How to choose your splitboard?
The great outdoors attracts you, but for you, snowshoes are "no thanks"? Then discover the pleasure of splitboarding, the perfect gear for exploring snowy spots where you will make the first track. Systems, shape, model: Ekosport tells you everything you need to know to make the right choice.
What is a splitboard?
Escape to where the snow is still pristine is not just meant for freeride skiers. If snowboarders used to have to make their approach with snowshoes, today, the gear evolutions allow them to easily access the secret spots of freeriders thanks to the splitboard system. This is a snowboard that splits into two parts, each of which becomes a touring ski.
Once you get to the top, you simply reassemble the two skis to get a perfectly cohesive snowboard. Magic! Now that you know what it is, let's get down to explaining how to choose your splitboard.
How to choose your splitboard: what you need to know
The different splitboard systems
Before choosing your splitboard, you should know that there are two main splitboard systems on the market. The first one is divided into two parts. This is the simplest and most obvious. It allows you to have two fat skis at your feet. Nevertheless, a wide ski is rather useful for downhill skiing. On the way up, it is very heavy and therefore requires more effort. This is why the second system was born: a board that splits into three or more parts. The obvious advantage is that it saves weight, but also ski width. However, if the weight is no longer on the foot, it is in the backpack.
The splitboard models
Of course, the splitboard is primarily intended for freeride use. However, it is quite possible to use it on marked trails, while keeping in mind that this is not its preferred terrain. Most riders will opt for two boards: one for the piste, the other for powder. That's why you can have the luxury of choosing a splitboard designated solely for off-piste.
For your off-piste outings, you will therefore have the choice of a splitboard according to two shapes: directional or symmetric. The former is for riders who like to shred some powder at high speed going downhill, as the directional shape offers better grip and more stability. Others will prefer a twin tip board for optimal handling. This is the reference shape for backcountry riding.
Camber wise, it all depends on the weather! Easy outings will allow to practice with a flat camber, while going out in 50 cm of powder will require a double camber or a reverse camber.
The flat camber is not raised underfoot, unlike a conventional board. This gives it more power underfoot. Even more pronounced, an inverted camber has both ends raised. It is therefore ideal for easy pow-pow floatability. Finally, a double camber is a board equipped with a front and rear rocker. This system improves the floatability in deep snow conditions. You can then choose a splitboard equipped with an early rise or a more pronounced rocker depending on whether you are looking for more grip or more buoyancy.
Splitboard bindings
Depending on the model, your splitboard may be equipped with dedicated bindings or require an interface set (usually a Veile set) to which your usual snow bindings will fit.
The equipment needed for a splitboard ride
Taking your splitboard out on a beautiful sunny day is like ski touring. So you'll need the full freetouring gear, including poles and skins.
Some splitboard models come with pre-cut skins. Nothing could be easier. Failing that, you'll just have to get your own skins and cut them to your boards size.
Choosing your splitboard and the equipment you need for a hike isn't everything: think about avalanche safety equipment as well, the essentials being the avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
To recap, you'll need to pack your skins, poles and special off-piste gear: equip yourself with a large backpack!
What splitboard size should you choose?
Just like a snowboard, the size of your splitboard should be about twenty centimetres below your height. It is therefore a board that reaches the level of the chin. Generally, it is advised to start with a splitboard size slightly shorter than what you usually ride, as this will make the board more manoeuvrable and less heavy.
The splitboard is revolutionising riding by allowing snowboarders to access the most beautiful spaces outside the snow resorts. For maximum pleasure, you have to think safety first: choose a splitboard adapted to you, and above all equip yourself with off-piste equipment, it's mandatory.
The three key points to remember when choosing your splitboard:
- A splitboard can be split into two or more parts, it depends on the system used.
- The ideal model for freeriding is a twin-tip with an inverted camber.
- As for the size, you should choose a slightly shorter size than a snowboard.