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Sorry if this question has been asked / answered.. I could not find it

I am looking to see if I can get the pro / cons, opinions of other riders that use their splitboard with s/b specific bindings or use conventional bindings (non s/b specific)

what is the overall differences in the set-up and is it worth it to get a s/b specific binding..thanks for your help

Any split specific binding will be more responsive no matter the maker over any binding on slider plates. Other features like stiffness and straps are relative to each maker so you are going to have to do more research on those aspects.

Going to a split-specific binding results in lower weight, and a lower ride height (soles closer to the deck). The slider plate that a non-split-specific binding would sit on, and the bolts used to bolt the binding to the plate, basically add weight and height. There are some very nice non-split bindings out there that would arguably outperform most split-specific bindings on the market, but once you slap them on slider plates you are losing some of the benefits.

Also since the only common slider plate on the market is the Voile, and because this particular setup does not offer the the smoothest and highest performance touring experience (not bad, but not as slop free and smooth as the Spark LT system imho), going to a dedicated split binding will get you a more refined experience.

To a novice this stuff seems very academic and they probably would not care or even notice the difference. Once you develop a delicate palate, it is easy to convince yourself that this stuff is important.

Getting the best split bindings you can will upgrade your splitting experience more than probably anything else. Conventional bindings plus plates is HEAVY. Not only are you getting a lighter ride with sb bindings, if you go with Sparks or Karakorums you are getting super high performance bindings that are exactly designed for backcountry big line riding as well.

That being said, probably most of us started with plates and conventional bindings as bindings are spendy. Doing a few tours with conventional bindings will build 'character.'

...and make you think $350 bindings don't sound expensive at all. Good luck!