Real snowshoes anyone?

BC Bigbore

BC Bigbore

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BC's Peace Country
We've received more snow this winter than I've seen in a long time. I've run into a problem with floundering around in this deep stuff trying to set up for predator huntin'. The old spruce framed, gut-strung snowshoes I own have "shrunk" too much to support my rather "robust" frame and I've begun to seek replacements. Man, everywhere I look all I can find is those damn ugly, aluminum and plastic thingys. And the prices :eek: For what they want for that new style junk, I could buy an older Tundra sled :rolleyes: Anyone know who still makes real snowshoes anymore? Always was more of a fan of the Huron rather than either Bearpaw or Ojibway style shoes. And I still like my homemade innertube bindings rather than the leather strap & buckle affairs that seem to need adjustment whenever the weather warms up a bit (stretching) Hell, anyone got a set they aren't using and wanna sell?
 
I don't know how interested you are, but I've dabbled in some fairly successful attempts at snow shoes. It's more work, but also signifigantly cheaper and it gives you something to do in the evenings.
 
SIR has them. I have been using the traditional style for years. We have one pair that my wife uses that has the plastic panels in the centre. They make so much noise you couldn't sneek up on a truck.
 
There is a guy named Jack Carey in Corner Brook, Newfoundland that builds handmade snowshoes.
My cousin bought a set from him a couple of years ago and said they were top notch kit.
 
Avery & Sons
Snowshoes & Paddles(hand made)
Whitney Ont
613-637-2825

My dad has a pair about 20yrs old that works like a charm.
 
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I started using the new syle a couple of years ago, I'll never go back to the old wood and gunt style. Much easier to walk in. As far as price goes, I have seen the old style at CT but they were way more expensive than the new ones.

I haven't been able to use them the last two winters, have never had more than 1 ft of snow.
 
Thanks for the replies :) I know that the modern stuff is supposed to be better, lighter etc. but still...:rolleyes:

Move to Balmy Ontario
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Surely you jest, my good man :eek: Only reason I'd go there (Liberal stronghold) is to tip some beers with the likes of mommabear & Dumbdog and maybe invite myself up to Doug's huntin' camp to spin a yarn or two ;)
 
I've got traditional bearpaws.

Jeez are my legs sore the next day.

I'd love to try the new aluminum/plastic ones.
 
I also like the traditional Michigan type snowshoes for deep powder. I wore mine out twice and bought a pair of Canadian Forces Magnesium Michigan type. I've been really happy with them, wet snow doesn't effect them like the old rawhide, and i got tired of re-spar varnishing twice a season. I also carry a pair of logger bearpaws with corks on a sling for the steep thick stuff.

As far as the new fangles ones go they don't have as much floatation and you have to lift them compltetely up where the michigan's tails slide along the trail, creating less fatigue.
 
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Oh man, the new fangled aluminum and plastic ones are so much easier to use and just downright better...

I remember struggling wiht those old style ones whenever you got to a steep hill. The new ones have little crampons that dig in, much more comfy etc.:dancingbanana:
 
I second the Jack Carey snowshoes... they are made in the guy's basement 100% by hand. He is an elderly man, who only makes as many as he can at a time. He designed them himself, and after many revisions, there is nothing about them I would change. His wife does the accounting, and the wait time is usually a few months, especially at this time with Christmas and all.

Anyways, I ordered two pairs last year... and they are FANTASTIC. They are cheap too!! The absolute best value for the money.. guaranteed!
 
Spitzer said:
As far as the new fangles ones go they don't have as much floatation and you have to lift them compltetely up where the michigan's tails slide along the trail, creating less fatigue.
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But the new ones are half or a third the weight. You don;t have to spread your legs as far and they are not constantly dragging behind you... alot less effort.
Just make sure you get the right size for your weight, I like to go a little bigger than reccomended.
 
i have a set of snowshoes thats a few years old that is the traditonal style that im tyring to sell for a few bucks. problem is, 1 of them is broken. it could be repaired with wood glue and some splints though im guessing.

ive used the new "high tech" snowshoes and i loved them. great for me because i often have to go through thick brush when im rabbit hunting and their low weight makes them barely noticable when i walk 10k or more in a day. too bad im too cheap to buy my own though...:redface:
 
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