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Hard shell splitboard boots: a brief introduction

Today, ski touring is more popular than ever.
Away from the hustle and bustle, you can head into the snow-covered Alps.
The quality of equipment has improved considerably and the choice is enormous.
Impressive places can be reached with a splitboard.
Thanks to high-quality systems, the fun of splitboarding is comparable to that of a conventional snowboard.

Powder snow and bright blue skies are the dream, but the reality is often different.
Continuous powder snow from the summit to the end of the tour is a rarity.
The snow conditions are constantly changing, and therefore the demands on splitboarders also vary.
From powder to hard snow, wind-pressed snow to ice slabs and frozen avalanche cones – an experienced winter sports enthusiast can adapt to these different conditions.
The lack of performance of splitboard bindings and the corresponding snowboard boots is well known on the ascent.
Particularly in hard snow conditions when traversing, problems with stability can occur during the ascent.

Here we present a solution:

A boot based on a high-quality ski touring boot that has been modified to meet the demands of a snowboarder.
It combines the best of both worlds – the quality of ski touring boots and the spirit of snowboarding.

What are the main advantages of Hardboots?
  • Lightweight and robust
  • The ascent is much more relaxed and energy-saving. More metres in altitude and distance with the same effort
  • Significantly better grip on the ascent
  • Hairpin bends are easier because the pivot point is further forward
  • Downhill performance is top: power transmission is significantly better and more precise.
    Especially backside.
What are the disadvantages
  • Walking with a hard shell is less comfortable than a soft boot
  • Pressure points can be removed by professional boot fitting, but cost extra
  • Price is higher than for a soft boot
  • Cushioning is less good than with soft boots, but we have a solution for that at Radical.
Is the shoe suitable for everyone?
The clear answer is: Yes and no!
Everyone has different needs and requirements in terms of performance and material.
But watch out now: With us, you have the unique opportunity throughout Switzerland to test a hard boot with splitboard and system for yourself!
You no longer have to listen to the opinions of others, you can experience it for yourself.
True to our motto: Radical makes you ride better!
Can you test the shoe?
Yes, with us in Zurich-Wollishofen.
You can also rent the complete system from us: Hardboots, splitboards, bindings, skins, poles, avalanche transceivers.
Further test possibility in Chur: Reina Outdoor GmbH, Reto Freimüller, 079 669 14 40
Is the shoe compatible with all systems?
  • Compatible with all pin systems
  • We see the following brands as ideal: Voile, Spark and Plum.

Various systems can be viewed and tested in our store.

Is the shoe suitable for freeride and/or freestyle?
Absolutely.
It’s like a robust freeride soft boot.
For example, the XV from Deeluxe or DriverX from Burton.
How does the shoe compare to the competition?

This shoe, developed in Switzerland, offers the following advantages compared to other brands:

  • After us, the best performance
  • Highest quality outer shell
  • The Phantom Boot is only available in the USA, as are the spare parts
  • The Key Equipment has no suspension in the highback
  • A fair price-performance ratio and the option to test the shoe
  • The shoe can be adjusted to your foot, both the inner shoe and the outer shell
Can you also ski with the boot?
Yes, it works.
But moderately well.
However, the boot is softer than a conventional touring boot.
An optional buckle can be attached so that you can ski without restrictions.