On-Snow Splitboard Binding Comparison | Pin vs Lock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
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In this video Bo and I take a look at the main differences between a pin based vs lock based splitboard binding system and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both. If you have experience with either style of binding let us know your thoughts in the comments!
#boardarchive #splitboarding #bindings
After years on the fence I decided to get into splitboarding just recently. I initially decided to pick up a used board with Union bindings until I started researching them. There's always a balance of cost vs performance, but this video made it completely clear how a proper binding system is worth paying for. Just notice how the guy with Spark gets the job done with MITTENS and the guys with pins all have to take their gloves off in the freezing snow. This is an activity usually done in subzero temperatures with snow and ice, and the gear should be designed to work optimally in such environments. I read about a guy who carries a hammer in order insert the pins when ice has frozen in the channel during the ascent! Thanks for a detailed and hands on video, best I've seen so far.
Hey TJ, I am on the Expedition 2.0s, in your video you are on the 1.0 and there are some updated changes, first being that when they rotate and slide in place, they will lock at the perfect alignment to slide the pin in, so there is no need to fiddle with it and find the alignment spot like on the 1.0s. I have dozens and dozens of tours on my 2.0s all around Colorado, they are great, and there is no real time saving benefit over other styles once you are familiar with your equipment. The Expeditions ride feel is like none other, much more comfortable, and I don't have any problems on the uphill either. The other systems are great too, for some reason everyone loves to rip on the pin system but I have not had any issues with them. Union wouldn't make a bad binding and especially not if Iguchi and Rice stand behind it. I recommend them, Union makes good stuff and I have been very happy with my setup. Maybe you can find me touring around Loveland pass, berthoud, or many other places around Colorado I frequent. Peace!
I forgot to mention also that you can do the conversion between both ride and tour mode with gloves on, no need for me to take them off (and I wear mits). It's a great system and the ride quality is unmatched! My only gripe is I wish they used better buckles
No pin slop? Unions were a consideration for me as I liked the feel and robustness of my Union Stratas.
@@szed3 there is zero play in the pin system, the way the binding rotates onto the pucks cinches it all into place very tight. There was concern about some play on the 1.0s, but I never felt it while riding, the 2.0s have none and I have not noticed any movement while riding
Bought some 2.0 just after lockdown so yet to use them, good to see some positive feedback on them :-)
do you know if they work with the channel?
Love how lockdown has brought everyone into the backcountry
Yeah, but in my country, they didn't even let you go alone to the mountain. And I lived in the middle of the mountain. But they were all day with binoculars. They gave me 2 warnings. They caught me the third and they gave me a penalty ticket. I didn't pay it because it was illegal to retain people locked in their houses if there is no site or war estate.
Unfortunately, they are changing the laws to make us pay if we don't surrender to this Orwellian sht.
I repeat: alone. In the mountain. Splitboarding. FCKNG ALONE.
Other time, I was walking down the road to the village to buy some food, alone. They stopped me and told me that I had to go back and take the bus. I said, "but I am alone and in the bus are more people, therefore more risk...". They didn't use the reason, as expected.
I don't know this next season, but all this sht is going really crazy.
And things are getting worse.
@@The-Man-On-The-Mountain Just out of interest, which country is that? The law is one thing but it's really surprising to me how people just don't use common sense. You are alone on a mountain, you pose no risk. You couldn't pose less risk if you wanted to.
Thanks for the informations TJ!
I've been on splitboards for many years in the alps and for me it all comes down to what you do. For short ascends the bulletproof Sparks are best.
For longer ascends with more then 800m climb I think the so called "Dyno-Split" Systems have huge benefits over a softboot system. I made the switch 3 years ago and I would never go back. I know many softbooter doing just short trips mostly from resorts but on really hard + remote tours I never met any. Its just the plus in safety having a hard boot with proper crampons and to make steps in icy patches while bootpacking. On top you safe a lot of power in the climb because the dynafit toe pieces are so light making a long stride easy.
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers
Jens
Yay!! More splitboard stuff!!
I always recommend the Sparks, the system is simple and bulletproof. I haven't messed around with the newer Karakoram stuff yet though...- it would be interesting to see how they've evolved.
I scored a set of Split30s for $150AUD including crampons, so I'm keen to test them out over the next few months. Only downside is that I had to replace the Plum clips that came on my board with Karakoram Ultra Clips.
I just broke down and bought myself the Surge model, as I prefer a stiffer binding and am a heavy rider. I thought the full(non cut) base plate was the way to go.
Especially those Connect Rs...might be the business if they offer the feel and comfort of traditional bindings on the way down =D
Pluuuuuuum
@@jonassjveianhalvorsen146 those are awesome, but the price dude... They can't compete with Spark, and the Spark are not bad at all.
Pure knowledge! Only have ever splitboarded once and it was tough. Good to know about the different binding styles. Bo's version seems a lot easier!
Great video. As others would say, I think the lock system is superior imo, and would love to see how Karakoram and Spark compare. They all seem to be driving each other to excellence.
Great topic TJ... You've picked something here that I never knew I wanted to know more about. And on which I currently know nothing. Great to see more videos from you. 🤘
I use Union for my splits - no issues and they ride really good on the down. I took my coda rocker split into the resort and cannot tell it's a split from the feel of the ride. I will always go with ride feel as long as the up is good and the bindings stand the test of time (which my expeditions have).
Did you ever have problems with the pin coming loose or coming out?
This was very informative and great. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful, thanks man
Good video. Would like to see a comparison between Spark and Karakoram also.
Great video. Im out here in Tahoe trying to device on a backcountry plan of attack, this video really enlightened things for me in the world of binding options.
Have ridden both the Karakoram and Spark R&D before buying. Cannot recommend the Spark system enough, it’s super easy, so lightweight too. Would prefer to have the shaved weight on the walk rather than increased binding performance on the way down. You’ll spend far more time on the ascent than descent so save that weight!
great stuff guys!!
Let's get you a pair of the 2.0s! HMU :)
would definitely love it if u sent me a pair!
Just got the 2.0 all setup. Not sure of the difference but definitely sick!
Kit was easy. Included tips/tricks for best assembly & the screws have loctite already.
Yo TJ,
No idea if Union ever hit you up for 2.0's but really curious how you feel about them compared to the 1.0.
I'm looking into buying me a full splitboard setup for this season and since I'm riding Union only on all my other boards I tend to go for Unions. Can't really find a good review on them yet because I think most of them are 1.0.
Cheers and keep them video's coming!
I love my split and have no issue with the pin system. I've used both and honestly, the pin is the least of my concerns in windy, or bad weather... The skins are much more of an issue in these circumstances. With a bit of practice it is easy to switch a pin system over in under 4 minutes.
4 minutes? Wow that's really long 😧
Granted, and the 300$ greatly justify the choice!!
@@12benni yep, it is... I probably was considering skin removal, any de-icing etc. But yep under 4 mins for simple stance shift is long I agree :)
@@poulatak I have the new Union Expedition now. I know some people aren't into them but I like them.
Nice informational video TJ. would love to get into split boarding, another way to approach the mountain and earn those turns 🤙🏼
Terrific review!! I have no knowledge of splitboarding but I will give it a try.
I have a stupid question -- when in walk mode with the board split, is it possible to ski downhill? Just a silly question, I know!!!
Great comparison guys, thank you!!
Useful tech video. Recommend to view both beginner splitborders and intermediate level
Nice video I wish I had the money for a split setup and gear...
Like he said the base plate set up from Voile is only $150 bones then you can get a cheap Spartan board from the same company for $385 or so. I just scored mine in fear of lifts never spinning again.(probably a bit dramatic) but think of all the lift pass money I'll recoup in the long run.
@@BoardThroughThePain I would not cheap out on Backcountry gear. Maybe a cheap park board is ok but something you can trust your life on it should not be the cheaper option available 😉
@@soldout1986 voile is the industry standard. But my whole channel is about boarding on a budget. So it's kinda my job to find out for ya. Expect a review in a year or so. Good or bad, there will finally be a non biased opinion about the Spartan on youtube.
@soldout1986 Never Summer has some B grade split boards ranging from $455-$700 on their website, I just ordered the Icon for $455. Not a bad way to knock off a few hundred bucks off your set up because the top sheet is scratched. (I say that as an example, B grade boards SHOULD NOT have any issues that effect the performance or longevity of the snowboard). And if Never Summer ain't your style most snowboard companies offer B graded boards on sale as well.
It's game time let's gooooo!
I've ridden them all. Karakoram PrimeX's out perform everything out there.
At more than doublet price of Spark Arc bindings I would hope they would outperform. But it's still hard for most people to justify that increase in price. At least for me. Maybe if I was only planning on riding backcountry, but even then, I don't think I would pay that premium. At least not right now.
@@vthops The PrimeX is not "more than double". After you factor in the Spark or Voile pucks additional cost to the Arcs, the difference is $350. PrimeX comes with the full interface system built into the kit. The interface itself is also vastly more powerful in ride mode, and the tour mode is stronger, more precise, and performs WAY better on icy sidehill situation. And the transitions are faster / easier.
I would love to see more riding videos, man! :)
Went from pin system (fastec SP system bindings) to Spark Surge. In calm weather - pin system is OKeish. In the strong wind + snow, its a pain to align the holes and the pin. Price of the Karakoram was too high, Spark is also compactible with Voille pucks, so that was the way to go.
Very useful info guys. Thanks.
nice topic! great video!
cant believe people are still debating this in 2020. this was settled like 5 years ago.
I have been riding on the Karakoram bindings now for 2 years and really cannot recommend them. The quality of the materials used considering the high-end price (Highest on market?) is bad.
So far the heel risers already broke three times and one time I lost the front jaw. (All three screws came loose) All this with probably 25-30 tours in 2 years only.
After closer inspection back at home then I also found lots of screws missing and loose from both the base plates. 3 screws missing, some of the rest already loose to last thread pitch only.
I believe the biggest con's for the Karakoram heel risers are:
First they are mounted on the board itself where other bindings systems have the heel risers mounted on the bindings.
Second they are made of obviously cheap plastics only where all others are made of a metal bracket. (The characteristics of plastics at low temperatures minus 15 to 20 and lower should be known...)
I will change to the Union system now and only step back to the Karakoram as 2nd bindings system as reserve. For the Karakoram I will mount the heel risers from Voile and do not use the original ones from Karakoram any more.
Great video dude! Im still trying to get a reservation for Abasin so far 0-7
hey TJ i love the videos.. seeing the season was messed up. would you please let mus know how the Ride FUSE finished up the season and how you liked them in the end.
The pin system union is using just outdated at this point. I've seen those pins snap on people in the backcountry or get lost in transitions in shitty weather, which is not something you want and why they always carry extra. I've seen the pin get ripped out while riding and the binding came off. Also once you use them awhile they will start to wiggle so that board feel that was an advantage goes away and they will start to ride worse than any other option. Support companies actually pushing splitboarding forward, not one that hopped on a bandwagon and is selling outdated tech that everyone left back with cutting your board in half and sealing it back up.
so true. both spark tesla and voile speed rail are so quick and painless. nothing to drop and the voiles you can lock down with no extra parts. i think they sell union stickers you can slap on the highback as well :) even if i did get unions for free, im not sure id use them. too many bad stories
@@xFFFOFFxBRIANx Are there that many bad stories?? Is that also on the latest explorer version??
@@poulatak no idea, still use sparks (2 years later no issues...). if i switched it would be to a phantom hardboot system.
ATM I have version of SP bindings (made under Pathreon brand - same factory, lower price) - it´s multientry (like Flow). But I am starting to think about the upgrade and I am interested in Spark Surge (I prefer stiffer binding for the freeride)
What's the weight difference between the two systems?
Another disadvantage to the pin system is the time it takes to put on crampons. I am considering to switch to spark now.
Yeah man! Good to see you back in the snow. I have snowshoes and never tried splitboarding. How is the riding compared to a regular snowboard - any differences? Pin vs. Lock?
"the rear hole patterns on the Nitro Squash Splitboard are not compatible with the Union Expedition Bindings", can you test that with maximum setback and some 30 degrees front foot ?
What poles are those?
Awesome vid TJ! How do they feel in comparison to traditional bindings? Would be really helpful to hear more of your guys' perspective on ride feel of the bindings especially the Spark R&Ds as well as those splitboards compared to their solid versions. Cheers!
really wanted a splitboard but if I had to choose between that or snowshoes (due to the low amount I board) I would go for snow shoes.
However, regarding the binding system, lock seems to be just edging it for me, maybe the only downside is the foot padding?
super interesting video!
You can, but it depends on where you live and how the snow is, also where you plan to go. Some places they won't cut it because they can't handle icier snows, they can't handle steeper terrain and in both case i would feel more comfortable with crampons.
Also, with snowshoes the risk of triggering avalanches are higher because your weight is concentrated on a much much smaller area
Do the Union Expenditions still wiggle on the way down?
good question
No Karakoram??
Would love feedback on the Union Expeditions? Have seen reviews of the pin coming out. I care more about the downhill feel than the uphill. Also, the cost savings is important to me
carry an extra pin in case but ive never had issues with the pin coming out, i ride the explorers and they are great. They ride just like any other typical binding, the sparks might be a better puck system but are terrible for comfort on the ride down compared to the unions.
Hardboots and Phantom bindings is the only way :)
what size is your T.Rice jacket, TJ?
The voile kit is awesome to try for the first time. But once you change to the others, there is no come back. It's other world, especially regarding the weight. And in the mountain, every gram feels like a kilo.
To me, nothing like Spark. They are a beast, especially for their price. If I have to nick pick, would be the torsion issue. I mean, a split loses its torsion for obvious reasons, but maybe you can recover a bit of it by a binding that uses a disc instead of the pucks. Actually you can feel it, not much, but there it is. Although I don't use the torsion (consciously) very much on powder or crusty snow, but it makes no harm if you gain a bit of it.
A very very nice video.
Do you really use the Ride FUSE for splitboarding? Could your comment on the rationale behind choosing these boots or review them? Peace!
yes I use them for everything. Resort, snowmobiling, and splitboarding. I have a review on the channel check it out. They are just a well rounded boot that work well for me. Lots of tech built in
@@BoardArchive thanks, I'll check it out, should have searched the channel first 😊
Duck Stance on splitboard ?
why not??
The Sparks are so easy to transition but they hurt my feet sooooo bad. Had them 3 years. I may have to sacrifice comfort for ease. Any thoughts from people who’ve compared both would be fab :-) I have a Jones Solution new this year. I think I’d be a new woman if my feet didn’t hurt.
unions would solve all your issues. they take maybe 15 seconds longer to switch over but they are a legit binding and ride like any other union binding does
Backpack with board straps + verts for the win. No splitboard necessary and you’ll be walking up the mountains you climb to ride wayyyyy faster than on splits with skins. True story 🙌🏼
The one looked way faster and easier (lock type)
Spark are unable to meet demand for 21/22 season, so Union it is…
You meen like simple, allways working and super solid? Would never trust something made from plastic and with a little pin to secure you.
@@jonassjveianhalvorsen146 They are pretty bomber. And the new ones look even better. I trust nylon plastic on all my other bindings and these ones are forged carbon. It’s a moot point for me now as I eventually got Spark Pros as well. I like both. The latest Sparks they have brought out us plastic now too instead of metal bushings.
I love the Spark R&D system but they're not very compatible with Burton (my only splitboard 😥). But then again, Burton is like Apple and their proprietary cables.
Hey dude! The burton hitchikers are actually spark arc bindings with burton straps and high back....as you need to buy the pucks separetely anyway, just buy some burton channel compatible pucks if they are not served with the board, those guys gonna definetely bond with hitchikers (Tesla system) or spark (Tesla system) bindings ;)
Voile plates are cheap but there is a reason other products exist. Using your usual binding on a plate will give you the same strap feel but you will be 1/2inch above the board surface so the ride down sucks. The most obvious disadvantage of pin systems is right there in your video, you took your gloves off to transition. Your fingers will hate you touching metal components as you reassemble.
Union, NO.
Spark, best price and quality, and most easy.
Karakoram, you gain a bit of torsion. Other tthan that, expensive and fragile.
Always Spark.