Comparison of splitboard bindings

We are often asked how the different splitboard bindings or binding systems differ, which is why we want to bring some clarity here. This is not intended to be a test of the different systems, but rather a brief overview of the splitboard binding systems that we have in the shop and with which we have a lot of experience.

One thing we can say in advance is that all currently common splitboard bindings work well, both when climbing and when descending. Fortunately, we are now a long way from the systems we had to deal with 15 years ago.

The biggest difference between the systems is the conversion between touring and downhill mode. To illustrate the differences, we filmed a conversion in dry conditions with medium-thick gloves. If you mainly do tours with a long climb and a descent, this aspect is negligible. The more often you go on tours where you have to change skins/change them several times, the more important this point becomes.

Quiver connectors are a very subjective point. These are adapters that allow you to mount splitboard bindings on solids (=normal snowboards). This means you don't need a separate binding for each board, but can quickly "switch" them around as needed. This can be very space-saving and useful, especially when traveling: you can take a splitboard and a solid board with you, but only need one pair of bindings, which can also be packed separately, as they can be attached and removed straight away.

UNION - EXPLORER

As one of the largest binding manufacturers in the snowboard world, Union launched its first splitboard binding in 2017. Initially, the Explorer (then still called "Expedition") had a few teething issues that still affect the reputation of this binding. Since then, however, the system has been continuously developed and is now a convincing, affordable and solid pin system in the usual Union quality.

Union Explorer

Union crampons

Advantages

Disadvantages

Good performance (uphill & downhill)

Price (everything for assembly included)

Crampons can be mounted during ascent

Climbing aid easy to fold out

Quiver connector included

Conversion a bit fiddly (pin system)

single-stage climbing aid

SPARK R&D - ARC ST

Spark R&D originated in 2006, when Spark founder Will Ritter went on his first splitboarding tours and thought about how to improve the systems used at the time (normal bindings mounted on "slider tracks"). The first step was baseplates that were married to purchased binding components (straps & buckles, highbacks). Today, Spark manufactures almost all of the parts they use in their bindings themselves. Thanks to their specialization in splitboard bindings, they have pushed development forward and set standards by which all other systems are measured.

The Arc ST is one of the two top models from Spark R&D and is particularly impressive due to its very light weight and quick conversion.

Spark Arc ST

Spark Pucks

Spark crampons

UNION-CHARGER

The Union Charger model has only been on the market since this year, but Union provided us with a test model for two months last season so that we could gain experience with it. The goal was to improve the Expedition system and enable easy, pin-free installation, which Union has undoubtedly achieved with this system.

Union Charger