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Splitboarding

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 14 May 2011 14:22      quote | report

*edited 07 Jun 2011 21:31
Hi there!

Hey just want to let you all know that Spark R&D have an NZ dealer now selling the Blaze Bindings, LT Pins, and Mr Chomps Crampons.

Check www.sparkrandd.com/dealers/new-zealand for contact details. Have to be quick as this seasons stock is low and I am about to order more in, last lot for 2011.

Thanks, Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 14 May 2011 14:26      quote | report

hmmmm, off to a bad start there, bad spelling yeah I know its called a SPLITBOARD! cheers


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

voltaren
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Posted: 14 May 2011 14:45      quote | report

good luck with the business, i have the original spark base plates and a pair of the fuses..maybe interested in the pins later on....if you are at ruapehu call in for a chat and possibly go up for a split ..have only met about 5 splitboarders up north so not a big market...

 

Freshie
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Posted: 14 May 2011 14:57      quote | report

corrected


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southernthrash
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Posted: 14 May 2011 21:11      quote | report

Hmmm will be getting in touch with you for sure mate!

 

BWMsnow.co.nz
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Posted: 14 May 2011 22:04      quote | report

not sure how you do it, they offered me their product a few months ago but the mark up was hardly enough to cover GST and shipping, at the end of the day it is a business and has to pay its way


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www.BWMsnow.co.nz - Online and instore
 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 15 May 2011 10:39      quote | report

*edited 15 May 2011 14:22
hey BMW, different business model, lets leave it at that cheers!


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

wayco
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Posted: 16 May 2011 14:12      quote | report

Where is Aoteoroa??

Just checked the Spark site...now I know of a places called Aotearoa...Whats that..free bindings for correcting embarrassing spelling mistakes....?

 

Freshie
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Posted: 16 May 2011 14:14      quote | report

next please


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RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 16 May 2011 17:24      quote | report

How about a chocolate fish mate? hey thanks thats a bad spelling mistake, cheers


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

BWMsnow.co.nz
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Posted: 16 May 2011 22:14      quote | report

BWM not BMW, sell snowboards not cars. I can understand a different business model, but I have two kids to feed and you need more than 10% mark up.


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www.BWMsnow.co.nz - Online and instore
 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 17 May 2011 7:58      quote | report

*edited 17 May 2011 15:33
*edited 17 May 2011 11:57
dude stick to running your own business and don't worry about mine, I'll be fine.


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

rob_rips
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Posted: 18 May 2011 10:08      quote | report

Found a few Spark Bindings on Craigslist in the US and they were more than happy to send to NZ just no money this season for them.

 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 24 May 2011 20:08      quote | report

*edited 25 May 2011 09:59
Been a good couple of weeks, I have several great new NZ customers who in 2011 are going to be riding new Spark Blazes , LT Pins , and Mr Chomps crampons. I have 2 demo sets , 1 x large and 1 x med, and I'm going to mount them up on my own home grown custom built SplitBoards and will be dragging them around the local Canterbury area fields from Round Hill up to Lyford hopefully covering them all at some stage. As I make plans I'll aim to keep this forum updated. If you want to PM me I'll let you know what I'm currently planning. Cheers, Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 02 Jun 2011 8:46      quote | report

Hi there splitters! Update for you all.

I have a big order in with Spark R&D for the works now, just had to bite the bullet and have some confidence that SplitBoarding is growing in NZ and is here to stay long term.

Lots of Blaze Bindings, Mr Chomps crampons, Spark Boots and lots and lots of splitboarding specific accessories. If I can help set you up please send me your sizing and requirements and we can ensure you don't miss out for 2011 ok.

Yesterday I had a great win for my custom Splitboard manufacturing, pretty big grins all round as I trailered home a beautiful Montana Crystal Glide Robot, an oldie but a goodie, so now my factory built custom built gear is going to have a sweet base when it leaves the workshop - stoked!

Fingers x'd the snow starts soon, things are a little bare but mother nature wll do her thing eh!

Cheers
Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

oldscool
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Posted: 02 Jun 2011 8:58      quote | report

Hey Rich, Good luck with your business!
Good to see!
So are you manufacturing your own boards?


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Wait For The Ricochet
 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 02 Jun 2011 9:54      quote | report

Yup, will be focussing on Splits as backcountry travel is big on my to do list over the next 20 years before I turn into an old dude (43 now!). Also I will be developing my own boards and ski's as time allows. All NZ made in CHCH by me in my own factory workshop, custom designs, highest quality workmanship and materials, no shortcuts and no cheap labour!

Keep in touch and I will let you know how my boards are going, I will be demoing my splits this year around the NZ fields and back country so you will have a chance to see and test them, as well as the Spark R&D gear all mounted up on them. Should be a great combination.

Cheers
Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

southernthrash
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Posted: 02 Jun 2011 10:04      quote | report

I cannot wait to get my hands on this gear!

 

southernthrash
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Posted: 04 Jun 2011 13:58      quote | report

Saturday morning sleep in was interrupted by the courier...


Very worth it, these are rad! Just need the board to hurry up and arrive. At this rate my split set up will be lighter than my solid set up!

Cheers Rich!

 

Brad
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Posted: 04 Jun 2011 14:16      quote | report

so when are we going to see you 'ice climb' the alta slabs and snowboard back down?


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Shit happens.
 

southernthrash
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Posted: 04 Jun 2011 14:31      quote | report

hahaha, don't think I'll be doing that, but don't be surprised if you see it. Those lines are forming up already, so at least part of winter is here.

 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 04 Jun 2011 23:01      quote | report

*edited 05 Jun 2011 17:31
sorry to wake you up mate this morning dude, I hope you had a nice time warming up in bed with your new Sparks! You are gonna rip on the new gear this season wait till you hit the back country! No question this gear is light and grunty, combine them with the Spark Deeluxe splitboard boot and you are dropping some serious weight on the climbs and up for some ultimate decents. Looking forward to a mission soon ! Cheers, Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 06 Jun 2011 22:44      quote | report

*edited 07 Jun 2011 09:48
Hello people. Hey I had an update from Will at Spark R&D on their new splitboarding boot that I am bringing to the NZ market this 2011 season.

Comment from Will this afternoon .....

"got out for a big day yesterday with the boots, I'm really pumped on them! they kick like a mule and are super waterproof"

Well thats good news but to be expected, Spark R&D goods are top quality, and made for the purpose, simple as that.

On the technical side, they are very light which is going to make skinning and boot-packing a heck of a lot easier. Will recons his pre-prod set are under 1100grams per boot!!!!! Compare that with any others and you'll be impressed especially when you take into consideration the split specific features and durability built in.

Remember too guys, if there is snow anywhere you will be able to travel on it a lot easier with a splitboard so have a good look at this as an option for this year! That said lets hope all the fields get some good dumps soon eh.

I have set up a twitter account twitter.com/richie_splitter [twitter.com] which I will use to send out a heads up for where-ever I am heading this season to demo the Spark R&D and my own custom split boards, so you can check it out and try it.

cheers
Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 13 Jul 2011 17:19      quote | report

*edited 13 Jul 2011 17:22
Hi, just wanted to let you all know I have a big shipment of Spark R&D gear landing in August. Blaze bindings and LT Pins, Spark Deeluxe boots, Mr Chomps Crampons, and a whole pile of Spark R&D accessories. These will feature on my website www.splitn2.com [splitn2.com] in a few weeks time as well as some other back country gear. If you are interested in pre-ordering to ensure you don't miss out please get in touch. I am still selling very well priced combo's for Ortovox S1 trannie with Voile probe and shovel for around $850 (depends on exact choice of probe/shovel) so with all this snow around now is the time to make sure you are well geared up. Don't forget to practise with your gear and get trained properly to use it and know how to assess the conditions and how to travel safely and avoid trouble. Check http://avalanche.net.nz/ [avalanche.net.nz] for info and courses. Cheers, Rich

Thanks
Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

cauld
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Posted: 13 Jul 2011 21:00      quote | report

That website isn't working Rich. Just sends me to your domain registrar's holding page.

 

southernthrash
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Posted: 13 Jul 2011 23:17      quote | report

Man, I am hanging out for the Deeluxe Sparks! Board should be here by the end of the week (finally, hopefully!) so with a bit of luck might get out for a mellow cruise on the split set up with the blazes by the end of the weekend. In QTown for the next four days, hills are looking rad! At least new board 1/2 will be ready to go tomorrow

 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 14 Jul 2011 0:09      quote | report

Hey there, yes the website is in last stages of development but please do bookmark it for now and try in a couple of weeks time ok. Cheers


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

rcn20
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Posted: 14 Jul 2011 13:19      quote | report

*edited 14 Jul 2011 13:34
Hey Rich, got out last week end on Saturday and gave the new Blazes and LT pins and brackets a test drive. Headed up Mt Cheeseman skifield before the avalanche risk got too high and managed to get some powder. The bindings are great, super light and much more responsive than my old setup with the voile slider plates and normal snowboard bindings. LT brackets and pins worked well too, easy to use and felt solid on the way up. No lateral slop like the old set up. Well worth getting them. All in all my once heavy splitboard setup is now lighter than my solid board setup, and feels more like a solid board than a split. Cheers

 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 14 Jul 2011 14:08      quote | report

Nice one! Glad to hear it was worth your while, certainly a lot more solid feel when its all locked together. The vid looked good too, great first runs for the season, well done! cheers, Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 18 Jul 2011 19:24      quote | report

Hey fella's ,

We changed this discussion to a bit more general and useful name, anything splitboarding related get it up on here so we know whats going on and what you've been doing!

cheers
Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

Freshie
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Posted: 18 Jul 2011 21:44      quote | report

We? You mean ME!


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RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 18 Jul 2011 22:38      quote | report

I asked and you did, thats WE mate! hey thanks for doing it ! cheers


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

southernthrash
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Posted: 19 Jul 2011 10:24      quote | report

Well, the never summer SL turned up on the doorstep this morning (finally)

 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 19 Jul 2011 10:47      quote | report

Nice bro! you'll be ripping on that, make sure those LT Pin pivots are nicely screwed in, if you can get a drop of locktite onto the screws and do them up firmly and evenly. Factory hole drilling and inserts shud be bang on so alignment should be perfect. Hey did you get the Voile pucks too? Hope so if not let me know ok. Enjoy! Cheers, Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

southernthrash
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Posted: 19 Jul 2011 10:57      quote | report

*edited 19 Jul 2011 11:57
Yea man got all the hardware, ready to muck around with tonight. Just gonna have to pick up some slightly smaller screws for the LT Braackets, the heads of the screws that shipped with the board (attaching the voile brackets) sit a little proud and I think there would be potential for some slop there.

edit - I have hardware coming out my ears, including screws that fit

 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 19 Jul 2011 11:24      quote | report

Good glad you checked that, if you can't get shorter then grind the ends down 1-2mm whatever they need and not a lot more..... but this is critical they need to be snug, any movement or slop there they will chew out the ali and also may stress crack, got to be snug and they will last. cheers


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

rcn20
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Posted: 19 Jul 2011 11:30      quote | report

That Never Summer looks the business! I'll be keen to know what you think of its hybrid rocker profile. Pretty crazy profile but its similar to the Libtechs. A very sweet set up you now have.

 

southernthrash
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Posted: 19 Jul 2011 12:01      quote | report

Yea, I like the look of it. Rocker between the feet, and camber out towards the ends. Makes sense to me, doesn't take much weighting to suppress the rocker, so it seems to me that you'd effectively be riding the camber on hard snow, with the rocker coming into play as the snow softens. Actually seems like the old dual camber inca boards...

Almost certain the split set up is lighter than my solid rig.

 

downsouth
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Posted: 19 Jul 2011 17:20      quote | report

Awesome job - I'd be keen to hear how that goes - particularly after my ski-touring friend keeps sending me pics of the Tasman glacier and pushing splitboards!

I also like your reasoning.
Awesome splitboard
Versus
Repair couch upholstery

 

voltaren
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Posted: 20 Jul 2011 7:40      quote | report

splitboarding is a great option , anyone want to know more check out www.splitboard.com..great site looking forward to rich setting up something similar so we can post trs and gain some local knowledge...

 

rcn20
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Posted: 20 Jul 2011 10:58      quote | report

Definitely. Splitboarding is the way to go. So many lines that you have looked at but thought weren't possible to do, suddenly become viable with a splitboard. Of course you need to know the snow and weather conditions first...

 

southernthrash
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Posted: 20 Jul 2011 18:20      quote | report

Originally posted by: downsouth
Awesome job - I'd be keen to hear how that goes - particularly after my ski-touring friend keeps sending me pics of the Tasman glacier and pushing splitboards!

I also like your reasoning.
Awesome splitboard
Versus
Repair couch upholstery


I will keep you lot updated on how it goes for sure! I reckon down the track Rich will be the man to talk to for anyone looking at buying...

Upper Tas would be great, a lot of nice lines all around that area. Met some skiers on the Tas last december who climbed the minarets and skied all the way back down to the glacier, rad as!

That couch has done 5 years in dunners, plenty of life in the old girl yet. I call it character.

Voltaren, think I've spotted your posts over there. Will be awesome when splitn2.com is live!

 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 20 Jul 2011 22:35      quote | report

*edited 20 Jul 2011 22:37
Time for a couch burning I recon, can you get a keg lined up Todd? Or is this one only barely seasoned and need a lot more spiiage over it for a few years??? I'll be a starter for any burning anyway! Hey its great to see a good bunch of people getting into splitting this winter and its only going to get bigger. Amazing things happening every weekend , the trips and photos people are doing are really inspiring, so keep the stories coming on snow.co.nz and splitboard.com etc! Splitn2.com website is very very close to being online and I am keen to get your feedback on it straight away once you see it, changes will be made if they are worthwhile - I'll be the final judge of that ok since its my checkbook taking a hiding! Bit the bullet today, big order of Spark R&D bindings/boots/crampons/accessories coming our way , this is the only order I will place before end of season unless there is more demand, so if you are keen to pre-order let me know ok. Be careful out there ok, watch the forecasts and recent weather and look at the local avo advisories, dont take chances, be prepared! Cheers, Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

voltaren
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 7:23      quote | report

*edited 21 Jul 2011 07:23
i like splitboarding because..... titan ns split... [youtube.com]

 

wayco
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 9:52      quote | report

*edited 21 Jul 2011 09:54
Yeah, nice to see a few posts...I have just cut up a Travis Rice 157 and a Burton Baron 168... putting the final touches to both, heading into the Two Thumb next week....Was great fun DIY splitting, Abrasive Waterjet Services Ltd did an amazing job on the cut...I am working the occasional weekend at Tukino so if there are any other splitters in the NI come say hi....

Your text to link here... [facebook.com]

 

downsouth
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:40      quote | report

Seriously?! DIY? cant follow that link but i would be keen to see how it finished up and how you did the bindings.

 

dobson
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:42      quote | report

*edited 21 Jul 2011 11:43
.

 

Mr. Splodge
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:56      quote | report

Originally posted by: downsouth
Seriously?! DIY? cant follow that link but i would be keen to see how it finished up and how you did the bindings.


I've DIY'd 3 splitboards. It's not that big a deal, you save heaps and get a bigger choice of boards.

My first one I used a Palmer Honeycomb, which is only about 50% core, two strips along the edges and one down the middle. The rest is a sort of resin impregnated cardboard lattice, which doesn't hold well together once you start making holes in it. I used that one for a few seasons but it started coming apart so I pulled the kit off it and used it on a full wood core board which is fine. I've also done another one for my gf.

You can re-use the kit as many times as you like, but you need to buy new (or copy the) template stickers and get hold of new fastenings, t-nuts, rivets etc (from EDL or other fastening suppliers). Depending on how much glue you've used and what kind of thread lock, you might be able to resuse those too.

You can't really do that easily with a factory split board so I reckon DIY is the way to go.

 

southernthrash
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 14:21      quote | report

Originally posted by: Mr. Splodge

I've DIY'd 3 splitboards. It's not that big a deal, you save heaps and get a bigger choice of boards.

You can re-use the kit as many times as you like, but you need to buy new (or copy the) template stickers and get hold of new fastenings, t-nuts, rivets etc (from EDL or other fastening suppliers). Depending on how much glue you've used and what kind of thread lock, you might be able to resuse those too.

You can't really do that easily with a factory split board so I reckon DIY is the way to go.


What can't you do easily on a factory split?

I certainly considered DIY, researched the hell out of it all before going with the Never Summer SL Split. A few reasons for this:
- while DIY is certainly a cool way to go, and opens up many options in terms of board choice, the boards that I would like to have split (Rossi experience or something similar) would have cost enough that by the time you add in hardware the price difference isn't huge between DIY and factory (well, not with the deal I was able to get on the board)

- the board choice thing is certainly a valid call in NZ as far as splits go, but there is actually a huge range out there, with all sorts of factory splits in the north america. Some of the companies building factory splits: Never Summer, Unity, Prior, Voile and Venture all make a range of splitboards, there's also Jones, and Burton are still in the game, and K2 are in it now as well, amongst others. So if you are prepared to order from offshore, board choice isn't really the issue...

- one of the points that really sold me on getting a never summer factory split is the way in which they handle crappy conditions (which we get often in NZ). The never summer splits are constructed as two skis, which can be joined to form a snowboard - as opposed to building a solid board and cutting it in half (as done by Jones and a few others, and as is the case for DIY). As a result, the never summer factory splits tour well on harder snow, making sketchy traverses less sketchy, as the core of each ski is reinforced at both edges, rather than only the inside edge when in ski mode (which is the case if you just chop a regular board up the middle). This also helps with torsional stiffness when riding the board. I got the board through an outfit in Aussie, run by guys who do a lot of splitting over there. They reccommended the NS for this reason. Any split will perform pretty well in pow, but it's the performance in more average conditions that can make or break a bc trip.

- the other thing you get on a factory split is the inside (or outside in tour mode) metal edge. While this certainly isn't necessary in soft snow, many people seem grateful to have them when skinning on manky snow

 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 14:48      quote | report

horses for courses I recon lads, if you want a cheap split then a bit can be saved for sure by cutting any board in half but you get what you pay for simple, I have to agree with Todd that factory construction with edges integrated in at build time is a much more trustworthy setup. My own Splitn2 boards will be built as 2 "ski's" also and will have very strong edge bonding. I am going to build boards with a 1/3 length middle edge underfoot and also full tip to tail middle edge. The edges will be beefed up if customers want some extra reinforcement too, such as using some fine kevlar roving to tie the edge right into the core laminates. Keep an eye out you'll see a few Splitn2 boards later this season and more next year I promise. Cheers, Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

Mr. Splodge
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 14:50      quote | report

What you can't do easily with a factory split, is use the same kit for a future DIY board. Whether that's a concern or not is up to the individual, but knowing I can reuse the kit on another board makes me a lot less precious about going over rocks - something you can't really avoid in NZ.

As for the metal edges, sure it's great to have a professional finish, but unless you're touring in hard boots, it makes no difference because the lateral flex in snowboard boots makes it near on impossible to hold an egde in touring mode. So much so you find yourself wanting to take a different route to your ski touring buddies, favouring routes that take you straight uphill, using the superior grip offered by a vastly increased contact surface area over standard touring skis. Of course in soft snow you can skin up a side slope, as you make a platform for yourself, but when it's firm, forget trying to skin up a side slope, metal edges or not, just go directly uphill. Splitboard ski crampons are indespensable too.

 

southernthrash
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 15:06      quote | report

*edited 21 Jul 2011 15:13
oh, yea, for sure. Although if you trashed a factory board you could surely salvage a few of the crucial parts for a diy board...

I dunno, most people seem to think that the edge makes a big difference, and it's more to do with the reinforcing and stiffness of the core along that edge, the metal edge just ties it all together and reduces skatiness... Rich I think the 1/3 length metal edge is a really good idea.

I've seen it suggested that the spark bindings go some way to alleviating the lateral flex issues, given the stiffness of the baseplate, especially when combined with the LT bracket, rcn20 might be able to comment further there...

agree on the crampons.

 

rcn20
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 15:13      quote | report

This such an awesome discussion.
I ride a DIY split that I made 3 years ago. Got into split boarding mainly out of curiosity and the fact the skier I ride with started ski touring. Absolutely love splitboarding now.
If you want to try split boarding but are still unsure about it then go DIY. I bought a board off trademe for $80 and a Volie DIY kit from backcountry.com. Cheaper, heaps of fun to make and fun to ride and tour (although I am jealous of your NS split SouthernThrash. Looks awesome).
In terms of riding, the bindings are critical part. they hold the board together, provide board strength and dictate how it rides. The old slider plates with regular bindings on top are super heavy and only felt nice in powder, not so much on hardpack.
The Spark bindings make the board sooo much better to ride, both on powder and hardpack. Much lighter and stronger feel for both riding and touring.
Having inside edges does increase stiffness but isn't crucial. Inside edges that run the full length of the board sort of make an easy target for jagged rocks to snag on too, especially here in the Cragieburn Range...
More than anything else I think they just give you a psychological advantage. If its that icey then splitboard crampons might be needed (IMO). Maybe a small inner edge for that little bit of psychological confidence? (Maybe contradicting myself)haha
My DIY board is getting a little tired now (edges are about buggered) but still has enough legs to get me to the end of the season. Beauty of the DIY is that you can harvest all the hardware off for the next DIY.
If you have enough money then definitely get a setup from a manufacturer. No hassles, just screw on the pucks and bindings. DIY boards on the other hand are fun to make and a well made one will be just as good as a manufactured board but require a bit of experience and playing around with it. The cost of the board is the part that dictates how expensive your DIY will be.
Also Rich is going to be making splitboards this year that I hear will be at a reasonable price so keep an eye for those too.

 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 15:14      quote | report

If any DIY'ers want some proper factory inserts as opposed to t'nuts , let me know. I can supply these no probs at all so don't worry about having to reuse them just glue them in as good as you can! These inserts are made of high grade stainless so will not corrode, are made in the good old USA , and are used by most USA based board manufacturers as well as a few smaller guys like me! cheers, Rich


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Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 

rcn20
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 15:18      quote | report

Also heres a small vid my mate made. A bit silly but shows the DIY split in action at Mt Cheeseman before they opened.
Mt Cheeseman Split [youtube.com]

 

Mr. Splodge
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 15:24      quote | report

Originally posted by: RichardHarcourt
If any DIY'ers want some proper factory inserts as opposed to t'nuts , let me know. I can supply these no probs at all so don't worry about having to reuse them just glue them in as good as you can! These inserts are made of high grade stainless so will not corrode, are made in the good old USA , and are used by most USA based board manufacturers as well as a few smaller guys like me! cheers, Rich

That's good to know for next time. On another matter, what's the NZ price for the Mr Chomps, and can they be used with a standard voile setup + regular mainstream bindings?

 

southernthrash
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 15:29      quote | report

when we link up for some turns man you can have a hoon on the ns for sure... research

 

southernthrash
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 15:33      quote | report

Originally posted by: Mr. Splodge
Originally posted by: RichardHarcourt
If any DIY'ers want some proper factory inserts as opposed to t'nuts , let me know. I can supply these no probs at all so don't worry about having to reuse them just glue them in as good as you can! These inserts are made of high grade stainless so will not corrode, are made in the good old USA , and are used by most USA based board manufacturers as well as a few smaller guys like me! cheers, Rich

That's good to know for next time. On another matter, what's the NZ price for the Mr Chomps, and can they be used with a standard voile setup + regular mainstream bindings?


out of the box, I'm not sure that they work with the slider plate... thread at splitboard.com [splitboard.com]

 

downsouth
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 15:33      quote | report

I am def going to do some research into this - I have a couple of old boards that could possibly be re-used once i get some the of spec details looked into it.

Agreed - a fine thread indeed!

 

RichardHarcourt - SPLITN2.COM
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Posted: 21 Jul 2011 15:51      quote | report

correct, the Spark Mr Chomps are only for use on the Spark bindings. That said they are solid setup, I retrofitted a couple of pairs of Blazes onto boards to replace Voile gear, and the Crampons were superb. Very solid feeling no slop or play really well attached, the customer was stoked. cheers, Rich


--------------------------------
Splitn2.com - Custom Splitboards, Spark R&D Split Bindings | Aotearoa Back Country Developments Limited | Christchurch New Zealand | Email rich@splitn2.com | twitter.com/richie_splitter
 
 

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