Choosing a Splitboard and Equipment
Choosing a Splitboard and Equipment
Here we'll go through what you need to consider when choosing a splitboard, splitboard bindings, climbing skins and other equipment.
Before you continue, it may be worth reading our guide to choosing a snowboard. There we cover the basics, including length, width, flex and different types of snowboards. Here we'll focus on the things that are particularly important when choosing a splitboard.
A splitboard is a snowboard that can be separated into two skis for the way up and put back together as a snowboard for the ride down. Climbing skins attached underneath the skis provide grip on the snow as you climb. At the top, you remove the skins, put the board back together and ride down just like a regular snowboard.
This allows you to explore terrain beyond the lifts and reach runs that would otherwise be difficult to access.
Your First Splitboard
If you're buying your first splitboard, there are a few things worth considering. How long will your tours be? What do you mainly want the board to be good at? How important is low weight compared with durability and stability? And do you want to ride switch regularly, or will you mainly ride in one direction?
Most people starting out with splitboarding choose an all-mountain or powder-oriented model, as that's often the type of riding they're looking for. You don't need the lightest or most advanced board from the start. A versatile board that works well in different terrain and snow conditions is often a good first splitboard that you can progress with.
Choosing a Splitboard
We carry many different models, and several splitboards have a corresponding solid model – a regular snowboard with a similar shape and characteristics. Sometimes there's more information available about how the board rides on the solid model's page, so this can be a useful way to get a better idea of its characteristics.
Some popular models we carry include Jones Solution, which shares many characteristics with the Flagship, as well as TUR Labb and Tica, with Buteo and Pluv as their corresponding solid models. Feel free to contact us if you're unsure which model is right for you.
The way the two halves of a splitboard are held together also varies between models and brands. Jones and TUR use Karakoram hooks at the nose and tail, along with Karakoram clips between the two halves of the board. Depending on the model, these may be Stainless Steel Clips or UltraClips.
Korua uses Union clips and hooks. There are several different solutions, and they can affect the price, weight and how the board feels when assembled.
Length, Flex and Width
As a general rule, we recommend choosing the length in much the same way as you would for a regular snowboard. Some shapes are designed to be ridden shorter or longer, however, so it's always worth checking the recommendation for the specific model.
Splitboards are often medium to stiff in flex. A softer splitboard can feel less stable at higher speeds and in heavy or uneven snow. Since splitboards are mainly used for freeriding, many riders prioritise stability over a very soft and playful flex.
Width is particularly important if you have large boots. A board that's too narrow can cause your toes or heels to drag in the snow when turning. If you have larger boots, pay particular attention to the board's width and recommended boot size.
Choosing Splitboard Bindings
We mainly work with three of the major splitboard binding brands: Karakoram, Spark R&D and Union.
We're often asked which system is best, but much of it comes down to personal preference. All three systems work well, but they have slightly different feels and use different solutions for switching between touring and ride mode.
A splitboard binding is used in two different modes. In touring mode, the binding is mounted lengthways on each half of the board and pivots at the toe so you can walk uphill. When it's time to ride down, the bindings are mounted across the assembled board, much like on a regular snowboard. In the video below, we go through some of the differences between the systems.
For riders who prioritise low weight and are already comfortable using ski boots, there's also hardboot splitboarding. It's a more specialised option that's particularly suited to longer tours and more alpine terrain, but for the right type of riding it can be a very good system.
See all our splitboard bindings →
Choosing Climbing Skins
Climbing skins attach underneath the two halves of your splitboard and provide grip on the snow, allowing you to climb uphill without sliding backwards.
There are two main options. Universal climbing skins come in different lengths and are trimmed to fit your splitboard. You cut the skins to match the width and shape of your board using the tool provided. It's relatively easy to do yourself, and in the video below we show you how it works. We also have a separate guide on how to trim splitboard climbing skins.
Pre-cut climbing skins are also available for certain splitboard models. The compatible skin is listed with each board. We carry Jones climbing skins made by Pomoca, one of the major manufacturers of climbing skins.
We also carry accessories and treatments for climbing skins that can improve glide and help prevent the skins from absorbing moisture and freezing.
Choosing Poles
For splitboarding, we recommend reliable poles that pack down small enough to carry on your backpack when riding down. You can then choose based on factors such as weight, material and how compact the poles are when collapsed.
Three-section poles generally pack down shorter, while simpler telescopic designs often have fewer moving parts. Carbon is light and stiff but can be more sensitive to impacts than aluminium. Which type works best is largely a matter of personal preference and the kind of tours you do.
Avalanche Equipment and Off-Piste Riding
When you leave the piste and enter avalanche terrain, you need the right safety equipment and the knowledge to use it. A transceiver, shovel and probe are essential equipment, but carrying them is no substitute for knowledge and training.
We recommend taking an avalanche course before heading into avalanche terrain. This applies even if you're an experienced snowboarder, as understanding avalanches, terrain and risk assessment is a different part of riding in the mountains.
For courses and guiding, we recommend Summit Guides.
A good backpack is also important. You'll need space for climbing skins, poles, a shovel and probe, as well as water, food and extra clothing on longer tours.
Splitboard Package or Build Your Own?
If you're starting from scratch, a splitboard package is often the easiest way to get started. You'll get a board, bindings and climbing skins in a combination that works together, often at a better price than buying each part separately.
If you already know what you want, or already own some of the equipment, you can build your own setup instead. This allows you to match the board, bindings and climbing skins to your riding style and priorities.
Both options work well. It mainly depends on what equipment you already have and how specific your requirements are.
We carry most of what you need for splitboarding. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like help choosing your equipment.