2. Utilization   2.A Hiking or recreational use snowshoe with tail A tail acts as a rudder and allows the snowshoe to stay in a straight line with each step. It also acts as a counter-balance weight at the back of the snowshoe, thus helping to lift the tip out of the snow. On the other hand, in dense forest, where trees are tightly packed, particularly in deep snow, the tail can prove cumbersome. Sport Montagnay Objibwa US Elongated Sport     2.B Work and manageability snowshoe without tail In comparison, a bear paw snowshoe, which has no tail, will provide a greater maneuverability. Furthermore, they are easily stored and transported. However, keep in mind that the round heel will make the snowshoe drag with each step. In spite of this, it is still the first choice of forest workers, trappers, hunters and winter campers. Elongated Bear Paw Bear Paw Aluminium Cadre en U   2.C Snow condition ALUMINIUM SNOWSHOES Suspended pivot with full rotation 50% non packed trail (deep and soft snow) - 50% packed trail - Lighten steps by partial lifts of snowshoe and discharges of snow. - Minimum toe lift to exit snow print. - Better lateral control, heel centered on snowshoe. - Comfort of ankle assured by adequate flex of suspension. - Improves crampon traction.  Pivot with partial rotation with return torsional assistance 25% non packed trail (deep and soft snow) - 75% packed trail - Ease fast walking or racing, toe pointed down. - Avoid snowshoe toe to hit shin bone. - Ease backward walking and jumping over obstacles, tail lifts with each step. Suspended pivot with full rotation + blocker 70° - Combined advantage of full and limited rotation. - Not recommended for racing. HYBRID SNOWSHOES Suspended pivot with full rotation positioned in the center of the snowshoe 75% non packed trail (deep and soft snow) + slush - 25% packed trail - Traditional wooden frames and plastic deckings, with integrated crampons in deckings, allow for optimum traction in non packed trails and are non adherent to slush. Suspended pivot with full rotation positioned in front of the snowshoe 50% non packed trail (deep and soft snow) + slush - 50% packed trail - "U" shape wooden frames and plastic deckings with aluminium crampons are non adherent to slush. TRADITIONAL SNOWSHOES Rotation on master cord positioned in the center of the snowshoe. Efficiency varies with choice of binding. 75% non packed trail (deep and soft snow) + slush - 25% packed trail - Very good in deep snow an cold weather. However, around the freezing point, snowshoes need more maintenance since rawhide is not waterproof. Note that when the boot rotates through the snowshoe, only the front rises and the back slides on the snow. You will notice that each model has its advantages and drawbacks. When choosing a pair of snowshoes, keep in mind the terrain that will usually be encountered and accept to compromise if the use or terrain might occasionally change. Models Choice