The TSL Symbioz Elite is designed specifically for the trails, with a jacked-up crampons and a strategically placed heel lift that makes it an ideal choice for mountain slopes.
This is our top pick for trails as it balanced functionality with rugged comfort while being a good option for all kinds of snow conditions.
The design and ergonomics of the Symbioz Elite is, according to our findings, equally suited to a packed terrain as it is to a breaking trail that has deep powdery snow.
The first thing you will notice about the TSL Symbioz Elite is the interesting design. Every part of the design has been accomplished with a clear goal. For example, these snowshoes come in a unique hourglass shape, which is instrumental in ensuring that you do not step on your opposite shoe while walking the trail. Then, there is the design of the decking which features strategically placed slots that prevent any snow from accumulating on the top.
As the Symbioz Elite are essentially smaller shoes, their floatation quality might not be as good as some competing models with larger designs. However, this becomes meaningful if you think of the intended use case. Since they are meant mainly for trail use, the smaller size is actually a bonus as it helps you negotiate dense trails or melt-freeze snowpacks with ease. The focus of the design, therefore, is not as much on floatation as it is on traction, ergonomics, and comfort. In these areas, it is hard to beat the TSL Symbioz Elite on the trail.
When it comes to traction, the design itself inspires confidence. The crampons that come with these snowshoes are large, aggressive, and extremely sharp, making them supremely effective for trails. There are a total of six spikes that are spread evenly across the shoe bottom. Then, there are several ridges and paddles that are molded right into the decking and large cleats built onto the binding. These large steel cleats go a long way to prevent side slipping.
In terms of ergonomics, the Symbioz Elite is truly elite. The hinged binding system is precise and reliable and the deck is extremely flexible, leading to superior shock absorption and comfort. The bindings can be adjusted both across the toes and length-wise and are then set-and-forget. All you need to operate is the plastic hinge and the strap system that closes with a ratchet. The unique design negates the need to make your straps extremely tight, which in turn enhances the comfort.
Along with the functional bindings, you have a strategically placed heel lift. Easy to flip up or down, this heel lift can reduce fatigue to a great degree, enabling you to keep working those trails much longer. The frame, while flexible, is extremely durable thanks to the reinforcing carbon fiber strips and the plastic decking. The bindings are rock-solid over prolonged use and we cannot recommend these snowshoes enough for complex, technical terrain.