3. Bindings
Removal and assembly
• People can find it difficult to remove and
install the bindings in rough conditions.
Especially with snow buildup on the bindings.
• Could the process be made easier with a
better system of bindings or removing the
bindings all together?
4. Findings
• “...attaching the two halves is not very
convenient when it is cold and especially in the
wind.”
• Snowsurfing, snowboarding without bindings
6. Slider pin
• One of the biggest thing people mention is not
to loose the slider pin!
• By refining the slider pin or making a
completely different system, could this be
avoided?
8. Findings
• “... the additional parts add more complication
and more parts to lose, and of course, with the
loss of just one part, the board becomes
useless for the day”
9. Boots
• Since splitboarding combines the two sports
of snowboarding and skiing, the boots
become a problem.
• Most people prefer soft boots when
snowboarding but climbing becomes easier
when using hard boots.
• Is there a way of combining the two so that
one can have the best of both worlds?
10. Findings
• “ I find the soft boots much more comfortable.
I used to ski and found the hard boots very
uncomfortable.“
• “AT/Hardboots are more rigid and energy isn't
lost when touring as it is in a soft boot...”
http://splitboard.com/talk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8706&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=8b08154f8d8a3828be24dcce02d9ac27&start=13
12. Skins
• Attachment, removal, and storage can be
difficult in backcountry conditions
• Can weight, complexity, and cost be reduced
by utilizing a different method of attaching or
incorporating skins into the board?
13. Skins: Findings
• Incorporated Texture: Marquette Skis
produces a backcountry ski which does not
use skins.
– Uses a “scale design” molded into the bottom
– Completely eliminates the need for additional
skins
14. Skins: Findings
• Weight: A separate accessory which must
always be carried, increasing weight for the
rider, (Ride mode), and for the board, (Touring
mode).
• Complexity: The rider must:
– Be careful to not get the skin's adhesive side wet or dirty
as this may affect adhesion to the board
– Install the skins correctly
– Ensure that the skins are properly secured to the board
– Attach the skins in potentially demanding weather
conditions
15. Skins: Findings
• Time: Several minutes can be spent on
attaching or removing skins
• Cost: Can add $130+ to the cost of operating
a splitboard
16. Weight
• Lighter boards would reduce the overall
weight for the rider making for more
performance, safety, and less fatigue.
• Durability takes precedence over lightness
because robustness in needed.
• Can a light board be made durable?
17. Weight
• Incorporation of composite materials
• Can a balance between lightness through
composites, strength, flex, and cost be found?
18. Weight: Findings
• Splitboards typically weigh more than
snowboards due to:
– Additional hardware
– Larger size
• Weight decreases performance
• Burton Method: Aluminum Honeycomb,
Titanium, and Carbon Fiber
19. Weight: Findings
• Quotes:
– “..... I'd rather have an overweight bomber
board...Boards are meant to be thrashed,
therefore must be durable.” (Forum User)
– “I don't really care about board weight too much
but I do think craftsmanship, durability and
customer service are REQUIRED.” (Forum User)
– “...more innovation in the materials used.”
(Personal Interview)
20. Multi-Use Gear
• Ability to use a piece of equipment for more
than one purpose
– Increases the value of the component for the rider
– Potential to carry less gear
• Can necessary gear be designed to be
multipurpose?
21. Multi-Use Gear
• Can ski poles be used as safety equipment or
stored on the board when not in use?
• Can the board be used as emergency
equipment?
22. Multi-Use Gear: Findings
• Large amount of equipment is needed when
splitboarding in the backcountry
• Every bit of weight saved reduces fatigue and
increases safety and performance
• “...focus on making everything else lighter (ex.
Backpack, outerwear, overnight gear).” (Forum
User)
• K2 Rescue Shovel Plus can be used as an
emergency sled
24. Avalanche
• An avalanche is a sudden rapid flow of snow
down a slope which has great destructive ability.
• Safety is an area which can be improved
through intelligent use of products.
25. Findings
• A leash is like a strap that goes to the back of
your binding. It can be used to prevent one’s
legs from breaking.
26. • Zeal optics GPS goggles
• Shovels- even splitboards can be used as
shovels
28. • GPS devices like Nike + help to locate people
• Backpacks with breathing apparatus
29. Splitboard conversions
• The basic process usually goes something like this. The tip
and tail hooks are unlatched first and the board is separated
into skis. Then the bindings are moved from ride mode to ski
mode. Next comes applying the skins to the base of the
board and you’re ready to start skinning.
• People get interested because of the main benefits it has.
Added flotation it provides in powder snow while climbing,
the ability to glide, and you no longer have to carry the
weight on your back.
30. Is the art of mountain riding without
bindings. It is true free riding, unlimited
and unrestricted it allows the rider to
experience the feeling of surfing and
enjoy surfing maneuvers on snow.
31. The result?
A unique track system that allows the
rider to achieve and perfect the
fundamental elements of surfing:
balance, carve and slide turns with fast
rail-to-rail transitions.
This is a totally new,
binding free, riding
experience that is set to
blow your mind.
32. Custom-made splitboards
Why do people like it?
• “It adapts each step of snowboard
conversion to match your needs, stance, size,
and budget”
Here are some testimonials:
Brian: “I had Brian split a board for me last spring and I could not
have asked for better service. Very fast turn around and the
quality is amazing(fits together better then my Prior ever has”
Trevor: “I couldn't be happier with the overall quality, fit. Its faster,
and easy to ride”
