23. October 2018

Splitboard Test - the Splitboarding Selection 2018-19 is here. The 5 best splitboards of the season at a glance. Now with the objective weight-price index!

This year we have again tested diligently. Some boards have not changed except for the design. Others have been slightly modified and some new boards have been added. As always we tested the whole season. Every board has been tested on tour and on groomers. The weight of the riders varies between 73 and 80 kg.

The bindings used in the test were Spark and Plum, the boots from Deeluxe.

New evaluation criterion - the splitboarding.eu Weight-Price-Score (WPS)

In addition to our already known valuation parameters, this year we have developed the Weight-Price Score (WPS). Two important parameters when buying a splitboard are weight and price. Both together are reflected in our index. The score runs from 1.0 - weak ratio between weight and price up to 10.0 board is absolutely cheap in relation to its weight. So you can easily determine how much "bang" - low weight of the split - you get for your bucks.

IMPORTANT: Even if a board doesn't do so well with the WPS, it can still be the best board for you if you have personal preferences of riding characteristics, brand, design or similar! Our WPS represents only a fraction of the characteristics of a splitboard. For example, the Furberg Freeride Split, which won the Splitboarding Selection for the second time this year, only has a WP score of 4.2. Nevertheless, we consider the board an absolutely recommendable board due to its handling characteristics, the robust base and the high-quality workmanship.

How is the WPS calculated?

The price is always based on the manufacturer's recommended retail price. We only make exceptions for splitboards, which are only available as a set. For example, the Konvoi Nevado board includes Kohla skins cut to size. In our calculations we have deducted the price of the additional article to ensure comparability.

Other parameters used in our calculations are the length of a board and its surface. This makes it possible to compare boards of different lengths. In order not to discriminate against wide Pow-Boards in our score, the entire surface of the split is decisive. This allows a comparability of the boards of different widths. So we can map a K2 Split Bean - the widest board in our test with a Pogo Venado, which is rather long and narrow, over our Weight-Price-Score.

Other important criteria

After many years of Splitboarding, nevertheless there are now many splitboards with very specific characteristics, in our opinion nothing has changed. A splitboard in alpine use must be able to do everything. In the ascent the edge must hold on icy passages, it must not sink even in the deepest snow, the centre of gravity must be balanced in such a way that kickturns can be made easy even in steep terrain, it must pull cleanly forward and it must not be too heavy - also as little snow as possible should stick to the topsheet. It is similar in the downhill. The boards must be bomb-proof on the edge, carve super controlled, float well, feel agile and lively and be fun in all conditions. Both in deep powder, on wind-pressed and ripped downhill runs, on icy passages and in slush. Only boards that can do all this have the chance to enter the Splitboarding Selection.

But now enough of the many words - here are the 5 best boards of the season 2018-19 - WELL ohh - at the moment there are only 4 - a few boards have to be put to the test again, so the test report of board number 5 will be delivered later.



Amplid Milligram 18-19 Riding Style Freestyle, 70% Allmountain, 90% Powder, 80% Speed, 80% Meanwhile two years in the test and still top! The "one for all" splitboard, the closest to the ride of a normal snowboard! - WP-Score: 7.40 Test results Riding, 90% Uphill, 90% Features, 85% The Amplid Milligram has been optimized slightly and got further optimized for Pow-Riding and the Ascent. It got a bit stiffer but is still soft for beeing a Carbon Splitboard, the Milligram is quite soft, but the excellent tuning makes it your best buddy for all kinds of backcountry adventures. Most of all the Milligram likes it at high altitude, long distances and challenging terrain, because here its lightness plays the most important role. It is one of the most versatile splitboards in the market. + see the full review Furberg Freeride Split 18-19 Riding Style Freestyle, 70% Allmountain, 90% Powder, 90% Speed, 85% The Freeride Split makes it into the Top 5 of the Splitboarding Selection for the second time. Versatile freeride weapon of choice. Whether big mountain, powder or a little BC freestyle session, with the Furberg you are prepared for all situation - WP-Score: 4.20 Test results Riding, 80% Uphill, 75% Features, 75% The Furberg Freeride Split has made a huge leap forward in development. Compared to its predecessor models, it has become much lighter and more agile. The latter is due to the reduced sidecut radius and softer flex. + see the full review Konvoi Nevado Splitboard Riding Style Freestyle, 50% Allmountain, 80% Powder, 90% Speed, 80% Start skinning and let yourself be surprised. Ride and grin up to both ears. The perfect splitboard for cruising and full throttle shredding. Lightweight and super durable - thanks to optimally integrated reinforcements! - WP-Score: 7.60 Test results Riding, 90% Uphill, 90% Features, 100% Konvoi is new on the market. Ben, the former shaper of Pogo, has already proven his skills in splitboard development and construction with the Venado and won the Splitboarding Selection last year. This year he has added some more innovations for the konvoi Nevado. Channels under the board, which contribute noticeably to improved edge grip and very good forward pull during the ascent, ultra-stable sidewalls and reinforcements at the nose and tail, which also easily withstand hard stone contact, are the highlights of the Nevado splitboard from konvoi. But that's not all. + see the full review Sandy Shapes Virtuosa Split 18-19 Riding Style Freestyle, 70% Allmountain, 70% Powder, 90% Speed, 70% The Virtuosa convinced us because of its impressive powder characteristics, its low weight despite reasonable reinforcements, and its unique oiled finish. - WP-Score: 4.20 Test results Riding, 80% Uphill, 75% Features, 90% Sandy Shapes Virtuosa Splitboard has an incredible float for a board with 159 cm. While standing quite centered the nose keeps up. If you shift your weight a bit further back and you brake and feel like surfing bigger waves, even if the Virtuosa Split has no swallowtail. On the slopes it manages nice carved curves and enough pop to inspire even heavier riders. It is very manoeuvrable in rough, hard terrain and can withstand even heavy loads. + see the full review

Congratulations to the boardmakers and brands - and lots of fun for the readers to test the boards themselves, e.g. at the SPLIT & RELAX #6 from 8.-10.2.2019!!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to post under the article.