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Best Splitboards
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Flexibility
Performance is everything for a snowboarder, there is no doubt about that. What is sort of interesting about this, though, is beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In other words, the performance aspects you desire are entirely up to you. When it comes down to it, there are a few huge aspects to a board’s performance: its flex and profile. Firstly, let’s address the flex. To keep it short and sweet, you can either get a board that is stiff or flexible and both have their advantages. Stiff splitboards will perform better for free-riders and experienced snowboarders. As compared to softer boards, these will provide a much better grip when turning and hold an edge better when descending a slope.
But, more flexible boards aid in turning and are generally more forgiving. Thus, making them more ideal for novices. Then, you can also assess the profile of the board and, more importantly, if it is a cambered or rocker board. Again, both have their benefits. Cambered boards have much more pressure on the contact points allowing for a superior edge grip. Meanwhile, rocker boards provide extra float in powder and have an upturned tip.
Effectiveness
On a snowboard, the top-sheet is the portion of the board that you physically see on the top (hence its name). This will protect the inner parts of the snowboard and provides you with the base. There are a few reasons you want a well-designed top-sheet on a split-board. Many of the higher-end split-boards will feature a top-sheet that is built with an efficient combination of strength and lightness, and also resistant to scratches and snow build-up.
Strength is an obvious element of emphasis as split-boards will encounter rugged wild surfaces and you want them to hold up over time. But, doing so while managing the weight as much as possible is important. However, an often-overlooked design factor for split-boards is their ability to repel snow. Why is this important? When riding through the snow, your board is exposed to it every second and it will be splashing around everywhere. Ridding the board of as much snow as possible will prove beneficial on the slopes.
Materials
In terms of the overall construction of a split-board, with the top-sheet already addressed, the aspect you need to analyze is the core makeup. Most of the time, though not all the time, split-boards are crafted with a combination of wood (sometimes multiple kinds of wood) and fiberglass (to achieve the shape of the board). But, what comes into play is the type of wood that the manufacturer designed their board with.
In general, you have softwood and hardwood. Just like everything else, both have their luxuries. For the most part, softwood (such as poplar or spruce) is ideal if you are looking for a light board that travels immensely fast. However, in terms of strength, hardwood tends to hold the advantage. This type of wood (which includes beech and birch) will assist in reinforcing the board and providing the durability you need for intense rides. To no one’s surprise, this means that designers will often implement a combination of both softwoods and hardwoods. So, you are left with a split-board that is light and fast with heavy reinforcement.
Features
Those of you who are new to snowboarding or split-boards and have attempted to do research on them have probably come across the importance of the board’s shape. But, you may have not fully understood why and what the different types achieve. To keep it as simple as possible, let us break down the major shapes that you will see in a standard split-board.
For starters, you have a directional split-board. These will typically feature a nose that is longer than other boards. This can aid when you are carving through powder as it will do so very effectively. A slight variation of this board is one with a tapered nose, which features a tail that is slightly smaller in width than the nose. Also, you have asymmetrical snowboards. With these, you tend to have an edge in carving performance as there is a sharper sidecut on the heel edge. Another common type is true twin boards and the tail and the nose are literally mirror images of one another giving you the same flex from both ways.
Top 10 Picks
1. Weston Backwoods
It is very rare for any product to achieve a perfect rating but that is what the Backwoods Splitboard has done. This beauty is designed for ease of skinning and its long and sharpened powder nose will keep you floating no matter the depth of the snow.
Read moreBoard Performance
Both the early rise in the nose and the tail successfully optimize the skin contact when you need strong traction on very steep ascents. Also, during kick turns, the nose will stay upright thanks to the forward-centered touring mounts.
Topsheet Design
Thanks to the textured polyamide designed topsheet, it has a coating that provides exceptional protection from scratches. In addition, this will shed the snow on the board to prevent build-up.
Overall Construction
Wherever Weston could utilize recycled material on this board, they did so. It also helps that the wood used in the core body is farmed with quick reforestation times.
The Shape
This is a directional splitboard with a tapered nose. What this allows is the powder nose to keep you floating on top of the snow even when it massively piles up. Plus, this adapts for well for quick turns between tight trees.
The Size
There are three lengths that you can select from for this board including 152 centimeters, 157 centimeters and 163 centimeters.
Overall
It simply does not get much better than this, no matter your preferences for splitboards. When the single hardest aspect when analyzing a specific product is attempting to find something wrong with it, you know you have something special.
2. Jones Solution
So, close, so close. The Jones Solution Splitboard came so close to the top spot and with its unparalleled craftsmanship, carbon stingers for an improved response and pop, and blunt nose for the benefits of a long nose without the rounded tip, you may question why it did not.
Read moreBoard Performance
This board performs like a beauty. The carbon layer keeps the flex stable to offer a more consistent ride, the Magne-Traction adds multiple contact points and substantially improves the edge grip, and the carbon stingers add stiffness for an improved response.
Topsheet Design
Jones always designs their topsheets expertly and their Solution is no different. With the eco-plastic topsheet, which is made from Castor beans, you will never have to worry about scratches or snow building up.
Overall Construction
A brilliant design is at work here as the wood poplar and paulownia core manages to maximize both the dampening and lightness of the board. Past this, there are stainless steel plates embedded into both the nose and the tail for reinforcement.
The Shape
Because Jones uses a blunt nose, for most all their splitboards, this board is able to achieve the benefits of a longer nose without adding swing weight or a rounded tip.
The Size
There are several length options that you can select from, with some having various widths. This includes several from 154 centimeters to 169 centimeters.
Overall
Anytime you see “Jones” plastered on a splitboard or snowboard, you are practically guaranteed an amazing experience. What puts this in, one particular, over the top is its master core and perfect performance.
3. Voile
Being built with an efficient combination of bamboo and fiberglass, the strength of this splitboard never comes into question. But, it can also rip you around the slopes with its thunderhead profile tip that adds great speeds in the deepest of snow.
Read moreBoard Performance
Because this deck is designed to eliminate the leverage you need for re-engaging the outside contact points, you are left with a more fluid ride, superior power and seamless turns.
Topsheet Design
The topsheet is crafted from a bamboo power ply, which is ideal for a few reasons. One, it acts as an added layer of fiberglass and two, it retains the natural properties of the wood itself. Thus, combining for exceptional strength.
Overall Construction
With an efficient combination of a fully wrapped sidewall that delivers tight tolerance for improved durability and a blend of poplar and paulownia for a lightweight core, you can’t ask much better here.
The Shape
No doubt, this is built for high speeds and it is thanks to the thunderhead profile tip of the board. Even in the deepest of snow, this combines versatility and speed perfectly.
The Size
The option is yours for either a splitboard that is 158 centimeters, 161 centimeters or 164 centimeters in length.
Overall
The Voile splitboard is meant to be as durable and lightweight as physically possible. In conjunction with its fluid and seamless performance, you are left with a splitboard that is more than worthy of your hard-earned money.
4. Jones Carbon Solution
Even per Jones’s standards, their Carbon Solution is one of the stiffest boards on the planet. While this is a personal preference, if you prefer it, you can enjoy the increased edge grip and response at higher speeds.
Read moreBoard Performance
Due to the stiffness of the board and the camber underfoot, the edge grip and response are unparalleled. However, the rockered tip improves the maneuverability and floats the nose.
Topsheet Design
To save both materials and to reduce the amount of the total weight, Jones integrates their exclusive production process which allows the topsheet to be replaced with a durable epoxy layer.
Overall Construction
Durability is of the essence here and the stainless steel plates for reinforcement, hardwood beech stringers along the edges, and the triple-density core of foam and fiberglass that is as stiff as wood while being 15 percent lighter, prove that.
The Shape
Just like their previous splitboard on this list, the Solution, this is developed with a blunt nose. Again, this sports the benefits of a longer nose with adding the extra weight.
The Size
Many different sizes are available to adapt to multiple people. Options for 158, 161, 162W, 164 and 165W are available (in centimeters).
Overall
When it comes down to it, you will either adore or loathe the stiffness. Per their rating scale, Jones has this board as a 10 out of 10 for stiffness. Remember, this does add incredible edge grip and response when you are traveling at high speeds.
5. Weston Big Chief
Weston is back on this list and their Big Chief and Backwoods splitboards do have similarities. But, they also have their differences and while the Backwoods is the superior model, do not ignore the effectiveness and performance of their Big Chief.
Read moreBoard Performance
The carbon fiber stringers are able to provide the extra pop that you need in the powder and the additional dampening adapt for landing substantial drops. In addition, overall, this is designed for ease of skinning.
Topsheet Design
Much like their Backwoods model, this topsheet is made from a textured polyamide and will easily shed snow that lands on top of it. All in the meanwhile, it also is scratch-resistant.
Overall Construction
Not only did Weston not use any VOCs in the epoxy, they certainly did not skimp on the glass as it is layered on thick for exceptional durability. Past this, the wood that is used in the core is farmed with fast reforestation times.
The Shape
The nose is the biggest difference between Weston’s two models. This is a wide nose with an early rise that will stay afloat in deep powder. Also, the slight camber will improve the response and edge control.
The Size
A few length options are available for you to select from. The choice is yours from 157 centimeters, 164 centimeters and 168 centimeters.
Overall
To wrap it up into one distinct sentence, the Chief is not the best splitboard for flat and mellow terrains. Instead, it will float wonderfully and perform admirably in fresh powder.
6. Jones Explorer
The Explorer may be the third wheel when compared to the Solution and Carbon Solution from Jones, but it is a pretty outstanding model nonetheless. It will not perform in firm snow the way the other two will (but still does so adequately), but it is remarkable in fresh and softer snow.
Read moreBoard Performance
Everything is here for an optimal performance. This includes an inner and outer edge Magne Traction that adds edge grip on firm descents and also a camber between your feet that delivers even further edge grip.
Topsheet Design
As with their Solution Splitboard, Jones designed the Explorer with their eco-plastic topsheet. Just as before, this is crafted from Castor beans which makes it lightweight, scratch-resistant, and repellent against snow.
Overall Construction
The main base, which is a sintered 7000 base, has been coated with Wend natural wax straight from the factory. In addition to this, the steel edges and ABS sidewalls are designed from recycled materials and the premium Slovenian poplar adds enhanced durability.
The Shape
It is a Jones staple and once again, they designed their splitboard with a blunt nose. Past this, the board is a directional shape.
The Size
Jones is always terrific at providing you with an adequate amount of sizing options to adapt to as many people as possible. With various widths and lengths from 152 centimeters to 164 centimeters, there is a strong selection.
Overall
It is not as if this can’t handle firm snow, as it can, but other Jones splitboards do so more efficiently. Still, the overall workmanship and performance can’t be understated enough with the Explorer.
7. Burton Flight Attendant
Overall, Burton did a masterful job designing their Flight Attendant Splitboard. The setback camber and sidecut are fantastic for quick turns, it has a long nose that will rip through snow while giving you control and wood that is well-harvested.
Read moreBoard Performance
The engineered grain direction provides you with the optimal amount of strength and edge control. Adding to this is the blend of rocker and camber in the nose which combines control and float ideally.
Topsheet Design
Featuring an EcoZen topsheet, which is a clear polyester material that is only created with renewable materials, you can rest assured this is an eco-friendly design.
Overall Construction
Not only is the core designed with strong and lightweight woods that target specific areas for strength, it has also been certified by the FSC guaranteeing that the wood comes from well-harvested forests.
The Shape
A setback camber and a sidecut (which is centered on your stance), in conjunction with the tapered nose, ensures a freestyle feel when riding. Plus, this allows the board to turn tight and quick.
The Size
The available sizes that you can select from, in measurements of centimeters, are 154, 158, 163, and 168.
Overall
Everything about this splitboard screams quality. This reigns specifically true for those who crave a board that can handle long and high jumps, which the Flight Attendant excels at.
8. Rome Powder Room
In terms of soft vs. stiff flex, this lands closer to soft than stiff. In fact, this may end up being the deciding factor with this specific splitboard. Though, the Powder S profile of this board will keep the nose up and floating through the deepest of powder.
Read moreBoard Performance
There are carbon double barrel hotrods that are milled directly into the core. What this provides is an increased snap and drive when you are on your back foot. And, the camber underfoot maintains proper pop and edge hold.
Topsheet Design
As opposed to other top-end model splitboards, this topsheet is not necessarily as eloquent. With that being said, it seems to be designed well and handle snow efficiently.
Overall Construction
To achieve a perfect blend of durability and lightness, Burton utilizes an AirPop Core Matrix that uses five zones of light and low-density wood. Plus, there are air channels that assist to further decrease the overall weight.
The Shape
Thanks to its Powder S profile and set-back stance, the nose manages to stay upright even while going through the deepest of light and newly fallen snow. But, when needed, it can mow down rugged and chopped-up snow.
The Size
Now, the only available size is 150. Even on Burton’s website, it is all they have available. This could be an issue if 150 centimeters is not an adequate length for you.
Overall
When compared to other splitboards in the market, this is one of the smaller and softer boards out there. Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily, just know what you are getting into when you invest your money into the Flight Attendant Splitboard.
9. Voile Revelator
This splitboard may slip under the radar when compared to other top models. But, that is a shame because it sports a setback stance that assists in keeping your nose up in deep snow, a heavy-duty construction without adding weight, and excellent control and precision.
Read moreBoard Performance
Both the early-rise in the tip and the tail aids in this board’s ability to float in powder. All in the meanwhile, this also delivers a more forgiving feel when on the slopes. Past this, the carbon glass ensures a stiff flex for enhanced control and precision.
Topsheet Design
Because the topsheet is used to cover the sidewall area of the board, it reduces the amount of weight as a whole. This is known as a Cap Construction and while it reduces weight, many users claim it is more difficult to repair sidewall damage.
Overall Construction
Speaking of decreasing the overall weight, the paulownia wood that is implemented in the core decreases it without at all sacrificing its strength.
The Shape
The shape of this board is designed in a way that keeps the nose upward, even in the deepest and thickest of snow.
The Size
While you are not provided with a ton of sizing options, at least you are given a few to select from. The options for 154 centimeters, 159 centimeters and 162 centimeters should suffice for most.
Overall
Most notable about this splitboard is its integration of a Cap Construction. While this significantly reduces the overall weight, it can be difficult to make sidewall damage repairs. Think of it as weighing the positive against the negative.
10. K2 Joy Driver
Being a splitboard that offers a lot of pop and float in powder, thanks to the tapered directional nose, and tons of speed to boot, the K2 Joy Rider definitely has its perks.
Read moreBoard Performance
To allow for smooth transitions, the rocker allows the access points to only be lifted slightly. Besides this, the diagonal glass and biaxial glass combine for a more torsional response.
Topsheet Design
Being designed with Inked Glass, the topsheet is around 10 percent lighter than you would find elsewhere.
Overall Construction
Because the core is designed from Bambooyah which is a unique blend of two types of woods to save weight, it blends strength and lightness efficiently. Also, the sintered 4000 base absorbs wax exceptionally as is highly-durable.
The Shape
It has a directional shape, with a tapered nose and a 19mm setback. But, it is mostly just a one-directional splitboard.
The Size
You can select from sizes 156, 159, 162 and 165 (in centimeters).
Overall
Even though this may not be as tremendous as other splitboards, it is an absolute steal for the price it is listed as. If you can get your hands on this tapered-nose board, do so as you will not regret it.
Sources
- , Top Rated Splitboards for 2019, Blog
