# MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (25 in.) vs Louis Garneau Blizzard II Snowshoes (25 in.): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (25 in.) (MSR) and Louis Garneau Blizzard II Snowshoes (25 in.) (Louis Garneau) among snowshoes. Louis Garneau Blizzard II Snowshoes (25 in.) is the cheaper of the two at $199.95.

## Side by side

| Spec | MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (25 in.) | Louis Garneau Blizzard II Snowshoes (25 in.) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $350.87 | $199.95 |
| Brand | MSR | Louis Garneau |
| Frame length (in) | 25 | 25 |
| Recommended load capacity (lb) | 120-220 (up to 280 with optional flotation tails) | 80-160 (22 in.); 100-200 (25 in.) |
| Binding type | Paragon binding (freeze-resistant mesh strap with toe stops) | BOA-wire adjustable padded strap binding |
| Traction crampon design | 360° Traction frame with durable steel DTX crampons | Circular-mouthed toe crampon plus horseshoe-shaped heel crampon |
| Heel lift (bar) | Yes | — |
| Deck frame material | 7075-T6 aluminum frame | — |
| Weight per pair (lb) | 4.31 | — |
| Terrain rating | mountain | rolling |

## Key differences

- Recommended load capacity (lb): MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (25 in.) 120-220 (up to 280 with optional flotation tails) vs Louis Garneau Blizzard II Snowshoes (25 in.) 80-160 (22 in.); 100-200 (25 in.)
- Binding type: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (25 in.) Paragon binding (freeze-resistant mesh strap with toe stops) vs Louis Garneau Blizzard II Snowshoes (25 in.) BOA-wire adjustable padded strap binding
- Traction crampon design: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (25 in.) 360° Traction frame with durable steel DTX crampons vs Louis Garneau Blizzard II Snowshoes (25 in.) Circular-mouthed toe crampon plus horseshoe-shaped heel crampon
- Terrain rating: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (25 in.) mountain vs Louis Garneau Blizzard II Snowshoes (25 in.) rolling

## Sources

- MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (25 in.): https://www.cascadedesigns.com/products/lightning-ascent-snowshoes (cascadedesigns.com, verified 2026-08-11)
- Louis Garneau Blizzard II Snowshoes (25 in.): https://www.rei.com/product/107066/louis-garneau-blizzard-ii-1036-snowshoes-mens (rei.com, verified 2026-08-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/snowshoes/msr-lightning-ascent-vs-louis-garneau-blizzard-ii/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (25 in.) ($350.87) vs Louis Garneau Blizzard II Snowshoes (25 in.) ($199.95) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/snowshoes/msr-lightning-ascent-vs-louis-garneau-blizzard-ii/
License: CC BY 4.0.