Splitboarding originally started by cutting a favorite "rock" board in half, buying a Voile DIY Split kit and mounting your snowboard bindings to a pivoting plate. Actually... that was never easy. It was a messy endeavor that had the tendency to ruin snowboards and days out in the mountains. To the rejoice of snowboarders worldwide, getting into the backcountry is easier than ever because, as the sport has progressed, so has the gear. Here is what to look for when choosing your splitboarding setup.
Building your splitboard quiver
Thankfully, we no longer have to think about splitting our favorite old snowboard to be unimpressed. There are a handful of companies that primarily focus on building durable and fun splitboards that ride like snowboards in the backcountry. In ski touring there are brands that focus specifically on lightweight skis designed for the uptrack. While every company makes some version of a backcountry board, not all splitboards are created equal. It takes more than just cutting a solid board in half to make a split that rides well. Although there are several snowboard companies that offer a great split, we at Cripple Creek Backcountry work with brands like Jones, Weston, Cardiff, Nitro, and Venture that have a focused splitboard line to fill all the quiver slots in the backcountry.
Jones Splitboards
Jeremy Jones may be considered the godfather of splitboarding as he transitioned from riding helicopters to human powered ascents and descents. He has forever changed splitboarding and loves to be the front runner in Splitboard tech. Most impressive about the Jones boards are how lightweight they are and the small nuances that really make these boards shine. Traction Tech 3.0 on inner and outer edges while you are riding and the inside edges when you are skinning really grip the snow on both the up and downhill- even on nasty hard pack days. The notches in the tail allow for quick and secure skin attachments as seen on all of our lightweight touring skis. Karakoram clips provide an active connection that means your board feels like a solid board for the downhill. In their high-end models they have also gone to a bolt-less bridge that keeps the hardware from showing on the base. Overall, Jones has put in the time, energy and money to make some of the high quality splitboards around. You might consider the Jones Solution the Gold Standard of all-mountain boards. So if you ride like Jeremy, grab a Jones!
Weston has become know for making award winning, extremely durable and super fun splitboards to ride. They actually sell more splitboards than solid boards and we think that says something about their mission to riders around the world. They are committed to building a first class splitboards and make the shapes needed to fill out your quiver. Weston is one of the only brands that states the weight of their boards. This attention to detail shines through on quiver killer splitboards like the Weston Backwoods. Weston is known as the splitboarder friendly board and have a grassroots community of ambassadors that will easily share why they ride certain shapes in certain conditions. All-in-all if you are looking for a friendly more playful ride than a Jones board--you should choose a Weston Splitboard. Every board is carefully designed with the best clips, bolt-less bridges, triaxial fiberglass and rider friendly wood cores, and a 4 year warranty will have you giggling year after year. Dedicated backcountry shapes have brought Weston to the forefront of the industry.
Price Range: $949+ (but we have some sweet deals on older models)
Cardiff Snowcraft Splitboards out of the Wasatch is taking new splitboard shapes to a new level. Their design and engineering with FLOATilla is offering slightly wider waist to keep the overall float up. After testing model after model, we are pleased with the performance and their thoughtfulness around the quiver shapes. GOAT for all-mountain, Bonsai for steep and deep, Powgoda for pow pow, and the Swell for mountain surfing any line you dream of. You won't be disappointed with their high-end construction. With each board, they offer two options : Enduro or Carbon build. This has never been done before. We give these boards an A+ in our book.
Venture splitboards are born in Silverton, CO, where you can demo some of these boards while visiting the epic San Juan Range. Venture boards are made in the USA for riders looking to put 100 days on a single deck. We believe in Venture splitboards because they are made by the splitboarders who use them and still keep up with all the technology trends. Setup with Spark R&D clips we are super excited to house a pinnacle USA made brand. If you are looking for the lighter and slightly less bomber board, pick up one of their carbon models. We are most excited for the Odin and Euphoria shapes.
How we size a splitboard today has changed from how we sized them a decade ago. We no longer need to simply size boards up 5cm because the boards are made specifically as splitboards and the bindings that lock you into ride mode hold the board together much better (assuming you get a Karakoram or Spark R&D binding made in the last 7 years). That being said, you can size up, but there's also volume shifted shapes that allow you to save weight and still float. If you want stablity at speed--size up, if you want nimble in the trees--go wider and shorter. Answer the questions below to help you size your splitboard.
1) Note the current board size and shape that you currently prefer to ride inbounds. If you have an inbounds quiver, it's time to quiver your splitboards for the same reasons.
2) Do you ride your favorite board inbounds with a backpack filled with avalanche gear or have some extra weight on your back?
Yes: You can stick to the same size
No: Size up.
3) Do you float in deep powder at the resort on your board without shifting your bindings back?
Yes: You can stick to the same size
No: Size up
4) Do you find your board easy to turn or do you wish it was more responsive?
Yes: You can stick to the same size
No: Consider sizing down or changing the shape you ride. Taper in the tail will help you make turns in steep terrain while offering you float in powder.
Still have questions about sizing? Set up an in-store or virtual appointment with our shred worthy staff.
How to Choose a Splitboard Binding
There are three main interfaces for splitboard bvindings: the Puck interface introduced by Voile that is used by Spark R&D, K2, Burton and Nitro; Karakoram prime interface that creates another solid connection underfoot and hardboot bindings interfaces: primarily with pucks. The bindings made from 2015 on have ditched the pins and use other methods to lock the bindings firmly to the board. Essentially, if you mount any splitboard binding and have any play or wiggle when grabbing the bindings on the board, then you need to either start over with the mount or upgrade your bindings. Any play in that binding when going downhill is going to equal a loss of control and can be terrifying. It might even make you consider switching to ski touring!! UGH!
The main things to consider are weight of the bindings, stiffness of the highback and whether or not you prefer uphill or downhill performance. For the best uphill performance, consider hardboot bindings. For the lightest softboot bindings, go with the Spark R&D Arc Pros. For the best dowhill performance, go with Karakoram.
Now to the bindings by brand.
Spark R&D Splitboard Bindings
Spark R&D Splitboard bindings manufactured and assembled in Bozeman, Montana where they have grown to be a leader in pioneering new designs. Their team of passionate splitboarders love customer feedback as much as they are passionate about customer service. Their Tesla system eliminated the need for the sloppy pin system that dominated splitboarding for years. Their bindings use a puck system and riders can choose between regular pucks and canted pucks. Go with canted pucks if you are hardbooting or like to have a wider freeride stance. The Spark Arc's and Surge's are favorites around the world from amateurs to professional riders. We love the risers and crampon functionality the most with these bindings. The new Pro models feature lighter weight components for thos ready to shave every gram. Stop by any Cripple Creek Backcountry store to play with the bindings on a board.
Price Range: $450-589 (does not included pucks $80)
Karakoram bindings are manufactured and assembled in North Bend, WA where Snoqualmie Pass givers their techs some of the most technical terrain in the country to test their bidnings. Spark R&D fans might call the bindings over engineered, but it's good to remember these are the choice binding for Jeremy Jones. The revolutionary Prime Interface offer another connection point over your splitboard that vastly improves the downhill performance and solid board feel. It's incredible. Although none of the Karakoram models are lighter than the Spark R&D Arcs, the through axle technology for going uphill provides a frictionless pivot that makes touring smooth. Our testers have done everything to try and break this binding and it keeps standing up to the test. You can even transition without taking your foot out of the binding. If you are looking to climb and boot up crazy couliors then you have to check out the all the accessories which make Karakoram the choice binding for those looking to get extreme. Combine front points and sender plates to get vertical on the most technical terrain. Karakoram is a leader of splitboard engineering and you will likely find their hardware on one of your splitboards.
Splitboarders worldwide are starting to seek the benefits of a lightweight ski touring boot which means you are going to need a new set of bindings specifically built for your ski touring boots. Although there are more options than we sell, we only sell the best of the best that we stand behind and can vouch for. Spark R&D Dyno DH bindings are by far the easiest to assemble use, and rely on. Plum makes the SOK bindings if you are looking for something more innovative that comes as a full package. We also sell the best options for toe pieces and heel risers to customize your dream setup.
**don't forget to buy the toe pieces, heel risers, and pucks.
How to choose a Splitboard Boot
Hardboots are an awesome way to stay light and take on aggressive mountaineering lines. It allows you to chose from any of the lightweight ski touring boots and interface with a binding like the Spark Dyno DH. Not only are our ski touring boots light, but they give you a great crampon interface when climbing steep and icy lines.
There are also dedicated splitboard softboots on the market that typically feature a stiffer sole for mountaineering. We are pretty stoked on the Salomon Trek S/Lab Spitboarding boots that off a true walk mode. We are looking forward for the continual progression of splitboard gear and even more stoked for all the riders out there who will be served by these advances.
Splitboard climbing skins are just starting to see major development. G3 started making a twin tip connector that finally fixed the tail of the skin to the board and this was later improved by Spark with an asymmetrical clip for your right and left boards. It was Jones that featured the first mohair mix climbing skin made by Pomoca. These skins are way lighter, more packable, and better at gliding than any full Nylon skin out there and are a definite worthy upgrade to any setup. After that, almost all skins are just nylon so choose your favorite tip and tail setup and head uphill.
Getting into splitboarding used to be as simple as cutting a board in half and fixing your regular bindings to a pivoting plate. Actually... that was never easy. It was a messy endeavor that had the tendency to ruin snowboards and days out in the mountains. To the rejoice of snowboarders worldwide, getting into the backcountry is easier than ever because as the sport has progressed so has the gear. Here is what to look for when choosing your splitboarding setup.
Getting into splitboarding used to be as simple as cutting a board in half and fixing your regular bindings to a pivoting plate. Actually... that was never easy. It was a messy endeavor that had the tendency to ruin snowboards and days out in the mountains. To the rejoice of snowboarders worldwide, getting into the backcountry is easier than ever because as the sport has progressed so has the gear. Here is what to look for when choosing your splitboarding setup.
Getting into splitboarding used to be as simple as cutting a board in half and fixing your regular bindings to a pivoting plate. Actually... that was never easy. It was a messy endeavor that had the tendency to ruin snowboards and days out in the mountains. To the rejoice of snowboarders worldwide, getting into the backcountry is easier than ever because as the sport has progressed so has the gear. Here is what to look for when choosing your splitboarding setup.
Getting into splitboarding used to be as simple as cutting a board in half and fixing your regular bindings to a pivoting plate. Actually... that was never easy. It was a messy endeavor that had the tendency to ruin snowboards and days out in the mountains. To the rejoice of snowboarders worldwide, getting into the backcountry is easier than ever because as the sport has progressed so has the gear. Here is what to look for when choosing your splitboarding setup.
Choosing a Splitboarding Setup Getting into splitboarding used to be as simple as cutting a board in half and fixing your regular bindings to a pivoting plate. Actually... that was never easy. It was a messy endeavor that had the tendency to ruin snowboards and days out in the mountains. To the rejoice of snowboarders worldwide, getting into the backcountry is easier than ever because as the sport has progressed so has the gear. Here is what to look for when choosing your splitboarding setup. Splitboards In ski touring there are brands that focus specifically on lightweight skis designed for the uptrack. However, in snowboarding every company has jumped on the splitboard band wagon. While every company makes some version of a backcountry board, not all splitboards are created equal. It takes more than just cutting a solid board in half to make a split that rides well. Although there are several snowboard companies that offer a great split, we at Cripple Creek Backcountry work with brands like Jones, Weston, Cardiff, and Voile that have a focused splitboard line to fill all the quiver slots in the backcountry. SHOP ALL BOARDS Jones Jones has been the front runner in Splitboard tech. Most impressive about the Jones boards are how lightweight they are and the small nuances that really make these boards shine. Magne-Traction on both the outside edges while you are riding and the inside edges when you are skinning really grip the snow on both the up and downhill- even on nasty hard pack days. The notches in the tail allow for quick and secure skin attachments as seen on all of our lightweight touring skis. Karakoram clips provide an active connection that means your board feels like a solid board for the downhill. In their high-end models they have also gone to a bolt-less bridge that keeps the hardware from showing on the base.Price Range: $750-$1,000+ SHOP JONES BOARDS Weston Weston recently rebranded to 'Weston Backcountry', and it shows in their commitment to building a first class, split-board quiver. Their boards are lightweight and feature some of the features we love most in the industry. Karakoram clips, lightweight constructions, and dedicated backcountry shapes have brought Weston to the forefront of the industry. Price Range: $699-$1,099 SHOP WESTON BOARDS VOILE Voile has been the workhorse split board brand since the beginning. In fact, they are the only company that doesn't even make a solid! With Voile you are not getting the crazy tech that we see on Jones boards but you save on the price tag. Their boards all range in the $550-$695 range and come with their new channel puck system to make setup way easier and saves you another $55+ on buying your own pucks!Price Range: $599-$695 SHOP VOILE BOARDS Cardiff Snowcraft Cardiff Snowcraft is the up and coming split board manufacturer of the year! Their design and engineering that they put into each and every board is astronomical compared to other big name split board brands. Located in the Wasatch mountains, they test and design their boards with experienced riders on steep rugged terrain. With each board, they offer two options : Enduro or Carbon build. This has never been done before. We give these boards an A+ in our book.Price Range: $899-$1,099+ SHOP CARDIFF BOARDS How to Size a Splitboard Don't be afraid to size up to 5cm longer than your regular board when choosing a split. After all, we are out there for powder and length translates to better float in the backcountry. However, if it is a tool for accessing big mountains with variable snow, a shorter board will be more maneuverable in tight spots and lighter on your back! Most splitboard manufacturers are now making a powder specific board where sizing up isn't required. Splitboard Bindings There are three main interfaces for splitboard bindings, Voile, Karakoram and hardboot. Just like their boards, Voile is focused on a super simple design that keeps the price down and will never fail you when you need it most. It works with pucks mounted to your board that can be adjusted for many different stances. Their Lightrail binding paved the way and now Spark R&D has taken over. Spark R&D Spark R&D started as a small splitboarding binding and hardware company out of Montana and after selling out every across the country has grown to be a leader in pioneering new designs. Their Tesla system eliminated the need for the sloppy pin system that dominated splitboarding for years. The Tesla works with a magniate snap that lets you pivot uphill in touring mode and firmly secures you to the pucks while going down. SHOP SPARK BINDINGS Karakoram Karakoram bindings are techy as techy gets. They are light, offer an incredibly firm interface with the board, and best of all, they allow you to transition without taking your foot out of the binding. It saves precious seconds on transitions when trying to keep up with your ski touring friends! The Karakoram Clips surpass the old Voile clips by pulling the board firmly together and reducing play. SHOP KARAKORAM BINDINGS Voile Just like their boards, Voile is focused on a super simple design that keeps the price down and will never fail you when you need it most. It works with pucks mounted to your board that can be adjusted for many different stances. SHOP VOILE BINDINGS What About the Boots? Hardboots are an awesome way to stay light and take on aggressive mountaineering lines. It allows you to chose from any of the lightweight ski touring boots and interface with a binding like the Spark Dyno DH. Not only are our ski touring boots light, but they give you a great crampon interface when climbing steep and icy lines.There are also dedicated splitboard softboots on the market that typically feature a stiffer sole for mountaineering. We are pretty stoked on the Salomon Trek S/Lab Spitboarding boots that off a true walk mode. We are looking forward for the continual progression of splitboard gear and even more stoked for all the riders out there who will be served by these advances. SHOP BOOTS Climbing Skins Splitboard climbing skins are just starting to see major development. G3 started making a twin tip connector that finally fixed the tail of the skin to the board and this was later improved by Spark with an asymmetrical clip for your right and left boards. It was Jones that featured the first mohair mix climbing skin made by Pomoca. These skins are way lighter, more packable, and better at gliding than any full Nylon skin out there and are a definite worthy upgrade to any setup. After that, almost all skins are just nylon so choose your favorite tip and tail setup and head uphill. SHOP SPLIT SKINS
