Best Splitboard Gear For 2025-2026
Korua Elevator Splitboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £1,039 / €1,199 / $1,299
SIZES: 157, 162
FLEX: 7
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Korua Elevator:
Like a wise man before them, Korua has upgraded from the Escalator to the Elevator. This new splitboard is the brand’s lightest (and therefore most ‘ascent-friendly’) offering to date.
Who is the Korua Elevator for?
Unless you’re at SAS levels of fitness then you can always benefit from a weight saving, so those who want more left in the tank after a long trudge up will consider this heaven-sent. It’s a full 25% lighter than the Korua Transition Finder splitboard in the same length, and that one’s not exactly a bloater.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
With its lightly tapered outline, mid-wide waist and big ol’ rockered nose, the Korua Elevator is roughly in step with the wider splitboard market. Tech-wise, though, it’s got some standout features that really set it apart – not least the carbon-enhanced core and snow-repellant topsheet. We’re not sure how a splitboard could be made lighter, quite frankly.
Tester Verdict
Tristan Kennedy
“I’ve owned a Korua board—an early model called the Puzzle—for about 10 years, and have ridden it on some of my best-ever days in the backcountry. I wouldn’t call myself a total stan, but I like what I’ve seen of the brand and the products they’ve put out in the years since. So I definitely came into this test expecting to enjoy their latest splitboard offering, and I wasn’t disappointed.
What I wasn’t expecting was how different it would feel to the Puzzle. The pair share a similar tapered shape, but you could feel the longer sidecut on the Elevator split straight away—its ‘natural’ turn radius was much longer, making it feel super comfortable on wide, sweeping turns.
The first time I rode this was on a heliski day in the Accursed Mountains of Albania (I know, I’m a lucky bugger, not all Whitelines test days are like that!). We had about 50cm of deep, fresh snow, but there were wind-scoured patches, so you had to be on your guard. The Elevator handled both the scratchy surfaces and the soft powder easily, feeling solid underfoot in a way I wasn’t expecting for a lightweight board.
While I didn’t use it in split mode that day (for obvious reasons) I’ve subsequently taken it out several times on a backcountry run I regularly ride in my ‘home’ resort of Passo Tonale, Italy. It climbs beautifully, handling ice with ease, and makes kick turns feel easy. This is the first board I’ve ridden with Union Pro Splitboard clips, which felt solid on the downhills and were straightforward to manipulate on the changeovers. And I really liked the pre-cut z-hook skins—made by Austrian brand Kohla—that Korua sent over with it. I’d say this board would suit riders who are serious about the uphills, and anyone who spends a lot of time touring in the Alps.”
Buy the Korua Elevator Splitboard 2025-2026: from $1299 at KORUASHAPES.COM
Spark Surge ST Splitboard Bindings 2025-2026
PRICE: $489 / € 579
SIZES: S, M, L, XL
FLEX: 8
ENTRY SYSTEM: Classic
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Spark Surge ST:
Spark R&D built their reputation as splitboarding specialists, and the Surge ST represents their most powerful binding – delivering stiff response and bomber reliability for serious backcountry missions.
Who is the Spark Surge ST for?
Heavier and/or more advanced backcountry tourers who prioritize precision and response over forgiveness. If you’re looking to access critical lines (think steep couloirs and fast, wide-open faces) this reliable powerhouse has got your back.
Tech Talk
Baseplate, straps, highback, construction materials, step-in system and features
The Surge ST features a CNC-machined aluminium baseplate for maximum durability in sub-zero temps, together with an aggressive stiffness level. This is paired with an asym Rip ‘N’ Flip highback that packs in plenty of glass fibre for beefed-up response and split-specific forward lean adjustment. The wide Pillow Line ankle strap is a deceptively simple and lightweight design that provides incredible support (we honestly don’t know why regular binding brands don’t use something similar), while the built-in ST Whammy Bar climbing wire uses overmolded thermoplastic for smooth deployment. Likewise, the Surge’s touring brackets blend aluminium with custom plastic overmolding for a bombproof, friction-free ascent. Finally, Spark’s brilliant snap ramp system enables rapid, faff-free transitions.
Tester Verdict
Tristan Kennedy
“Spark’s splitboard binding system has basically become the industry standard these days – there’s a good reason why snowboarding’s biggest brand, Burton, pays to license it for their Hitchhiker range. It’s simple, quick to use, and doesn’t suffer from problems with icing up or snow clogging that plague many pin systems. I’ve ridden Spark bindings in all kinds of conditions, from icy descents in Svalbard to fluffy Tien Shan powder in Uzbekistan, and they’ve always served me brilliantly. Since the first set of Surges I tried (the winter 2020-21 model) Spark have changed their manufacturing process – and added ‘ST’ which stands for ‘smooth touring’ to the name. To look at, not much has changed, but when I started touring, I noticed instantly that the climbing wires snapped up and down way more easily, and the brackets felt smoother too.”
Buy the Spark Surge ST Splitboard Bindings 2025-2026: from $489 at SPARKRANDD.COM
Amplid Milligram Splitboard 2025-2026
PRICE: £1,085 / €1,249 / $1,249
SIZES: 151, 155, 159, 162, 165
FLEX: 6
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
3D: No
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Amplid Milligram:
A lighter splitboard unlocks longer, further, higher ascents – and they don’t get lighter than the aptly-named Amplid Milligram. A category leader, and no mistake.
Who is the Amplid Milligram for?
Splitboards have a relatively high bar for entry, via price and what it’ll expose you to – but the Milligram would serve a novice who wants a system with minimal faff. At the same time, it can be put through its paces by more accomplished riders without breaking a sweat (or a tail clip).
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
Seemingly, all of Peter Bauer’s Big Mad Scientist Energy has been efficiently channelled into the design of the Milligram. The topsheet material is designed to prevent snowfrom melting and sticking to it (further reducing the weight), and the laminates are full carbon. That shape, with its prominent taper and mini-swallowtail, is quite something too.
Tester Verdict
Tristan Kennedy
“I first heard about the MIlligram—famously one of the lightest splitboards on the market—several seasons ago. But this updated version, with a new tail shape and redesigned nose, was the first one I’d ever tried. Safe to say it didn’t disappoint.
I tested it in the Italian Dolomites in a variety of conditions, from pure powder to heavy spring slush. On the climbs, I really felt the weight difference—kick turns felt like they came around easier, and required less energy than they did on my trusty old warhorse of a board. The balance point is perfect. On the downhills, it floated beautifully, lending it a surfy feel in powder. You can feel the lack of heft if you’re in really heavy slush, or hitting crud. But for most conditions, this became my go-to splitboard last winter.”
Buy the Amplid Milligram Splitboard 2025-2026: from €1249 at AMPLID.COM
Spark Arc ST Splitboard Bindings 2025-2026
PRICE: $459 / € 549
SIZES: S, M, L, XL
FLEX: 6
ENTRY SYSTEM: Classic
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: No
Why we chose the Spark Arc ST:
Spark R&D dominates the splitboard binding market for good reason – they focus specifically on touring and they’ve been proven super reliable over years. The Arc ST delivers their signature lightweight performance with a medium flex for diverse backcountry adventures.
Who is the Spark Arc ST for?
Splitboarders looking for the ultimate in lightweight performance across varied terrain. Maybe you’re hitting a mellow powder bowl, maybe you’re threading tree lines; either way you want minimal weight on the way up and maximum agility on the way down.
Tech Talk
Baseplate, straps, highback, construction materials, step-in system and features
The Arc ST features a CNC-machined baseplate with maximum cutouts for weight savings while maintaining strength. The highback contains less glass fibre than the Surge, which translates to a medium flex and a relaxed, surfy feel from edge to edge. Forward lean adjustment is intuitive and split-specific, meaning you can flip the whole block around for more comfortable touring. The Pillow Line ankle strap is similar to the Surge but includes a flex window to shave even more weight and boost the tweakability, while the proven ST Whammy Bar climbing wire features overmolded contact points for effortless operation. The Arc’s touring brackets are another classic piece of Spark design, combining aluminium durability with friction-reducing plastic overmolding, and of cours,e the trusted snap ramp system ensures secure, tool-free transitions every time.
Tester Verdict
Tristan Kennedy
“I’ve tried a lot of splitboard bindings over the years, and unless you’re going to dip your toe into the pricey world of Step Ons (or embrace hard boots) then Spark has the best system, hands down. Their ‘Tesla’ snap ramp system saves hours of time, making it super easy to switch from climbing to descend mode, and vice versa. I’ve never had a problem with it icing up, breaking, or getting too full of snow, and it always feels super secure. The skinny climbing wires are still Spark’s greatest weakness – I always carry spares, just in case they bend or break. But thankfully, local dealers will often send spares for free, and Spark have made improvements to recent models, including adding a lever to the side to make getting them up and down easier. Lightweight, easy to use and not too pricey (as splitboard bindings go) these are still the gold standard.”
Buy the Spark Arc ST Splitboard Bindings 2025-2026: from $459 at SPARKRANDD.COM
Jones Frontier 2.0 Splitboard 2025-2026
PRICE: $529.95 / €499.95 / £434.95
SIZES: 156, 158W, 159, 161W, 162, 164W
FLEX: 4
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Hybrid Camber
3D: Yes
BASE: Sintered
NEW FOR 25/26 SEASON: Yes
Why we chose the Jones Frontier 2.0:
Jeremy Jones and the brand that bears his name essentially put splitboarding on the map, and the updated Frontier 2.0 evolves that heritage – refined geometry, touring-optimized flex, and backcountry-proven durability.
Who is the Jones Frontier 2.0 for?
Backcountry tourers seeking an approachable splitboard for earning their turns. Whether skinning up for the first time or a seasoned adventurer wanting forgiving performance through variable conditions, it’s ideal for powder hunters who need to adapt to whatever Mother Nature throws at them.
Tech Talk
Shape, profile, sidecut and construction materials
The Frontier 2.0 follows something of a trend for tapered directional shapes that offer great float, with enough tail to drive through turns, pop off drops and stomp those backseat landings. Looked at side-on, the camber-rocker profile delivers reliable edge grip on both the climb and the descent, with enhanced float in the nose. Its Medium 3D Contour Base is inspired by surfing and enhances glide through freshies and chopped snow alike. Under the hood, Control Split Core construction optimises touring while the friendly mid-soft flex and easygoing biax layup make this board feel accessible to a wide range of riders. It’s safe to say that anyone hunting pow lines is a fan of speed, and rest assured, the Frontier 2.0 comes loaded with a sintered base to make the most of the journey home. Elsewhere, premium Karakoram Ultra Clips 1.0 ensure secure connection and efficient transitions, while Jones’s Boltless Bridge design enhances board feel.
Tester Verdict
Simona Silvestri
“Fun and stable with a longer-feeling turn radius. The softer flex lets you capitalise on longer lengths without the board feeling overwhelming. A great ride for blasting around the resort.”
Buy the Jones Frontier 2.0 Splitboard 2025-2026: from $849.95 at evo.com
