Why limit the possibilities of snowboarding when you can find yourself a splitboard and explore all the uncharted terrain you can handle? Take your winter to the next level by adding a splitboard to your quiver. Whether you prefer to explore into the trees or simply ride terrain that is not accessible by lift, a splitboard will get you there and in the process will tech you a bit about persistence and determination. Surfing through deep powder or charging hard in the backcountry, your future split is on this list.
Burton Fish Splitboard
A brand new take on the iconic classic, the Burton Fish Splitboard is the ultimate deep powder surfing machine. With Burton’s powder friendly S Rocker shape you can tackle deep stashes with confidence. The 30mm taper in the tail allows the back of the board to sink into the snow so all you need to do is lean back and ride it out. Using Burton’s Dual Channel System on a splitboard creates a quick, easy binding swap with near endless stance options in riding mode. Other features include the sintered WFO base, triax fiberglass for a super snappy feel and a recycled top sheet so you can feel good about how you treat Mother Nature.
Burton Spliff Splitboard
For nimble maneuverability in backcountry conditions, no split works better than the Burton Spliff Splitboard. Using Burton’s Nug Raduction technology, the rider is able to downsize 8cm to 10cm for a perfectly compact, yet powerful, floaty powder board. If you spend a lot of time in the trees, the Spliff is perfect for taking tight turns in tight spaces. The S Rocker shape and directional, tapered profile allow the tail to sink down in deeper conditions for perfect float while the triax fiberglass keeps the board snappy and responsive. Infinite Ride ensures day 1 is as good as day 100 and Squeezebox technology improves performance by balancing thicker and thinner core profiles for more focused energy transfer and power with a shorter board. If the terrain you are hiking for is dense with trees and other obstacles, the Burton Spliff Splitboard is just what you are looking for.
Never Summer Prospector Splitboard
The Never Summer Prospector Splitboard is searching for the highest, fastest and steepest conditions Mother Nature has to offer. If that’s also what you are searching for, this might be the right splitboard for you. Built for hard charging lines and stability at high speeds, the Prospector Split is the perfect board for the more aggressive rider that wants a rigid, powerful board that is also lightweight enough to hike with. An extensive rubber dampening system offers excellent shock absorption and reduces chatter on hard pack conditions while the Vario Powergrip Sidecut allows this beast of a board to still carve effortlessly and turn on a dime when it needs to. Sintered P-Tex inner and outer sidewalls create a tough barrier that adds to the durability of the board while the NS Superlite wood core adds strength without all the extra weight. For a powerful splitboard that was built to handle a more aggressive rider, the Never Summer Prospector is the way to go.
Jones Carbon Solution Splitboard
Are you an expert level backcountry lover? The Jones Carbon Solution Splitboard was made just for you. Technical lines, dodging trees and taking first descents requires a board that can handle various terrain and changing conditions and the Carbon Solution is that board. Offering top of the line responsiveness that you would expect from a traditional board thanks to a carbon topsheet and carbon stringers that create a super stiff yet damp ride that performs in all conditions. With an updated core for 2015, they’ve managed to shave another 500 grams off making the Carbon Solution one of the lightest splitboards on the market. The directional rocker shape has a pronounced nose for better float and the mellow magnetraction offers added edge hold and grip on colder, icier days. For the backcountry rider that knows no limits, the only board you need is the Jones Carbon Solution Splitboard.
Jones Ultracraft Splitboard
A bit of a spaceship in it’s own right, the Jones Ultracraft Splitboard will help you get to places that you’ve only imagined before. Besides being the world’s lightest splitboard, it’s also one of the only splitboards that actually began as two skis and was then built into a snowboard. The Ultracraft Splitboard sports a carbon topsheet and carbon core inserts which shaves more weight off the board while the pronounced nose and tapered, rockered shape charge through powder like a knife. With a featherweight core overall super stiff profile, this lean machine is built to handle the steepest, deepest terrain you can find. For those who are not afraid to ask for the best, the Jones Ultracraft Splitboard is the best there is.
Lib Tech Travis Rice Pro HP Splitboard
When Travis doesn’t feel like taking the helicopter out, he grabs the Lib Tech T Rice Pro HP Splitboard and starts hiking. This split is an exact replica of his beloved pro model. We’ve heard if you close your eyes and go out on this board (not recommended), you won’t even realize you’re on a split. Karakoram designed clips keep you locked tight in place, the C2BTX shape creates a splitboard that can handle any condition and the Magnetraction offers a little extra grip and edge hold which helps on those frostier days and first descents. The Horsepower construction removes all fiberglass which is both good for the environment and good for your board. We’ve all seen T Rice’s ability to crush the entire mountain. Remove the limits on where you can ride this winter with help from the Lib Tech T Rice Splitboard.
Arbor Abacus Splitboard
For those looking for their first splitboard, the Arbor Abacus Splitboard is the perfect way to get into the backcountry. The Abacus is a directional twin board with medium flex thanks to the rocker/camber profile. Rocker between the feet allows for easy maneuverability while the camber at the inserts gives you the power and edge control that you would normally get from a traditional camber board. Carbon fiber reinforcement in the tip and tail reduce weight and add strength and pop while the mixed triax/biax glass adds to the boards versatility in any condition. For the perfect all mountain, easy to ride split, we recommend the Arbor Abacus Splitboard.
We hope this article helps you navigate through some of the different splitboards on the market. We will see you in the backcountry!