Article by Jeff Valliere
1lb/8.6oz / 696 grams (half pair)
Sizes M, L
$499.95
Introduction:
I’ll go ahead and get this out of the way first off, as it is the most prominent thought in my mind. The Carbon Air Frame 25 Snowshoes are a work of art, so much so, I was somewhat reluctant to go tromp around snowy trails on them. The hollow core carbon frame with integrated carbon decking is so exquisitely built, smooth, seamless, elegant and light.
They are shockingly light for a well featured, 25” competent mountain snowshoe with removable insulated toe covers and a twist lock binding system (much like a BOA dial) and aggressive crampons.
Features:
Integral built carbon decking:
The carbon decking is thin and light, with a little bit of flex to it to provide some forgiveness on uneven snow with also hexagonal shaped cutouts in the tail to minimize weight and give a little extra flexibility.
Hollow-core carbon frame
The hollow core carbon frame is especially light and integrates with the decking (integrate might not be the right word, as it is a one piece molded design), so there are no attachment points that can break, detach or come loose. The frame is stiff and rigid with no flex or give to it and so far feels to be durable. That said, I only use these on good continuous snow and never risk even short bits of walking on dry ground, rocks or talus. I bet they would hold up to some abuse, but really do not want to bang them up or push my luck!
Ice-rail claws:
The Ice-rail claws and aggressive underfoot crampons provide excellent traction on ice and hard packed snow. There are 4 large aggressive crampons directly under foot to provide most of the bite, as well as a long strip of jagged spikes running along either side of the frame (about the length of a foot, that continues unhindered across the snowshoe under the heel that helps quite a bit when on steep terrain, when the snow is icy/hard packed and especially when side hilling.
New Quicklock binding -
Very similar to the BOA system, the Quicklock binding system is very easy to adjust, fitting a wide range of sizes and types of shoes/boots and provides a very good hold. They are easy to step into, where you then slide the heel strap over your heel (which is secured with a velcro fastener) and then turn the dial clockwise to tighten the binding, or pop the dial up to release. What really stands out to me is how comfortable this binding is and how uniform the pressure is.
The Quicklock bindings are so easy to use, making transitions fast and you can operate the dials even while wearing bulky mittens. It is great being able to put on and take off snowshoes quickly and easily, without subjecting yourself to freezing fingers.
Removable Insulated Toe Covers
The Carbon Air Frame 25 also comes with removable insulated toe covers that helps keep your toes out of the snow, keeping them nice and warm. The covers are very light and easy to install/remove, are well built and durable. While my testing has been in warmer spring temperatures, I can feel that they add a good bit of warmth and will really be a game changer during the cold winter months.
Sizing: There are two different size binding options for the Carbon Air Frame 25, medium, which fits EU 36-42 (US 4-8.5), or large which fits 42-47 (US 8.5-12.5).
Performance/Conclusions/Recommendations:
The Carbon Air Frame 25 snowshoes are amazingly light, well thought out, well constructed and easy to use. I love how easy to use the bindings are, the toe covers to keep my feet warm and dry, as well as the comfort and uniform pressure of the bindings, as this is something I have struggled with in the past with other brands. Having uncomfortable pressure points that cut off circulation causes painful and cold feet, so this is a very welcome relief to be able to get out for long days in comfort and warmth.
Traction is excellent and flotation is good as well. Komperdell recommends up to 264 lbs for this snowshoe and I am well below that at 145 lbs (though with heavy winter clothes and a backpack, that certainly increases by 10 or 15 lbs).
While the Carbon Air Frame 25 is quite light, they are not quite small enough or light enough for running or racing, but are a great lightweight option for snowy rolling to steeper trails or light backcountry use in moderately deep snow (in deeper snow, a larger deck like the Peakmaster Pro 30” would be advantageous).
Peakmaster Pro Snowshoe 25 Inch
2lb/1oz / 937 grams (half pair)
One Size binding, but come in 22” and 30” versions as well.
$239.95
Introduction:
The Peakmaster Pro is a bit heavier than the Carbon Air Frame 25, but in my opinion is a step up in versatility and durability, geared more towards steeper, technical mountain terrain with a rigid anodized aluminum frame and snow shedding Hypalon decking. The crampons under the forefoot and heel are more pronounced and overall more durable as well. The Peakmaster has the same Quicklock binding as the Carbon Air Frame.
Features:
Anodized high performance aluminum frame:
The anodized aluminum frame is light, rigid and quite durable, providing a very strong, stable and predictable platform.
Hypalon Decking:
The Hypalon decking is thick, durable, flexible and snow repellent. It has a very substantial rubbery feel to it and the fasteners holding the deck to the frame are very robust and very resistant to abuse.
Steel front claw and middle claw
The crampons are very deep, sharp and provide exceptional traction on steep, icy uphills, downhills and side hilling and are quite durable. Additionally, they are easily interchangeable/replaceable with a hex wrench, so if they wear over time, then you could likely replace them if need be.
A really nice touch here, one that I have not seen before, is an anti balling flap under the toe crampons, which definitely helps a lot in sticky spring snow.
Heel lift
The Peakmaster has built in heel lifts that easily pop up for steep, extended uphills, thus putting much less strain on your calves. I will either reach down (or lift my snowshoe) to pop them up, or even better yet, the Carbon CXP Pro Touring Poles have a pronounced lip at the top of the grip that can be used to pop up the heel lift. Laying them back down however takes a little more effort though and I need to kneel down and use my hands.
New Quicklock binding:
Identical to the Carbon Air Frame 25, the Quicklock binding system is very easy to adjust, fitting a wide range of sizes and types of shoes/boots and provides a very good hold. They are easy to step into, where you then slide the heel strap over your heel (which is secured with a velcro fastener) and then turn the dial clockwise to tighten the binding, or pop the dial up to release.
What really stands out to me is how comfortable this binding is and how uniform the pressure is. The Quicklock bindings are so easy to use, making transitions fast and you can operate the dials even while wearing bulky mittens. It is great being able to put on and take off snowshoes quickly and easily, without subjecting yourself to freezing fingers.
The Peakmaster Pro also comes with removable insulated toe covers that helps keep your toes out of the snow, keeping them nice and warm. The covers are very light and easy to install/remove are well built and appear to be durable. While my testing has been in warmer spring temperatures, I can feel that they add a good bit of warmth and will really be a game changer during the cold winter months.
Performance/Conclusions/Recommendations:
The Peakmaster Pro 25 snowshoes, while not quite as light as the Carbon Air Frame, are still reasonably lightweight. They are very well thought out, well constructed, rugged, durable and easy to use.
I truly appreciate how easy to use the Quicklock bindings are, the toe covers keep my feet warm and dry, as well as the comfort and uniform pressure of the bindings, as this is something I have struggled with in the past with other brands. Having uncomfortable pressure points that cut off circulation causes painful and cold feet, so this is a very welcome relief to be able to get out for long days in comfort and warmth.
Traction is excellent and flotation is good as well, plus the heel lifts are a really nice touch for mountain use. Komperdell recommends up to 220 lbs for the 25” version of this snowshoe and I am well below that at 145 lbs (though with heavy winter clothes and a backpack, that certainly increases by 10 or 15 lbs). They also offer a 22” version that can accommodate up to 176 lbs, or for deeper snow and heavier loads, they offer a 30” version that accommodate up to 264 lbs.
The Peakmaster Pro will most certainly be my go to snowshoe for steeper, more committing high mountain outings that involve varied terrain, as the more durable frame and deck will allow for some intermittent dry ground crossing above treeline, or, as easy as it is to put them on or remove, I can just take them off quickly as needed.
Carbon CXP Pro Touring Poles ($199.95)
9 oz / 255 grams per pole
Adjustable length 105 - 140 cm
Packed size: 65 cm
Features:
Touring 2-K Foam 450 grip - extra long grip zone
Comfort Padded strap - especially soft, padded strap, best wearing comfort
Powerlock 3.0 - strongest lock made of forged aluminum
Vario basket system - easy and quick to change
3-sections:
upper part, ∅ 18mm
middle part, ∅ 16mm
lower part, ∅ 14mm
Introduction:
The Carbon CXP Pro is a lightweight carbon/titanium 3 section winter focused pole, featuring secure Powerlock 3.0 locking mechanisms, interchangeable baskets, a comfortable padded strap, a long touring foam grip for more hand grip options and also helps keep the pole/hands warmer.
The grips are very comfortable insulating foam and extend nearly the entire length of the top ⅓ of the pole, an extended grip zone for steep terrain. They also have broad straps that adjust to accommodate anything from bare hands to full on expedition mitts.
The top of the grip also has a rigid plastic extension that is perfect for operating the heel lifts on the Peakmaster Pro (or other snowshoes with lifts, or backcountry ski bindings).
The baskets are interchangeable from the provided large snow basket, to medium or small size baskets for summer hiking or trekking (sold separately). The tip is concave and sharp, providing very good purchase on ice or any other slick surfaces.
The Powerlock 3.0 locking mechanisms are very easy to operate, even with gloves on, which is really handy when it is cold and snowy or adjusting on the fly.
On previous models of Komperdell adjustable poles, I found it difficult to read the length markings, but they have since fixed this and they are much easier to read.
Performance:
The Carbon CXP Pro poles are light, easy to operate and exceptionally versatile for a wide range of multi season uses, bolstered by the interchangeable baskets and more durable Titanel lower shaft (Titanel being an aluminum alloy often used in skis). They are surprisingly light weight and have extended foam grips to add to easy hand positions and help insulate in the cold. They carry so light! They are very comfortable (grip and strap), easy to adjust and very rigid and secure. I would highly recommend them for snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, hiking or trekking.
Snowshoe Gaiter ($59.95)
Available in sizes S (length approx. 14.5”) and L (length approx. 16.5”)
For added protection, Komperdell offers a gaiter to keep out the cold and snow that are very high quality and durable. I have long, but thin legs and wear a size large and the length is great, but there is no bungee cord to cinch them around your calves to keep them up. That said, with thick snow pants, I have not found it to be an issue, though I wish I had the bungee when wearing thinner pants.
Instead of a calf bungee however, there is one at the top of the foot, which helps a little to snug it down, but I have never found this to be necessary on any other gaiters and worry about the bungee loop getting snagged.
Overall though, the gaiters are warm, waterproof and durable.
Seamless Snowshoe Socks ($59.99)
Sizes 4-13
The seamless snowshoe socks are another nice addition to the snowshoe kit, adding further waterproofing and warmth for those coldest days. They are a touch on the thick side, so I would recommend them if you have a boot or shoe with a little extra space. I also found it best to wear a thin sockliner underneath as well.
I am a US 10 in most cases and these fit me perfectly.
Kompredell Snowshoes, Poles and Accessories are available qt Komperdell HERE
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