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Post by hikerjer on Dec 20, 2019 19:40:52 GMT -8
I have a chance to get a screaming deal on a pair of Yukon Charlie 930 snowshoes. They would be for my son. He’s an accomplished backpacker and hiker but has limited experience with snowshoes - more of a x-country skier. I’ve read the reviews and they seem to be a mixed bag but are generally positive. I know there are higher quality snowshoes out there but they are all considerably more expensive. As an aside, this particular model has been discontinued but you can still buy them on-line and in major outdoor outlets i.e. Dicks, Cabelas, etc. I’ll be getting these at a huge discount from an acquaintance so no warranty applies. They've never been used.
Anyone had any experience with this brand of snowshoe? Any comments would be welcomed.
As always, thanks.
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Post by johntpenca on Dec 20, 2019 20:43:24 GMT -8
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Post by bluefish on Dec 21, 2019 4:37:07 GMT -8
I have Tubbs that look very similar to the Pros, same features that we've used 4-5 winters now. Look good- but if the materials are cheaper- and they have to be at that price- I'd limit their use to the front country. When I skied more, I used snowshoes for deep snow and terrain that wasn't ski friendly. I wouldn't trust a bargain shoe for backpacking and mountaineering, but they may be lots of fun on day hikes. If your son likes them, and some people who ski HATE snowwshoes, he can always upgrade to MSR Evos or Tubbs Wilderness that can take you up into the snowfields with confidence. I had a binding problem in 5' of snow with it -20 on a peak in Vermont. Nerve racking is an understatement. They were excellent Atlas shoes- just had a little too much wear. Sorry if this wasn't helpful and too general, just wanted to warn of using cheaper shoes in potentially dangerous situations. If you plan it right, he can break trail through deep snow with them and you can ski behind him with relative ease.
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Post by oldbill on Dec 21, 2019 6:26:27 GMT -8
No experience with the brand, but as you know selecting the right snowshoe depends on conditions. 31" is too long for the NH Whites where I do most snowshoeing. Borrowed a 30" pair for my first time and had a tough time stepping over downed trees etc. Great for any deep powder though. The traction for steep ascents or sidehills looks minimal, but if that's not an issue they look fine. I bit the bullet on MSR Lightening Ascents (25") as I like the safety factor of added traction, but you do pay a steep price for them.
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Post by johntpenca on Dec 21, 2019 6:56:18 GMT -8
and some people who ski HATE snowwshoes Good advice bluefish. The Yukon Charlies might be a good introductory shoe to see if he likes snowshoeing and then upgrade. I'm one of those that avoids snowshoes in all but the really brushy conditions (hate is a strong word).
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tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
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Post by tigger on Dec 22, 2019 22:36:11 GMT -8
Got two pair from Costco. Both didn't last a season. I wouldn't touch them again.
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Post by hikerjer on Dec 23, 2019 8:32:39 GMT -8
Ouch! But then we all know the terrain and kind of hiking tigger does. Maybe that should be a qualifier.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Dec 23, 2019 9:11:21 GMT -8
I have a pair of the same model. I like the fact that they have quick snap buckles which make them easier to take off when frozen. The poles that come with them are junk. I've gotten several seasons from them but YMMV. If you're going to be spending a lot of time on them, I would recommend something better, but for family members who don't put a lot of miles on them, it's hard to beat the price.
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Post by johntpenca on Dec 23, 2019 9:12:20 GMT -8
Nothing like personal experience.
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almostthere
Trail Wise!
putting on my hiking shoes....
Posts: 696
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Post by almostthere on Dec 25, 2019 19:34:09 GMT -8
I have some MSRs that are like years old, and some Northern Lites with the old style bindings. Almost wish they would break so we could get the newer bindings.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 26, 2019 11:10:48 GMT -8
I have some MSRs that are like years old, and some Northern Lites with the old style bindings. Almost wish they would break so we could get the newer bindings. The trouble with “bombproof” gear: as it’s design gets obsolete it’s robust build keeps chugging along.
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tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
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Post by tigger on Jan 8, 2020 7:50:41 GMT -8
Ouch! But then we all know the terrain and kind of hiking tigger does. Maybe that should be a qualifier. I bought the two pair of snowshoes for my boys to wear. Within five miles of snowshoeing, we had one of the frames snap. On the other set, the whole frontend folded in on itself while hiking through fresh powder on a flat section. Both situations were in what I would consider, light terrain. We did a quick repair as best we could, but it turned an easy hike out into a three hour posthole experience. I found a set of MSR returns at the REI Garage sale and picked them up for $20. That pair has been chugging along ever since.
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reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
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Post by reuben on Jan 8, 2020 8:40:17 GMT -8
I bought the two pair of snowshoes for my boys to wear. Within five miles of snowshoeing, we had one of the frames snap. On the other set, the whole frontend folded in on itself while hiking through fresh powder on a flat section. Both situations were in what I would consider, light terrain. So you've passed your offroad/offtrail destructive genes to your sons. Have they started playing with fire yet? Making bizarre clothing choices? Sounds like fun, actually. My grandson is more of a goofball, but he does like hiking/swimming/soccer/wrestling/frisbee or whatever else might move him on a given day.
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tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
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Post by tigger on Jan 8, 2020 12:31:06 GMT -8
So you've passed your offroad/offtrail destructive genes to your sons. Have they started playing with fire yet? Making bizarre clothing choices? Sounds like fun, actually. My grandson is more of a goofball, but he does like hiking/swimming/soccer/wrestling/frisbee or whatever else might move him on a given day. My youngest son was caught starting a fire in a trash can in the bathroom once. I don't think my genes are "destructive". I think the term is "stupid". That said, I'm thinking I'm the last of the "stupid" gene.
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reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,144
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Post by reuben on Jan 8, 2020 12:54:04 GMT -8
I think that the word you're looking for is "adventurous".
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