Strap-ons in the Backcountry

[CommanderBaker]

I am ready to put the ole 172 Voile into semi-retirement and get a new set-up for next season. Not sure what I should get - want something a little burlier and less sloppy... One option is the strap-on - 130 CM dynafit ascent ski. dynafit boots and bindings, with board of choice strapped on back.

Other option is a Prior, with Dynafit boots and Dynafit bindings for the up.

Any thought on Prior or how they compare to Voile.

I am mostly in the deep powder but want something that can handle technical chutes better than the old Voile I have.

[rideit]

Strap-ons.

You actually, truly typed 'strap ons'.

I can't even believe my eyes.

That being said, I own 5 Priors, and some approach skis. Benefits and downsides to both systems, but the Prior boards RAWK.

[splat]

It shouldn't get that lonely out there.

[CommanderBaker]

It shouldn't get that lonely out there.

Totally lonely unless you are chasing helicopters


Rideit - any recomendations on a specific Prior?

[cj001f]

Commander Baker had an epiphany

[rideit]

165 Khyber split, bay-bee.

[irul&ublo]

I am ready to put the ole 172 Voile into semi-retirement and get a new set-up for next season. Not sure what I should get - want something a little burlier and less sloppy... One option is the strap-on - 130 CM dynafit ascent ski. dynafit boots and bindings, with board of choice strapped on back.

Other option is a Prior, with Dynafit boots and Dynafit bindings for the up.

Any thought on Prior or how they compare to Voile.

I am mostly in the deep powder but want something that can handle technical chutes better than the old Voile I have.

I think you should really think about the LS-9000 twin tip.

[CommanderBaker]

Strap-ons.

You actually, truly typed 'strap ons'.

I can't even believe my eyes.

That being said, I own 5 Priors, and some approach skis. Benefits and downsides to both systems, but the Prior boards RAWK.

How do you like the ascent ski - is it "faster" than splitting it?

[Trackhead]

If you're going to switch to carrying all that crap, you mine as well just ski.

But atleast you'll be on Dyna's.

[rideit]

Well, if I am going to be going up pretty high, and doing multiple, short, fast laps, i like the approaches. If I am doing a long slog in, and just reassembling the board once or twice, I prefer the split. Having the weight and bulk of the approaches can be tiring on the descents, as well as having 12 pounds on your back for the climbs. But the speed of swapping over, and not messing with skins and pins on a -20 degree day goes in the approach's favor. I still can't say which is better, they both have their place.

[rideit]

Powder is for snowboards, track. Surely you know that by now...to hike all that way and just ski is bringing a pocketknife to a gunfight!

[Trackhead]

Powder is for snowboards, track. Surely you know that by now...to hike all that way and just ski is bringing a pocketknife to a gunfight!

Snowboarding, like teleskiing, has evolved out of usefullness four touring.

Just a friendly prod. They (snowboards) may be more useful in pow. But teleskiers still have no excuse.

[rideit]

fully agree. If I were a ripper, I would ski. But 26 seasons on a plank has flat out ruined me. I ski a few times every year, and the descents are more challenging than fun...If I'm gonna hike for turns, I want those turns to be the funnest they can be for me. Oh, well.

[pepperdawg]

Well, if I am going to be going up pretty high, and doing multiple, short, fast laps, i like the approaches. If I am doing a long slog in, and just reassembling the board once or twice, I prefer the split. Having the weight and bulk of the approaches can be tiring on the descents, as well as having 12 pounds on your back for the climbs. But the speed of swapping over, and not messing with skins and pins on a -20 degree day goes in the approach's favor. I still can't say which is better, they both have their place.

Well said.....

[Sinecure]

Prior makes great boards. Take a look at the Bomber Split Bindings. They are awesome on top of the Voile hardware. Also, track down homeless, he worked at Couloir until recently and was in charge of the Splitboard testing they did. Their test results issue should be out shortly. Homeless doesn't check this board much in the summer so I doubt he'll weigh in here. But he's a fantastic resource for exactly this kind of info. PM him and you'll get a response. If not, email me and I'll give you his contact info. He can also give you tons of great info on AT boots for use on splits since that's about all he rides. And he knows a fair amount about various approach ski options. Personally I hated the one set of approach skis I tried (Kongs with the free heel option) because they didn't float at all in deep stuff. If I did more BC stuff I'd probably get a split, but I can't justify the cost for the little bit I do.

www.bombersplitboards.com and www.splitboard.com may be the same place, but the former has all their gear. Personally, my choice would be a Prior ATV split, although I'd probably ask them to make me one a little longer than 171 (although I've never tried the 171 so maybe I'm wrong - but all my other boards are longer than that).

[Trackhead]

Would be nice to see more splitboarders using plastic boots. Then they can boot icy stuff easier, climb rock easier, and put on crampons.

Gasp, is that Koch? On skis?

[CommanderBaker]

Yah - I am looking forward to sum plastic boots - thinking one of the lighter dynafit boots - I hear they have more of a soft boot feel, although I am interested in hearing thoughts on boots too.

[BigKuba]

want something a little burlier and less sloppy...

Have you considered Never Summer? I don't think there's anyone who makes burlier boards.

[rideit]

I sold NS for years, they are a sweet option. I personally prefer the Priors, I think they have a snappier ride quality. NS are very damp and neutral, IMO. Still would welcome one in the quiver!
Prior, BTW, will make any size, shape, stiffness, layup, and materials you choose...even graphics! Pricey, but super-sweet. Nothing like custom.

[bcrider]

As a blanket statement, the politically correct bcrider would agree that approach skis and splitboards both have their place in the backcountry snowboarder’s arsenal.

But the true curmudgeonly bcrider would say no fuggin way to approach skis, regardless of how short the laps are. I hate carrying them on the way down.

In the end though, it doesn’t matter what we think though…what matters is what works best for the user and their budget.

Well, if I am going to be going up pretty high, and doing multiple, short, fast laps, i like the approaches. If I am doing a long slog in, and just reassembling the board once or twice, I prefer the split. Having the weight and bulk of the approaches can be tiring on the descents, as well as having 12 pounds on your back for the climbs. But the speed of swapping over, and not messing with skins and pins on a -20 degree day goes in the approach's favor. I still can't say which is better, they both have their place.

The minute or two you will shave from your transition time by using approach skis over a splitboard will never outweigh the advantages of a splitboard over approach skis in my opinion.

The main advantages a splitboard has over approach skis are that you don’t have carry the weight of your board on the way up (or the weight of the skis on the way down) and you have better float in powder. With approach skis, you always have additional weight on your back. On the way up you have to carry the board on the way down you have to carry the skis. I snowboard for the freedom of the ride on the way down…take a few runs with 130cms of skis on your back and you’ll find the fun factor starts to rapidly decline. Not only are the approach skis added weight on your back during the ride down but its awkward weight…not compact weight that can fit in your pack. If you like using a small pack you’ll probably have to upgrade to a larger pack (heavier) to correctly and comfortably carry the approach skis on the descent. In addition to it being a buzzkill on the way down, you still have to carry the weight of your board on the way up. You never get a break from added weight! Not a big deal if you’re taking a lap or two but try covering some decent ground and you quickly be hating it.

As for added float, a splitboard floats better in deep powder snow on the ascent due to its increased surface area. If you aren’t breaking trail and are always following an set skin track it may not be a big deal but if you do a lot of trail breaking the 130cms aint going to cut it very long.

Lastly, what happens when you get to a spot in the ascent that requires booting. Now you have to figure out a way to carry your board AND the approach skis at the same time….no thanks.

No of these things are worth a minute or two of transition time to me. And with a little practice transitions can be quick and easy, even in cold weather.

From what I’ve gather from your posts in the past CB you like to stray from the beaten path and like to do dawn patrols. Both these things equate to a good amount of trail breaking. You also like to rack up lots of vert. Less the 3k and approach skis can get you by but try doing 6 or 7k on them (for multiple days) and let me know what you think.

As for the Prior boards. In general they make a great product and I would wholeheartedly recommend them. There have been at least a few complaints on craftsmanship and customer service about dealing with those craftsmanship issues that I’ve heard of however. I rode the Prior Khyber last season a bunch for powder and loved it. For firmer snow and steep chutes though I found the board to have too much sidecut. The Prior Backcountry model might be a better all around board for you. I just didn’t feel it had adequate tip height to be a great powder board. Good yes but not great. When you are looking for a one board quiver there is always going to be a compromise. If possible I would recommend a 2 board quiver. That way you can have a pow board and firmer snow board.

Voile has the Mountain Gun which is designed to be stiffer (and less sidecut) than the Freeride Series. Some folks use this board for all conditions and have had good results. For me it’s too stiff and doesn’t have a great nose profile for powder. I really liked it in the spring though.

I think they are offering a brand new shape this year that is similar to the Khyber (short, squatty, pow specific) but don’t quote me and I’m not sure how soon they will be available.

You could also look at Never Summer. The great thing about them is that they only make splits to order and you have them split any board in their line. Bring your wallet however. Really damp too like rideit said. Some folks like that while others don't.

For me personally, if I had to have a quiver of one I would go with the new (05 and beyond) Burton shape. It’s a great all around board with a sweet flex and now that it is Voile compatible there are no more interface concerns. The biggest they make is only a 168cm so that may be an issue for you. Availability was also a bitch last year, hopefully this year they will have their shit together.

Good luck man!

[bcrider]

Would be nice to see more splitboarders using plastic boots. Then they can boot icy stuff easier, climb rock easier, and put on crampons.

Gasp, is that Koch? On skis?

Yeah….seeing a pic of Stephen with his skis perpendicular to the fall-line and about a foot apart is really inspiring to try skiing.



And you are aware that not all softboots are created equal right? And that a least a few of the exum guides that guide in the world renowned Tetons use softboots right? And that Jim Zellers and Tom Burt did McKinley in softboots right?




I will admit that there are some real advantages to plastic boots for the ascent but it’s not to say that softboots can’t get the job done (without compromising the feel of the ride down) as well. There are times on the ascent when a plastic boot would be nice (and possibly safer) but for the majority of the stuff I do (meadow skipping ) its not an issue. I’d like to see a plastic/softboot hybrid. Plastic lower…soft upper…booya!

[Stymie]

strap-on?

[CommanderBaker]

being a buzzkill on the way down

Well that sounds crappy

Thanks for your thoughts - I noticed the other day that you (splitboard.com) had some Prior backcountrys on sale - that lookie like good price. Is it? And quad vs. non-quad - whats that sheeit all about?

[CommanderBaker]

It shouldn't get that lonely out there.

Everyone talks about how crowded the wasatch is - but this is not true. It is very lonely, and in fact, there has been a huge increase in forgle-meistering in the wasatch due to this loneliness. Forgle-meistering originated in central europe in the 1600s and involves olive oil, one or more smooth bark stripped trees, and a lonely backcountry skier. It is interesting to note that most (95%+) forgle-meisterers apprehended in the Wasatch are also on AT gear.

[Tri-Ungulate]

Yah - I am looking forward to sum plastic boots - thinking one of the lighter dynafit boots - I hear they have more of a soft boot feel, although I am interested in hearing thoughts on boots too.

That mean mister Trackhead keeps making fun of me. He's starting to turn into Lou Dawson. It almost makes me want to buy some of these.



(Sorry I missed the crit, mang - I had to work late that day)