Why We Chose The Spark Arc ST
Spark R&D dominates the splitboard binding market for good reason – they specialise in touring and they’ve been proven super reliable over years. The Arc ST delivers their signature lightweight performance with a medium flex for creative backcountry adventures.
“The Arc ST excels in fun terrain where feel matters more than raw power”
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 or throwing a method; either way you want minimal weight on the way up and maximum agility on the way down. The Arc ST excels in fun terrain where feel matters more than raw power, making it ideal for casual all-mountain tourers.
Baseplate
The Arc ST features a CNC-machined aluminium baseplate with maximum cutouts for weight savings while maintaining strength and performance. Those strategic cutouts also allow for puck adjustment with bindings in place, making precise stance placement a breeze. The result is a baseplate that feels surprisingly rigid despite shedding significant grams compared to the Surge.
The ST Touring Brackets use the same clever construction as the Surge. Rather than brass bushings, Spark overmolds plastic directly through the aluminium bracket holes – increasing durability four times over while keeping rotation silky smooth. It’s details like this that separate Spark from competitors still using outdated pin systems.
The built-in ST Whammy Bar climbing wire features overmolded thermoplastic where it contacts the baseplate, allowing deployment between 12° and 18° positions. The ST designation stands for “smooth touring,” and it’s immediately apparent why – these wires glide into position with minimal effort, even with gloves on.
“The Arc takes a different approach – prioritizing light weight, agility, and that surfy feel that we’re all striving for on pow days”
Straps and Highback
The Arc ST Asym Rip ‘N’ Flip highback contains a moderate amount of fireglass for medium flex and a more relaxed riding feel. The asymmetric design features individual left and right highbacks for natural ergonomics with a flattened top section giving riders plenty of lateral mobility. The split-specific forward lean adjuster is up there with Bent Metal’s cube for simple, effective design – flip the whole block around for more comfortable touring, then back for ride mode.
The Pillow Line ankle straps are lightweight, durable, comfortable, waterproof, and made entirely in-house from one-piece molded construction. The Arc ST version is smaller around the boot with a flex window for extra agility, while maintaining a good level of support. It’s a brilliantly simple design that (in our opinion) works better than bulkier padded alternatives.
“Spark are true touring specialists, and it shows”
Roundup
The Arc ST is an excellent lightweight alternative to Spark’s more aggressive Surge ST. Those strategic baseplate cutouts and the flex window in the ankle strap shed noticeable grams on long approaches, and the medium flex delivers plenty of response for most backcountry terrain. Its Tesla snap ramp system remains the benchmark for secure, tool-free transitions, while improvements to the touring brackets and climbing wire demonstrate the company’s commitment to continuous refinement. Spark are true touring specialists, and it shows.
Whereas the Surge ST excels at charging steep lines and variable conditions, the Arc ST shines in friendlier terrain – side hits, tree runs, and creative lines where a freestyle flex trumps pure response. If your backcountry style leans more towards playful exploration than steep, balls-out descents, this is the binding to put a smile on your face.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Medium flex delivers a relaxed, surfy feel
- Attention to detail makes touring noticeably smoother
- Cutouts allow puck adjustment with bindings in place
Cons
- Climbing wires can bend or break (carry spares)
- Less powerful than the Surge ST for critical lines
- It’s pricey
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
