Northern Lites Snowshoes Advice

I am also around 180lb and carry between 20-30lbs. The Elite Race has in general worked well on moderate to heavy pack snow… but in looser or softer snow I would def. want more float.

On really hard snow/ice you would be better off with crampons.
In fresh powder snow nothing works.
It depends on the snow …

Just like Roger said: it depends on the snow.

I really like my Northern Lites Backcountry snowshoes, but there are conditions where even with them I'll sink in to my thighs (I weigh 160 + a 17-30 lb pack).

That said, I do recommend them – the traction is more than adequate until you reach conditions where crampons would be better than any snowshoes. The light weight is a big plus – my only complaint with them is that the rear strap, made of webbing, ices up.

I'm 175lbs and carry ~35lbs; I find the NL Backcountry units are fine in most western powder & pretty much all wetter snow, and the Elites kinda marginal…then again, depends on which part of Canada the original [poster is from, but I'd still go with the Backcountry pair for that slight extra margin of use.
As far as the strap icing up – I've had great luck in spraying them with a type of penetrant/lubricant called 'Release-All' before a trip – non toxic, bio-degradable, enviro friendly etc. etc. and available at your neighborhood Canadian Tire for $3.99.