Redfeather Blackhawk

Review Date
April 6, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Hiker Boy(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Richmond, BC, Canada

Price Paid:  $113.00 at eBay

Summary:
Good floatation, good traction going up, down, and laterally. They feel nice and light on the feet. The bindings fit snuggly and my boots don't come out in mid-stride (a big concern of mine in past snowshoes). These snoeshoes also come with snaps for the attatchment of a heal lift for climbing and you can buy other accessories as well.

You have to be carefull the ratchet bindings aren't done up too tight because it is hard to undo them afterwards! Also, I have a concern over the laces in the front doing the freezing and loosening thing although I haven't encountered this problem yet. I may eventually but all new Redfeather EPIC bindings for these snowshoes.

Similar Products Used:
Tubbs, Atlas, TSL, Sherpa, MSR, Yuba, and Ridgeway.

I also had some homemade wood and rawhide ones.

Review Date
April 12, 2000

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Tim(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from CT

Summary:
Pro: good value for $$$$$. The ratchet strap snugs my boots securely; I've had no problems with the shoes coming off. Good flotation (for me). Fairly rugged though I worry a bit about the little plastic snap thingies breaking off

Con: The string part of the binding tends to snag the grommets/eyes on my plastic mountaineering boots; it's not a "show stopper" but it's a serious nuisance to be fiddling withthe thing when wearing heavy mittens or when it's *really* cold. IMO, the fixed rotation binding makes it more difficult to kick steps on a steep snow slope. It (fixed rotation) also works against the crampon when ascending a steep, icy section; IMO Tubbs (Katahdin?), Atlas, and Sherpa Mountain are better climbing shoes than the Blackhawks.

I was able to but the shoes for about 25% of retail, so I'm quite satisfied from a price/performance perspective. If I'd paid full retail I would probably be a bit disappointed.

Similar Products Used:
Tubbs Katahdin, Atlas, Sherpa Mountain

Review Date
February 24, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Dave(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Jericho, VT, USA

Summary:
Great bindings. I have had problems with my feet rotating within other shoes' bindings. No such problem with the Blackhawks. Excellent traction. Float is ok, but not so good in deep powder. Good value for the money.

Customer Service:
None

Similar Products Used:
Tubbs, Redfeather Redtails (too small/not enough float for me)

Review Date
February 9, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Tim(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from New Hampshire

Summary:
I used these snowshoes, along with a pair of Redtails, over a weekend a few weeks ago. While I can't say much for long-term durability(2 days), their traction, loft, and weight were top notch. They are easy to adjust and put on, and I hardly noticed them on my feet.

Similar Products Used:
Redfeather Redtails, some Atlas model whose name escapes me.

Review Date
February 4, 2000

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Aaron(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Seattle, WA

Summary:
I've owned these shoes for about 5 years.
They are great light weight shoes, but won't hold up to long term heavy snowshoeing.
I weigh 180lbs and they are bending behind the heel and about to break.
If you are looking for short-term performance, then you've found the right shoe, but for long term durability, you should opt for a heavier pair.

Similar Products Used:
Sherpa