Hello all,
I am trying to decide on what snowshoes to buy. I want to buy a quality pair and don't want to find out later that I'm limited by my shoes as to what type of trip they'll handle. I'm 255 with no pack, and don't know if having 35" shoes are a big deal. 30" seems more packable.
Right now I'm stuck between Atlas 12 series, and MSR Denali Ascents.

Atlas 12 series (would need 35" for 250+ lb weight)
PROS - practically indestructible, flexible frame and instep, classic style
CONS - fixed length (real gunboats!), hard to strap to pack for traveling when not in use,

MSR Denali Ascents
PROS - 22" in length with 8" optional tails for powder, size for packing/transporting, very capable in climbing, varying size could be used by my family as they grow up
CONS - made of injected plastic (which scares me with weight they'll need to support)

Didn't know if anyone owned or has tried either of these options.
Thanks for any help.

capital P

Atlas gets the thumbs up, just dont like the look of the MSRs. Plus, how can a shorter shoe(even with the extensions) give as much floatation as the Atlas.

CB