Snowshoe sizing?

I'm 67kg 6', have 22" mens lightening ascents. They've been great, my intention was to use them in an alpinism context. My friend recommended I go with the smaller length as a lot of time they're carried rather than worn, which was very good advice for my circumstance. The snow here is typically wet, heavy stuff, often quite icey. Not very demanding circumstances for flotation but the traction is great, I've avoided/delayed putting on crampons a few times since these things stick. Never once wished I had more length or less/more width (I notice the women's are 1 or 2 cm more narrow, I'm curious as to how much of a difference that makes – seems odd they have the same weight rating).

when the snow is firmer, I use my wife's Lightning Ascents- they work fine and I'm 180 lbs, when the snow is not overly firm (often in the Mtn West) I use 30" Ascents w/ tails

del

I have some Atlas 1230's that work really well, except in really fluffy snow like we've had this year in the NE. I'm still sinking to my knees and I weigh 210 lbs. Most years, the snow is wetter, stickier, packier and they work pretty good. Still better than trying to walk through 6 feet of snow.

Thanks for the replies. I ended up going with the Mens 22" Lightening Ascents.

I prefer long 'shoes for flotation.

My MSR 30" Lightning Ascents PLUS the tail extensions.
After my back country skiing experience I have no problem handling a few extra inches on a snowshoe.

P.S. Use your Ascents first to get used to them before getting the tail extensions. Borrow some extensions if possible to see if you like them.

Eric- I agree, hence my 30" Lightnings, but we have mostly powder to deal w/- I think the PNW mostly deals w/ more packed snow, so definitely regionally dependent

Mike

Russell,

I am 5'9" 165 lbs and use the women's 22" Lightning Ascents in the PNW without a problem. I have the tails for softer (east of the cascades) snow and when i am carrying a climbing pack.