Tubbs tweaked the colors for the Flex RDG since our test period, but as far as we could suss out, all the tech specs remain the same. The latest color/graphics are shown in the photo above.
February 2020The Flex RDG is a fun snowshoe with impressive traction that shines on packed trails and icy terrain. The Boa binding system cinches around the entire foot uniformly and allows for quick micro-adjustments with the simple turn of a dial. While we have some reservations about the durability of the binding over time, the popularity of this model among our testers can't be denied.
This isn't the best model for flotation due, primarily, to a small surface area. And, unfortunately, Tubbs only offers the Flex RDG in one size with no options for add-on flotation tails. For those that weigh over 150 pounds fully dressed and loaded up, there are better snowshoes to consider, especially for deep snow. But for packed trails, shallow powder, and steep terrain, this is a great purchase, even if you're over the optimal weight load.
The Flex RDG is one of our favorite snowshoes for traction. Curved traction rails, carbon steel toe crampons, and molded brake bars make for an impressive shoe in icy conditions and on steep terrain. The Flex also has heel lifts for climbing high angle hills.
This is an area where the Flex RDG shines. Every tester in our crew could walk almost completely normally. Combine that with fantastic, confidence-inspiring traction, and we were happy snowshoers.
Once you figure out a few nuances, this binding on this snowshoe is incredibly fast and easy to use. The Boa system opens up nice and wide to accommodate a large boot, and then tightens down with the simple turn of a dial — that's it! The entire foot is cinched evenly and uniformly, and the frame design allows a gait almost as normal as if you weren't wearing snowshoes at all.
The only aspect of this system that is moderately difficult is pulling the Boa dial open with bulky gloves or cold fingers. It clicks into place quite tightly for security, so you just need to be prepared to use your grip strength to get it open. Another detail to be aware of is the fact that Boa systems are bulkier than simple compressible straps, so if packing your shoes down flat is a priority, the Flex may not be the best fit for you.
This is an interesting category for the Flex RDG. On the one hand, we love the Boa binding system — it feels very secure, it's uber comfortable, and it allows for tiny micro-adjustments on the fly. We saw a couple of mentions in other online reviews saying the area where the Boa dial is located causes a pinch point, but this was not our personal experience and may have been an issue of those users over-tightening the dial. We had zero issues in the time we were testing.
However, the fact that there are thin wire cables exposed to the elements at all times causes us to raise an eyebrow. This feeling was confirmed when digging into other online reviews. There is a pattern of people having issues with the durability of this system and a general trend of unreliability. Multiple reviews discussed the binding system breaking or coming loose in deep snow. While we feel great recommending this snowshoe for trips that stay close to your car or other people, we can't give the green light to these shoes for remote or solo backcountry outings. The entire binding system is dependent on those thin wire cables, and if one were to snap, there is no way to repair the shoe on the fly.
This snowshoe is a little spendy but remains a very fair price for all you get. Heel lifts, brake bars, burly traction rails, carbon steel crampons, and a Boa binding system? All in all, it's a pretty sweet deal.
The Flex RDG is a great snowshoe for exploring packed trails and steep terrain. The bindings are easy to use and very comfortable, and traction is among the best we tested. We have concerns about the long-term durability of the Boa binding due to its thin wire cables being exposed, and this shoe isn't the best for flotation, so we don't recommend it for deep backcountry travel. But for trips closer to friends and cars, this is a great snowshoe.
