MTN Approach vs Splitboard
I’m not planning on getting this just yet but you never know.. I was planning on picking up a split board setup next season but one thing that made me consider the mtn approach is the ablity to use any of my boards depending on the type of riding i plan on doing and conditions with the split board those options are limited unless you plan on buying multiple split board and considering the prices of those compared to reg boards that ain’t gonna happen, it’s like 2 for the price of one or pay 745$ and keep your options open I don’t know just considering all options here..
Any thoughts on this pros and cons kinda thing
Thanx all
I would go for a split board for sure. You’d be carrying an extra 4kg with the Mtn Approach, and while it folds it’s still pretty big and bulky (and over half a metre long!). When you’re hiking, that is a huge extra load to carry. That’s my opinion anyway.
Thanx Rider, I see your point, but check this out…. http://www.mtnapproach.com/performance-advantage/ not trying to selling this whole setup but split board do weigh more then reg boards and all the mounting and special bindings weigh more then reg bindings keeping that in mind the statement below makes me think 
“Keep in mind that for every 1 lb on your foot, it’s like carrying an extra 6.4 lb of weight on your back.”
“Keep in mind that for every 1 lb on your foot, it’s like carrying an extra 6.4 lb of weight on your back.”
But with the Mountain Approach you will have to carry your board on your back anyways!!!!! That’ll be a lot more than 6.4lbs?????
And then you’ll have to ride with an extra 9lbs on your back on the descent as well!!!!!
I can see the only advantage being, that you can ride whatever board/binding/boot that you want!!!!! But I’m guessing that you can do that if you snowshoe it anyhoo?????
Maybe Gamblor could shed some light on the weight difference between a standard board V’s factory split board such as his K2 Panoramic?????
Well i guess the point they trying to make is for ascends you have less weight to deal with on your feet compared to a split board setup and less hassle skins and small parts and all, considering you loose weight in the feet with the these skis supposably weighing less then a entire split board setup then the 2-3lbs less on your feet make ascends easier but yes having a extra 9lbs on your back to the descent sucks no doubt about it… But being able to use your favorite pow board with the bindings your use too is sweet but I don’t know now all this said we haven’t mentioned price but I’m trying to keep that out of the convo because I’m looking for the best setup not the cheapest.
I can see the only advantage being, that you can ride whatever board/binding/boot that you want!!!!! But I’m guessing that you can do that if you snowshoe it anyhoo?????
Pretty much my thoughts. If you’re climbing for powder, get snowshoes, they will be lighter for the ride down. Otherwise harden up and slug the hike - tiny skis isn’t going to be any better than hiking in your boots considering you’re still carrying the board and you have to carry them down anyway, which will essentially start to limit your movement and freedom to do anything else.
If price isn’t a problem, then either go buy a high quality Jeremy Jones split or make your own.
Where are you planning on using these anyway?
Don’t know yet I’m just doing research now won’t be buying until next season but I would like to hit some deep pow in Baker, Whistler, Montana possibly I don’t currently own anything snowshoes or split so I’m limited when it comes to exploring the backcountry, ill be in whistler in Feb but ill more then likely do snowcats or possibly heli but we see, this stuff just caught my eye because I would like to use my reg boards when I’m out there.
Thanx Rider, I see your point, but check this out…. http://www.mtnapproach.com/performance-advantage/ not trying to selling this whole setup but split board do weigh more then reg boards and all the mounting and special bindings weigh more then reg bindings keeping that in mind the statement below makes me think
“Keep in mind that for every 1 lb on your foot, it’s like carrying an extra 6.4 lb of weight on your back.”
It still doesn’t make sense to me. Not only is it the extra weight but the thing measures over half a metre long - when folded! That’s a huge extra load while riding. Hiking in the backcountry is all about minimising what you carry.
Not only the extra weight, but also the room it will take up in your bag!!!!!
I’m sure there’s more important gear that can stay/substitute in the bag?????
I can see the only advantage being, that you can ride whatever board/binding/boot that you want!!!!! But I’m guessing that you can do that if you snowshoe it anyhoo?????
This is a big advantage however, because splitboards sux ass to ride. My vote is for snow shoes.
. . . I would like to hit some deep pow in Baker, Whistler, Montana . . .
Make sure you do a mountain safety / avalanche course first - or at least ONLY go out with people more experienced than you - and, of course, always carry safety gear.
My vote’s for splitting - ‘cause that’s what all the cool kids do - an I just wanna fit in. 
Oh, wait - I’m all about the lazy slackcountry, which is probably why I own and use lightweight snowshoes and collapsible poles. I’ll never fit in. 
Well lots of great info here and thanx Chucky ill definitely be doing a safety course but its funny I came in here with 2 to pick from (split or mtn approach) now I got snow shoes to deal with 
great!
Also the comment about split boards suck didn’t help the decision process
Mate, in all seriousness, I’d start with snowshoes - it’s a great way to ease into it. You’ve got an extensive choice where you are, so you’re bound to find some to suit your needs and budget.
One thing to be aware of, though, is that in really deep soft pow traverses, a split will work sooooooooo much better than snowshoes.