Why are these bindings better?

stiffer, lower, lighter

Let us explain …

Stiffer

The Spark R&D binding eliminates “foot roll ” problem with the standard splitboarding setup.

With standard bindings the baseplate is not fully supported by the board. The pucks are not stiff or wide enough to support the bindings by themselves. With the Spark R&D binding the gap between the binding and the board is eliminated. The binding baseplate is fully supported, and is as stiff side to side as a standard binding on a normal snowboard.

This means that rider input goes to the board, rather than flexing the interface parts. This results in a higher level of control.

Lower

Spark R&D bindings reduces the ride and touring height by approximately one half. This increases the level of control while riding, and makes a splitboard feel like a standard snowboard. With a standard splitboard setup the height of the slider track, gasket, and binding baseplate all add up. The Spark R&D binding combines these structures into one plate, removing unneeded structure and weight.

The height while touring is reduced by a similar fraction. This height reduction in touring mode increases edge control and decreases ankle fatigue.

Spark Binding on Left, Traditional Setup with Slider Track on Right

Lighter

The Spark R&D binding is the lightest splitboard compatible strap binding. Weights of various bindings with the Voile slider track, gasket and pin are shown below.

Data courtesy of SanFrantastico and Tsondaboy on splitboard.com.

Weight savings for a pair of bindings can be anywhere from 162 to 932 g (5.1 to 34 oz). A lighter setup is more fun to ride, and tours with less effort.

Better Toe Pivot

With Spark R&D Fuse bindings the pivot pin passes through a bearing within the binding baseplate – no metal-on-metal. (The Ignition II has wide bearing holes in UHMW spacers, shown in picture). These bearings are more wear resistant than the aluminum in the slider track, which can wear to the point of breakage.

If you blow out the toe pivot on this binding, you’ve got bigger problems. The enhanced wear resistance also keeps the toe pivot from becoming sloppy, increasing control in touring mode.