The Gold 9 Mountain Hiking Snowshoes by Crescent Moon are the perfect size and shape for maximum maneuverability and ease of use on packed powder and trails in mountainous terrain. Cited by numerous outdoor magazines and the choice of dozens of Nordic centers and professional guides across the country, the Gold 9 is an outstanding snowshoe for recreationalists to core users. Recommended for 'shoers' up to 195lbs.The 27" long tear drop shaped frame and Crescent Moon's fixed hinge chord make the Gold 9s highly responsive, with the ability to maneuver over obstacles and in tight timber, including the ability to move backwards. Because of the design of the SPL binding Crescent Moon has a unique 3 claw, stainless steel traction system which includes a toe claw, clearly an advantage when climbing, or for that matter, hiking on flat terrain as well. With each step, you have complete control with teeth-gnashing grip at every point as your foot rotates from heel to toe, pushing off the toe (claw) as it leaves the ground ..what could be more natural? The Gold 9s are an excellent snowshoe choice for being mobile, agile, and adventurous this winter. Make your outdoor experience the best it can be with a pair of Crescent Moons. What makes each of Crescent Moon's Gold series of shoes unique and worth considering is the SPL adjustable binding, recognized in Backpacker's Winter Gear Guide (09/10) as the best binding on the market. The single-pull-loop (SPL) is designed to capture your foot with equal tension in all directions, not just top down like all other bindings, but the anatomically shaped SPL harness also form-fits around, and supports, your foot from side to side and most uniquely, from front to back. Because of this unique capture system, the binding translates the motion of your foot in every direction and makes the snowshoes by Crescent Moon highly responsive. With each step you take you will notice the tail of the shoe follows your heel, immediately lifting off the ground this is the opposite of the motion, and feel, of a free-rotation system found on other brands, commonly known as tail draggers". The benefit of the Crescent Moon design is that they are much more maneuverable (and fun) than a tail dragger, but you should also know that natural hinge snowshoes will pick up snow when you're in deep powder; some people don't like that because they get it on the back of their legs, so be sure to wear the appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry. So, remember 'tail draggers" have less snow pick-up, but they don't have nearly the responsiveness and mobility that Crescent Moon snowshoes have. If you want to stay on the trail and follow everyone else, perhaps the tail draggers are good enough, but if you want to kick up your heels and go where you want to go, there's only one choice to make.
Purchase USD$45 or more and get free shipping. The Crescent Moon Snowshoes Gold 9 Snowshoe is available through Altrec.com.
trailrunner47
- February 4, 2011
Awesome snowshoe. I gave my older version to a friend and have already logged greater than 100 miles on the new. I know I used the older set for over 4 yearsand look forward to using these for the next five.
Jeff Olen
- December 14, 2009
Great but . . .
I agree with everything the anonymous reviewer wrote but I must add one caveat. Despite the "all around shoe" claim, it's not buoyant enough for deep snow that hasn't been packed by previous traffic or developed a crust. I learned that the hard way, by taking it out in nine inches of fresh snow. On the other nine or ten outings, I've been most satisfied.
Anon. Shopper
- December 30, 2008
A truly awesome shoe!
I love this shoe and it's tough to figure out where to start. I snowshoe strictly for recreation. Today, it's my winter sport of choice and I'll strap in every day possible. In fact, I live in Seattle and last week I hiked into the office with them 3 times!! (Top of Queen Anne to Pioneer Sq.) Style'wise, I enjoy getting a work-out when I snowshoe - the more incline the better and full speed downhill sprints can't be beat! So, what's to love? 1. The company: Just an awesome story! They're as green and Earth-friendly as they can be (their shop is wind-powered!) and their passion for the sport and the outdoors shows through everywhere. 2. The binding: I'm half way up the hill before any of my friends have their first foot strapped in! Each important factor - entry, exit, and comfort - will independently blow away every alternative on the market. Seriously, enough cannot be said here. I'm also a fan of fixed rotation mounting. You might carry a bit more snow on the shoe than otherwise, but you're much more mobile than with the free rotation style. All together, it's a truly innovative design that works! 3. The shape of the shoe: Designed to keep your stride as natural as possible and, again, the design works. I actually saw other brands copying the design this year - some quite poorly. Accept no imitation! 4. Traction: Another great design. Did I mention I like incline? Wow, I can't imagine ever snowshoeing again without a toe-claw! It's even better on flat with packed or icy conditions. Great company, great products - my thanks to Jake and to everyone at Crescent Moon. Keep up the great work!
Advertisement
Tweak your wanderlust
With you all the way
Tweets, feeds and more
Go behind the scenes
Travel inspiration to your door
© 2009 Lonely Planet Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.
Product Specs
3 Reviews
