Tubbs Flex VRT Review

Our testing team gets psyched when legacy snowshoe companies adopt new technology. In the case of the Tubbs Flex VRT, that new tech is a plastic deck and BOA system on the binding. While these aren't exactly new ideas (and this model has had them for a while), the snowshoeing world moves slowly enough that they qualify.

In some ways, the Flex VRT is an amalgamation of many different snowshoes in our review. In other ways, it takes the best of the best from other products. However, the end result is nothing remarkable. It is solidly built, functions well, and hits a versatile design combination.

Performance Comparison

Flotation

The fully rigid decking of the Flex VRT is supportive and works well on firm-to-moderately soft snow. In normal "trail" and dense snow conditions, the Flex will have all the float you need. The rigid, molded, and stiffened deck makes the surface area effective in floating on softer snow.

Traction

In head-to-head testing, the generous crampons combined with hardened steel longitudinal rails provide excellent traction for the slipperiest of packed snow and ice. Whether the snow is slippery from wind-packing action or from melt-freeze metamorphosis, the sharp steel spikes of the Flex VRT will bite in. Augmenting the crampons and rails (which are noticeably bigger than on other models) are ridges molded into the deck and tiny metal spikes on the tail. Our testers found these two features particularly beneficial on descents.

Stride Ergonomics

The Flex VRT is moderately sized, with a hinged binding/deck junction and a rigid platform. This configuration, combined with the excellent traction noted before, makes the Flex one of the best snowshoes in our test for the steepest and most technical terrain. The integrated heel lift allows the user to snowshoe straight uphill with the crampons and flotation fully engaged while keeping the foot mostly level. For all these reasons, we recommend the Flex for rugged, firm-snow travel. In all other conditions, there is likely a better choice.

Ease of Use

Every tester loved the BOA system for wearing. The primary disadvantage of these bindings, in terms of ease of use, is that they are bulkier to pack. Beyond this, we found the operation of this binding to be straightforward.

Bindings

In our experience, including rugged terrain in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, the bindings of the Flex hold on tenaciously enough. Some other online reviews indicate that the BOA system can ice up. Our test team has experience with the BOA system on snowshoes, ski boots, and snowboard boots and has had no problems in the wettest and coldest of conditions. In short, we trust the bindings of the Flex but understand hesitations around this mechanical device.

The hybrid BOA and heel strap configuration of the Flex is well suited to spread the force of the binding pressure over the softest of winter footwear. That being said, these snowshoes are designed for use in rough terrain where stiffer footwear will likely be worn. In that case, even the tightest cinching bindings do not cause undue pressure. If you use stiff mountaineering boots for snowshoeing, the stretchy rubber straps are secure without compromising comfort.

Should You Buy the Tubbs Flex VRT?

Hikers who are seriously considering this snowshoe should have high and wild terrain on their wish list. The feature set of the VRT is optimized for big mountain travel. Folks who are staying away from steeper or technical terrain can pay less or find a model with other, perhaps more desirable, features.

What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?