Anatomy of a Splitboard
The Boards
As stated in our FAQs, a splitboard has a similar shape and construction as a normal snowboard. The only real difference is that the splitboard “splits” apart to form skis. Each ski has metal edges on the inside for additional control when in touring mode, particularly when traversing up the mountain.
Since splitboards were originally designed for powder riding, the boards typically have a standard freeride shape. There are also specialty boards like the Voile Swallowtail (above right), the ultimate steep and deep big gun. As the technology improves, these shapes are continuing to evolve and the boards are becoming more and more versatile, especially in conditions other than powder.
The Interface
The interface is the connection apparatus between the splitboard and your bind
ings. The interface allows you to move your snowboard bindings (whether they are strap, plate, or step-in bindings) from ride mode to split mode and vice versa.
Voile and Burton each offer their own proprietary interface designs which currently are the only split interface options available on the market. Prior and Never Summer splitboards come equipped with the Voile interface. There are pros and cons with both systems but the overall consensus (at least currently) favors Voile due to its ease of use, self cleaning design, and increased durability.
Click here to see Voile and Burton Interface specifics
Chinese Hooks and Yin Yang Hooks
| Voile calls them Chinese Hooks and Burton calls them Yin Yang hooks (clever, huh?). The designs are slightly different but they accomplish the same basic objective; their job is to help hold the two splitboard halves together and increase torsional rigidity. | |
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Burton Yin Yang Hooks |
Voile Chinese Hooks |
Tip and Tail Hooks
| These are the small plastic pieces that connect the tip and tail of the board together. They also play a vital role in helping the splitboard feel and perform like a solid snowboard. | |
Burton Tip Hooks |
Voile Tip Hooks |
Touring brackets
| Touring brackets are what the binding interface attaches to for tour mode. This simple connection provides a free pivot point for skinning. | |
Burton Touring Bracket |
Voile Touring Bracket |
Climbing bars
| The climbing bars are used for skinning up steep slopes and can greatly increase comfort by reducing strain on your calves. When engaged it raises your heel up so that your boot sole is more level, which translates into easier and more efficient skinning. | |
Burton Climbing Bar |
Voile Climbing Bar |
Climbing Skins
| "Skins" refers to climbing skins which are the strips of material used on the bottom of the board during split mode for traction. Skins have a velvet-like feel which easily slide in one direction (uphill) and grab in the opposite direction (downhill). The tiny hairs are called the skin's "plush" which grab the snow and provide incredible traction up the mountain. The plush comes in different lengths and varieties depending on the maker. Both Voile and Burton offer proprietary skins as do other skin manufactures like G3, Black Diamond, and BCA. Check out our tips page for useful tips on skinning and ways to maintain your skins. Take care of them skins and don't forget them at home! A splitboard is pretty useless for climbing without your skins! | |
Burton Skins |
Voile Skins |
Click here to see Voile and Burton Climbing Skin specifics
Splitboard Crampons
| Due to the width of the splitboard skis in split mode, traversing and edging is inherently more difficult than using skinnier approach skis. Lots of practice, good skinning techniques, and stiffer boots can alleviate much of the issues but the ultimate solution is splitboard crampons. They are an absolute necessity on firm and icy slopes or on long sidehill traverses. They’ll make your life much easier and you’ll be glad you have them. Both Burton and Voile offer their own splitboard crampon designs. | |
Burton Split Crampons |
Voile Split Crampons |
Click here to see Voile and Burton Crampon specifics
