Split splitboard crampons

I was looking at getting a set of Saber tooth crampons to go with my sparks afterburner bindings. Thought they may be helpful especially for volcanoes and the likes. So looking to find out if people use em or not i guess are they worth getting?
Thanks
Jason
 

PowderPanda

Staff member
JasonB… Well, I have the BD Contact Strap crampons that this will be my 3rd year using. They work decent, ya just have to be sure that the straps are good and tight or they will work themselves off (found this the hard way at Glacier 2yrs ago while on a 47 degree approach). I am assuming you don't mean attaching them to the Afterburner bindings, right? (Which by the way, Sparks are awesome. Be aware, I have heard about the new Tesla system having issues with the machine pressed pin coming out, which would not be good on a tour. But I think this has been worked out).
I just used the BD Contact straps with my TLT6's (using hard boots for Spring riding) this week and they were actually pretty quick to get on and off. One thing to note, make sure you wrap the left over strap so that ya don't step on it like a loose shoelace.. it sucks as well!
The BD Saber Tooth looks to have the clamp on the back for a mountaineering boot. Not sure what boots you are using.. Take your boots with you to a shop (REI, Mtn Gear, etc) and check some on it. I have found that the shop people at these places are actually clueless when it comes to snowboard boot application… Let m know if ya need any help!
 
I should have been more specific Mikes right I'm interested in spark r&d Saber tooth crampon use while board is in ski /skin mode. I was thinking they might be helpful while skinning volcanoes and the likes this summer. Sorry for confusion (I actually own bd sabertooths and quite a few other pair of step in crampons I use for alpine/ice I'm going to get bd neve is an aluminum version of contact to use with malamutes thanks to previous info.)
Thanks
Jason
 

PowderPanda

Staff member
Aaaah….
OK, I do have a pair of the Spark Chomps.. I just haven't had to use them.. Had no idea they had a different set.
I have been educated!! LoL
 
I'm gonna order a pair I have afterburner bindings had not heard about pin failures. Hopefully my pins will stay in. Thanks again for the advise. Been a boarder for some time but this is first season having a splitboard!
Cheers
Jason
 

PowderPanda

Staff member
Jason,
You will find that splitboarding almost encompasses your season. I have WAY more days in the backcountry this year than I did resort riding.. and I'm still getting turns in. Hope to get you out with us next season to show ya some great zones!
As for at the pin goes, I'm pretty sure that they have solved it. Maybe it was the first gen that did it. Scott Newsome (Eagle Pass Heli in Revy) has been riding them since they came out. We talked about them this year and he's never had an issue with them and ya have to figure, the man has 100+ days of heli time (Oh yes.. he rides his split even when he's guiding).
Which brings me to another point, once you have your set up dialed.. You will find yourself riding them in-bounds and out. I RARELY ride a solid anymore. Besides, ya never know when ya might duck ropes!! LoL

BTW.. I have had my Spark for 6yrs now.. and I still ride them. Super solid company. Anytime there is an issue, email Will and eh will get ya taken care of. Unlike a certain other NW splitboard binding company out there that I have a set of.
 
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