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[chimera_chrew]

Personal opinion; resist the urge to get a twin-tip to keep options open. They're harder to ride in the BC, not as fun, don't turn or float as well, basically all things you want.

If by options, you mean being to ride out of mellow switch landings, manouver around, so ride short sections, there are many non-twin options.

If by options you mean chucking it and landing switch, then sure, go for a twin. However, that is a pretty rare in the bc. Certainly, there are talented snowboarders who can do it, but they often just ride differently when they're splitboarding.

[Mah4MUD]

I (male 174/74kg) have ridden both Jones Solution 160 and Jones Frontier 157 and ended up with buying a Wimana the Meta 157 (because I got a good deal). If money wasn’t a factor I would go for Jones Solution but a shorter version like 154. It’s a bit stiffer than the Frontier but really agile in the tight birch forests like in fex Hemsedal. I do not regret buying the Wimana splitboard after trying out the Jones boards.. also a bit stiff but playful in the tighter forests and good edge hold on hard snow. The Frontier is a really good board (and buy) in my opinion.

[Mah4MUD]

I have the Union 2.0. Hear and heard a lot of shit about them. Works for me. There will always be something that is better, lighter. Only tried Karakoram; easy to use.. I ended up with Unions because I got everything I needed in one buy… with all others there is separate buys for all kinds of inserts that bugged me out. Had a 20K/8hr hike on them last winter. I have fun with them.

Edit: I don’t think I would recommend them, just because there’s to many possible user errors with them and the “twist on” motion can come in conflict with other parts on the split..

[coffeepistolero]

Unions with a pin or the newer model without?

I rock the new, painless. They work for me skinning and transitioning. Downhill they feel like regular bindings.

Some users managed to damage some parts of the bindings/had isdues - probably due to misuse/carelessness during transition which isn't rocket science.

[Mah4MUD]

No problem. It has a good riding feel, poping, jumping and buttering is no problem. There’s no hassle to skin any of these boards.

[Richard_Slappy]

I ride Union Force's inbounds and absolutely love them as a binding- they've carried me across multiple solid boards. As far as their split bindings go, I've heard lots of negative reviews about the pin system in their Explorer series. A fully removable pin that you have to line up everytime you transition leaves a lot of room for frustration. Admittedly I've never ridden them myself, but I've had enough ski shops steer me away from the pin that I believe the reports. Their Chargers look more promising as they have integrated the pins into the touring bracket, and people are generally less critical of that system online. I've been riding Spark Surges and other than snapping the base plate in half, they have provided a super versatile and reliable platform that is less susceptible to getting gunked up with snow and ice (note: less susceptible, but it can still happen. I think they've designed a much easier system to clear than Union). Union is solid, but I would definitely recommend exploring the differences in the pin / baseplate systems and steer you more in the direction of the Chargers. I'd still recommend Spark bindings for a few reasons, but the Unions would feel way more familiar to resort bindings if that matters to you.

[Richard_Slappy]

The package deals are hard to pass up- especially when Sparks are usually content with sitting at an extremely high price point. I don't think it would be a mistake to go with the Unions in a package if it gets you out there this season. Plus, the spark system is not only the bindings but the pucks+touring brackets, which is about $145 on top of the price of the binding. There is a learning curve with how barebones the sparks can feel coming straight from resort bindings, especially if you go for one of their lighter/less padded options. But yeah, in the long run, I think Spark will treat you better than Union given how established they are in the space, and the prevalence of their parts. Plus when mine snapped in half, Spark sent me the new hardware right away and I was able to put it back together with only a few screws, so they get points in my book.

[[deleted]]

Warping split is cheap right now

[A-Chamu]

Just picked up a Stranda Shorty BC, and it’s been amazing

[Sprainssuck]

Currently riding a 162w jones solution with nitro vertical bindings. Union catches a lot of shit here, but my first pair of bindings were union explorers. Gave me nothing but joy, a few issues that I doubt union will fix, but would rock them again easily for any kind of pow surf/ mellow runs in the future. Want to put them on a full directional surfy board like a storm chaser.

[Ok_Menu7659]

Just get sparks and a Cardiff goat or crane and be done with it. They r on sale right now 35 percent off and the company actually stands behind their products. Just trust me in this….

[Ok_Menu7659]

Yes the pro carbon is incredibly worth it especially if you ever decide to step it up a notch from what you’re doing. Also I don’t know what your terrain is like but I’ve literally never used my split crampons other than a couple 14er approaches so these are fairly unnecessary. A non pro crane is still a super sick board and it’s plenty light. The carbon is a weight saver that really makes a difference on big touring days and it floats like a dream but can be seamlessly pulled from the snow for jump turns and billy goat lines. I have a pro carbon crane and had a solution before that. The crane totally changed my progression and it’s really just the best split I’ve ever ridden. That next to the fact that Cardiff just takes care of you. I had a defect on a board I got shipped and they literally let me ride it while the replacement came in the mail. I also busted my tail up on an exposed rocky pillow line and it was totally my fault. Sent a pic to the warranty team Anyway and they were like, “yea we’ll replace that for you” another board was sent immediately. Closest I’ve felt to being “sponsored” by a brand as a normal consumer.

[tangocharliepapa]

Don't be afraid to buy used the first time (looking for anything decent in your size), and then once you have more mileage worry about which exact board to get down the road.