The Blog
Archive for the ’bindings’ Category
Posted on August 18, 2010
The next generation is here.
Introducing the BLAZE splitboard binding for the 2010/2011 season.
Since the very beginning, Spark R&D has been a rider-owned and operated business, pushing innovation in the sport of splitboarding – because that’s what we LIVE for. We are all splitboarders. We have spent hundreds of days in the backcountry. We have vigorously tested our own products and know what would make them lighter, stronger, better. That’s why we’re stepping it up this season, even more than before; we’re seeking perfection based on your needs and feedback and our own riding experiences. Bringing together all of this knowledge, we’re proudly introducing the BLAZE – our most innovative binding yet – a splitboard specific binding with splitboard specific features:
Straps: We are now sourcing our own straps, chosen for their minimalism, durability, and functionality in the backcountry.
Highbacks: We have designed our own custom highback for splitboard specific needs: wider range of lean (more aggressively forward, 25° compared to 18° on the Fuse, all the way back to “layback” for striding on the flats, -5° compared to +8° on the Fuse), stiffer yet more comfortable construction, vertical built-in slots for a standard 1.5″ webbing booster strap for steeps and off-camber climbing, and an extra large grab hole for billy goating security.
Even Lighter: Based on the strong performance of the Fuse, we were able to shave weight off of the baseplate – carving away more aluminum allowing for an equally stiff construction, lighter weight, and more avenues for snow to escape.
Bushings: Custom made bushings provide for easier pin insertion and removal , increased durability, and inside flange eliminates wear from the touring bracket.
Final weight: 3.75 lb/pair [1730 g/pair]! This is a ½ lb [230g] per pair weight savings compared to the Fuse.
Now, we know you’re going to have some questions, so we tried to preemptively answer them here:
Q: What’s going to happen to the Fuse? Are you going to sell them as well?
A: The Blaze is the “new and improved” Fuse. The Fuse has been discontinued, and the Blaze is the only model of binding we are making. Don’t worry, we are still offering a complete line of spare parts for both the Ignition and Fuse series.
Q: The Fuse was compatible with Bent Metal binding straps and highbacks, what about the Blaze?
A: The straps and highbacks for the Blaze are custom, which means we chose and designed them especially for splitboarding. The baseplates were not modeled around any other brand or model of binding. Other straps and highbacks MAY be compatible, but that is up to you to experiment with if you want to switch out parts. We will NOT be offering a baseplates only option this year.
Q: Last year the Fuse were so hard to get my hands on, will this be the same with the Blaze?
A: We know that last year may have been frustrating for some of you trying to find a pair (any pair!) of the Fuse. Trust us, we were taken by surprise too. We make and assemble every binding here in our machine shop in Bozeman, MT (everything but the straps and highbacks). This ensures that you get a solid, quality set of bindings…but that also means that they take a lot of time to make. In years past our built-to-order system worked great, but last season, we just didn’t have enough hours in the day to keep up. For this season, we started production early and are well-prepared to handle the demand for the Blaze throughout the season. Rest assured, if you want to get a set this season – you will be able to!
Q: So, when will the Blaze be available?
A: Mid-October 2010.
Q: Does this mean that I am guaranteed a set of bindings on October 15?
A: No. We will be manufacturing bindings through December, so they will of course not all be available at once. We anticipate people being antsy to get the new Blaze the moment they are available, which will inevitably create initial binding shortages. Please be a little patient, expect the traffic jam, and we promise, everyone will be able to get the bindings they need – just not all at once!
Q: But I am going on a trip October 15…I MUST have them!
A: Your best bet would be to contact a local dealer. They all know when their shipments are scheduled to arrive, and some are willing to take pre-payment in order to save a set for you.
Q: Ok, I will be patient 
But where can I buy the Blaze once they are available?
A: We have an updated list of dealers on our website here: http://www.sparkrandd.com/dealers and have many more than last season, so make sure you check to see if your local shop will be carrying Spark R&D products this season. They will also be available for purchase on our webstore sometime in October, and we will update you when we know the actual date.
THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT! WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
- THE SPARK R&D CREW
Posted on May 3, 2010
For some photos and stoked-ness, check out the splitboard.com thread
Though we couldn’t make it out to this one, we did send along a little something special as a raffle prize …
We thought you might enjoy some thoughts from the winner (schwalbster from splitboard.com):
Am I the most stoked Dude or what? I’m the stokedest Stoke-a-Diddiy there is!!
Posted on January 17, 2010
Seven month old Leo Weber-Thoresen from Austria can’t talk yet, but has THIS to say about the Fuse:
Enough said!
(By the way, if anyone else has great pics of themselves or their kiddos enjoying their Spark R&D Bindings, send them our way and they might make it onto our website. Thanks for the stoke!)
Posted on January 7, 2010
We are excited to announce that Spark R&D’s Fuse binding has won the ISPO BrandNew Finalist Award for innovation!!! Thank you for all of your votes and comments and support. We couldn’t have done it without you. The sport of splitboarding is growing … and you all are part of the revolution. Be proud.
A little background on the ISPO BrandNew Award:
ISPO (Internationale Fachmesse für Sportartikel und Sportmode) is the 4-Day International Trade Fair for Sports Equipment and Fashion, and has been an annual event for the past 40 years in Munich, Germany. This is where all of the retailers and buyers go to see next year’s products and to decide what to sell in their stores in the next season, setting the trends for the outdoor market. Products and companies awarded the ISPO BrandNew Award are considered THE barometer of future trends in sports. This year there were over 350 applicants for the award.
To enter the competition, the company must be 4 years old or younger. The application process involves a public voting component (the part you are familiar with – thanks for all the votes and great comments!) and then a juried component where a group of 20 international experts test and evaluate the products. There is one overall winner of the entire competition, and then one winner and several finalists in each of 7 categories: Accessories, Eco/Fair Trade, Fitness, Hardware, Sportswear, Style, and Urban Style. Spark R&D won a finalist BrandNew Award in the Hardware Category. We are so stoked!
Where from here?
Will Ritter, the owner of Spark R&D and his wife Becca are headed over to Munich in early February to the ISPO trade show along with all of the other winners and finalists. They will be showcasing the Fuse binding and unveiling some great new innovations for the 2011 season.
Spark R&D has always been dedicated to pushing innovation in the sport of splitboarding. Being internationally recognized for this award is just one more way that splitboarding gets put in the lime light. Again, thank you for all of your support and votes, and your dedication to the sport!
Posted on November 18, 2009
The ISPO Brand-New Award recognizes innovation in sports. Our newest binding, the Fuse, is featured in the contest, and so we’d like you to…
Check out our video and vote for us here:
We’re proud to be in the competition, and may the best splitboard-binding company in Bozeman MT within a few blocks of the Filling Station win!
Posted on September 11, 2009
Spark R&D is psyched to bring you splitphiles news on our fresh binding! Introducing for the 2009/2010 season.. the Fuse!
Following up the Backcountry Editors Choice Awarded Ignition II, the Fuse has a pile of improvements. We will be manufacturing the baseplates and heel loops completely in house, offering a solid one piece CNC design, stronger pivots, lighter weight, and a few other benefits. Check out the complete details on our website!
Also be on the lookout for some discounted Ignition II’s.. (check out our home page/store.. hint, hint)
Posted on May 21, 2009
We recently received the following email:
Hi Will, This season I’ve been getting pushed around by some d#$chebag heli opps for riding “their stash”. So I was hoping you have some white base plates for the Bent Metal Biscuits. I’ve got a white one piece and splitboard and next year I can center punch all their sh%t.
Thanks, J.L.
We couldn’t help but oblige. We did up a pair of Ignition II baseplates with a clear anodizing job, white spacers, and the new Biscuit geometric graphics. They turned out pretty ‘stealth’.. and look mighty good with those white Biscuits! check em out..
(click to enlarge)
J.L. wrote us back:
Thanks Will. The bindings look killer and I’ll let you know when I get busted.
You’re an inspiration to us all J.L. keep up the good work!
Want custom binders? Drop us a line at info@sparkrandd.com and we’ll see what we can do.
Posted on April 28, 2009
We are putting a new binding together with our current Ignition II baseplates, built around the Bent Metal Biscuit binder. They have a different graphic.. so we drew up some new art for our baseplates, check em out! We have a few pair of both Black and Red Larges in the store as we speak, Smalls will be coming soon.
Thanks for stoppin’ by!
