Model 132 Snowshoe - SecureFit Binding/Standard Cleat

Tough, Racing Snowshoes

First. I ran the AUGUST 2010, or 2013, Savoy Mountain 15 mile, about, trail race with Bob Dion. I was wearing Solomon Trail shoes. Bob was wearing Dion 132 Snowshoes! I listened to the "clack clack clack" of those Dion snowshoes for fifteen miles. He couldn't pass me and I couldn't get ahead of him. The 132 snowshoe is designed for running on packed snow. You'll go fast. The shoes will last. You'll go far. If ever needed, you can buy replacement parts. The bindings will accept both my Altra trail running shoes or my work boots. I bought the longer straps. But the extra length does need to be secured. (They said so) I'm sixty-seven. I've worn snowshoes four times. Two times racing in the Border Patrol Challenge, for a total of twenty five miles on my Dion 132s. I'd buy another pair. I admit to abusing the 132s by doing everything the Dion webpage and Bob's email say NOT to do while wearing 132s. I've climbed snow covered rocks. Fallen through the ice during a water crossing. Jumped and slid (skied) down snow covered, sort of, steep rock faces. Run across rock gardens. And plowed through melting sticky deep virgin snow. Damages? * I bent the cleats. They are aluminum. I bent them straight with piers. * I tore the stitching out of the bindings grinding over rocks and ice. I resewed the bindings on a home sewing machine using upholstery thread and reassembled the snowshoes. * I scuffed and scratched the aluminum tube shoe frames. But they would not bend or break! * As the webpage reads: For running on packed snow. 132s are Not intended for deep unpacked snow. You'll want to cry. Do I recommend Dion snowshoes? Yes!. Would I buy a second pair? YES! Should you buy a pair of Dion Snowshoes? Unequivocally Yes! Gayle Smith Waterford CT.