Article by Jeff Valliere
TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust ($320, currently on sale $272 at TSL)
Sizes S/M/L
960g/2 lbs 2 oz per half pair
Introduction: Based in the French Alps and founded in 1981, TSL has been an innovator creating snowshoes, poles, packs, sleds, gaiters and other accessories. The Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust is packed with innovative features and design, is made from high quality materials and is easy to use with its BOA Fit System.
They come in 3 different sizes depending on your weight and preferences. They have the best traction of any snowshoe I have ever used and are notably easy to walk in, but the level of flotation (at least in the small size recommended for my weight) is minimal and they are best for already packed trails and hard packed sastrugi above treeline.
Features:
Flexible Deck: One thing that is immediately noticeable is the flexible design of the Hyperflex, as the name implies. It is constructed of a durable plastic/resin type material that has flex grooves around the perimeter that allow the snowshoes to flex and roll with your walking action and conform to terrain.
On top are two integrated carbon fiber rails that are flexible and store energy during the bending phase and release that energy to increase stride power and reduce effort.
The shape of the deck is notably parabolic for weight reduction and ease of walking. While not intended for running, they are small enough and do not clunk and clank into one another, so you almost could run in them, at least for short periods. The deck, while made of what seems to be plastic, is surprisingly durable and does not seem to be susceptible to being brittle in the cold.
Binding:
The bindings feature BOA Fit System dials that provide precise fit, support and easy micro adjustments. This for me is the key benefit of these snowshoes, as being able to easily put on and take off snowshoes while wearing gloves or even mittens is essential. Having had snowshoes in the past with various configurations of straps and ratcheting buckles, I have frozen my fingers fumbling with them in the cold wind too many times.
Now, I insist upon a BOA equipped binding and will never go back, as it is so nice to be able to keep my hands protected while quickly taking off or putting on my snowshoes.
The heel strap is ratcheting with a textile comfort strap, which is essentially a thick/wide nylon covering over the plastic strap that helps to relieve pressure over the top of the foot, even when the strap is tightly cinched. Most snowshoes simply have a strap that holds over the heel, but this strap wraps 360 for better hold and not having to rely on pressure from heel to toe.
The ratcheting mechanism for me requires a bit of a learning curve, where I find it very easy to strap in and ratchet tight, as well as micro adjust to loosen, but fully releasing the buckle takes some practice. Actually, I am still on that learning curve, as I have not yet figured out a quick method to release the strap, which takes some fumbling. This is my only complaint with the entire snowshoe.
The binding is telescoping to accommodate a wide range of shoe sizes by squeezing a button on either side. There are numbers on the binding that do not correspond to US or even EU sizing, but I just try to remember which I need depending whether I am using a winter trail running shoe or a winter boot.
This adjustment is something that I would strongly recommend setting up ahead of time in the comfort of your home with shoe/boot off, as it would be difficult trying to set this up at a cold trailhead and nearly impossible out in the field (only possible perhaps as a 2 person operation if attempting with your shoes/boots on.
The Symbioz has an EASY ASCENT climbing wedge that is easy to flip up and down and can be operated with a ski pole. Having the heel lift is great for sustained uphills to relieve calf and achilles tension, making ascents easier and more efficient.
Traction:
The Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust hands down have the best traction of any snowshoe I have used or seen. Featuring 8 interchangeable stainless steel crampons, toothy and aggressive front crampons and large vertical plastic blades spread out under the deck, these snowshoes grab exceptionally well on steep mountain trails and snow slopes.
The crampons are incredibly sharp, sharp enough to easily cut you or tear through clothing (especially a puffy jacket) if you are not careful. The stainless steel blades seem quite durable and would take a lot to wear them down. I have used the Symbioz on steep to very steep mountain trails and hard packed snow and even with some ice in the mix and they are absolutely the most grippy snowshoes, bordering on a mountaineering crampon. These are designed for the most difficult mountain terrain.
Flotation: The size smallI tested has a 20.5” x 7.5” deck and is not especially geared towards flotation, and is more intended for packed trails and packed snow. I find that they are adequate for 6 or so inches on a trail with a packed base, but once you get off trail, then I do sink in the snow a good bit. If you are looking for greater flotation, then consider a larger size (med is 23.5”x 8” and large is 27.5”x 8.5”) or choose a different TSL model altogether.
Performance/Conclusions:
The Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust are perfect for challenging terrain, high mountain adventures or just easy walking on packed trails.
The compact, parabolic design makes them feel unobtrusive underfoot and the flexible deck and hinged binding really help make it very easy to walk in them, as they roll along nicely and conform to the terrain underfoot.
While the heel strap takes some finesse to extract from, overall operation is quite easy, especially gvien the convenience of the BOA FIT System. The BOA not only makes it easy, but the entire binding design is particularly comfortable. Often snowshoe straps eventually dig into my foot causing pain and loss of circulation, particularly on prolonged downhills, but this binding distributes the pressure evenly and comfortably with no such issues and micro adjustments are really easy on the fly.
The heel lift is convenient and easy to operate as well, which encourages me to use it more often on steeper grades.
Traction is far and away the best ever, as I feel very confident on steep, slick terrain be it going up, down or sidehilling. The weight is quite reasonable as well and they easily carry on the back of your winter pack (just careful to keep those crampons facing out!).
I would highly recommend the Symbioz for rugged mountain adventures where you know there is a packed trail to treeline,r where deep snow will be at a minimum, or if you are looking for the highest quality snowshoe with easy, comfortable bindings, that are easy to walk in and have the best traction.
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
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