Spark R&D Arc Splitboard Binding
What we liked …
The simplicity of design and ease of use.
What we didn’t …
Lack of padding on straps and backplate.
The Verdict
OUR RATING
4.5 out of 5
THE SHORT READ…
The Spark R&D Arc binding has been the go-to binding for a majority of splitboarders I know, and with the latest incarnation of the Arc, I see no reason why that's set to change.
THE LONG READ …
For many seasons I've used Spark R&D bindings, in fact apart from an initial soirée with the ridiculous Atomic Poacher bindings I've always used a set of Spark’s for my tours.So my last set of Spark R&D Magneto’s are well used and had started to show signs of failing, although having said that the only things that have broken are a plastic Snap Block, that fits under the toe to lock the hinged locking bracket in place (replacement was £2.50), and more alarmingly the old two spot weld Saber Tooth crampons - which are sold separately but essential for any icy climbs or traverses. The two spot weld Saber Tooths no longer exist and the replacement Ibex crampons are bulletproof. There's even an Ibex pro now, which is lighter in weight, with one crampon slightly smaller than the other, enabling them to pack together and fit snug in your pack. I've always stuffed a spare pair of Gortex mitts inside the gap, between my standard Ibex, so the fact they don't fit together well in my pack has never bothered me.
The new Spark R&D Arc has one major change, which is the weight, with the new Arc medium being only 626g each binding, 109g lighter than my old Magneto’s (218g in total).
The weight has been lost by removing the padding on the straps, slightly larger cut-outs on the baseplate and changing the old two riser bars for a single adjustable one.
The new Arc Pillow Line straps are 46% lighter than their fabric predecessors, they're constructed of a flexible plastic, which holds firm on your boot, and while not giving any pressure points they're not as comfortable as the old heavier padded ones.
One thing that does annoy me a little is the ankle strap length. I'm a size 8UK boot, so I use a medium set of Arcs bindings, yet I have to extend the ankle strap attached to the last screw hole. I have to do this to enable my boot to fit into the binding easily, especially when I've got snow packed up on the sole of my boot. Using the last screw hole offsets the strap, so it's not central to my boot.
The Rip n Flip high backs are actually far more ridged than my old Magnetos, even if Spark R&D say they offer a real surfy ride. The rip n flip is a tool-free forward lean adjuster which you simply spin to adjust between 0° to 22° in ride mode. The forward lean adjuster toggle flips up allowing a big lean position of -13°, so you can take longer strides while skinning. I do like this, especially on a long flat skin, as it does allow for you to get into a nice long stride rhythm.
The single climbing wire, aka Whammy Bar, is built into the baseplate, with a small side-arm lever making it easier to adjust your heel hight between 0, 12 and 18 degrees. While not that new, this is a vast improvement compared to the two climbing wires -without the side-arm- on my old set, which I had to drop to my knees to reach which was a real pain in the arse.
Overall I like the new improvements and totally appreciate the weight loss. Let's face it; when the boards on your feet all day every little bit helps, but the real joy of the weight loss - for me - is when you have to put the board on your back, as when lugging a heavily stuffed avalanche bag with a board attached up to a windblown summit every milligram counts.
The old magneto binding for visual comparison.