I would guess that last time I was out my total weight would have been in the 90kg range (I'm not a big guy and generally stick to lightweight gear where possible). Maybe 90% of the time I was fine compared to my snow shoeing companions with their bigger 'canvas' decked MSRs. 5% of the time my lack of flotation had me working harder than them, and 5% of the time I could leave them standing thanks to the excellent built in crampons. My flex alps are probably about 3 years old, so I dont know if Tubbs have changed the design since then.
I have never been able to keep gloves dry either. If the temperature is around freezing then I will generally be just using fleece gloves, and probably be carrying about 2 or 3 pairs, which I swap out if they get particularly wet. They dont weigh much or take up much space. In my case, I have relatively long fingers and it is constriction which makes my hands cold. If the gloves are even slightly tight then my hands will be miserable.
In colder conditions I have some insulated soft shell gloves which help cut the wind, but truth is they will also be spending much of their time at least damp or not actually wet. I do rate highly a wool lined softshell glove from Outdoor Research, but unfortunately can't remember what they are called. Definitely not waterproof though.
I use the flex alp in Japan. They are a bit on the small size (less flotation) compared to some of their competitors, but Japan can be very powdery so may not be an issue in the UK. Of course, this also depends on how heavy (you + pack) are.
Excellent built in crampons and the strapping system is very good. You are best off with warm flexible boots to get the most out of snow shoes i.e. mukluk type jobbies, rather than 'hiking' or worse still mountaineering boots.
NB I have never used snow shoes in the UK
Skiis may be better for some purposes, though I did find snow shoeing to be suprisingly easy on the joints - more so than skiing or even normal hiking in my case. The down side is carrying them (and a set of poles) around when you are not using them. Mind you, in snow shoeing conditions I will be carrying a whole load of other gumpf anyway (beacon/probe/shovel/saw/liquid fuel stove etc) so no chance of going lightweight anyway (though I leave the tent at home as no shortage of snow in Japan).
otaku_steve
Rab, Patagonia etc, Drooool....
