As far as Splitboard bindings are concerned, the 4 main parts are the same (1 to 4). Naturally, they allow snowboarding in conditions quite similar to those of specific snowboard bindings. The only difference is that they can also be used for ski touring, by incorporating a mode that allows you to switch to ski mode without changing boots or bindings, simply by changing their position. This means you can tackle ski ascents and snowboard descents without having to accumulate heavy, cumbersome equipment. Here's how our splitboard bindings work:
1 - The frame: it's important to differentiate between the Spark frame and the Union frame. The Spark frame is an ALUMINIUM frame into which the pucks installed on the splitboard slide. With Union, the bindings are installed on the pucks installed on the board by making a quarter-turn. The Union frame is injected plastic. There's a difference in comfort between Spark and Union. Your boots will be on aluminum with Spark, whereas you'll feel like you've got real snowboard bindings under your feet with Union.
2 - Straps: straps are the two fasteners passing over your foot. They hold your foot in place at the ankle and toe. This part is adjustable to fit the size of your boots. At both Union and Spark, the instep and toe straps are of the highest quality. They're both what keep you securely in your bindings during ascents and descents.
3 - The highback: this is the plastic part that allows you to rest your calf on it. This part allows you to support your trajectories in backside turns.
4 - A heelcup: heelcup is the half-circle aluminum part below the spoiler that allows the spoiler to bump up against it and rest your weight on it when cornering.
5 - The Climbing Bar: this is a simple system integrated into all splitboard bindings. For greater efficiency and to avoid losing it, this system unfolds but does not disassemble. Its one and only purpose is to adjust the positions of your bindings to give you more comfortable positions on the steepest climbs.
6 - The touring position binding system: as the name suggests, this is the system that allows you to put your bindings in the touring position. For each binding, it will be necessary to remove the bindings from the board in the snowboard position in order to reposition your bindings in the touring position. In the touring position, as with any ski, the bindings are positioned in the same direction as the skis. Other inserts (not found on snowboard boards) incorporate additional parts that enable you to put your splitboard in the touring position quickly, easily and efficiently.
7 - The binding system for the snowboard position: the snowboard position will use inserts on both skis, to ensure the rigidity and hold necessary for snowboarding.
Naturally, each binding has been designed to enable you to switch from ski to snowboard mode without the need for tools or gloves. They all do the same thing, but differently: the Union Explorer incorporates a pin system, the Union Charger a locking rotary slide system, the Spark Arc a non-rotating slide system with locking device. Each system is tried and tested, and all are very solid and resistant. Aside from price, you'll need to choose the system that's right for you. To give you a clearer idea of these systems, presentation videos are included on each product sheet. To help you choose, the other difference is that the frames of Union bindings are made from the best injection-molded plastic on the market, whereas Spark bindings are made from aluminum, which makes them lightweight and minimalist, as well known in the splitboard world.
Please note: the parts that attach to the inserts and enable the snowboard position, known as "PUCKS", are included with all Union bindings, whereas Spark bindings can be ordered separately. avec ou sans. Il vous faudra être attentif si votre choix se porte sur les Spark Arc à veiller à commander ou pas cette pièce, selon si vous êtes déjà équipé ou pas.
