The splitboard interface is the key item of hardware that connects your binding to the board and allows for both touring and riding modes. The principal features of each interface are set out below.

Voile

Without a doubt the Voile interface is the most trusted and durable interface on the market. So much so that other splitboard manufacturers like Prior and Never Summer have licensed the system for their splitboards. Their interface is referred to as a Slider Track because of the way it slides onto plastic Pucks mounted to the board. The slider tracks are made of aluminum and are held in place on the pucks by a Slider Pin that is tethered to the binding. The simple design makes the Voile interface extremely durable. The system is also self-cleaning so making the transition from split mode to ride mode is quick and easy, and doesn’t require as much cleaning as Burton's interface. Plate bindings and hard boots were the focus when the slider tracks were designed so if you plan to use them with your splitboard the Voile system is the way to go. Voile even offers plate bindings of their own as do other manufacturers such as Bomber Industries.

Voile Slider Track with Slider Pin and the plastic Pucks

Pros:

• The system is self-cleaning and extremely durable.

• The Slider Track interface is easy to use and is very reliable.

• The narrow profile of the interface is ideal with plate bindings.

Cons:

• The slider pins can be a bit cumbersome with gloves on and in cold weather.
• The narrow profile slider tracks can make accessing the pins difficult with strap bindings.
• The added height (1.2cm) of the interface off the board results in slight loss of sensitivity. It is a good thing if however if you have large feet and need to eliminate toe and heel drag.

Burton

The Burton interface uses a metal disc and clamp design. Two Crescent Moon aluminum pieces form the disc and allow the interface to clamp onto the board. A Release Lever is used to open and close the interface which provides quick and easy transition (with proper training). The Burton interface is the only interface that creates an "active" design as the clamp exerts force in two or more non-parallel directions. This active force gives the board more torsional rigidity and a solid feel. It literally helps clamp the two-splitboard halves together. A new Crossbar was added to the Burton interface last year to improve rigidity during splitmode. This improvement was much anticipated by users and is very noticeable on firm traverses where edge pressure is critical. Metal Nipples are used to secure the interface to the climbing brackets during split mode. I feel they are easier to line up than the pin system of Voile but the durability of the Burton nipples is suspect.

Burton Interface with Crescent Moons (shown whole) and the flower disc. *Note the release lever mod.

Pros:

• The active design provides good descent performance by helping to hold the two board halves together.
• The low height (.9cm) of the interface allows added sensitivity and a traditional, non-riser feel.
• The release lever can be easier to use than a pin system.

Cons:

• The lack of durability with the interface is the biggest area of concern.
• The non self-cleaning design means more time is spent cleaning the board during transition.
• The release levers and climbing bars need to be improved so they don’t break or fall off during use.

2003 Burton Interface on the left and the new and improved 2004 interface with Crossbar on the right (click on the image for more detail).

A fix for the plastic release levers can be done by removing it (assuming it hasn't fallen off on its own) and running a cord through the screw hole (see left). We also tested a riveted, metal proto-type lever with great results (see right). Click on the image for more detail.

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