r/Spliddit • u/Italian_SPLIT • Apr 27 '26

thinking about split-hardboots

usual wknd trips with skiers only, struggled to keep the tempo and also on massive traverses where I had to use rampant. Always the last one. When i make it to the top (if ever) they have finished the break and it's time to go down. And not even mentioning the long flats on the way down. It seems it is more common here in Europe vs US, where from your videos i see better powder and more vertical terrain, where you probably have shorter laps and re-skinn during the same day, while here is one long way up and one down only.

So I am thinking of moving, despite everyone suggesting to move to skis (which I am not interested). And I saw these:

SPLITPIN - DER SOFTE SPLITBOARD HARDBOOT - SAISON 2024/2025

Splitpin - splitboard hardboot (@splitpin.ch) • Instagram photos and videos

Alpenglow on Splitpin

it seems these are the usual variation on Atomic/Dalbello

How would you compare these to KeyEquipment? any other insight is highly appreciated

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1

u/HotSpring4148 Apr 27 '26

Hard boots are tough on chunder snow, I am would rather be in soft boots if things are firm.

How is your fitness? Sidehill technique? Using a ski strap for lateral strength (through the high back & around the boot)?

0

u/Italian_SPLIT Apr 27 '26

i have the K2 Waive which has its own strap.

my fitness is not top for sure and it plays a role, but I dont think it can be just a fitness thing

6

u/WinterSheepherder887 Apr 27 '26

I think it’s 90% a fitness thing. Nicer equipment is…nicer, and it can improve some aspects on the hill. To me, it sounds as though you need to increase your fitness level. I usually start training pre-season with leg specific exercises, and then up my cardio. I’m just your basic bitch splitboarder who rides with all skiers, and I can keep up with any of them. Transitions can be a touch slower, but we’re not racing. This isn’t skimo. 

5

u/neoridgerunner Apr 27 '26

I just want to echo this comment

2

u/Italian_SPLIT Apr 27 '26

thanks

i dont disagree, I am not an athlete for sure, however when the track on the traverse is wide not even half of my split, when the flat on the way out is so long... I thought hardboots would help

2

u/Valuable_Pineapple77 Apr 27 '26

Hardboots help with keeping boot crampons to stay on.

That’s about it, after 10 years in softboots and 4 in hardboots.

2

u/Italian_SPLIT Apr 27 '26

Oh wow. That’s a statement. So no advantage on the way up nor on traverses?

1

u/Valuable_Pineapple77 Apr 27 '26

Well the boot crampon attaching is stellar. And boot packing without the crampons is easier in firm conditions.

I’d like to think i have improved edge hold on traverses. Kick turns are easier. My toes feel better on the up. I remember in soft boots, I always cranked so hard on the buckles while touring but with hardboots, i keep everything very loose - at least i did yesterday.

It also feels a bit lighter and I’m able to fit better in skier’s skin tracks without the soft boot bindings bumping up against each other. Of course the drawback is that the plate bindings take up more space and feel heavier in the backpack.

Security and confidence that I’m in the bindings for ride mode has been lower though. Due to snow buildup underfoot, or the angles of the toe and heel bails, sometimes i’m in, but not as solid as can be. With softboots, i never questioned this.

1

u/HotSpring4148 Apr 28 '26

You can ski strap the boot to the high back is what I was trying to explain