IN-DEPTH Guide to Purchasing a Splitboard

Split Specific is your channel for useful splitboarding knowledge, follow along with Dom Rickicki, splitboard guide for KMAC in Estes Park, CO, as he covers topics with co-guides and friends about how to get into splitboarding and how to grow as a splitter.

In this video we take a deep dive into the specifics of snowboard shape and design, how it applies to splitboards, and how to use that information to make an informed purchase.

[RomanRoschin]

Things that are not covered that I consider important when choosing a splitboard (this video is mostly about choosing a "freeride board" without much "split" specifics):
1. Clips/hardware - you might notice companies like Jones or Weston use Karakoram clips (the best so far) and some other companies use Union/Spark/Phantom. Turns out the ease of use and how strong clips hold two pieces together matters a lot.
2. Inner edge shape - the majority are just straight line but some are more "S" shaped.
3. Skins connection type - some splitboards like Nitro use a "hole" to mount skins. Some are more suitable for Jones-like skin connectors and some work better with G3-like skin connectors.
4. Top sheet "stickiness" - the less sticky it is the less snow you will carry uphill, and sticky top sheet could add 1-2 kg of snow that you need to scrape every time.
5. Whether a splitboard is desinged to be a splitboard or it is just a popular version of a regular snowboard that is cut in two pieces.
and maybe more...

[patusoro]

So many videos to finally find this one. Dude, so much great info packed into this. THANK YOU!

[jasonross]

awesome! wish I had seen this before I recently made my big purchase, but you confirmed my decisions after ridiculous hours of looking at boards! Especially to do with the relationship between length of board and effective edge. I have ordered a 160 Weston Backcountry for its wide shape for my size 11 feet, playful sidecut and flex, and because of its short tail it has a solid effective edge length for the hard windblown snow that we have to negotiate in Aotearoa (NZ) to find our pow! thanks for making this : )

[TheworldwithTrey]

Dude, you're awesome. This was one of the best, most informational videos I've seen on any topic. Kudos and thank you so much for the into

[EuKineticsLife]

This is incredibly helpful for a huge investment. Thank you!

[bencoburn]

This was friggin helpful. Watched the whole thing. Cheers!

[roblootens]

This is a great video with so much info. For a n adult, 57 that's completely new. 5'9, 185 lbs, sz 11 boots what would you recommend? I've been looking at a Nitro Nomad?

[ebbyjones]

This was extremely informative. I want to get into the bc but curious if you have brand recommendations for women’s split boards? Any tips for someone who is an intermediate/advanced rider in general but super new to bc?

[MJuneau]

Cool host! What is the ability to handle some small jumps?

[urjellybrah]

Good info dude! Looking forward to the hardboot content :) about to make the transition!

[austinhardy]

Have you ever ridden the Weston hatchet? What is it best for?

[chadr]

What happens if you are almost 100 lbs over the recommended weight? Would something just break or just not last as long? The solids work to an extent like my proto fr 162DF but the life is reduced. What scares me is they are not as strong as a solid snowboard. Something snaps 12 hours from rescue in a blizzard that could be fatal.