EzLounging

Talking of Sparks, I want to change out the toe straps on my Burton Hitchhikers (they have the weird ones from between get a grip and the new super grip) the pillow lines are cheaper and lighter but are they as comfy as the Burton super grip 2.0?

scrub wrote: ↑Wed Oct 12, 2022 9:29 am Talking of Sparks, I want to change out the toe straps on my Burton Hitchhikers (they have the weird ones from between get a grip and the new super grip) the pillow lines are cheaper and lighter but are they as comfy as the Burton super grip 2.0?

No they are not as comfy, and there's no real world weight difference. I switched my Arc Pros to all Burton straps and ladders ( Hammock and Supergrip 2.0 ) and it added like 1.5oz to each binding. Not enough weight difference to notice.

Karakoram are good, and the latest offerings are more intriguing, but I’m a fan of tried & true sparks. Simple, durable, easy, cheaper. KK prices present a higher barrier for entry, which just is what it is. I think the most expensive spark is still cheaper than the cheapest Karakoram split binding? That said, still think they’re good, and have friends who work there & a local friend who rides for them. Need to borrow a recent set..

If going sparks, use their pucks. Don’t mess with voile. Also recommend the baseplate padding. Helps with comfort and a little extra dampening, but also offers grip in general & when strapping in, as opposed to metal. This is especially helpful if you use forward lean, as otherwise the metal can allow your boot to slide forward on the base.

I do like using karakorams quiver connectors, not sure how Sparks version is/works. When I'm traveling out west with a splitboard and solid, being able to use that is nice.

and I am happy with the ride quality of karakorams, I've used them in banked slalom contests, park...there's no play between the binding and board, the connection is solid

benjinyc wrote: ↑Wed Oct 12, 2022 12:52 pm I do like using karakorams quiver connectors, not sure how Sparks version is/works. When I'm traveling out west with a splitboard and solid, being able to use that is nice.

and I am happy with the ride quality of karakorams, I've used them in banked slalom contests, park...there's no play between the binding and board, the connection is solid

Sparks just have a solid plate instead of pucks. It works fine, but leaves a few dents on the topsheet. It’s nice for stacking boards in the bag though. Used it on a few trips, but not the same feeling as a regular binding.

Got the New Vans Verse Range Iguchi Splitboard boots today. Talked extensively with my touring partner who's been running the Jones 32 boot for years and he said no way he would go back to a regular boot after having the stride of a boot like this. Decided to give them a go as much cheaper option and to me lesser evil than going hard boot.

Hopefully they work out for me.

Did I hear correctly that Vans changed their lasting and these aren't as narrow as they were? I had the Verse 3 seasons ago and really liked them generally but they turned out to be too tight for my forefoot.

spurist wrote: ↑Thu Oct 13, 2022 6:34 pm Did I hear correctly that Vans changed their lasting and these aren't as narrow as they were? I had the Verse 3 seasons ago and really liked them generally but they turned out to be too tight for my forefoot.

I couldn't say, I've never paid attention to Vans boots and these are my first pair ever.

My buddy gave me a pair of Skeats for my Drift boards, it’ll be interesting to see how they work out

Alright. Got out on my first day with the Vans Verse Range Edition Splitboard boots.

Holy Fuck.

You never know what you’re missing until you know, damn have I been missing out. The boots are incredible, the lengthened stride is so much more than I thought it would be, like I didn’t fully comprehend how impactful it is until I had it.

I’m super stoked Vans came out with these because 32 and Burton boots don’t work for my feet at all and these Vans fit super well. I got custom footbeds made and then just rode them with no fitting. Probably after a few more tours I’ll go back to the shop and get a bit of fitting done.

Which ever brand of boots work for your feet, if you haven’t tried split specific boots, I highly recommend it.

This is legitimately the most impactful piece of new tech in any part of my snowboarding kit, resort or backcountry, that I can say I’ve added in at least 10 years easily.

Super glad I got these and didn’t try to go hardboot.