Snowshoe help

I’m not an ice climber or a skier so that leaves me with hiking in the winter. I figured I’d work on New York’s 46er list the next few months. The only problem is I don’t own snowshoes or have any idea what to buy, nor do I want to drop $350+ dollars without being sure I’ll commit to this sufferfest.

So, with the above in mind, can you point me to a starting pair? What length am I looking for? Features? Considerations for height and weight? Bonus points if you have a used pair.

EMS isn’t renting them “yet” and couldn’t tell me when they’d be starting.

Edit to add. Yes, I’ve looked up the answers to my questions but there seems to be a wide range of answers and I figured I’d ask the people who have experience. 

Just don't. 

Have you been on snowshoes before? It is awful.

Not sure about "awful", but the name "slowshoes" is definitely appropriate. I use mine when there isn't enough coverage to warrant bringing out my cross-country skis (metal-edged with a grip pattern). Traveling on foot in snow is an excellent workout, but without skis it's going to be slow. Definitely rent before you buy, or be ready to sell them if you decide this isn't your game. Length is based on your weight and snow depth/softness, and the manufacturers will have that info on their websites or on the product hangtags.Some snowshoes offer the option of an extender that clips onto the tail, to add flotation in deep snow. A heel lift is another very useful option if you're going to be going up more than the gentlest of hills. Snowshoes with tubular frames don't grip too well on ice or hard snow, especially when traversing a slope. MSR snowshoes (and maybe a few others) have frame rails that grip ice and hard snow better. A pair of trekking poles with wide baskets will help, too. I travel with a pair of traction devices (Kahtoola Microspikes, etc.) whenever I'm out on snowshoes, there are times when I can move faster with micro spikes on my feet than with snowshoes. A backpack that lets you strap the snowshoes on the back easily (like a backcountry snowboarding pack) is nice to have. The MSR Lightning Ascent and the MSR Evo Ascent offer all the features I've listed; the Lightning Ascent has an excellent binding and a frame that grips ice and hard snow a little better than the Evo Ascent. Hope this helps.

MSRs are the standard for PNW sloggers, and they're cheap, durable, and noisy.  https://www.msrgear.com/snowshoes/trail-series/evo-trail-snowshoes/evo-trail.html  Although small, you can get add-on extensions for deeper snow.  With their teeth, they're effective on crunchy snow/ice, and their binding straps work well.  Although I don't do it for fun, snowshoes have their place.

Thanks Mark and Skibo!

I've done the ADK46 and NH48 in winter, so I've logged lots of miles on snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required on the trails in the High Peaks when there is 8" or more of snow on the ground. Once the trails get packed down, you'll want microspikes instead of snowshoes. Rarely did I encounter conditions where crampons were necessary. 

Check with The Mountaineer and High Peaks Cyclery for rentals in the Keene Valley/Lake Placid region. If you're driving up the Northway, Inside Edge in Queensbury might still do rentals.

For sizing, go one size down from what the weight charts suggest - most folks are happy to give up a little bit of floatation for lighter weight/greater maneuverability on trails.

For snowshoes, here are your best choices:

Tubbs Flex VRT (my favorites)

Men's: https://tubbssnowshoes.com/en-us/p/flex-vrt-mens-snowshoes-2023; Women's: https://tubbssnowshoes.com/en-us/p/flex-vrt-womens-snowshoes-2023

MSR Lightning Ascent (lighter weight, quieter) or Revo Ascent (better durability, noisier)

Men's: https://www.msrgear.com/snowshoes/ascent-series/lightning-ascent-snowshoes/lightning-ascent.html; Women's: https://www.msrgear.com/snowshoes/ascent-series/womens-lightning-ascent-snowshoes/womens-lightning-ascent.html

Men's: https://www.msrgear.com/snowshoes/ascent-series/revo-ascent-snowshoes/revo-ascent.html; Women's: https://www.msrgear.com/snowshoes/ascent-series/womens-revo-ascent-snowshoes/womens-revo-ascent.html

The TSL Symbioz Hyperflex models are becoming more popular, but there is a piece in the binding that seems prone to failure.

https://www.tsloutdoor.com/snowshoes

Thank you Robert! I appreciate the tips on rental places.