Best Splitboards 2018
Never Summer Swift Splitboard
Never Summer has been manufacturing handmade snowboards in Denver, CO for over 25 years offering some of the most durable & unique boards on the market. New for 2017/18 is the Never Summer Swift Splitboard featuring a 3/4″ tapered design (the most in the Shaper Series). Along with an early rise nose, the Swift adds a feature and a trend we’re starting to see on a bunch of boards as of late, especially powder shapes, the bat tail, better known as a swallowtail.
Clearly, with the Swift’s shape, this splitboard can eat powder for breakfast. Here’s what Gags at Never Summer had to say about the Swift:
“It’s a snowflake crushing machine”
When it comes to surfing big powder days the Swift Splitboard can move buckets of snow. Whats interesting though is the board performs well in choppy, chunder snow too, and even hardpack thanks to the Vario Power Grip sidecut’s amazing edge hold. The only hiccup with this board comes when touring as the shape isn’t flat under foot; instead, it’s a pretty aggressive profile. If you can find a pair of skins that fit right and adjust the way you tour just a bit, the Never Summer Swift Splitboard will surely lead you to deep untracked turns. Available in sizes 157, 162 and 167.
Price: $1,069.00
Rossignol Sushi Splitboard
The funkiest shape on this years list splitboards of the year goes to Rossignol for the Sushi Splitboard. The Sushi split is the brainchild of Xavier de la Rue. Do we need to say anymore? This powder-eating machine is just that. If you ever road a Fish snowboard you are really going to dig this shape. With a big ole nose and slight taper, this board will always keep you afloat. It’s got a short tail which is surprisingly responsive for this sort of shape.
The Rossignol Sushi is a rockered splitboard with camber underfoot. The board is a bit on the wide side yet can still suck up bumps with ease thanks to rubber inlaid against the edges. The only hiccup comes when trying to stay in skinny skin tracks; otherwise, this board is a blast and not just on powder days. Thanks to the use of Magne-Traction the Sushi can hold it’s own on icy hard packed snow too. The Rossignol Sushi is available in one size a 154.
Price: $599.95
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Hey! always appreciate your reviews? I’m a bit torn between the solution 162w and the descender 162w. Have a size 11 boot and am about 200lbs. Curious about how these two boards compare to each other, similarities and differences/strengths since it seems you’ve had the opportunity to ride both. If you have any feedback it would be awesome! thanks
Nate,
Both are great splitboards.
The solution is a solid all around shred stick. The Descender is also rad a little bit on the lighter side and more progressive. If just riding blower powder I would go with the Descender, if riding mixed conditions the Solution offers a little better edge hold and control.
-Mike
Hi Mike,
Thinking of getting the Statos Split. I am 5’10”, 150lb, size 8.5 boot and have been riding the Solution 158 which I found to be too stiff and too big for my liking.
I ride a 156 Hometown Hero and love that board for on-mountain.
Do you think a Stratos split 156 would be a good size or would I feel that it would still be too big? I know its fairly wide.
If so, any other options you think I would like that would be a good size?
Thanks!
Nick,
Thanks for the comment, the Stratos 156 would be perfect for you. You’ll notice a huge difference between it and the Solution. Really nimble, even with the Stratos being a little wide you can easily swing it where it needs to go. As for shoe size Jeremy Jones wears a size 8 in US Mens. So you’re good there.
-Mike
Hi Mike, I’ve been considering buying a splitboard for about 2 years now. I wasn’t quite sure if I would use it or or I get caught. Currently out of season, prices are very low for the purchase of setup. Im looking between two boards – Rome Uprise 165 cm boards (for about € 419 for about $ 450) and Capita Neo Slasher 164 cm (for about € 470 for about $ 500).
I am most interested in Rome Uprise because it looks like more oriented as allmountain board but there are no reviews anywhere and I see that you have it in the photos (so it was probably the subject of your testing and also in the video (in terms of spitboard bindings). But you did not publish a review of him anywhere.
Zaujimalo by ma ci sa zlepsila odolnost (zivotnost) oproti Rome Whiteroom.
So far, I have mostly driven in resorts. I drive 25 years mostly allmountain on stiffer boards Rossignol Jonas 160cm (stiffnes 10/10) and now I bought Jones UMT (9/10). My net weight is 92kg, height 182cm (5,97ft). I’m looking for a stable board for fast and controllable crossings over Allmountain and also backcountry in powder (more on allmountain focus).
Thank you for the detailed answer.
(sorry for my English)
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the comment. I like the Capita Board the best. I have the Uprise here at the office but they sent a size 165 which is too big for me to review. So have yet to figure out how that board rides in different conditions.
Mike
Great review, thanks Mike!
Just curious about your thoughts on top boards for good uphill performance (multi-day tours/mountaineering). Particularly hoping for good performance on steep uphill traverses.
Currently thinking about the Arbor Coda Camber based on your review or the Amplid Milligram. Any thoughts?
Cheers,
Danny
Danny,
The Coda Camber or Guch Camber are great boards on the up. I have yet to ride the Milligram but here good things. The Arbors will be more durable if in bigger mountain terrain.
-Mike
Hi Mike, I`m looking for a new Splitboard to update my battered Jones Solution 2016. Since it would be a bit boring to buy the Solution again I think about getting the Arbor Iguchi. Do you think thats a good idea? What differences can I expect from the Igutchi Split? (On ascent and decent)
Thanks for your help!
Mark
Hey Mark,
Thanks for reaching out. The Guch will be stiffer on the up and down. It’s tough they are both good boards. If you don’t mind some camber I would try out the Arbor. Also to make things more complicated the Solution seems to ride like a different snowboard now then it did 5-6 years ago. A lot more lively and forgiving.
Mike
Hi Mike. Enjoyed your article and reviews. Where would you direct a 6ft 1 rider that has size 11.5 and is about 210? Im in Australia and most of by BC touring will be in Japan on powder, and maybe the odd trip to our very average ski regions here in Oz. I can get my hands on a Weston Carbon Backwoods in 160 or 163. I was also considering the Jones solution 162W, Brian Iguchi Pro Camber in 162 or 163MW, or a Ride Splitpig 154.
I was considering the the Hovercraft split, but was concerned about the length of the nose tip and tighter turning in trees. Ive also heard that the splitpig can washout out a bit because of its profolie and is harder in ascent mode because of the width and shortness.
Any input would be appreciated.
Matt
Matt,
Thanks for the comment, I like the Jones Solution for your height and foot size, #2 would be Weston in the 163. They will be the most “familiar” style of ride. So if you need it to be nimble the board will respond well.
Mike
Mike,
Curious between the Coda camber and rocker, which you prefer and why! I’ve got an older Abacus which I love but have been leaning towards the Coda camber to replace it. I’m curious on how much pow capability might be given up on the camber versus rocker. Thank you!
Jared,
Thanks for reaching out. The Coda Rocker is basically the old Abacus which is an epic board. I feel the camber version still rips powder and offers better touring.
Mike
Hi Mike,
I’m in a dilemma for my first split. I used to live in Japan for the past few years but now back in Eastern Canada, I’ll see less powder day everyday and more glacier days…
I’m riding a Drake Battle 164 for Japow. (spear head and super setback stance). Loved the setback feeling as don`t usually ride switch anyway or freestyling and I was trilled by the “steer it like a surf” feeling. Although, almost worthless on hard snow.
I was thinking the Weston Backwoods Split (160 maybe) to go midway with my former all mountain board. There used to be plenty of nice comments back in the days, but seems it got down or out of the top lists in the last few years or so, not sure why. Will the Backwoods serve its purpose other than my very occasional deep powder trips elsewhere?
I was also considering a middle rocker type for my woody and icy mountains, like the Lib Tech Orca split (thinking a 156 this time). I know the tracking might get compromised by its wider waist and middle rocker, but not sure how bad. Do I underestimate the climbing qualities over the downhill feeling?
Was maybe looking at the Jones Solution, but might be too stiff for me.
The sizing is also a challenge as I’m only 5’8 but 185lb with US11 boots, not sure I want to go with a wide for the climbing.
Frank,
Thanks for reaching out, I think the Backwoods would make for a great board for your needs, and heck could be a crusher in Japan as well. I had it in the backseat and enjoyed the surfy feel.
Mike
Hi Mike,
Couple mentions of difficulty with camber boards in the skin track. Do you have any articles talking about this?
I’ve found that my board breaks through skin tracks more often than others (flight attendant, now hometown x) and it seems like the board sort of bananas and loses the weight distribution. Is that what you’re referring to?
Hey Kurt,
I feel Camber is 100% the best on the skin track. I will make an article about it. But with rocker under your feet (think Never Summer – Lib Tech) it makes touring awkward as the board can spin on that spot.
Quick fix, put the skin track in yourself.
Mike
Hey Mike,
Where is the best place to buy second hand snowboards and how do you determine if the board is still in good shape other than obvious chips or cracks. Thank you for your insight.
Tyler,
We love second hand stores. I would make sure edges are not bent in. Top sheets can have some scratches or dents or chips Look for a base that is free of any repair work or deep lines from running over rocks. The guys at the shop can help, im happy to as well. Feel free to email me pictures.
Mike
Hi Mike,
Looking to put together my first split setup. Wondering if you ever got on the Taka split or had a recommendation for sizing. I am 5’9″ ~145pounds no gear. Wasn’t sure between the 155 and 158.
My solid setup is a Prior Khyber 156 with Union Forces and Vans Highcountry and hellbound and I really enjoy it.
I was also eyeing the Spark Surges as what I read flex wise was they would be closer to the Forces, do you think I will be okay going that route despite being on the lighter end?
Thanks for your help
Have you tried the Orca split? I currently have a earlier model Jones Solution 162 split and feeling the toe drag(size 12 boot). I’ve got a 156 orca that I love and first board I didn’t have to get in a wide and was thinking of moving to the Orca split.
Hey Mike,
I have not tried the Orca split. It will be better with your shoe size but may be a little wider clunkier on the skin track.
You missed out on Telos!! I’ve been using them for over a year now and there’s no comparison to their ultralight splitboards in market.
Terrica,
Check our Telos splitboard review here – https://mtnweekly.com/reviews/telos-dst-freeride-splitboard/
Did you get a chance to demo the Taka Splitboard?
Hunter,
TBD. hoping here in the next few weeks.
Hi,
Kinda funny that you dislike the Neversummer Splitboards (review of NS Atom) with the rocker/camber profile and on the top 9 Splitboards the Arbor Coda, build on a rocker platform, is 2nd best.
You mention that the Arbor Coda and all other rocker splitboards have problems when going through skin traveled tracks, wonder why they could score so high on this top list.
Danny,
You must not have toured on the Never Summer RC profile. The Arbor Coda can have issues but nowhere like Never Summer on the skin track.
Mike
Hey man, was hoping you could help me with a sizing question… I’m ready to pull the trigger on my first splitboard but I’m torn between the Jones solution or the Jones hovercraft split. I really like the idea of 3D base/nose on the solution but then like how nimble the hovercraft sounds…
I’m 5’11, 175lb-180lb ish without gear, wear a vans size 9 boot, and currently riding a 156 niche story. I’m pretty happy with the 156 size but the size guide on the Jones website says I should be on a 161 solution and I’m wondering if 161 would be too big for me? or if the 158 would sacrifice too much float?? or if I should grab the split hovercraft to keep a similar length??
Orrrrr maybe the Bryan iguchi split lol??
And if you have any binding suggestions I’m all ears as well!
Looking forward to the advice, Thanks a lot:)!
Lee,
So many ways you can go. Seems alot of splitboards are getting shorter these days. At 5’11 the old math would say normal snowboard between the chin and nose. Then size up 2-5cm for splitboards. The 159-162 range is hugely popular. I have ridden a 159 Jones Twin in deep snow with zero problems. I do recommend mounting splitboards in the back seat for riding powder. I tend to stay away from anything over 164 as it becomes more of a boat out there.
If you can rip the Niche in powder (lean back) the 158 would feel more familiar. Where as the 161 is going to take a little adjustment period. For first split Hovercraft is a little too “niche”
Mike
Hi Mike,
Thanks for all the great insight…
Got a Jones Solution 164 last years. Im 6ft and 200lbs.
Looking for a stiffer splitboard for this year… Any suggestions? I ride a Burton Custom X on the hill.
Thoughts?
Dean B
Dean,
Have looked into Venture Snowboards in Colorado. Great boards, stiffer, big mountain bad asses.
Hey Mike,
Have you reviewed any Venture boards? My wife has a venture splitty, I ride a Jones Solution 159. I’m 5’11” 140 lbs and the Solution is too much/too stiff of a board for me. I honestly prefer to ride my wife’s Venture if she’s not out with me. Hers isn’t stiff at all and rides like a normal board. I was thinking of the Paragon or Storm in a 157(which is my normal riding length, outside of my Orca). What are your thoughts?? Living in CO, all my buddies are obsessed with the Westons.
Eric,
I have, the Paragon was one of my favorite splitboards Venture has ever made. Great board top to bottom. The Storm is fun on powder days but its a lot of extra board to tour around on. Weston is also a great brand, you might find the Hatchet Splitboard to you liking.
-Mike
Hi Mike,
Question about women’s split boards. I had planned to demo some solid boards (that have a split option) and then well- 2020. I’ve been riding NS for some time- Lotus, Aura and now Lady West (a brief stint on a High Society, playful but too soft). I’m dealing with some recovery issues from an injury, so no early season demos for me, and by the time I’m ready to go I’m concerned my choices will be limited. I’m looking towards Jones since I know the profile is better for climbing and float, but also the opposite profile to what I’m used to. Opinion between Dream Catcher and Solution? I know the Solution is more aggressive and designed for big mountain terrain, but is it good for mixed and mellow backcountry? I know the Dream Catcher is more playful, but still solid if someone wants to ride it more aggressively? I would love any guidance you have to offer.
Hey Stephanie,
Thanks for the message, coming from NS the Dream Cather will be a softer more fun ride. I like Solution alot but it needs to be ridden a little stronger.
Either board you can’t go wrong.
Mike
hey mike, do you ever tested the amplid milligram? i heard it should be the best split on planet can you say somthing about it?
Tim,
Lightweight with durability issues. Higher price tag than most.,
Any experience with Prior Slasher? I’m 6’, 200lbs been riding for 20+ years. Looking for a new split this year and having a hard time choosing one. So many options…been looking at the Prior Slasher carbon in a 161 or 167 or the Jones Hovercraft in a 160. I ride a lot of backcountry in BC’s interior, mostly tree riding and always deep. Nice vid of WH20 btw, and love the NOFX soundtrack. I’ve ridden almost every inch of that mountain. Can’t wait for this season to start!!!!
Al,
I have not rider then Slasher, looks sweet though. The Hovercraft seems like it was built for the terrain you ride.. Thanks for checking out the site.
Have you tried out the Black Diamond Goat? I’m thinking about switching to a split board, currently riding a Niedecker megalight, probably about ten years old, how would it compare to a split board
Karl,
I believe the BD boards are being made by CARDIFF SNOWcraft. They did not get us a board for this years test, maybe in 2020. Boards looked neat at the tradeshow. https://mtnweekly.com/sports/snowboarding/2021-snowboards-first-look/#2021_Cardiff_Snowcraft
Hey Mike,
Thank you for your awesome and thorough reviews of all the available splits. I have a question about the Flight Attendant X. Some reviews claim that the added carbon has indeed made the board light for uphill travel, but sacrifices performance on the way down. I have read some reports that say the board (especially the tail) is too stiff and its hard to slash and turn the board like you would a non-X version of the F.A. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on this? Or, was the board that light on the uphill that you could look past some minor downhill stiffness?
Best,
Evan
Evan,
Thanks for the comment. Board is super fun on the way downhill. Check out the video for the turns I was making. You will appreciate the lighter weight especially on the up. I would not hesitate to jump on this board again.
Mike,
This is a lot of great info to absorb. I’m looking to buy my first split board for the northeast. I have a normal jones explorer, but I’d like to start touring around and think I should get a Splitboard that might be a little different from my Jones to change it up. Any suggestions on what would rip down the fresh groomers, but also tear apart a backcountry deep pow day?
Cheers,
Captain
Captain,
Look for the boards in splits that are available in solids for the best ride going downhill. The shapes are tried and true. Arbor, Burton, Jones, K2 and others make there popular solids into splits. Stay away from anything that looks too specific for xyz terrain. Instead look for a board that can handle it all. Touring is important, so the brands that have figured out less rocker underfoot seem to be best.
Hi there
Looking to by my first split, I have narrowed down to either jones frontier, mountain twin or lib brd.
I would like to be able to use it for backcountry in New Zealand and japan so good for big lines and nimble enough for trees.
Many thanks
Tim
Tim,
The Mountain Twin may just be the best most underrated splitboard on the market. The Lib Tech is great too, it doesn’t tour as well. I have yet to try the Frontier.
-Mike
Mike,
Love love love your article – thank you for all the reviews. I am riding Arbor Poparazzi now (150), and I am trying to decide on my first splitboard now. I was looking into Arbor Swoon 152 vs Jones Dream Catcher 151. I do not have specific needs, I just love riding! 🙂 Which of those 2 would you recommend? Or would you suggest something else?
And as far as bindings – I looked into Spark R&D: their Womens Arc is out of stock, and their Womens Surge is available in M/L size only, and I am right in between their sizes (in shoes I am 8.5-9), and their XS/S : 5-8.5, and M/L – 9-11. Do you think it is OK for me to buy Men’s Arc n Medium?
Thank you in advance
Olena,
The Swoon would be the most familiar, friendly board of the 2 where the Dream Catcher is a little more aggressive. For bindings I spoke to Spark here is what they recommend.
“A Men’s Arc in Medium will be too big. Now a W’s M/L will likely work. It’s possible it is a little on the big side for her, but it depends on what profile of boots she’s rocking (big or small). She’ll have options with the W’s M/L to bring the heel loop in and adjust the straps if needs be. ”
Thanks for the comment! Have fun and be safe out there
Hi Mike, thanks for the reviews. Im heading to Hakuba Japan next week and I will be there for 2-3 months. Im going to be doing some back country touring and I am wanting to buy my first splitboard setup. I want something surfy that is great in powder and trees. My height is 5″5, weight 143lbs, boot size US 7. I have the 150 Jones Mind Expander but I am wanting to add a splitboard to my quiver. What splitboard would you recommend that I can buy in Japan?
Cheers for your help 🙂
Greg,
The Gentemstick snowboards are available in Japan as are the Moss Snowshapes. Best bet would be to contact the shops in Hakuba to see what demos have available. The Mind Expander would be my first pick for JP…
Mike, thanks for the reviews. Looking for advice on splitboard upgrade. Have ridden Jones Solution and Venture Storm in the past. Both hard chargers and super stable but I’m looking for something a bit more playful and nimble for trees and powder. Also important that it tours well (camber underfoot?) and handles variable snow. Looking at Weston Backwoods, Prior Khyber, or Hovercraft. Any thoughts between those boards? Or something else I should look at? Thanks!
TJ,
The Prior would be a nice progression of a board for you. The other 2 are amazing the Backwoods rips in powder as does the Hovercraft although both are not the “best” touring.
I was seeing if you enjoy the family tree flight attendant x over the jones carbon solution split for someone who likes to charge fast but also mainly riding powder.
David,
The Burton is a little more playful, where Jones is going to be more stable at speed. I actually haven’t ridden the Carbon version, I ride super light so it might be too stiff for my needs.
Thanks for the info. I own a Jones Solution and have never had it in deep pow. How do you think it will handle the deep? Also it’s a 2014 I think. Has the design changed much since then?
Jack,
I had that same split I think. Works great in the powder. Be sure to set it back a little and it may take a few days to break in. If you can take some laps at a resort on that thing before touring it will feel that much more lively.
Article with 2020 splitboards to be updated soon.
Hi! I read your article and really appreciate the pointers here! I am a woman and am trying to buy my first split set up this season, and was wondering if you had any pointers on which board is best if I’m just looking for something that’ll give a smooth ride, be easy to manipulate (turn/carve- not stiff) and is forgiving with catching edges?
Moriah,
Thanks for the comment. What board are you riding now? Do you know what sort of profiles you have ridden in the past? Happy to point you in the right direction. Awesome to hear you’re getting into splitboarding. It’s a game changer for sure.
Regarding the Amplid- they moved their production away from Austria to east Asia and had some production issues. Indeed, the first board I had de-laminated after a few days out. They were super good with the warranty and sent a new one right away with no questions asked. New board is fine so far. That being said, the board some seem somewhat delicate.
The performance is simply spectacular, though. It is amazing going up due to the light weight, stiffness and camber. Downhill it was really surprising- it feels stiff yet playful / surfy. Worth a try, if you like to do lots of vertical and still want to rip on the downhill.
Jake,
Thanks for the honest user-driven feedback. I like this part “if you like to do lots of vertical and still want to rip on the downhill.” sounds like a marketing campaign waiting to happen.
Hey, just wonder if you have demoed any of the korua splits or amplid splits?
Byron,
We have not had a chance to test the Korua Splits, although there solid boards are sure a blast. As for Amplid, I hear great things, apparently super light. That being said they potentially have durability issues. But who knows. The hardboot crowd seems to dig those boards for their weight savings. Let me know what you end up getting. Now through summer is a great time to get a killer deal on a splitboard.
I/m planning on making a switch to splitboarding. I usually ride Telluride, Crested Butte, and hike as well. Not big into freestyle. I would like an all mountain board. Which would be the best and do the split boards come with step on bindings or what would be the recommended bindings to use? Thanks
Hey Tyler,
Most of the boards on this list are perfect for all mountain riding. What board/profile are you riding now? I would look at the Arbor Coda, Venture Paragon, Coldsmoke or Weston for a first time splitboard.
I really wanted to get the goldmember split as I love the goldmember board but I’ve heard it’s a little sketchy and loose on the way up and touring. Does anybody have thoughts on this?
Brendan,
very loosy goosy on the way up, amazing on the way down. This is why they changed the profile up a bit on the Split BRD for profiling specifically. The board rides similar on the down.
Hi Mike, thanks for all the great reviews! Are you going to post a full review for the Jones MTN twin? I am wondering how it does on the up and also how reactive it is edge to edge on the down?
Thanks for the comment. Jones Mtn Twin review to follow this week. Fun board top to bottom. Nice bit of edge hold, great flex, super sporty. Fine on the up as well. I was on a smaller version 158 I believe and normally ride a 161-163
Thanks for the tip on Trapper. I’m actually in BC splitboarding and that brand keeps coming up in conversations. Looking forward to working with those guys and some other CA brands in the future.
I’m confused, the article says Top Splitboards for 2019 but has last years Signal split.
Hey Ian, 2017/18 boards are at the bottom of the article.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the nice review. Any chance you wil or could test West Snowboards Grammont, Korua Shapes Tranny Split and Cafe Racer Split Plus?
Cheers!
Andros,
Cheers, I will reach out to those brands and see if we can get on their splits.
That would be kool Mike! And you should check out these two European companies too: Gara Splitboards and Sandy Shapes. Cheers!
Solid list. Could you also list which semi prominent boards you didn’t test? It’s hard to know if a board is missing from the list because it sucks or because you just didn’t try it. Voile, Never Summer and others come to mind. Maybe list the others you did test but didn’t make the top 10. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment and question. The following boards did not make the list this year. (* Reviews to follow)
K2 Cool Bean*
Venture Euphoria
Rome Powder Division*
Jones Mind Expander*
The above boards have fun unique shapes, that being said touring on these shapes is not ideal for what I like to ride. Sometimes I wonder if the brands actually “test” these boards before sending them to the market?
We should have 2020 splitboard reviews going up soon. Never Summer has something new in store for 2020, this year split 2018/19 was the same profile as last year so they opted not to send it to me.
Hahow about adding the Lib Tech BRD? I’m dying for an honest review on this mystical creature from the Northwest. I had the GNU Beast from 15-16 season and would like to know if it has any resemblance.
Full review to follow – Couple early season Clips in here 1:17 – 1:37 of the SPLIT BRD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlXlAxcK0NQ
Never ridden the GNU Beast split but I have the Split BRD and it rips! Reminds me a lot of riding my SPAM but a little bit faster. The set back stance, big nose, and slightly less stiff make it a super fun pow ride.
Where’s the split bean at?
Kody,
Split Bean review to follow sometime Fall 18
I have one. It is pure phfunnnnn! Any coffee roasting splitboarder isn’t worth beans without one… hehehee…
we started reviewing coffee… just sayin’