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By Ian Tarbox
Splitboarding has come a long way since Brett "Cowboy" Kobernik and Mark "Wally" Wariakois released the DIY Voile Split Kit in 1994. There have been changes in boards, hardware, boots and crampons, but the biggest steps have taken place in the binding department. During the 2006 season, Spark R&D, a core company of shredders out of Bozeman, Montana, introduced the first ever splitboard-specific binding. By saying goodbye to the "Voile Slider Track" and setting a binding flush with the board, Spark propelled splitboarding to the next level and allowed the rider to feel at one with a splitboard.
Fast forward to this winter and behold Spark’s AfterBurners, which feature the BOMBER Tesla System. The bindings arrived at my doorstep in early December after two feet of blower pow had dropped on top of a solid early season base in the Tetons. With whispers of Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) starting to fill in and a stabilizing snowpack, I jumped on the opportunity to test these puppies out in their natural habitat: steep, big mountain lines that are covered in unadulterated powder and that require long, burly tours to reach.
Lifting the AfterBurners out of the box, they seemed especially light. Spark R&D has stripped the bindings down to only what’s essential: stiff yet responsive baseplates and highbacks, firm ankle and toe straps that reduce chatter at high speeds, newly designed climbing wires (risers) and, the biggest improvement, Snap Ramps- which leave the old pin system in the dust with a simple friction/resistance snap lock.
The next morning I set out to one of my favorite steep, north facing chutes in GTNP. The Tesla System was a breeze on snow when transitioning between tour and ride mode. It felt natural, a testament to what Spark has achieved. The old pin system was great for its time, but losing pins from their not-so-durable leash was always a danger. The new Tesla system shaves up to 30 precious seconds off your transition time, something that could make or break a day-especially if you find yourself navigating exposed terrain or initiating a rescue.
Spark R&D is committed to the "research and development" implied by its name. Where every other splitboard binding seems to be prematurely released, Spark works out the kinks first. This was apparent when they shelved last year’s Edison System because they were not completely confident in that product. No guide could trust a faulty system in the field and this is why the After Burners are THE splitboard binding for all guiding outfits.
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The new placement of the climbing wires (risers)on the bottom of the actual binding is genius. Much of the terrain in Grand Teton National Park requires one to two mile approaches to get to the base of the mountains. These approaches are often mellow, perfect for the 11.5 degrees lower position ladder. The upper ladder sits at a cool 17.5 degrees for steep ascents.
Most importantly, the AfterBurners rip going downhill! Day one found us shredding waist-deep cold smoke. But the real test came the following day on Turkey Chute, a classic 2,000-foot line in GTNP. Overnight the wind had picked up, leaving us staring down at everything from wind crusts to avalanche debris on our descent through Avalanche Canyon below. The AfterBurners dominated from summit to trailhead.
I only had a few minor issues with the AfterBurners. When adjusting the climbing wires with your poles, be forewarned that they require a bit of force, as soft powder baskets struggle to do the job. The only other improvement Spark could make would be to dial in its forward lean adjusters, an area where Karakoram still has the most solid and effortless system.
The AfterBurners easily passed the Teton test. If they're anything like my five-year old Blazes from Spark, they should hold together for many tours and many years. When it comes to the AfterBurners, less is more and performance is king. And these bindings-which many riders label as the best on the planet-can reign over any mountain.
To learn more about Spark or to snag a pair of the AfterBurners, drop into http://sparkrandd.com/
