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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SALES, WARRANTY, & SHIPPING

We continuously ship to our dealers throughout the season starting in September. Once dealer orders are fulfilled, we allocate inventory to our website. At Spark R&D we believe in supporting your local snowboard shop! If an item says out of stock, please check with your local dealer to see if they have inventory on hand. Our dealer locator is here. We routinely release bindings and other new products online in late fall. Accessories and apparel are restocked on the webstore frequently.

We can ship via USPS and UPS both domestically and internationally.

Spark R&D warrants its products to be free of manufacturing defects for five years from the date of purchase (Summit Skins and Spark Tech Toes are covered for two years) as validated by a copy of your original sales receipt. Problems resulting from impact, abuse, misuse, neglect, or modifications made outside of our factory and normal wear and tear are not covered.

If your product has a valid warranty issue we will repair or replace the product free of charge. In the event that an exact replacement (model, size, and/or color) is no longer available we will replace your product with one of comparable performance, size and value. For issues relating to warranty please follow the instructions on our warranty page.

Spark R&D does not accept or consider unsolicited product ideas. Please do not submit any unsolicited ideas, artwork or other works (“submissions”) in any form to Spark R&D. The sole purpose of this policy is to avoid potential future disputes when our products might seem similar to ideas submitted to Spark R&D. If you do submit your ideas, despite our request not to do so, any submissions will become the property of Spark R&D. None of the submissions shall be subject to any obligation of review, confidentiality, or compensation.

TESLA & TESLA T1 BINDINGS

Tesla bindings (Magneto, AfterBurner, and two-wire Burton Hitchhikers) utilize our side-lock touring bracket with integrated crampon mounts, our snap ramp system, and two climbing wires built into the baseplate. These bindings have been discontinued.

Tesla T1 bindings (Arc, Surge, T1 Burton Hitchhiker, and Nitro Vertical) have all of the above, but instead have just a single climbing wire built into the baseplate that utilizes a two-position heel rest.  Arc & Surge bindings are also built with our Rip 'N' Flip Highbacks featuring tool free forward lean adjusters with a range of -13° to +22°.

In the 22/23 season, we enhanced several of our binding and crampon components using a manufacturing technique called overmolding. By injection molding a proprietary thermoplastic blend over and through existing aluminum or steel parts several key areas of friction and wear are eliminated.

Less Friction = Smooth Touring (ST)

Wherever you see an ST next to a product, this signifies that part or product uses the overmold process.

The Overmold Blend:

Our team created their own custom thermoplastic blend specific to the overmold process that includes additives to make it extremely cold tolerant, durable, abrasion-resistant, and self-lubricating.

Both feature the Tesla T1 binding system.

The Arc ST is lighter weight with medium flex straps and highbacks for long tours, epic overnighters, trees and steeps. The baseplate is CNC machined with maximum cutouts to shave weight yet maintain strength and performance.

The Surge ST is our stiffer binding model and is preferred by our bigger, more aggressive riders. Solid baseplate design, stiffer Rip ‘N’ Flip highbacks, more supportive ankle straps combine to give riders greater control in demanding terrain.

Both feature the Tesla T1 binding system and come in Arc ST and Surge ST models.

Pro bindings simply use more premium materials than our standard bindings making them lighter and even more high performing.

  • Carbon reinforced nylon highbacks are more responsive, lighter, and stiffer than our standard glass reinforced highbacks. Injection molding allows for more complex geometry and improved impact strength compared to other methods of carbon construction.
  • Full Pebax® plastics in Pillow Line straps, ladders, and adjusters. Pebax is a premium material most often found in high-end ski boots as it provides consistent stiffness and improved toughness in cold temperatures. It’s also lighter by 20% than our standard material.
  • 7075 aluminum is extremely strong and is often used for parts in the aircraft and aerospace industries. Using this premium alloy in the heel loops allowed us to make them thinner and lighter without sacrificing strength and reliability.
  • Custom aluminum hardware. Weight savings add up by replacing stainless steel hardware with custom-made 7075-T6 aluminum hardware. Aluminum parts are 65% lighter than our standard stainless parts.
  • Pivot Pins have been hollowed out to be 33% lighter than on standard bindings.

Spark R&D has collaborated with Burton to produce a custom, splitboard specific binding called the Hitchhiker which we manufacture and assemble here in our shop.  The Hitchhiker combines our T1 Arc baseplate with Burton-made straps and highbacks. The Hitchhiker is available exclusively through Burton distribution channels.  More info can be found here.

Yes! The two-wire Hitchhiker is compatible with Spark R&D accessories, including the Ibex ST Crampons , Ibex ST Pro Crampons as well as our 2nd Board Kit.  In 16/17 the Hitchhiker was upgraded to the Tesla T1 system.

T1 Hitchhikers are compatible with Spark R&D accessories, including Whammy Bars, Ibex ST Crampons, Ibex ST Pro Crampons, 2nd Board Kits, and T1 Step Lockers.

Spark R&D has collaborated with Burton to produce a custom, splitboard specific Step On® binding that is manufactured, distributed, and supported exclusively by Burton.

Compatible Spark Accessories:
Ibex ST Crampon & Ibex ST Pro Crampons, Pucks and Canted Pucks, Solid Pucks and Solid Canted Pucks, T1 Riser Kit, Whammy Bars, Touring Brackets, Heel Rests, Step Locker with our Heel Rest

Non-Compatible Spark Accessories:
Step Locker with Step On Heel Rest, Ankle & Toe Straps, Highbacks, Padding Kits, ST Whammy Bars, Hardware Kits and Backcountry Kits

Spark R&D has collaborated with Nitro to produce a custom, splitboard-specific binding called the Vertical which we manufacture and assemble here in our shop. The Vertical combines our T1 Arc baseplate with Nitro-made straps, highbacks, and plastics. The Vertical is available exclusively through Nitro distribution channels.  More info can be found here.

In the 23/24 season, we upgraded the Nitro Vertical to ST Tech using a manufacturing technique called overmolding. By injection molding a proprietary thermoplastic blend over and through existing aluminum or steel parts several key areas of friction and wear are eliminated.

Nitro Verticals are compatible with most Spark R&D accessories, including Whammy Bars, Ibex ST Crampons, 2nd Board Kits, and T1 Step Lockers.
Nitro Vertical Bindings are not compatible with Spark R&D Highbacks, Straps, or ST Whammy Bars.

Nitro Vertical ST are compatible with most Spark R&D accessories, including ST Whammy Bars, Ibex ST Crampons, 2nd Board Kits, and T1 Step Lockers.
Nitro Vertical ST Bindings are not compatible with Spark R&D Highbacks, Straps, or Whammy Bars.

PIN MOUNT BINDINGS

Pin Mount bindings like our Blaze TR use a stainless steel pin that is tethered to the binding to lock the binding into both tour and ride mode. Pin Mount bindings also utilize our pin binding dual height wire system that install directly on the actual splitboard.

Tesla T1 bindings like our Arc, Surge, and Pro Series models feature smaller stainless steel pins built into the baseplate (as opposed to a steel pin tethered to the binding) and a snap ramp to lock the bindings into both tour and ride mode. Tesla T1 bindings also feature our Whammy Bar climbing wires which are single fatty climbing wires built into the baseplates with a side arm lever for easy position changes on the steeps.

The arm of the pin should be tucked under the toe strap next to your boot, which prevents the pin from falling out while riding or touring,

If you have a forward angle on your rear binding, you may not be able to secure the pin in ride mode due to interference with the heel rest. If this happens, just slide the pin in from the opposite side of the binding. You may need to re-adjust the leash length by loosening the toe buckle screw.  Alternatively, you may want to attach the pin on the other side of the binding.

The Blaze TR was discontinued beginning in the 22/23 season. We will continue to service our Pin Mount bindings through warranty and sell a limited number of pin mount accessories like the Mr. Chomps crampons, Pin Binding Dual Height Wires, Stainless Steel Pins, and LT Brackets.

CRAMPONS & ACCESSORIES

Blaze, Blaze TR, and Burner bindings are compatible with Mr. Chomps crampons.

Pro, Arc, Surge, Magneto, AfterBurner, Burton Hitchhiker, Nitro Vertical, and all ST bindings are compatible with Ibex ST crampons and Ibex ST Pro crampons.

Spark Tech Toes are compatible with D Rex ST Pro Crampons.

Yes, and beginning in the 19/20 season all Mr. Chomps are sold with the shorty bar already installed making the crampons ready out of the box.

In previous years Mr. Chomps were sold with long bars installed for compatibility with Voile brackets. Shorty bars were included but not installed.

Tesla (Magneto & AfterBurner), T1 (Arc & Surge), and Pro (Arc & Surge) system bindings come with their own touring brackets and heel rests. The climbing wires for ascending uphill terrain are built right into the base of the bindings. You will need a set of Spark Pucks or Spark Canted Pucks to attach your bindings to your factory splitboard. We also recommend getting the Ibex ST Crampons to help get you up steep or icy terrain.

If you are using Spark R&D pin bindings – Blaze, Burner, Fuse, or Ignition – on a factory-made splitboard you need the LT Brackets, Pin Binding Dual Height Wires, and Spark Pucks. Blaze TR bindings come with LT Brackets and Dual Height Wires, so all you'll need are Spark Pucks for those!

All Spark R&D bindings are compatible with Spark Pucks, Spark Canted Pucks, Voile Pucks (Regular or Canted) and Burton Channel Pucks, as well as Spark Solid Board Pucks and Spark Solid Board Canted Pucks mounting plates. Note: The use of Spark bindings on any other manufacturer’s puck system not listed here is not recommended and may void your warranty.

If your pucks are brand new, the fit might feel tight but will break in after just a couple of times changing over. If it feels like your bindings are jamming, check your puck alignment and make adjustments as necessary. This Board Setup page may help with fine-tuning. If necessary, a fine grit piece of sandpaper can be used to lightly sand the outside edges of the puck plastics in order to fine-tune the fit.

If you are having a hard time sliding your bindings onto Voile Pucks check to make sure that the rubber gaskets are installed underneath your pucks. If not, install the gaskets right now! Spark Pucks don’t require a rubber gasket.

Yes! Check out the Spare Parts page.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for contact our warranty department and we’ll get you squared away.

No. This will ruin your skins.

Store your skins in a cool, dry place. Use skin savers if you have them.

Spark Skins Storage

GENERAL SPLITBOARDING, MAINTENANCE, AND PERFORMANCE

Because it’s super fun.

Our Board Setup page has suggestions for getting your board and bindings installed correctly.

If you have Spark Pucks or Spark Canted Pucks, simply loosen the puck screws and use your guide or baseplate to adjust your position accordingly. There is a setup and user guide in the specs section of the Spark Pucks and Spark Canted Pucks pages.

We recommend servicing your bindings regularly by tightening all screws and checking for any worn parts. If you require replacement screws check out our Binding Hardware Kit or a Backcountry Kit. For additional spare parts see our Spare Parts store.

If you need specs for individual screws, please email us at sales@sparkrandd.com.

Check out our binding maintenance video --> https://youtu.be/DJR4Rn-VJfM

Start by moving the adjuster or ladder to the forward most position. Insert a 3/16 head flathead screwdriver in the gap between the adjuster/ladder and the baseplate. Simultaneously twist the screw driver and rotate the adjuster/ladder to the back position while pushing down on the adjuster/ladder to pop it up and out. Check out the video below for a visual demonstration.

A small dab of lubricant is added to the friction point between the climbing wires and baseplate during assembly. If you’re experiencing too much resistance when engaging your climbing wires you can re-lubricate the friction point with silicone, lithium grease, or any number of other lubricants. A dab of chap-stick also works in a pinch!

Alternatively, we also have our ST Whammy bars designed for smooth touring. On the ST Whammy bars we overmold a section of the wire with a proprietary thermoplastic blend, right where the climbing wire contacts the baseplate, allowing for even smoother transitions between 12°, 18°, and stowed positions.

Check out our binding maintenance video --> https://youtu.be/DJR4Rn-VJfM

It is the future of Splitboard training.

Still didn’t answer your questions? Send us an email at sales@sparkrandd.com

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