Spark R&D launch a rare pro-model binding for the one and only Mr. Nick Russel so, naturally, we had to put it through it’s paces and see how it held up for review!
“For the serious tourers the Spark R&D NR Pro is the gold standard.”
The Spark folks don’t just chuck out a new model for nothing – if they’re adding to their minimalist line, you know it’s something they’ve put a lot of thought into.
As one of Spark’s ‘Pro’ binders, these are definitely for the rider who will notice the nuances that set these apart from the regular line. And with that, you’ll need a healthy budget. If you’re a novice splitboarder, it’s money better spent elsewhere, but for the serious tourers the Spark R&D NR Pro is the gold standard.
These are a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster, with different bits of the Arc Pro and Surge Pro models combined at Nick Russell’s request. For the baseplate, he’s chosen the same one you get on the Surge Pro. It’s the more solid of the two, offering a consistent (and borderline-intimidating) flex that’s ideal for really testing your limits while out of bounds.
Having said that, he’s added some underfoot padding, which is something you don’t tend to see on Spark binders. It makes sense, though; if you’re going to be mach-ing it on the regular and undertaking multi-day tours, having a bit more comfort and cushioning will be worth the extra grammes added to the overall weight.
Of course, it boasts Spark’s best-in-show transition system, moving you from riding to touring and back again in a jiffy. The climbing wires are built into the footbed, and can be adjusted with the end of your touring pole for a seamless transition between modes.
“…strap in and enjoy this ultra-premium out-of-bounds binder.”
Interestingly, it’s the Arc Pro’s ankle straps that you’ll find on this one, complete with cutaway section to further reduce the weight of an already bafflingly light design. They’re not as rigid as what’s on the Surge Pro, but they’ll still have your back during high-consequence riding. Meanwhile at slower speeds, you’ll appreciate that extra bit of forgiveness as you creak ‘em through surfy turns. The highback also features some of Nick’s favoured camo padding, albeit less of it (given that less is required back there). The highback’s carbon-nylon blend makes it pretty rigid, well-suited for heart-stopping speed-checks and massive rooster tails. All components are remarkably durable, built to withstand punishingly long seasons and brutal temperatures. The straps in particular are essentially un-damageable, with no padding to pierce or stitching to come loose. Adjustability options are bountiful, with individual holes in the heelcup that allow you to perfectly align your highbacks with your heel edge without any fear of slippage.
It’s fun to see Spark R&D – a brand usually so focused on the tech and the rider experience, which is no bad thing – branch into ‘signature’ models. And we like their approach; no reinventing the wheel here, just a custom layup of proven features, with a little dusting of extra additives chosen by one of the more accomplished splitters out there. Time will tell if his suggestions find their way into the wider line – surely there’d be an appetite for that highback/footbed padding?! – but for now, just strap in and enjoy this ultra-premium out-of-bounds binder.
“I tested these towards the end of the season on a slushy splitboard outing. I’m pretty used to the Spark T1 system, because my regular splitboard bindings are the Burton Hitchhikers (Burton pays to license the technology from Spark). It works super well, making changeovers from uphill mode to downhill much quicker and easier than anything with a fiddly pin setup.
The one thing that still holds Spark back is how easily their climbing wires bend and break (compared to say Voile ones). It’s a minor point though; everything else is pretty solid, and for me Spark’s tech is still the best going. And these are another great pair of Spark bindings. I wouldn’t necessarily be persuaded to buy these by Nick Russell’s endorsement, but I do like the graphics he’s designed.”
