Atlas 1033 Snowshoes

Review Date
March 7, 2004

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by: Nich ,  Mountaineer

Price Paid:  $180.00 at internet auction

Summary:
I have wanted some excellent quality and rugged snowshoes for a couple of years now as I do a lot of shoeing in the Wasatch Mountains. I often go off trail and up some really steep faces with rock and snow where I might switch to crampons, then back as the angle eases. I am sorry to report that these Atlas 1033 shoes are lacking in almost every area that is important for my needs. My previous shoes worked very well but the aluminum crampons easily bend and become dull. The Atlas 1033 are not shaped ideally and require a wide stance to keep from stepping on your other shoe. I nearly fell several times and have to relearn to walk in these. These are heavier than my Red Feathers and Sherpa Lightfoots, thus requiring more energy to use and tireing quicker. The Stainless crampons are actually less agressive than my other shoes and do not bite nearly as well. This is very noticeable on steep assents and decents. These crampons also ball up and pretty soon all the grip is gone. It's like wakling on softball sized snowballs. This happens in deep 2' powder, light 4" squeaky cold snow as well as warmer wet stuff. This balling and poor traction from small teeth is something I have never delt with in shoeing for many seasons. The buckle on the back strap has a small spring that broke after less than 6 uses and keeps loosening. Everything considered I am extremely disappointed with these and almost feel that they were designed by corporate people that have never snowshoed looking for a high profit item. These will on Ebay early next season.

Similar Products Used:
Red Feather Sport Series 9x30
Sherpa Lightfoot 9x30

Review Date
February 11, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Ron Knapp(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $130.00 at ebay

Summary:
I rented an older pair of the 1033 two weeks ago, I loved them,I go 325 with my back pack on, and these shoes worked excellant in the hard pack and the four foot deep snow,so I bought a set off ebay, this is a wonderful way to spend the day, snowmobile in to where we want to go and then hike all day, I just can't say enought about the quality and workmanship I am completly sold on Atlas snowshoes!

Review Date
January 15, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: berichter(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $259.00 at MIchigan Snowshoe Ce

Summary:
I rented several brands and styles of snowshoes before deciding on the Atlas 1033. I have tried them on steep ascents and descents. I have been in hard snow and the deep powder snow we get in Utah and they perform flawlessly. They are easy to put on and take off. The friend I go with has a pair of Redfeathers,and they do not perform as well as my Atlas 1033s. No complaints at all. Great snowshoe.

Review Date
March 21, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: ebackes(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Parker, Colorado

Price Paid:  $220.00 at REI

Summary:
I have had my 1033 for about three years now. My models don't have the updated bindings but they have performed flawlessly. I have used them for many 1/2 day recreational trips but really tested them in a winter ascent up one of Colorado's 14ers (Quandary Peak). These gave me the flotation, traction, and multi-slope performance to get me and my 30-40 pounds of gear (snowboard included) up and down the near 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Even in the harsh, crusty, wind blown environment above 12,000 feet they worked on inclines, descent and side hilling. Best snow shoes period!!!

Customer Service:
haven't had a need yet

Similar Products Used:
nothing but Atlas!

Review Date
January 7, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: ctontz(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Lacey, WA

Price Paid:  $125.00 at eBay

Summary:
First, mine are a model from 2 years ago (I believe) and they don't have the extra side tracks of this year's model and the bindings improvements, but I still can't say enough good things about them.

I am new to snowshoeing, but these were excellent for uphill, downhill, and even sidehilling. It's almost like they knew what they needed to do without my even thinking about it! My first trip was a short overnight hike in the North Cascades with about 1000 ft of elevation gain. These were fantastic on both wind-packed snow and the deep stuff. There was about 5 or 6 feet of snow and even off the "trail" in the powder they were very easy to maneuver. I never knew winter hiking could be so much fun. (The only downside is too few hours of daylight!)

The only improvement I can see would be an easier way to snug up the bindings in the morning when the nylon is frozen. They work well, but it is tough to get them cinched up properly. All in all, a minor drawback.

Customer Service:
No experience.

Similar Products Used:
None