Long gone are the days of only 1 or 2 companies manufacturing splitboard bindings. The splitboard industry continues to grow as does the innovations in splitboading and splitboard bindings specifically. Check out our picks for the best splitboard bindings of the year below.
Best Splitboard Bindings 2024
Union Charger Splitboard Bindings
The best overall splitboard binding of the year goes to the Union Charger Splitboard Binding. If you snowboard for the turns, care about your style and really enjoy adding a little bit of freestyle riding into your backcountry laps there is no better binding on the market for splitboarding.
The Union Charger Bindings will allow you to ride your splitboard in any terrain the same exact way you would be on a solid board. Honestly, out of the 10 bindings on this list Union is one of only a handful of companies making a splitboard binding that can be ridden both inbounds and in the backcountry without sacrificing performance.
For straps, to lock your toes in Union uses their super-responsive Exoframe 5.0 Ankle Strap along with the lightest strap they have ever built, the TS 4.0 Toe Strap. The upgraded Charger Binding is now pinless and really easy to get on and off the board with a nice locking push down design on the heel that clicks into place when the board is ready to ride.
Sizes: S, M, L
Pucks: Interface Included for Splitboard and Solid
Not Compatible with Burton Channel System
Price: $499.95
Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard Bindings
A close second place for best splitboard bindings of the year goes to Burton for their Hitchhiker binding that was built with the help of Spark R&D. So if the binding looks familiar it’s because it’s basically a Spark Binding made better by Burton Snowboards own team.
For anyone that loves Sparks and rightfully so this is an even better version of what Spark R&D currently makes. Burton added Hammock Straps for the ankle straps, along with a molded rubber Supergrip toe cap strap that really pulls your boot back into the binding nice and securely.
Toss in the tried and true Burton snowboard buckles and ratchets featuring Insta-Click and you have a powerhouse of a binding that’s great on both the way up and down. These bindings slide over a set of Voile or Spark pucks and have been the go-to style of splitboard bindings for years and for good reason. The system works pretty flawlessly.
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Pucks: Not Included, Voile, or Spark Compatible Pucks Available
Price: $489.95
Not Compatible with Burton Channel System
Nitro Vertical Splitboard Bindings
Rounding out the top 3 splitboard bindings of the year goes to Nitro for their Vertical Bindings. Which, like the Burton Hitchikers was also built in collaboration with Spark R&D. One of the things that stands out about this binding is its use of padding on the base plate. Something that I can’t figure out why all splitboard bindings aren’t being built around. The EVA Dampening on the Baseplate really helps to cut down on chatter. If you find yourself routinely riding in hardpacked snow, ice or over avalanche debri seriouslly consider these bindings.
The Ankle straps are uber comfortable which come from Nitro’s years of making traditional snowboard bindings, while the Ubergrip Toe strap does a nice job of securing your foot in place.
Like the Burtons these bindings slide over a set of Voile or Spark Pucks to lock into place. What amazes me though is that both Nitro and Burton were able to make a binding better based off Spark R&D’s design yet Spark hasn’t stepped up with anything new in years?
Sizes: M, L
Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available
Price: $399.95
Karakoram Nomad Splitboard Bindings
It’s been a long time since we last talked about Karakoram on this website. Over the years their technology seemed almost too progressive, with lots of moving parts that could easily fail in the backcountry. Now thankfully Karakoram is bridging the gap between big mountain splitboarder and weekend warrior.
The Nomad was built around the Karakoram SL Frame and comes with a carbon highback, carbon buckles and a new open base design that allows the binding to have more torsional flexibility. Toss in the Airpod straps and you have a binding that’s able to handle a ton of terrain. One of the things we like the most is the Active Joining connection that allows you to easily attach your Karakoram Splitboard Bindings to the board. Even on icy days the Active Joining System easily locks into place which in the past was the crux of Karakoram bindings.
Sizes: S, M, L
Pucks: Interface Included for Splitboard and Solid
Price: $699.95
Union Charger FC Carbon Splitboard Bindings
For someone wanting the freestyle performance of the Union Bindings on the way downhill but still want a stiffer feel while touring on the uphill the Union Charger FC Carbon Binding is a great pick and way to cut the distance between a pair of Unions and Sparks.
Union made the Charger much stiffer in the FC version with a 9/10 flex rating. Most of that stiffness is due to the use of the EXP3 Forged Carbon Highback. If you’re not used to riding with stiff, carbon highbacks these might be a bit overkill. But for someone wanting to do more big mountain riding, someone that already has uber stiff boots the Union FC Carbon Version is a nice option.
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Pucks: Interface Included for Splitboard and Solid
Price: $699.95
Not Compatible with Burton Channel System
Voile Light Rail Splitboard Bindings
The next 3 bindings on this roundup are built off the Voile Splitboard binding frame. The Voile Light Rail Binding’s aluminum splitboard-specific chassis mimics the way Spark Bindings work with the major difference being that their bindings slide on backwards vs forward. What stands out with the Voiles are their touring tech piece that locks the toe with a latch found in ski boot and binding technology. Voile makes skis too so it only makes sense that they took that tech and brought it to splitboarding.
Both the ankle and toe straps on the Light Rail Bindings look way more like a traditional snowboard binding and feel that way thanks in part to the heavier padded straps. Which is ironic based on the bindings name.
Sizes: S, M, L
Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available
Price: $325.99
K2 Farout Binding Splitboard Bindings
The K2 Farout Binding is a binding we have reviewed a few times over the years. It’s built around the standard Aluminum Splitboard Specific Chassis and includes a K2 Highback and K2 Straps with both being unpadded.
Where Voile went with more padding, K2 opted for less with the Sender Ankle straps that are paddles, combined with the PerfecFit toe straps. Less is more here, with K2 opting to make the binding as light as possible.
Sizes: S, M, L
Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available
Price: $400.00
Ride A-BC Splitboard Bindings
In 2024 Ride decided to throw its hat into the splitboard ring and the legendary binding company nailed it. Like the Voile and K2 binding the base is built off the Aluminum Splitboard Specific Chassis where you can see Ride’s years of snowboard binding manufacturing technology at work in the highback and straps. With an easy slide on and off design and locking push tab on the heel Ride’s first take into the splitboard world works.
Ride throws in a super easy “slide on, slide off” design to get you going quick and easily. Add in the push tab and Ride’s first toe into the splitboard binding world kills it
Sizes: S, M, L
Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available
Price: $459.95
Rossignol Escaper Splitboard Bindings
Finally SP Bindings have teamed up with Rossignol to introduce the Rossignol Escaper Binding to the North American splitboard market. Now don’t cringe too hard at the pin as Spark, Voile and Union all started as pin bindings, and they worked great. Pin bindings have been part of splitboarding since the beginning since it’s about the most reliable technology there is. My first decade of splitboarding was on a pin binding, so they work. The majority of the interface is built off the tried and true Voile hardware.
This splitboard binding’s rear entry design is called Fastec. It’s a design that makes it easy to get in and to get out of these comfortable reclining-highbacked bindings. It also comes with comfortable straps, a tiny bit of padding on the base and toolless adjustments. Nidecker made waves in the snowboard industry with their rear entry binding last year and 2024 is seeing the release of the Burton Step On Splitboard Binding so things look to be changing rapidly on the splitboard front, especially when it comes to bindings.
Sizes: M, L, XL
Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available
Price: $499.95
Plum Eterlou Splitboard Bindings
Plum is a brand we haven’t talked about in over 5 years. Mainly because it’s really hard if not impossible to get their gear in N. America. With less restrictions on buying globally, Plum really oughtta be on your radar. Especially if you’re not located in the United States of America. With the Eterlou model you basically get an older style Karakoram frame combined with NOW Snowboard Binding Straps.
The only downside to these bindings is they come with a lot of moving parts. Getting them set up is sort of a pain in the ass. Once put together, though, you have a very powerful big-mountain stiff splitboard binding. One feature you’ll love it its built-in heel lock for when you’re skinning distances. And that combines with a softer highback and more padding for next-level comfort.
Tal the founder and designer is clearly a splitboarder and heck of an engineer.
Sizes: S, M, L
Pucks: Interface Included
Price: $749.95
Hey Mike!
Thanks for your reviews, i find them all really usefull as the way you describe the sensations.
I wanted to ask you a couple of questions: I am an advanced snowboarder who likes to charge and turn on every condition and is initiating in splitboard. I decided to buy a Nitro Squash 2024, and some bindings.
Do you think Union system is more begginer friendly (in terms of splitboarding)? Or should i go for the Nitro Vertical? I prioritize the ride, but i dont want to have a bad time touring either
What size would you recomend for me, being 160lbs and 5’8? I am debating between 156 and 159, and my piste board is 159.
Thank you man!
Felipe,
Thanks for the comment, I would go with either or. The Nitro’s would look sweet on the Squash. I have also tested the Unions on the Squash and loved it. The new Union System is easier to use in the past. Where the Nitro Bindings use Sparks easy to use system. If spending more time riding over uneven terrain like hardpack, wind puffed, ice etc the Nitros will perform a little more stout vs the Unions that are always my good to binding on powder days.
-Mike
I am surprised not to find a Karakoram or Plum binding in your top ten. In my opinion they are far above all of the ones reviewed here. Spark have decent bindings but I had an awfull experience with a Voilé setup.
And how about Phantom for hardboot ? I would love to see them reviewed
Pops,
Agreed Sparks are decent, Plum is unavailable in North America because they actually got sued by Karakoram… John at Phantom can reach out to us anytime for reviews but he doesn’t so we stick with the companies that want us to test their gear.
-Mike
Hey, so you posted the Voile binding as “speed rail” but the binding you are reviewing is the “light speed”, the “light rail” is now the k2 binding you reviewed. Also, as some one who has been on the “speed rail” since they first came out (2016?) They only problem I have ever had is the shearing off of one of the hooks. Voile changed up the materials from the first season and they also changed the climbing interface from plastic grommets to brass. I can literally have them on and off in less than 5 seconds, though it does take some time to figure out the angle that you need to apply them, also the voile heel risers are money, especially compared to the spark risers that are connected to the binding. Last year I picked up a pair of Plum Feryans and really enjoyed the tech and the torsional stiffness especially for big lines, but overall its just way to complex and I am always having screws loosen even when i have used loctite. Im back with the speed rails now, just way more simple and fool proof.
Those Plum Bindings are sure nice.
The article is a roundup of all split bindings, so the Voile ones are old but still sold. So they still are included in the future if they arent available we can pull them. Had to do that with Fix, they never brought their splitboard binding to the market.
Mike
Unbelievable that on the top 10 you find 2 union and no Karakoram.
If you had problems with karakoram you should report them, they have a long life warranty, thats the main reason of the high price.
But Union? Really? Did u try to insert that pin after a tour with the bindings full with snow and in a storm?
Interesting…
Karakoram is well aware of the problems we found while testing their bindings. We reviewed 2 pairs in the past, both under 2 stars out of 5 stars. If Karakoram wants me to test their bindings, well they can contact me. Paging Tyler, Bryce and Russell.
My 0.02 is they wont be in business in 5 years. Union and Spark have the market on lock.
Mike
Hi Mike,
Im not sure if my last comment went through. I wanted to ask about bindings that help “press” the two splitboard halves together. From my understanding, Karakoram and the Union Split help push the two board halves together when engaged in riding mode, do you know if the Spark bindings (spark surge specifically) helps do this as well? I am looking to buy these as the Karakoram and Union split are sold out where I am at.
Thanks for the reply
Adrian,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. The Sparks do help to bring the board together adding additional contact. Most boards now are really tight from the factory so the gap is minimal at best. What board you mounting them on?
Mike
Hello, could you give more feedback on the Voile speed rails and if you would buy them?
I only ask because my local shop has literally sold out of everything else. That being said, they look pretty neat… no experience riding them but I love that they have the locked ski feature for riding downhill section, that way I dont have to take shit from my skier friends
Adrian,
I would grab them. Similar to Spark in how you take them on and off in ride mode.
Mike
No Karakoram?
No, have had major issues with them icing up and breaking over the years. I can’t stand behind that product personally.
Im surprised Phantom Snow bindings were omitted in the top 10. Hands down the best bindings I’ve ridden and extremely efficient, as you’ve noted with hard boots. Thanks for the review and work from Utah
Scott,
Phantom won’t send us bindings? So no clue how they ride. We have a hardboot roundup coming up soon. Our crew runs the Spark setup.
Did you really try to put on the K2 binding? I find them very easy and fast to change in all conditions. Use maybe 5 sec to put them in walk mode.
Yes, settup is the pain in the ass. Full review of the K2 Binding will be out shortly.
Did you try to put the binding in walkmode before putting it on? Makes it alot easier! Love your writing, sorry if i seem rude✌
Aksel,
More so the actual setup with all the moving pieces and parts. We appreciate your feedback. Where you are you from?
Norway✌
Im going for my first tent trips using this board, and really hope it hold for 5 days outside in a storm!
Super informative article thank you. Do you know if the flex lock from karakoram is only compatible with their bindings? I would assume so. And for me, being able to edge better with my downhill foot would be huge, is my only option changing my spark setup to karakoram?
Liam,
Looks to be built to work with the Karakoram Bindings specifically. Im not sure of anyone using these on non-Karakoram. Spark has the Strappy Strap –
the new k2’s are made by voile. same exact design
Pat,
Actually they slide on backwards compared to the Voile Speed Rail…
Thank god someone is trying to invent new splitboarding gear. Beyond my usual knuckle dragging, I feel like a caveman when riding with AT skiers. Thanks for shining a light on all the new stuff. Good to see you at the show!
take care of your shoes!
just don’t put on ski boots unless you plan to actually ski 🙂 were stoked on all the new split stuff that’s coming out. So far Spark, Union and Karakoram are the market leaders, TBD who else jumps into that realm. Most likely Plum, some other Euro Brands, Fix? Shit I want to see JF @ now make a split binding. Try not to miss next years appointment. “Fuck your F*ce” stoked to see you in Denver my friend, and fitting to be out front of The Motet, of all places.
Mike, Thanks for the article. I was unaware Union was using a pinned system. That seems awfully risky to me, but they do have a loyal following. Do you know what happened to Ranger Bindings in NZ? Any photos of the Fix interface?
We’re currently waiting to see how the Fix system will work. I believe Ranger is still doing bindings in NZ. Maybe try them on Intagram? https://www.instagram.com/rangerbackcountry/ Just hard to get access here in N. America
As for Union, really looking forward to seeing how the binding rides, pin or no pin