With the arrival of the first snow it is normal that the desire for a bit of snowboarding returns to be felt. In recent years, to be honest, snowboarding has somewhat stopped its growth, while skiing has returned to master it. Thanks also to increasingly shorter, manageable, easy and fun skis, skiing has recently experienced a new boom in all disciplines, including those in which snowboard boards were the masters, such as freestyle and freeride or backcountry.
In recent years, however, a novelty has spread, dedicated to backcountry-loving snowboarders. These are splitboards.
In reality, splitboard boards were not invented now. The first specimens were seen around in the mid-nineties, but they had never been very successful both because of the very high prices and because they were not as performing as the modern ones. For some years now, however, we have seen more and more around, that's why we decided to ask a friend of ours snowboard instructor what he thinks about it.
Splitboard: what it is
The splitboard is a longitudinally divisible snowboard board. Dividing a snowboard in two allows in practice to have something underfoot similar to a pair of skis and the advantage is to be able to use them to climb the slopes, a bit like in ski mountaineering. Once you reach the top the board can be assembled and you can go down using it like a normal snowboard.
In fact, the big problem of backcountry snowboarding has always been climbing. The fact is that snowshoes are not as comfortable and effective as a good pair of skis, especially in certain conditions. That's why many use Minisci for the climb, similar to ski touring skis but shorter. Snowshoes and minis, however, have in common the problem of having to carry up the snowboard hanging from the backpack, which is certainly not comfortable, as it is not the best to have snowshoes or worse the minis hanging from the backpack when going down. Of course it is feasible, especially if you do it only occasionally. But if you do it often, it may be worth thinking about considering more comfortable solutions.
The age-old dilemma as to whether a splitboard is better or if snowshoes are better is actually difficult to solve because it is necessary to evaluate each time the type of tour or route you want to tackle and the individual characteristics.
In general, those who face dusty snow and long-term trips will find several advantages in the use of a splitboard that allows you to move much faster than snowshoes in these conditions.
So let's see the main pros and cons of using a splitboard, instead of snowshoes, so everyone can evaluate whether it suits him or not.
SPLITBOARD: THE ADVANTAGES
N.1 You can take the skating step
The main disadvantage of snowshoes is that they force you to lift your foot and walk. With two pairs of skis under your feet, on the other hand, you can go skating, such as cross-country skis. Furthermore, having two large skis under your feet ensures greater buoyancy, especially on soft and powdery snow which is a nightmare with snowshoes. In conclusion, advancing with a splitboard on the plain or uphill is much less tiring than with snowshoes.
No. 2 You don't have the weight of the board on your back.
Carrying a snowboard behind your back isn't comfortable, and that's a fact. Of course some super technical and super comfortable backpacks improve things a lot, but if really freeride is your passion sooner or later you will get tired of this weight.
N.3 You have the advantages of your snowboard
Once you reach the top you simply have to reconnect the two halves and you will get a performing table like a non-divisible table. Downhill you don't have to carry snowshoes or minis in your backpack, as well as all the equipment you still need to have with you, and you can enjoy the fresh air with your table.
In addition, the splitboard allows you to use your snowboard boots and if you have tried both ski boots and snowboard boots, you will have no doubt that soft snowboard boots win 10 to 0 in comfort.
SLITBOARD: THE DISADVANTAGES
N.1 The price
The price is definitely the main limit and the reason why it is not a suitable equipment for beginner or occasional freeriders. A splitboard costs much more than a non-divisible snowboard. Certainly much more than a pair of snowshoes. In addition, a divisible table will not be enough. You must add the seal skins and an adapter for your bindings, if it was not already included with the board.
N.2 The ice
A frozen bottom is not ideal, if it is also very vertical and you have to go to the foil it can be really a problem. In principle, in hard crossings it is much more difficult to use the two halves of a splitboard rather than snowshoes or skis. The use of crampons becomes practically mandatory.
N.3 The transformation is not very fast
If you want to switch to splitboard, instead of continuing with your snowshoes because you think that so you can switch from one configuration to another in an instant, you know that unfortunately it is not exactly like that. Sure, nothing dramatic, but it takes a minute anyway. If instead you think you can use the two divided halves to go down some stretch, once again we have to tell you that it is not exactly like that. Of course you can do a couple of turns and maybe a few hundred meters, but nothing more. Bindings in split configuration are not made for speed and do not hold your foot in place.
Furthermore, repellation can be a problem if the hides remain wet (but this is also a problem for skiers).
5 Splitboard boards 2019/2020 compared
Splitboard snowboard boards are now marketed by most brands, so it is also possible to find some good offers.
JONES SNOWBOARDS SPLITBOARD SOLUTION
The Jones Solution is one of the most popular splitboards on the market and in its 2020 version further work has been done to make it lighter and more performing. The Jones Solution has a directional shape that increases buoyancy and stability at high speed, while the directional rocker has a camber under the feet and a wider rocker on the nose than the tail.
Rigid flex 8/10 for maximum control and precise response.
Ultra light FSC ™ Ultra Core paulownia wood with poplar inserts, Sintered 9900 Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene and
Karakoram ULTRA Carbon Clip that offer extreme resistance with the lowest profile on the market.
ROME POWDER DIVISION DIVISION CARD
Rome is known for offering divisible snowboards with excellent value for money. The Powder Division in particular is a nice model with a directional shape designed to float in the fresh and obtain purely surf sensations.
Camber under the feet and 3D rocker in the nose which improves handling, while the camber under the feet improves foil hold and responsiveness.
Medium-rigid flex (7/10) which translates into a lively table that allows you to have control at any speed.
The construction offers the right compromise between performance and lightness. The insole is in Sintertrue Base: a very resistant and also super fast material.
K2 MARAUDER SPLITBOARD
The Marauder is a classic splitboard, perfect for going beyond the beaten tracks and, according to many, the best K2 model thanks to its versatility. Very easy to handle, the Marauder stands out for its versatility and ease of handling. Intermediate Flex - soft (6/10). It is generally sold in packs with hides.
NITRO NOMADE SPLITBOARD
The 2020 Nomade splitboard was explicitly designed by Nitro to be the most affordable divisible snowboard on the market, clearly without sacrificing performance. Equipped with Flat-Out Rocker and Power Pod. T7075 aluminum hooks raised to facilitate connections on slopes. Base without holes for greater durability and longevity. Intermediate Flex - soft (6/10).
CURRENT SPLIT OF FLIGHT BURTON
The Burton Flight Attendant has long been a best seller, so the split version could not be missing. The Flight Attendant Split is a directional but not as pushed as many other divisible boards. It is a very balanced freeride in freeride geometry. A table that convinces with its incomparable ease and the possibility of adjusting the position. Directional Flex rigid (8/10). Sintered WFO base.
If you are not yet ready to spend these figures on your new split, you can take a look at some models from past years. Often they are found around at a good price or maybe give you to do it yourself! The Voilé company, one of the very first to make divisible snowboard boards, also sells a DIY kit with everything you need to saw an old snowboard board in half (saw excluded!) And make it a splitboard. The kit also includes the adapter for attachments. If you have some manual skills and an old table, why not try it?
Splitboard bindings
Ok, you don't need a couple of specific bindings, but if you don't have splitboard bindings you will need adapters, which are not really cheap anyway, so in the end probably the best solution is to opt for ad hoc bindings. Many on the splitboard opt for the configuration with binding and hard boot ... we remain here on the soft configuration, which remains the most widespread and most versatile to date.
Spark R&D Arc Splitboard binding
Spark R&D is one of the top brands in the sector of split bindings and the ARC model is undoubtedly their most popular model. An ultralight binding with intermediate flex perfect for long tours and walks.
Splitboard bindings for Union shipping
Union is another of the undisputed leaders in the splitboard binding industry. The Expedition model is built to minimize the time required to convert the climb / riding mode. A light, performing attack, easy to convert.
Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard binding
This Burton binding is compatible with all Burton splitboards from 2015. An additional adapter may be required for other boards. The HitchHiker is an attack with easy and reliable adjustment that integrates the well-tested Tesla T1 system developed by Spark R&D.
Backcountry splitboard accessories
Well. Now you have your split with a couple of attacks ... ready for the climb? Not yet. Let's say that you are still missing several absolutely essential accessories. We list only a few, just to get an idea. But the list has no claim to completeness!
Seal skins
Sealskins are essential mountaineering accessories. Modern sealskins are no longer made with sealskin but are composed, on the one hand, of synthetic fabric and on the other of an oriented textile fiber. It is precisely the orientation of the fibers that allows you to slide only forward without sliding backwards: in this way even important slopes can be overcome.
Crampon or rampant
Rampants are essential for overcoming icy stretches and steeper climbs. However, you should always have them with you.
Telescopic rackets
Yes I know that rackets are certainly not in the imagination of a snowboarder, but when you divide your board and use it as a pair of skis, having rackets helps you balance and move faster. But be careful that they are foldable, otherwise they will clutter you downhill.
In addition to this of course, if you move away from the beaten track you must know exactly what you are doing, so obviously it is important not to improvise but to rely on guides if necessary and always have the necessary with you as an Arva system, shovel kit, suitable clothing etc.
