The 10 Best Splitboard Bindings of 2021-2022

It’s been a long time coming for some of these major brands to enter the splitboard binding game. Karakoram and Spark have been at it for years, and were seriously head and shoulders above any and all competitors for the majority of their existence. Things change though, and in our opinion, the more choices riders have the better. Union, K2, and now Nitro have entered the splitboard bindings ring, and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

Now obviously every piece of splitboard equipment is crucial in order to have the best time on your backcountry mission and to stay safe, but bindings might take the cake. You got a broken pole? Grab a stick or make due with one. One of the clips on your board snaps? It’ll probably hold together for at least one descent. But if you can’t get your bindings to work, you could be in a serious jam.

The two most important features of the best splitboard bindings in our opinion are reliability and ease of use. All the bells and whistles regarding weight, support, and how a binding looks come after those all-important aspects. That being said, the offerings on this list do have some sci-fi level tech for 2022. Almost every binding here eschews traditional padded straps for more low-profile and powerful support. They have milled out baseplates to save weight, and they’re all pretty much all black as well, stealth splitting seems to be the vibe for 2022. So go ahead and dive into this list of 2022 Splitboard Bindings, and see which pair is the best fit for you!

Union Explorer FC

The Union Explorer FC Splitboard Bindings take the "snowboarder's splitboard binding" to higher heights with some fancy materials and futuristic engineering. Known for their ride quality and comfort, these puppies sport featherlight titanium bits and a forged carbon heelcup, making them lighter than their aluminum and steel-equipped stablemates. 70 grams may not seem like much, but lifting that extra weight over and over again adds up. These bindings help you save every last bit of energy for the ride down, which is what it's all about!

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Burton Hitchhiker

Part of getting to those epic BC lines is having a kit that is up to snuff and the Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard Bindings will be a major piece of any setup. Boasting a burly, yet lightweight aluminum baseplate designed by Spark R&D for climbing convenience and descending confidence. A dual position, single wire ramp adjuster changes angle on the fly when you climb. Going up is half the fun and when going down, fully adjustable straps will lock down your boots into a high performance, single component highback in a flash. If you're ready to break out of the confines of the resort and want gear you can rely on then give the Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard Bindings a ride.

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Karakoram PRIME NOMAD

The most versatile binding in Karakoram's splitboard lineup, the Karakoram PRIME NOMAD + Split Interface Splitboard Bindings deliver in any touring environment. With a chassis feel of "6" and a slightly stiffer highback flex, the Prime Nomad is set for all day or all week missions into God-knows-where (hopefully you've mapped it out). Smooth, light, and quick and easy to transition with, this binding is money as soon as your step away from the resort.

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Spark R&D Arc

Lightweight, durable, and simple to use out in the field, the Spark R&D Arc Splitboard Bindings hit all the right notes for bomber backcountry performance. Their proven Tesla T1 platform uses an integrated snap toe ramp to positively lock into touring brackets and over any splitboard pucks, making for speedy, straightforward transitions, even with gloves on. Aluminum baseplates are CNC machined with cutouts that minimize weight without compromising strength, and allow for convenient puck adjustment. In ride mode the Rip ‘N’ Flip Highbacks are medium flexing for a smooth, surfy feel, perfect for the rider headed for pow. Give yourself a head start on fresh tracks with the Spark R&D Arc Splitboard Bindings.

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Union Explorer

The Union Explorer Splitboard Bindings show Union's commitment to the adventure seekers out there, steadily improving on their designs every season. These latest split bindings are stronger, lighter, and still incredibly comfortable. While other splitters are complaining about harsh baseplates and input lag, you'll feel like you're in a set of normal bindings, popping and carving and, well, snowboarding! The hardware is top notch, the construction is Union-tough, and that ride feel...have we mentioned how these are splitboard bindings for snowboarders? These are a great option for the non-ice axe set.

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Spark R&D Surge

The Spark R&D Surge Splitboard Bindings take care of business so you can concentrate on the things that matter: like pinning your line and pillaging all that fresh snow. They feature Spark's proven Tesla T1 platform, an integrated Whammy Bar with multiple climbing positions, and lightweight, supportive Pillow Line straps. These things are a marvel of modern engineering and practical simplicity, just snap the toe ramp down and you're connected. When you point em downhill, the solid aluminum baseplates and stiffer Flip'N'Rip highbacks deliver an engaged, responsive ride that ensures you always feel ready to charge. Spark R&D has paved the way, the rest is up to you.

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Nitro Vertical

 

Fresh-faced and raring to go, Nitro's first foray into the hard-nosed world of splitboard bindings are immediately capable of hanging with the best in the biz. That's because they're engineered in collaboration with Spark R&D, combining the simplicity and reliability of Spark's Tesla T1 platform with Nitro’s bomber components, a split-specific Recline Highback with hike and ride functionality, and the glove-like fit of their Übergrip Toe Straps. Whether marching up the skin track or surfing the white wave down, you'll want the Nitro Vertical Splitboard Bindings under your feet this season.

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Spark R&D Arc - Women's

 

Lightweight, durable, and simple to use out in the field, the Spark R&D Arc Splitboard Bindings hit all the right notes for bomber backcountry performance. Their proven Tesla T1 platform uses an integrated snap toe ramp to positively lock into touring brackets and over any splitboard pucks, making for speedy, straightforward transitions, even with gloves on. Aluminum baseplates are CNC machined with cutouts that minimize weight without compromising strength, and allow for convenient puck adjustment. In ride mode the Rip ‘N’ Flip Highbacks are medium flexing for a smooth, surfy feel, perfect for the rider headed for pow. Give yourself a head start on fresh tracks with the Spark R&D Arc Splitboard Bindings.

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Karakoram PRIME X

 

Climb higher, move faster, and rip harder than ever before with the Karakoram PRIME X + Split Interface Splitboard Bindings. The Prime X is machined form 7000 Series Aluminum and rocks the new AirPod ankle strap and Airstrap Toe Strap to come in at a remarkably light weight. The fact that it's light doesn't mean it's a noodle, either - this binding has the feel and power of a traditional binding, perfect for big mountain ripping that requires both stoutness and flexibility. If you're serious about your skin track future, the Prime X is the name of the game.

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Spark R&D Arc Pro

 

The Spark R&D Pro Series represents the peak of lightweight design to help you go further in the mountains. Built on their acclaimed Tesla T1 platform, the Spark R&D Arc Pro Splitboard Bindings take the best of the best - premium materials, custom-made components, innovative design - and wrap it up in a ludicrously lightweight package ready to take the backcountry by storm. From the carbon-reinforced highbacks to the hollowed-out pivot pins, every element has been broken down and pored over for opportunities to shave grams and improve performance, resulting in a featherweight binding that rides great and still has the muscle to withstand the rigors of backcountry travel.

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