I have wanted snow shoes for a while now but, have been told that we just do not get enough snow here in SE Michigan. I have been to the U.P. and they definitely have enough snow there....it just seems like I am always waiting for a good base snow, to even XC ski around here
I'm not saying we do not get snow, just not enough for me to drop the money on snowshoes right now. I just do not think I would get enough use out of them where I live.
We always seem to travel up North for skiing anyway (XC and Downhill)
Seeing as you are farther south, I thought I would mention it. Definitely a good idea to rent before buying anyway.