I highly recommend the MSR Lightnings. It's a matter of preference whether you get the Ascents or the Explores -- one has a "rubber band" binding, the other has a ratchet. They're both good. I see a few by Tubbs here and there, and their owners seem to like them. Whatever you choose, get ones that have a long row of teeth around the sides. If you have any kind of traverse, those become essential. They won't be cheap, but it's a one-time purchase, and you really do get what you pay for. I've put about 300 miles on mine by now, and they're going strong. Good gear makes the miles melt away, and they allow you to access places that no-one else can go.

If you use poles, consider swapping your baskets for snow baskets -- mud baskets will just keep going down in soft snow. Also, know that the tops of your thighs will work a lot harder, because you're lifting the weight of your winter boots plus the weight of snowshoes. You get used to that within a couple of outings, as well as the fact that your thighs begin to look like they can bench press oak trees.

I'd try something easier, like Waumbek via Starr-King, for your first "serious" outing. It'll give you a solid idea as to how they're going to work for you, without you needing to overly commit to something huge. (And you get fantastic views from Starr-King!) But trust me, you're going to like 'em.