Atlas 1025 Snowshoes

Review Date
March 12, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 4 votes

Reviewed by: BergMann(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Flemington, NJ

Price Paid:  $175.00 at Moosejaw.com

Summary:
This is a review for both the Atlas 1025 and the Electra (women's) 1022.

After a day of renting Tubbs Altitude snowshoes in VT, my wife and I decided that shoes in the 20-inch range would be just what we needed for our daily hikes when the heavy winter snow here in western NJ got too deep for our Sorrels.

After doing a bit of research, we decided to go for Atlas shoes with "spring-loaded" bindings, and we have not been disappointed. The Atlas binding is far superior to the Tubbs in terms of range of movement (the Tubbs are on a fixed axle and thus rather akward when traversing steep slopes), platform return (the Tubbs would dangle from your foot instead of "snapping back" -- I managed to "stuff" the Tubbs platform straight down when turning around in tight quarters) and in terms of fit and ease of use.

My one caveat is that the padded "archflex" tongue on the Electra (women's) binding is a bit more user friendly and does a better job of spreading pressure uniformly across the foot than the mens' 10 series binding in conjunction with standard hiking boots.

THe flip side of this equation, however, is that the men's binding does a much better job of accomodating the buckles on ski boots. My advice to hardcore backcountry types would be to try out whatever hardshell boot you are using before buying the Electras. As for the men's binding, it'll take anything you throw at it.

Also, the spring loaded binding does kick up some snow at the end of your stride, so wear gaiters.

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
Tubbs Altitude 25 & 22.

Review Date
February 16, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Zach Dylong(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Buffalo, Ny

Price Paid:  $190.00 at Galyans

Summary:
These snowshoes are amazing. Since western, NY is always pounded with snow. I try to get out at least 1-2 times a week. Atlas makes the best shoes on the planet. After wearing these things for 30 seconds you dont even know they are on your feet. The crampon is extremely aggressive alowing you to climb even the steepest hills. I am 160lbs. and the flotation is just right. The spring loaded binding works great on steep ascents, alowing for the toe points to be fully exposed. My only complaint was that I had to cut away the extra webbing in the binding, because it was catching on twigs and shrubs. This is a very minor setback. I have had these things for 2 years now and wouldnt trade them for anything.

Customer Service:
I havent had to use it.

Similar Products Used:
ATLAS 725's

Review Date
February 6, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: coloradodeano(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Fort Collins

Price Paid:  $330.00 at Jax in Fort Collins

Summary:
I've taken the Atlas 1025's out on 3 day trips to the Cameron Pass and Rocky Mountain National Park area in the month since I bought them. I weigh about 170lbs and in fluffy Colorado powder I sink about 8-10" which is a little disappointing, but everyone else on the hike was sinking too.

I have had no techical problems with the shoes but two co-hikers have had to send their Atlas' shoes back to have some rivets replaced. I myself have not come up with a field-fix for myself.

The bindings are easy to use and I've had no problems with them.

I'd give them 5 stars, but I think that snowshoes in general are overpriced. One of my co-workers left an REI clinic "disgusted" with cost of entry even though the sales rep claimed that snowshoeing is a cheap sport.

Customer Service:
No experience.

Similar Products Used:
Sherpa's