Tubbs Flex RDG Snowshoe Evaluation

Backside Line

The Tubbs Flex RDG is certainly one of our top-performing snowshoes because of its glorious 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 a number 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 glorious traction regardless of comparatively small claws below the forefoot. These dug properly 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 via, we discovered that the Flex RDG makes some concessions in relation to flotation. Regardless, it’s some of the 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 via and diamond-shaped holes within the tail for decreased weight and adaptability. Nevertheless, we discovered that these drastically diminished the snowshoe’s flotation.

The versatile deck that offers 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 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 circumstances when venturing from packed path, to powder and again once more. Whereas their flotation could lower in a number 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 support strolling downhill and preserve us from sliding uncontrolled. We extremely advocate 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 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 once you may be used to the “tennis racket in your ft” 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 beloved their consolation whereas strolling and spending hours within the snow and mountains.

Ease of Use

Tubbs continues their glorious binding system by incorporating boa know-how. 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 cosy match and the flexibility to regulate to the precise degree of tightness desired.

We additionally beloved the heel riser on these snowshoes. This makes climbing uphill snug and supported. Nevertheless, we had bother 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 lift and decrease it. 

Whereas utilizing these snowshoes, we observed an incessant rattle and wiggle via the pivot level on the bindings. Upon additional inspection, we discovered that the bindings pivoted round a single bolt on either side that was very free. Frustratingly, we couldn’t tighten these down with a socket wrench because the nut was extraordinarily tight whereas nonetheless having numerous play. This can be a little bit of an annoyance because the foot wiggles and the binding rattles with each step, however to date 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 properly throughout a number of circumstances 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 might probably’t be beat in relation to simplicity and preserving your ft 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 available on the market.

What Different Snowshoes Ought to You Contemplate?

MSR Lightning Ascent Evaluation – If you happen to love the traction of the Flex RDG however need much more, the MSR Lightning Ascent has a number of the finest traction in our lineup.

MSR Evo Path Evaluation – Equally constructed however in a smaller and lighter body dimension, 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 – If you happen to’re on the lookout for 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.