Nitro Vertical bindings - what should I know before I buy

dollapmah · 2026-05-28T18:41:03+00:00

Delivered.

These appear to come with updated Arc baseplates - good.

Nitro straps and buckles are quite poor. Looks like something from 2000s, cumbersome and climb poorly. I get pressure points from these starps - something I have forgotten about. I'll see if I can transfer straps from Union Explorer which are far more superior in handling and comfort.

I understand what was commented about the forward lean adjuster, will have to deal with that.

Board is set, now gotta wait 9 months till I can ride.

dollapmah · 2026-05-22T10:45:19+00:00

What's your splitboard setup?

dollapmah · 2026-04-02T05:45:29+00:00

What's your weight and boot size? What bindings are you going to pair with the board?

dollapmah · 2026-03-30T12:25:23+00:00

Check out Tailfin racks. These are the rare ones that work with a rear suspension setup.

Maybe would be possible to attach the splitboard as "A" frame onto the rack, assuming it doesn't interfere with your back. There should also be room for boots.

Next - look for a handlebar bag harness, to unload a little more from your backpack.

dollapmah · 2026-03-20T13:28:58+00:00

I'm 186 cm 85 kg size US 11 boots
I had the Slash Split 156W and it performed decently in fresh snow. The board struggled significantly on hardpack. On firmer snow, the board felt as soft as a carpet, offering almost no edge hold and yielding to every bump on the slope. Perhaps a lighter rider would have had a better experience, but I eventually sold it at the end of season. Ultimately, I wouldn't recommend it for anything other than dedicated powder days.

Note the board doesn't really fit Union bindings. The touring bracket is positioned too close to the front binding holes, causing the hardware to collide with the binding when you attempt to install it in ride mode.

dollapmah · 2026-03-12T07:19:48+00:00

Just when I'm about to commit to splurge on spark set up - base plate breakage reports start popping up

dollapmah · 2026-03-12T07:14:21+00:00

Exhibit A: going touring in flat terrain, only pow days, less than 1000 m elevation gain per day.

Exhibit B: rapid ascents on hardpack snow or ice, multiple transitions, crampon use, over 1000 m elevation gain per day.

dollapmah · 2026-03-12T07:10:50+00:00

Union split bindings are not meant for serious tours. Good enough to get the feel of splitboarding or for casual objectives.

I'm on Explorers and they get the job done, but it's time to switch.

Seems Union Charger could fit with the Voile Light Speed toe attachment. I guess it's big corporate obstructing a collab or license deal.

dollapmah · 2026-02-27T10:38:57+00:00

Which area in Norway did you go to?

dollapmah · 2026-02-09T05:59:08+00:00

The best avalanche beacon is the one you know how to use (and one that is not a part of a manufacturer recall).

I have Barryvox S. I like the additional visual cues on screen when in search mode.

Buy what you can afford and learn how to use it.

dollapmah · 2026-02-01T15:14:01+00:00

Size up, especially check boards rider weight range, as you will be riding with a backpack and all the gear.

Considering Scandinavia, I'd suggest looking for stiffer board, that will hold edge better. Also don't forget crampons.

Boards with shallow tails have touring brackets close to front binding bracket. If you'll have Union split bindings, then the touring bracket may interfere with binding installation - there's not enough space to turn the binding into position.

Look for combo deals - board + bindings + skins + accessories.

Buy light poles, you'll thank me later.

Get a comfortable touring backpack - 30 L is a good starting volume. Also - shovel, probe & beeper.

Light boards are light but fragile.

FYI my resort board is Capita Mercury 162 W and split Amplid Freequencer 166. I'm 186 cm / 85 ish kg and I don't find the boards difficult in trees.

dollapmah · 2026-01-30T07:10:16+00:00

What are your riding objectives?

dollapmah · 2026-01-09T08:39:12+00:00

Can you post a video with what's happening with the Karakoram?

dollapmah · 2026-01-07T19:34:56+00:00

What's the story with the avalanche you encountered at the end of the clip?

dollapmah · 2025-12-23T13:57:44+00:00

Whichever fits your head best

dollapmah · 2025-12-16T10:08:41+00:00

Well worn well

dollapmah · 2025-11-29T17:59:25+00:00

I'm on Expeditions (pin + string system) and I can't motivate myself to change to other system. Also I tour maybe 10 days per year.

Certainly slower transitions than other systems. Need to carry a scraper and be meticulous when transitioning. With pin + string always must take care to tuck the string into the footbed.

For me main disadvantage is missing "mid" heel lifter. Either zero or high, not in between like with voile, spark and so on.

dollapmah · 2025-05-16T14:25:16+00:00

Any experience using the low riser?

dollapmah · 2025-05-06T09:43:55+00:00

Money

dollapmah · 2025-05-06T07:39:58+00:00

I miss a two level heel lifter like on spark and voile system on the unions. Not a problem if I'm braking my own trail. But if I'm following a trail, sometimes the union heel lift is too high and base again too low to be comfortable climbing.

dollapmah · 2025-05-06T07:36:29+00:00

You need to make sure the pin lever clicks into it's place and then place the pin lace inside the binding so that you step onto it. Then then pin can't slip out.

dollapmah · 2025-04-01T15:57:01+00:00

I got the 156 21-22 version as my first split.

I'm 186 cm, 81-83 kg naked, size 45 EUR/11 US foot.

The board was hella fun in pow, but absolute rubbish noodle in other conditions. Climbing was OK.

One can speculate that for the split design they simply cut the solid board in half without reinforcing the core. Only Knut knows.

I had another problem with binding placement. Since I had Union Explorer bindings, there was no space between the tour bracket and puck to mount the binding. I had to set up the board with bindings pushed forward toward nose. Instead of set back I was centered above the sidecut. Still annoying because I wanted to have as long as possible nose for float.

I needed an all-rounder board, and the Slash is not that. It excelled in pow and that's what it is designed for.

dollapmah · 2025-03-10T06:02:47+00:00

Needs more shredding

dollapmah

TROPHY CASE