Splittie of the Week | Licking wounds

Base and Edges

Especially in winters with little snow like this one, I’ve definitely used one or two Repaircandles. I even bring them on tour, just in case things get down to the wood. Now is the perfect time to take a closer look at your gear and maybe call in a professional. Especially with snowboards, even small damage can quickly lead to bigger issues. We all know how it goes: the backside edge tends to slide over the snow, and even minor base damage near the edge can be risky. These spots are like the perfect "lock-in" for the next stone, which can then break the edge. You can get solid base repairs at any sports store that offers ski services. Splitboarders in Freiburg and the surrounding area can trust the skilled hands of PowderGuide partner Freddi Andes at his VALHALLA workshop. There’s hardly anything here that can’t be fixed.

Topsheet

The topsheet takes quite a beating, especially on the ascent, particularly when using crampons. Splitboard crampons are often pretty wide, and no matter how elegant your technique, you're bound to step on your own board now and then. This results in damage to the topsheet. I make it a habit to check it regularly, carefully cutting out any chipped areas with a cutter and then sanding them down a bit. This way, I can prevent the topsheet from peeling further.

More attention

But it’s not just the splitboard that needs attention before the next season. Unfortunately, splitboarding means a lot of other gear also needs some care. Beyond hardshell waterproofing and fixing holes in ski socks, we want to share our most-used pieces of equipment with you. It’s not about how rough we are on our gear, but rather about highlighting that wear and tear is completely normal. Many issues can be fixed with simple repairs before you end up spending a lot of money on expensive new parts simply because you didn’t take care of your gear.

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Binding

Especially if you're using soft boots, it’s a good idea to check at the end of the season to make sure everything is still functioning properly and that all the screws are secure. Most of us are probably familiar with the classic issue of ratchets not gripping properly while snowboarding. As we've mentioned in previous articles, problems with splitboarding can have much more serious consequences in the backcountry than they would in a ski resort. That’s why we recommend taking a look at the spare parts range offered by your preferred binding manufacturer.

Aluminum

Many splitboard parts are made of aluminum – after all, the whole setup shouldn’t be too heavy. However, this also means they’re more prone to breaking compared to steel. This winter, for example, Till’s Spark binding "snap ramp" completely broke off. He contacted the manufacturer right away and received a replacement without any issues. When such damage happens to your expensive splitboard gear, I always recommend reaching out directly to the store or manufacturer. In most cases, you can get replacement parts or quick, practical help.

Till’s Karakoram connector also took a hit this winter and bent quite badly. According to the manufacturer, the new models are designed to be more stable and less prone to such damage – Till will likely put this to the test next winter.

The hardboot crowd is known for using TechToes on tours, and this year, Tobi saw a bent Dynafit crampon mount for the first time. When that happens, the crampon won’t fit in an emergency – which could end the tour early. Fortunately, the splitboarder in question was skilled enough to keep going with one leg.

Carbon

Broken carbon poles are a common sight every winter, and they can be a real pain on a splitboard tour. Be sure to pack plenty of tape and cable ties – they’ll often help you salvage the pole for the day. Aluminum poles are more durable, but they can still bend. With Till’s telescopic poles, the lower sections became increasingly difficult to extend after half a season of use, so it was time for a new pair.

It is questionable whether the binding strap will survive another season.

Till Mangesius

Gloves

In Tobi's case, it’s pretty clear that he needs new gloves. After three or four intense winters, his trusty full-leather gloves have finally given up. The fingertips are soaked, and even during a spring-like bootpack, they get wet inside.

Gloves are always a bit of a personal choice when splitboarding. Some people start sweating immediately, while others have icicles forming on their fingers. Tobi has tried a few options and found that splitboarding really puts more strain on gloves than freeriding or ski touring. Skiers can often open their bindings with their poles or even switch to downhill mode. But splitboarding requires serious manual work at every interface – usually involving some shaking, tapping, or scraping of snow. If you’re using light ascent gloves made of fleece or similar material, you’ll wear them out quickly, and your hands will stay wet. That’s why Tobi opts for gloves with solid leather all around. He’s found that a wool-lined version works best for him – it keeps his hands warm, even when they start to sweat.

Boots

Boots take much more of a beating during touring than they do when freeriding in the ski resort. They rub against the bindings, and sometimes you have to scramble along a rocky ridge – the list goes on. Depending on the terrain, the boots are often laced up tightly, which can cause one or two eyelets to tear.

Skins

successful splitboard tour relies on well-maintained skins. So, before you tuck your gear away for the summer, be sure to check if the skins are still properly glued or if they’ve sustained any damage. The adhesive can be refreshed by the manufacturer, or you can stitch up any issues yourself. At home, you can re-impregnate the skins with wax and an iron. These simple steps can significantly extend the lifespan of your skins.

Dear splitboarders,

As always with "Splittie of the Week," here’s your chance to share your thoughts in the comments. What broke for you this winter? What needs replacing? Which parts are you concerned about for the upcoming season? Let us know!

And if everything’s in good shape on your end, we’d still love to hear any other feedback on the new "Splittie of the Week" category. Thanks so much!

Ride on!

If you get bored in summer, you could even sew the loop back on.

Till Mangesius

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