Choosing the right splitboard bindings
Splitboarding has made some massive improvements to their bindings in the last few years making it easier for riders around the world to find the perfect bindings for their splitboard. The best options are still being produced by Karakoram and Spark R&D. Other options include those from Burton, Plum, Union, and Voile. Recently out to market are step-in splitboard bindings and the jury is still out, but we're excited to see progression in the sport. This blog is dedicated to the soft boot bindings, how they operate, their pros and cons, and most importantly--how they tour and ride. Read on the see which binding is right for you and if you still have questions, feel free to email us at info@cripplecreekbc.com. We look forward to getting you dialed!
Spark R&D Splitboard Bindings
Spark R&D bindings are assembled in Bozeman Montana and are commonly know as the simplest splitboard binding with the fewest moving parts. The Arc and Surge come in both an ST series and a lighter weight PRO series for riders looking to shave grams as they abandon the crowds at the resorts. All of Sparks binding models will use the ST "smooth touring" brackets, pucks--canted or regular, and the same heel rest. The newest bindings from Spark with use the ST Whammy Bars vs older Whammy Bars. All-in-all it's extremely hard to go wrong with a pair of Spark R&D Surge or Arc bindings.
How they Operate
Spark R&D bindings are a puck based binding. The attach to the board by sliding onto pucks that each placed on one half of the splitboard. The binding itself ensures a solid board feel on the ride down. When transitioning the board from walk to ride mode, you will pull up on the Tesla Snap Ramp located at the toe end of the binding to either slide it off of the pucks or onto the touring bracket. With the bindings in hand and the toe ramp pulled up, you can slide the two uni directional pins into the touring bracket. Snap the ramp closed to lock it in walk mode--this allows the binding to pivot freely from the toe so the user can slide the board uphill.. Pull the forward lean lever up into the high-back, strap in and tour uphill. When you need a riser, use your pole handle or basket to flip down the whammy bars that live underneath the bindings. There is a low and high riser options with all Spark splitboard bindings. After abusing this system on demo boards across our shops, this system has proved to be very reliable for us.
Pros and Cons
There's certainly a lot to love about Spark Bindings. Let's be honest about their pros and cons. The
Spark R&D Arc Pro is the lightest binding on the market weighing in at 1194 grams. My favorite part of Spark's binding interface when in walk mode is how the crampons work. The crampons not only nest with each other to save you room in the pack, but when in use, you always get full purchase from the crampons even when using the riser. There is no other ski or split binding on the market that has this feature--its the best! A major pro for Spark bindings is that you can get a quiver of splitboards and grab a
second board kit and pucks to set up a powder splitboard for less than $150.
As for cons to the Sparks, we really just have to nit pick to find something. The only downside to a Spark puck system is in field adjustments of the pucks. To do this you need to bring an alignment jig with you into the backcountry--I'd suggest test riding your stance at a resort before committing to the stance for a big day in your favorite zone. If you have the Arc bindings, you only need the mini puck alignment guide because the Arcs have cutouts in the baseplate versus the solid base plate on the Surge bindings. Other than that, if the pucks aren't aligned perfectly, then you may have issues sliding the bindings onto the board for ride mode. Its good to make sure the two halves of the splitboard are together properly when setting them up. Lastly, if you are mounting the spark solid board pucks on your solid deck, you will likely have a larger dead spot underneath foot vs some other binding options.
Keep in mind that if you choose Spark bindings, you will need to buy pucks and a T1 step locker if you want to lock down split ski mode. Overall, Spark Arc's and Surges are tried and true making them the top choice of many splitboarders.
Touring and Riding Performance
If you are considering riding your splitboard bindings with the Spark Solid Board Pucks we would strongly encourage you to go with the beefier Surge binding. This gets you a solid aluminum Tesla baseplate and a stiffer over-molded high back that will take more abuse from inbounds riding.
The new smooth touring or ST Brackets definitely are an upgrade from Spark. No longer will you bend small $2 brass eyelets to make or break you backcountry outing. These bindings tour well uphill and have a lightweight and simple riser function.
Riding downhill on Sparks splitboard bindings is awesome as long as your pucks are properly set and spaced. There should be no slop or play in the bindings when it's locked into ride mode. If it wiggles or jiggles, then you should realign the pucks with the alignment jig. Most every rider we know enjoy the downhill performance of the Spark bindings.
This binding is compatible on splitboards with channel stancepacks.
Karakoram Splitboard Bindings
Karakoram bindings are assembled in North Bend Washington made mostly of USA made parts. The designers of Karakoram bindings love to quiver boards, in fact, using their quiver connectors and ride mode interfaces allow you to get the same performance out of your bindings whether they are on a solid board or a splitboard. Although, they do have some seriously lightweight bindings, they are always going to be slightly heavier because of the weight of the risers and tour mode. Karakoram bindings are some of the only splitboard bindings that don't use pucks. Karakorm created "Ride Mode" and recently released Ride Mode 3.0 significantly reducing weight, parts, and set up time. Overall, there's still plenty of benefits to why plenty of riders choose the uphill and downhill performance of Karakoram splitboarding bindings.
How they Operate
Karakoram bindings attach and detach from ride mode by pulling down on the heel stay to disengage the pins that lock them into ride mode. With the bindings in hand you can pull the lever up on the tour mode. Set the thru axles on the front of the bindings into the receiver and lock down the tour mode lever. Don't forget to twist the forward lean lever to either side for negative forward lean while touring uphill. To engage the dual height risers, slide your pole basket under the risers and pull them up and forward. (we suggest doing this with two hands on your pole to be more efficient with a strong pull) You can then knock down the high riser for the mid riser and go between them with your pole basket. When switching back to ride mode, it's best to unstrap from the bindings first. (it is possible to transition without exiting the bindings, but you don't save that much time) Put the board back together and place the bindings onto the ride mode toe first and then the heel should drop in over the back of ride mode allowing you to pull up on the heel stay. Now you can confidently drop into any line and have the most solid downhill performance of any splitboard bindings.
Pros and Cons
We love the feel of frictionless touring with the thru axle technology in the front of the Karakoram splitboard bindings. We've found that this tour mode feels like less friction versus the Spark even if you are using a heavier binding.
The main differentiation between Karakoram and puck system bindings is that the Ride Mode creates another connection over the board to make your splitboard feel more like a solid board. This also means it's near impossible to get the bindings on the board unless it's setup correctly. The new Ride Mode 3.0 is the easiest ride mode to setup and is easily changeable in the field without an alignment tool. The Karakoram Multi-tool is the perfect accessory to help with this--it features a magnetic plate to hold your screws so you don't lose them in the snow. So, if you prefer ultimate downhill performance, don't shy away from Karakoram Splitboard bindings.
The downsides to Karakoram are usually that you want a lighter binding like the Arc or don't want to throw down $900 on some Karakoram Prime-X bindings. Though I personally love my Prime X and don't dream of other bindings, they do come a cost. One complaint we do see and hear about is that the dual height heel risers are difficult. Although the risers seem a bit chunky they are easy to use once you get used to them. One benefit is that the dual height risers allow you to lock into split ski mode and you get this additional benefit from most every Karakoram binding.
We do not suggest using a Karakoram binding on a splitboard with channel stance packs.
Touring and Riding Performance
Karakoram tour and ride performance are unmatched. If you like a solid board feel on the way down then you should absolutely get a set of Karakoram bindings. The tour mode uphill is frictionless and makes transitions painless and easy. If you've ever watched someone struggle to slide bindings over pucks, we highly recommend the drop on change over system from Karakoram.
If you are looking for one binding to rule them all, then Karakoram will have to saving money on bindings and buying more boards. Their quiver connectors and ride modes are truly innovative. This technology allows for quick power transfer from rider to bindings to board. We notice that it feels easier to initiate and engage in and out of powerful turns. There's a reason why Jeremy Jones chooses Karakoram bindings on his splitboards. For those looking for a techier and stiffer binding, the Karakoram binding delivers impressive power transmission on the down.
Voile Splitboard Bindings
The USA made
Voile Light Speed bindings features a simple pin-less locking system found in similar puck system split bindings. The integrated lock out on the touring toe won't cluster up from ice build giving you piece of mind between changing discipline of touring and riding. Includes with the bindings are simple dual risers and a slider allowing you to lock into split ski mode.
This binding is sure to take on abuse in the backcountry.
How they Operate
The Voile Light Speed rails are the only soft boot bindings we recommend with rider approved confidence. These bindings use a puck system and work with Spark R&D pucks. The main difference between Voile and Spark is that they slide on and off opposite of each other. The Voile has a tab/switch underneath where the heel of your boot sits on the bindings. When you pull this tab up, you can push the bindings forward and off the board. To put them on the board, pull them backwards and lock the tab down. For switching to tour mode, you will switch the lever on the touring mode open, place the binding on the uni-directional pins and lock the lever on the toe piece. This ensures your bindings stay in place and tour smoothly. Remember to pop in the forward lean tab to engage negative forward lean for walking uphill. The wire heel risers are best actuated by flicking them up and down with your poles handles. If your torn between Spark R&D and Voile, just know they are basically the same.
Pros and Cons
The massive benefit that Voile offers is the ability to lock your heel in place when still in tour mode. Ever had an experience in the backcountry where you had to ski out, not ride it out? This way you do not have to come out of tour mode and you can successfully get back to the car without face planting.
Voile splitboard bindings tend to have a few extra spacers and pieces to be assembled in the right order to get all the benefits of the bindings in tour and ride mode. Compatible with most common canted and regular board pucks.
Although this binding works the same as Sparks in almost every way, it is slightly heavier than the Surge bindings. If we have to choose a binding based on crampon function and riser function, we would choose the Sparks every time. But there's always something to be said about heavier strong bindings in the backcountry. You certainly cannot break these risers like you can with the Sparks.
This binding is compatible on splitboards with channel stance packs.
Touring and Riding Performance
Light Speed Rail splitboard bindings are a fantastic option for every splitboarder. Voile gave us splitboard bindings and now they just give us the one binding that does it all for soft booters. The strong baseplate material can be trusted in mountains world wide. An easy to use forward lean adjuster makes finding the bindings perfect position easy. The tour uphill is smooth and locked in. It might even be a touch smooth that the Spark touring mode. The risers have been the same since the beginning and are simple, strong, and the most reliable. Riding downhill on this binding is fantastic. As long as your pucks are situated so the binding doesn't wiggle or jiggle you will be riding your splitboard just like you do your solid board inbounds. Don't overlook the budget friendly Voile Speed Rail.
Burton Step-on Splitboard Bindings
Burton has officially enter the puck system bindings game with their step-on bindings. Compatible with only Burton boots. That always becomes a question of how long that tech will stick around, and what happens when it's gone. Burton used to license the Hitchhikers from Spark R&D and then recently decided to build a binding that works almost identical to the Sparks ride and touring interface. One thing is for sure, they are heavier than nearly every Karakoram, Spark and Voile binding.
How they Operate
The Burton step-on bindings are a Voile/Spark style baseplate that work just like the Spark Telsa chassis. The bindings slide on and off the board by lifting up the toe lever. To lock it into tour mode, simply slid the two uni-directional pins into the touring interface. There are two risers that drop out of the heel of the bindings.
This binding is compatible on splitboards with channel stance packs.
Summary
Splitboard bindings started in the USA because, let's face it, we love snowboarding! We are confident that the new technology in splitboards and bindings, you will surely love this sport for decades to come. Remember, the boards being made now-a-days can even handle inbounds riding. There's no reason not to quiver out your board selection with splitboards versus snowboards.
When compared to spandex clad ski tourers, your transition times won’t be all that impressive. But with the right gear and a little practice, you can be efficient on one plank too. Just ask Josh Jespersen, a splitboarder who holds the speed record for skiing all of Colorado’s 14,000 ft. peaks.
As you continue splitboarding in the backcountry the best thing you can do to save energy, time, and effort is to buy a splitboarding boot. With several manufacturers designing boots with walk modes, there's something for everyone. If you have any questions please email us at info@cripplecreekbc.com or leave a comment below.
Splitboard Bindings with Cripple Creek Backcountry While the options for purchasing a split board binding are slowly starting to increase, for us the choice is still really clear. It comes down to Spark R&D, Karakoram, Voile, or investing in a hard boot setup such as the Dyno (Spark R&D) or Phantom technologies. Read on the see which binding is right for you and if you still have questions, feel free to email us at info@cripplecreekbc.com. We look forward to getting you dialed! SHOP SPLITBOARD BINDINGS Touring Mode Spark R&D A uni directional two-pin system on the toe piece slides into the front of the base plate, and then a lever clamps down to close it shut. This allows the binding to pivot freely from the toe so the user can drag the board uphill. Spark has two bars that can be easily deployed for two risers heights. Located on the bottom of the binding, the riser heights are easily adjusted on the fly with your pole. After abusing this system on demo boards across our shops, this system has proved to be very reliable for us. Karakoram Karakoram features a step in toe piece that latches to a steel rod, thus connecting the binding for the uphill. While the step in feature can be a convenient option, we have found lining the toe up to be difficult when snow ice buildups up in the binding. The heel risers on Karakoram’s are drilled into the board, instead of the binding like they are on Spark R&D bindings. We have found the riser heights more difficult to change on the fly. Voile The new Speed Light features a simple pin-less locking system found in some similar split bindings but with an integrated lock out that won't cluster up from ice build giving you piece of mind between changing discipline of touring and riding. This binding is sure to take on abuse in the backcountry. Hardboot The beauty of a hard boot system is that you get all the advantages of a ski boot/binding interface. Step into a pin toe just like you would if you were skiing, lock the toe and off you go. Not only is the weight of the binding significantly less (as low as 100 grams if you go with a full race setup), but you are only lifting the weight of your boot every step- as opposed to a full binding. Speaking of boots, your hardboot will weigh less and offer significantly more range of motion for the uphill. For touring, the choice isn't even close. Harboots are significantly more efficient than their softboot brethren. Transitioning When compared to spandex clad ski tourers, your transition times won’t be all that impressive. But with the right gear and a little practice, you can be efficient on one plank too. Just ask Josh Jespersen, a splitboarder who holds the speed record for skiing all of Colorado’s 14,000 ft. peaks. Spark R&D After stepping out of your binding, you lift the lever to unlock your toe, and then slide the uni lateral pins out to release the binding. With your board put together, the Spark R&D puck system features two 'rails' for your binding to slide over. You slide the binding all the way on to the pucks and then push the lever down to lock in place. We have been impressed with the reliability and efficiency of the Spark transition from tour to ride mode. For days that require multiple transitions, the ease and efficiency of the Spark system is well appreciated. Karakoram The selling point for Karakoram bindings is that the rider does not need to come out of their bindings to transitioning from ride to tour mode thanks to the step in feature. You simply use your pole to pop the binding out of tour mode, reconnect your board, and then step in for the descent. While it certainly is a cool feature, we haven't found it to be all that time saving when you factor in the time to confirm your attached correctly. When you are on top of a summit ridge, this is always a good idea, and usually requires coming out of your bindings anyway. Voile Transitioning is very similar to the Spark system. Once you slide these onto your pucks and put your board together in place, you are good to go for a smooth buttery ride. Hardboot (Spark R&D Dyno) Once you step out of your tech toe, the transition of the Dyno Binding is much the same as the Spark system. Once your board is together, the bindings slide over and lock onto the pucks the same way. The boot/binding connection features a toe bevel and the old school tele style heel (if you’ve ever gone snow blading, the system is essentially the same). We’ve found the system to be simple and effective, just be sure to completely clear your boots of packed snow. Ride Mode Spark Spark uses a puck system to “slide” the binding into place to a point where the toe piece clamps down locking the binding in ride mode. When in ride mode the Spark binding transitions power via two points of contact, on the inside and outside of each foot. While we feel Spark is superior to Karakoram in terms of usability and efficiency, there is no denying that the plastic on metal interface and two points of contact transfers power less efficiently on the downhill. For most riders this difference is negligible, but something to note all the same. Karakoram Karakoram attaches at the toe piece first then two bolts lock the binding in ride mode when the heel lock bolts are correctly positioned. Ride mode in Karakoram has four points of contact, two at the toe and two at the heel on both sides of the foot. The four points of contact, in addition to the metal on metal interface, translates to a more efficient transmission of power. For those looking for a techier and stiffer binding, the Karakoram binding delivers impressive power transmission on the down. Voile The massive benefit that Voile offers is the ability to lock your heel in place when still in tour mode. Ever had an experience in the backcountry where you had to ski out, not ride it out? This way you do not have to come out of tour mode and you can successfully get back to the car without face planting. Hardboot Hardboots, even the modified versions we implement for our splitboarding purposes, tend to be stiffer than a soft snowboarding boot. As a result the ride is somewhat of an acquired taste. Gone is the buttery smooth progessive flex of a traditional snowboard boot, but instead you get a stiff and super reactive ride. Don't hesitate to reach out. Splitboard bindings are ever evolving and we are always happy to talk gear! BOOK A GEAR APPOINTMENT
