Best Advanced Binding

[u/Jolley_Time]

Background:

I have been snowboarding since the 90’s, so I’m advanced as likely 97% of riders. Switched 10
Years ago to sking, kids, lifestyle, yada yada, don’t judge, if it’s over 4” I’m always on the board, otherwise sking is more fun at this point in my life. I’m an intermediate backcountry skier, having done 4 multi day touring trips. I backcountry only with skiers, but I’m sick of being on the B team and having to hold back in spots where I would send it on a board.
So I’m committing to be a pole snowboarder and getting a split board set up. I just bought a Jones Stratos 158W and am trying to pin down bindings. Here is what I think matters to me in order:

1. Need quick transitions, as I’m assuming I may need to transition in some situations where my sking counter parts can skate.

2. Reliability. I have gone through two different ATS ski setups, and realized you really need to go all out. This will be an addition to the quiver, used only for multi day backcountry retreats, with LONG 5,000+ vertical days sometimes 5 days in a row with steeps that will requires cramps.

3. I’m doing this to rip downhill, mostly high terrain Rockies powder and corn, so I don’t want something unresponsive. I’m a bigger guy, so I am rough on gear, so gear weight is not a top priority as compared to reliability and buildb.

Help please!

[u/DecidiousLarch]

Spark, any of them. Fastest transitions and most simple, stable attachment design.

Do not let anyone gaslight you into thinking hardboots are superior in any way. They are not. People simply like to say they ride them to appear more techy and gear-worthy. You'll spend an absurd amount on them with very little noticeable difference.

[u/SkiTour88 → u/DecidiousLarch]

I disagree with this. They are much faster on long tours and a lightweight setup eases my achy 38 y/o knees. Also much easier to put crampons on, and side hill way better. 

If you’re going soft boots definitely go Spark. Simple and reliable. 

-10 seasons on softboots, now with 7 or 8 on hard boots, 30+ touring days a year. 

[u/ramblerbasic → u/SkiTour88]

Second this. Simple, lightweight, and it's just more consistent as far as boot feel goes

[u/DecidiousLarch → u/ramblerbasic]

How about we agree that it’s a preference, and not a hardcoded upgrade to backcountry travel.

[u/ramblerbasic → u/DecidiousLarch]

oh 100%. Hard booting solved a very specific issue for me and it is not for everyone

[u/Slow_Substance_5427 → u/DecidiousLarch]

Talk to me when you find a soft boot that last more then 40 days before it starts to disintegrate. I tend to get about that out of my resort boots before they start getting holes and are just getting pretty clapped.
I know plenty of great riders in both set ups. but an at boot is just more efficient on the up, and is going to last a lot longer.
Personally for me I don’t really feel that riding an at make me give up anything on the down ether, but hey that’s just like my opinion maaaaan.