Voile SD Mountain Plate Kit

Item # 703134

$55.00

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REI Member Refund (typically 10%)

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Description
Specs
Customer Reviews
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This stainless-steel plate kit allows fast conversion from riding mode to touring mode without having to split your SD board halves.

Binding kit is compatible with most hardshell mountaineering and alpine touring or randonee boots
Features toe-throw lever for easy entry and exit
Weighs 21 oz.

Made in USA.

Item 703134

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Voile SD Mountain Plate Kit Specs

Specification	Description
Rider profile	Backcountry
Ratchets	None

Voile SD Mountain Plate Kit Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Voile SD Mountain Plate Kit

5.0

(based on 1 review)

Reviewed by 1 customer

Displaying review 1

Jan

2009

(9 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Better than soft boots 4 ski mountaineer

By CamelJockey

from Seattle, WA

About Me Advanced

Pros

Adjustable
Comfortable
Easy Entry & Release
Good Interface
Great Construction
Installs Easily
Lightweight

Cons

Best Uses

All Mountain

Comments about Voile SD Mountain Plate Kit:

I got a splitboard about a year ago. Some of you reading this may be trying to decide whether to switch from snowboard boots/bindings to Randonee boots/Voile SD plate bindings. Like most, I first experimented with my soft snowboard boots (old Burtons) and snowboard bindings (Flows).

I skinned up to 9000 ft on Rainier and had two main issues with the snowboard boots/bindings. First, snowboard boots suck to hike in, especially on ice. You can't kick good steps, and you can't get crampons on them. Second, going downhill was not ideal. Since the splitboard is heavier and less stiff than a regular board, adding the soft snowboard boots made for a very loose ride.

I recently switched to AT/Randonee boots (Scarpa Spirits) + the Voile SD plates and they are FAR better. I've only been out twice on them. The first time was pretty seamless skinning but I did have to kick a few steps. The second time was back on Rainer and we had some bad snow on the way down. The advantages are - First, going uphill is more convenient. I can kick steps and get my crampons out if necessary. I had to use my crampons on Rainier on the way down where there was an icy and steep section that would have been tough to ride down. Second, riding down is better because I now have a stiffer boot to compensate for the looser board. The weight is a wash. Randonee boots weigh more than snowboard boots, but these Voile plates are lighter than snowboard bindings.

As far as these bindings go, they rock. They are super simple to use, stay on tight, and easy to release. The only time I could imagine releasing them accidentally would be if you took a vicious spill, in which case the bindings are the least of your concerns. Again, I have only been out twice on them so time will tell if they hold up. Some people have told me they carry a spare in case they break, but so far mine work like a charm.

The whole debate on snowboard boots/bindings versus Randonee boots/Voile SD plate bindings will go on forever and I see good points from both sides. This all said, if you plan on using your splitboard for anything remotely technical or any mountaineering purpose, Randonee is def the way to go. If you plan on always being in powder, then regular snowboard boots/bindings may be fine for you.

Good luck!