Burton Spliff 148 Splitboard: Review & Karakoram Binding Setup

Hey splitboarders! Let's dive deep into the Burton Family Tree Spliff 148 Splitboard paired with the Karakoram Thru Mount system. If you're contemplating taking your snowboarding adventures into the backcountry, this setup might just be your ticket to untracked powder and unforgettable experiences. This article will break down everything you need to know, from the board's design and performance to the intricacies of the Karakoram binding system, ensuring you're well-informed before making a purchase. We'll explore the pros, the cons, and who this setup is best suited for, giving you a clear picture of whether it aligns with your riding style and backcountry aspirations. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's get started!

Overview of the Burton Family Tree Spliff 148 Splitboard

The Burton Family Tree Spliff 148 is designed for riders who want a playful yet reliable board for backcountry exploration. Its size makes it nimble in tight spots and responsive in varying snow conditions. Burton's reputation for quality craftsmanship is evident in this splitboard, making it a popular choice among seasoned backcountry enthusiasts and those looking to venture beyond the resort boundaries. The Spliff 148 is engineered to provide a balanced feel, making it suitable for both climbing and descending. Its lightweight construction helps conserve energy on those long ascents, while its shape and flex pattern ensure a smooth and controlled ride on the way down.

The core of the Spliff 148 is built with lightweight wood, reducing overall weight without sacrificing durability. This is crucial for splitboarding, where every ounce counts when you're hiking uphill. The board also features a directional shape, meaning it's designed to perform best when ridden in one direction. This shape enhances float in powder and provides stability at higher speeds. Burton incorporates its signature features, such as the Squeezebox core profiling, which optimizes energy transfer and makes the board more responsive. This technology allows for a more consistent flex throughout the board, improving edge hold and overall control.

Furthermore, the Spliff 148 includes pre-mounted inserts for easy installation of splitboard bindings. These inserts are strategically placed to ensure optimal binding placement and stance options. The board's base is made from a durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of backcountry riding, protecting it from rocks, trees, and other hazards. Overall, the Burton Family Tree Spliff 148 is a well-rounded splitboard that offers a blend of performance, durability, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for backcountry adventures.

Karakoram Thru Mount System: What Makes It Special?

The Karakoram Thru Mount system is a game-changer in the splitboarding world, offering a more direct and responsive connection between your bindings and your board. Unlike traditional puck systems, the Thru Mount design eliminates the need for a separate interface, bolting the bindings directly to the board. This reduces play and creates a solid, seamless feel, similar to riding a solid board. Karakoram is renowned for its innovative approach to splitboarding technology, and the Thru Mount system is a prime example of their commitment to performance and quality.

The main advantage of the Thru Mount system is its enhanced power transfer. By eliminating the interface, the system minimizes energy loss, allowing for more efficient edge control and quicker response. This is particularly noticeable in challenging terrain, where precise movements and immediate reactions are crucial. The direct connection also improves the overall feel of the board, making it more predictable and stable. Riders often report a significant improvement in their riding experience, citing increased confidence and control.

Installation of the Karakoram Thru Mount system is straightforward, thanks to its intuitive design. The system includes all the necessary hardware and detailed instructions, making it easy to set up at home or in a shop. The bindings are securely bolted to the board using high-strength fasteners, ensuring a reliable and durable connection. Additionally, the Thru Mount system is compatible with a wide range of Karakoram bindings, giving you the flexibility to choose the bindings that best suit your riding style and preferences. The system's low profile also helps to reduce weight, which is always a plus when you're tackling long backcountry tours.

Performance in Various Conditions

The Burton Family Tree Spliff 148, when paired with the Karakoram Thru Mount system, excels in a variety of snow conditions. In deep powder, the board's directional shape and ample surface area provide excellent float, allowing you to effortlessly glide through the snow. The board's flex pattern is tuned to offer a playful feel, making it easy to initiate turns and maneuver through trees. The Karakoram Thru Mount system enhances the board's responsiveness, giving you precise control even in the deepest snow.

In variable snow conditions, such as crusty or wind-blown snow, the Spliff 148 maintains its composure. The board's edge hold is reliable, thanks to its effective edge and the enhanced power transfer of the Karakoram system. This allows you to confidently navigate challenging terrain, maintaining control and stability. The board's construction also helps to absorb vibrations, reducing fatigue and improving overall comfort. The combination of the board's design and the binding system's performance makes it a versatile choice for backcountry riding.

On groomed trails, the Spliff 148 performs surprisingly well for a splitboard. While it's not designed specifically for resort riding, its responsive nature and solid edge hold make it capable of handling groomed runs. The Karakoram Thru Mount system further enhances the board's performance, providing a direct and connected feel. However, it's important to remember that the Spliff 148 is primarily designed for backcountry use, and its performance on groomed trails may not be as refined as a dedicated resort board. Nevertheless, it's a testament to the board's versatility that it can handle a variety of conditions with ease.

Pros and Cons of This Setup

Like any snowboard setup, the Burton Family Tree Spliff 148 with the Karakoram Thru Mount has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these pros and cons can help you determine if this is the right setup for your needs.

Pros:

• Enhanced Responsiveness: The Karakoram Thru Mount system provides a direct connection between the bindings and the board, resulting in improved responsiveness and control.
• Lightweight Design: Both the board and the binding system are designed to be lightweight, reducing fatigue during long backcountry tours.
• Excellent Float in Powder: The directional shape and ample surface area of the Spliff 148 provide excellent float in deep snow.
• Versatile Performance: This setup performs well in a variety of snow conditions, making it a versatile choice for backcountry riding.
• Durable Construction: Both the board and the binding system are built to withstand the wear and tear of backcountry use.

Cons:

• Price: The Karakoram Thru Mount system is more expensive than traditional puck systems.
• Limited Adjustability: Once the bindings are mounted, adjustability may be limited compared to puck systems.
• Complexity: Some riders may find the installation process more complex than traditional systems.
• Not Ideal for Beginners: This setup is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders who are comfortable with backcountry riding.
• Resort Performance: While capable, the Spliff 148 is not specifically designed for resort riding and may not perform as well as a dedicated resort board.

Who Is This Setup For?

The Burton Family Tree Spliff 148 with the Karakoram Thru Mount is ideal for intermediate to advanced riders who are passionate about backcountry snowboarding. If you're someone who spends a significant amount of time exploring untracked terrain and seeking out fresh powder, this setup could be a great fit. It's also well-suited for riders who value performance and responsiveness, and who are willing to invest in high-quality gear.

This setup is particularly appealing to riders who appreciate a direct and connected feel on their board. The Karakoram Thru Mount system eliminates the play and flex associated with traditional puck systems, providing a more solid and predictable ride. This can be especially beneficial in challenging terrain, where precise control and immediate response are crucial. Additionally, the lightweight design of the board and binding system makes it easier to tackle long ascents and conserve energy on extended tours.

However, this setup may not be the best choice for beginners or riders who primarily ride in resorts. The Karakoram Thru Mount system requires some technical knowledge to install and adjust, and the Spliff 148 is designed specifically for backcountry use. If you're new to splitboarding or prefer to stick to groomed trails, you may want to consider a different setup that is more beginner-friendly or better suited for resort riding.

Alternative Splitboard Setups to Consider

If the Burton Family Tree Spliff 148 with the Karakoram Thru Mount doesn't quite align with your needs or preferences, there are several alternative splitboard setups to consider. Here are a few options that offer different features and performance characteristics:

• Jones Solution Splitboard with Union Expedition Bindings: The Jones Solution is a popular splitboard known for its versatility and performance in a variety of conditions. Paired with Union Expedition bindings, this setup offers a balance of comfort, reliability, and ease of use.
• Arbor Coda Splitboard with Spark R&D Surge Bindings: The Arbor Coda is a lightweight and responsive splitboard that excels in powder and variable snow. When combined with Spark R&D Surge bindings, this setup provides excellent power transfer and control.
• Lib Tech Split BRD with Plum Eterlou Bindings: The Lib Tech Split BRD features Magne-Traction edges for enhanced edge hold in icy conditions. Paired with Plum Eterlou bindings, this setup offers a lightweight and high-performance option for backcountry exploration.
• Rossignol XV Sashimi Splitboard with Voilé Speed Rail Bindings: The Rossignol XV Sashimi Splitboard is designed for aggressive riders who demand maximum performance in steep and challenging terrain. When combined with Voilé Speed Rail bindings, this setup provides a reliable and durable option for serious backcountry adventures.

Each of these setups offers a unique combination of features and performance characteristics. Consider your riding style, the type of terrain you typically ride, and your budget when choosing an alternative splitboard setup.

Final Verdict: Is This Setup Worth It?

So, is the Burton Family Tree Spliff 148 with the Karakoram Thru Mount worth the investment? The answer depends on your priorities and riding style. If you're an intermediate to advanced backcountry rider who values performance, responsiveness, and a direct feel on your board, this setup is definitely worth considering. The Karakoram Thru Mount system provides a noticeable improvement in control and power transfer, while the Spliff 148 offers excellent float in powder and versatile performance in various snow conditions.

However, if you're a beginner or primarily ride in resorts, this setup may not be the best choice. The Karakoram Thru Mount system requires some technical knowledge to install and adjust, and the Spliff 148 is designed specifically for backcountry use. Additionally, the price of this setup is higher than many other splitboard options, so it's important to weigh the cost against the benefits.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you're serious about backcountry snowboarding and willing to invest in high-quality gear, the Burton Family Tree Spliff 148 with the Karakoram Thru Mount is a top-notch setup that will enhance your riding experience. Just be sure to do your research, consider your options, and choose the setup that best suits your style and aspirations. Happy splitboarding!