Atlas 9 Series FRS Snowshoes Review

Features:

Just like the 10 series, the Atlas 9 Series FRS Snowshoes are built on a 6000 series aluminum frame with Nytex decking. The flexible Wrap™ bindings easily tighten and provide a solid connection to the snowshoes. Traction is achieved with steel front All-Trac™ toe crampons and rear Tri-Cleats. Atlas 9 Series Snowshoes also feature Free-Rotating™ Suspension for natural articulation and greater traction on uneven terrain. Available in two sizes: 25 and 30 inch.

Specifications:

Size: 8" x 25" (120 to 200 lbs)
Type: Varying Terrain
Material (frame): 6061 Aluminum Alloy
Material (decking): Nytex
Binding: Wrapp™ Binding
Crampons: Tempered Steel
Weight: 4.09 lbs (per pair)

In The Field:

We originally purchased a pair of Atlas 925 snowshoes for my wife to use, but they were a little too wide for her. So I ended up testing them out. Right off the bat, I noticed the quality and durability appeared superb just like on my Atlas 10 Series snowshoes. There are two main differences that I noticed from the 10 Series. First, the binding on the 9 Series is not as fancy and doesn't have any padding. Second, the rear traction is different.

The bindings on the Atlas 9 Series FRS snowshoes work well. They are fairly easy to get in and out of with the Uniloop strap, although I find I have to play with the straps a little to achieve a secure fit. Both my large pac boots and my wife's smaller winter boots fit equally well in the bindings.

The All-Trac™ toe crampons and rear Tri-Cleats hold up well due to their steel construction. I have had snowshoes with aluminum crampons which do not come close to the durability of these steel ones. They really bite in on steep slopes and allow me to climb efficiently. The rear Tri-Cleat helps with downhill traction and stability when sidehilling. Snow can gum up around the cleats depending on the conditions, but this has never caused me any problems.

The 8" x 25" size works as well as any other comparably-sized snowshoe where flotation is concerned. The depth and dryness of unconsolidated powder snow is what ultimately determines how far one will sink while on snowshoes. The Atlas 925's make trudging through deep powder much less exhausting and safer then with boots alone. I find the flotation and traction they afford helpful in all snow conditions from powder to packed snow and ice.

One thing I like about the 925's compared to my 1025's is that they don't kick up nearly as much snow. Sometimes snow is kicked up to the bottom of my calf, but never to my back like with my 1025's. Another thing to note is the binding on the 925's (just like on the 1025's) rubs the decking in one spot on each snowshoe. It hasn't caused any problems, and I have seen this same condition on other snowshoes.

See Trillium Lake, Mud Creek Ridge, and Barlow Butte Hut adventures where the Atlas 9 Series FRS Snowshoes were used.

Final Thoughts:

For a durable entry-level snowshoe that will last, I recommend the Atlas 9 Series FRS snowshoes. They are built on proven technology and contain enough features for the average snowshoer. If you frequent more technical terrain, look at the Atlas 10 through 12 series snowshoes. Available at amazon.com and other outdoor retailers