest traction in our lineup.

MSR Evo Path Assessment – 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 timber.

Retrospec Drifter Assessment – When you’re on the lookout for one other well-rounded snowshoe, the Retrospec Drifter works effectively throughout most situations. At lower than half the worth of the Flex RDG, it comes at an attainable worth level.