It has been two intense seasons of backcountry splitboarding around Tromsø since I made the switch from a softboot to a hardboot setup on my splitboard. With over 31,000 m of mountain elevation ridden in the 2019/2020 winter season alone, and after training for and taking part in the Arctic Splitboard Challenge in winter 2018/2019 I think it’s fair to say I have put my hardboot setup to the test. I decided to write a review of my experience with this system, in the hopes that it might encourage anyone who is currently indecisive about switching over to take the leap!

My hardboot binding setup is mounted to a Jones Explorer Splitboard and consists of the entire Spark hardboot binding package, including:

• Spark Dyno DH bindings

• Spark Tech Toes

• Spark Canted Pucks (important - regular pucks are not recommended unless you have a really narrow stance)

• Spark Hardboot Dual Height Wires

• Spark D Rex Crampons

This binding setup was paired with the 2018/19 Atomic Backland Carbon Boots, which have been really great!

To keep this review short, I will focus specifically on the pros and cons in my experience of transitioning from softboots to hardboots so there are no surprises if/when you switch. I will delve into a detailed gear review (I have a lot of tech-tips, issues to discuss and setup recommendations) in the next post.

Hardboot Pros:

• Bindings in the bag reduce weight ‘on-foot’

• Transitions into ride mode are faster and easier

• Walk-mode on the way up makes life a lot easier (reduced friction + increased range of movement)

• Setup can be more lightweight overall

• Toe and heel welts make it quick and easy to transition into climbing crampons

• Pin connection to AT boots makes kickturns/technical sections smoother

• Two settings for heel raiser height (in this setup)

• Kicking steps into hard snow is easier because of the hard toe

• Walking over icy ground is easier because of the flex in walk-mode

• The crampon-style attachment between boots and bindings is quicker than traditional straps

• Easier to ‘ski’ the splitboard down short sections, especially if you briefly switch to ride-mode

Hardboot Cons:

• Small mistakes in riding are transferred more efficiently to the board due to stiffness of the system

• Riding style might be a bit more conservative, especially at first while getting used to reduced lateral flex

• Potential for forgetting the slide-in bindings! (Haven’t done this yet – but it has been a worry)

• Lower surface area of the boots makes walking through deep snow slightly more difficult (greater chance of post-holing)

• Cannot adjust forward lean (on this setup – can with other setups or by making your own adjustments)

In Summary:

If you are unsure about switching over from a softboot to a hardboot setup, my advice is: Go for it! Especially if you are predominantly a backcountry rider who likes (/subjects themselves to) long approaches and technical ascents or multi-activity days mixing splitboarding and alpine/ice climbing. The way-up (where the majority of time is spent) is a lot easier, there is less friction, lower weight on the foot, and transitions into bootpacking/climbing/technical sections are quicker and smoother. I have not noticed a huge difference in my riding except on hard crust where the ultra-responsiveness of the system can be a little unnerving – but in any depth of powder the riding difference is negligible.

 Others things that might be worth considering that I have not explored yet:

• Adding Phantom Bindings Link Lever to your AT boots

• Drilling holes into boots to increase flex

• Buying AT boots with built-in forward lean adjustment

• Phantom are releasing a splitboard-specific hardboot for 2020/21

It’s also worth noting that my previous softboot setup was the Union Expedition Full Carbon package, which I had a number of issues with including an incident where the pin wiggled itself free and my foot detached while riding over some pretty sketchy terrain! But that’s a story for another time…

Also, this post is not sponsored or affiliated to any of the companies or systems described, and is just a fair review of the equipment based on my experience.

Thank you for reading my review, I hope it helps make a few decisions or at least entertains a few mountain enthusiasts out there. Please do let me know if you have any feedback, questions, or hardboot suggestions/tips!

Next week I will review the Atomic Backland Carbon boots for use in hardboot splitboarding.

- Calvin -