Update from Spark R&D [breaking news]

For Immediate Release August 28, 2012

Spark R&D has always been about maximum fun and performance in the backcountry – it’s the only reason why we exist. We have been leading the charge on improving split gear ever since founder Will Ritter took his first touring steps on a splitboard and thought to himself – this is awesome, and I can make it even better. Splitboarding became his passion, Spark R&D was born, and the first ever splitboard specific binding was created.

This November will mark the 5th anniversary since our very first splitboard binding was sold. Those of you following us from our humble beginnings on splitboard.com probably remember the Ignition I binding. We remember shipping off our first package – in a re-used Bent Metal box from the straps and highbacks we were using at the time, covered liberally with duct tape to lucky #1 on the waiting list. We’ve come a long way, learned a ton, and have stayed true to our original values: rider owned and operated, dedicated to pushing innovation in the sport of splitboarding. So a huge thank you and fist bump to everyone who has supported us along the way!

For the 2012/13 season, we’re pumped to offer our best products yet. Both our Blaze and Burner splitboard bindings shaved significant weight from redesigns, dropping 8 screws and four parts per pair by changing how our toe straps attach. The Blaze Splitboard Binding drops even more weight with machined cut outs in the baseplate – the lightest binding we’ve ever produced. The Burner Splitboard binding, Backcountry Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award Winner for the second year in a row, keeps its solid baseplate and adds a wider ankle strap and toe cap strap for maximum support at mach speed. Both bindings have straps, plastics, and buckles designed by Spark R&D and manufactured by Burton – the industry’s leader in quality, performance and durability. New for this year we are offering skins with a brand new high traction material by G3 with our splitboard specific tailclips attached. Our Mr. Chomps crampons also got a makeover with weight saving cutouts and serrated teeth for even more chomp. Along with these changes, we keep our line of accessories with seasonal upgrades to: the LT Pin System, tailclip retrofits, the Spark strappy strap, and backcountry kits.

And of course, you’re probably eager to hear about the progress we’ve made with the Edison Interface since we showcased its prototype at SIA and ISPO. The Edison is the summation of our years of experience in the backcountry and the factory. In case you missed it, our new interface design provides the fastest transition between ride mode and touring mode, and solves one of the biggest complaints of splitboarders … adjustability. Stance width and angles are easily adjusted independently and quickly to get your split setup ‘just right’. Light weight is maintained and moving parts are kept to just two. Not to mention, it works with factory splitboards, DIY splitboards (using original factory inserts) and solid boards (!).

The Edison is on its 5th rendition now and we will continue to tweak and finalize the design by SIA and ISPO tradeshows in Jan 2013. We will have a limited number of beta sets available for select pros later this season. Edison protos will not be released to the general public this time around. Looking down the pipeline, the Edison will be available to the splitboarding community as a limited edition for the 13/14 season. Stay tuned!

For more information on our company and products please visit www.sparkrandd.com.

About Spark R&D

Spark R&D revolutionized the sport of splitboarding in 2005 with the introduction of the world’s first splitboard-specific strap binding. Since then they’ve refined their product line every year and helped evolve our sport. Spark R&D has been a supporter and friend of splitboard.com since their inception.

Based out of Bozeman, MT Spark R&D is rider owned and operated, dedicated to pushing innovation in the sport of splitboarding, since 2005. With a view of the Bridger Mountains from our shop, we design and build splitboard bindings and accessories with backcountry performance coming first.

All of the products are manufactured and/or assembled in a small shop in Bozeman, Montana USA. From machining to anodizing, laser engraving to assembly– everything is done by a skilled team of workers who are also passionate splitboarders. In-house design and manufacturing capabilities allow our products to quickly evolve and provides us the flexibility to cater to niche customers within the splitboarding market. Spark R&D continues to step it up; seeking perfection based on customer needs and rider feedback, keeping pace with the rapidly expanding splitboarding community.

Customer service is extremely important to us. We’re always looking for feedback and ideas to make our products better. If you have suggestions, we’d love to hear from you. Thank you for your support!

Becca Ritter, general manager

Will Ritter, founder/engineer/product design

www.sparkrandd.com

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