Tubbs Flex VRT Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Fully featured for steep and technical use
Cons: Loud decking and bulky harness
Manufacturer: Tubbs
Our Verdict
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Tubbs Flex VRT | |||||
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Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Fully featured for steep and technical use | Rigid, precise, excellent binding security, impressive traction | Inexpensive, easy to use, versatile | Large, easy stride, great flotation | Compact, uniquely excellent stride ergonomics |
Cons | Loud decking and bulky harness | New binding trades ease-of-use for comfort | Unimpressive traction | Heavy, heel lifter is clunky | Small footprint and flexible deck creates limited flotation |
Bottom Line | This contender provides excellent traction, heel lifts, a comfortable binding, and moderate weight | The best snowshoes in our test, complete with high end features and simple engineering | This snowshoe does everything well and has a low price, making it a great value | An all-around snowshoe that tilts its preferences to the wild and deep environments | Excellent compact snowshoes for packed trail and firmer snow when flotation isn't the main concern |
Rating Categories | Tubbs Flex VRT | MSR Lightning Ascent | Atlas Helium Trail | Crescent Moon Gold 10 | TSL Symbioz Elite |
Flotation (30%) | |||||
Traction (25%) | |||||
Stride Ergonomics (15%) | |||||
Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
Bindings (15%) | |||||
Specs | Tubbs Flex VRT | MSR Lightning Ascent | Atlas Helium Trail | Crescent Moon Gold 10 | TSL Symbioz Elite |
Uses | Spring snow and steep terrain | Spring snow and steep terrain | Spring snow and moderate terrain | Deep snow | Groomed trails |
Optimum Weight Load (per manufacturer) | 24": 120-200 lbs; 28": 190+ lbs |
22": up to 180 lbs; 25": 120-220 lbs; 30": 150-280 lbs |
23": 80-160 lbs; 26": 150-220 lbs; 30": 200-270+ lbs |
up to 225 lbs | S: 65-180 lbs; M: 110-260 lbs; L: 150-300 lbs |
Weight (per pair) | 4 lbs 9 oz | 4 lbs 0 oz | 3 lbs 9 oz | 5 lbs 2 oz | 4 lbs 9 oz |
Surface Area | 179 in² | 188 in² | 191 in² | 256 in² | 162 in² |
Dimensions | 24 x 8" | 25 x 8" | 26" x 8" | 32 x 10" | 22 x 8" |
Crampon/Traction Aids | Steel crampon augmented with traction rails | Steel crampon augmented with rail and frame teeth | Tempered steel | Steel crampon | Steel spikes throughout bottom of deck |
Frame Material | Steel traction rails | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Composite |
Deck Material | Molded plastic | Fabric | Plastic | Polyurethane fabric | Composite |
Heel Lift | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional add-on | Yes |
Binding/Deck Connection | Hinged | Hinged | Hinged | Strapped | Hinged |
Binding System | Boa | Rubber Straps with pin-in-hole | Nylon straps with plastic buckles, rubber strap with pin-in-hole | Rubber straps with plastic buckles | Combination of rigid plastic, nylon straps, cam locks, and ratchet style straps |
Flotation Tails Sold Separately? | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Men's and Women's versions? | Yes | Yes | Unisex | Yes | Unisex |
Sizes Available | 24", 28" | 22", 25", 30" | 23", 26", 30" | One size | S (20.5"), M (23.5"), L (27") |
Tested Size | 24" | 25" | 26" | One Size | M |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Flex VRT Updates
Since our testing period with these snowshoes, Tubbs updated the Dynamic Fit binding system, simplifying the Boa system with less cord. Compare the two snowshoes below; the new version is pictured first.
Take note that since we haven't tested the latest version yet, the following review continues to reflect the previous model tested.
Performance Comparison
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 the other products. However, the end result is nothing remarkable. It is solidly built, functions well, and hits a versatile design combination.
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 all of 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 will bite in.
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, but the user's foot more 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, stretchy rubber straps are secure without compromising comfort.
Value
At the suggested price, the high-performance attributes of the Flex are worth it. If you primarily tromp in mellower terrain, you can spend a lot less for a snowshoe that will do the job.
Conclusion
We're not entirely sure that Tubbs intended it, but this snowshoe has a rare set of features that makes them mountaineering specialists. Other products are slightly better in that technical terrain, but they cost more. If you like to get high and wild, the Tubbs Flex VRT is more than worth a look.
— Jediah Porter
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