The Spark R&D Surge ST is the stiffer of Spark's two softboot splitboard bindings, built on the Tesla T1 system with a solid baseplate and Smooth Touring (ST) parts. This listing is the 2024/25 version in size Small.

What it's for

The Surge ST is a softboot splitboard binding for riders who want a stiff, powerful connection for long days and steep terrain. It rides on pucks in ride mode and pivots on touring brackets in tour mode. Pucks are not included, so you need a set already on your board or a new set.

How it works

Ride mode: Pucks bolt to the inserts on each board half. With the halves joined, the binding slides over both pucks and the snap ramp at the toe locks it in place. Spark states its bindings work with Spark Flat Pucks, Spark Canted Pucks, Voile Pucks (regular or canted) and Burton Channel Pucks.

Tour mode: The binding slides sideways into the offset touring bracket near the toe and the same snap ramp locks it. There are no pins or cables to handle.

ST Whammy Bar: The single climbing wire has a side arm lever with a plastic overmold. Flip it with your pole between stowed, low (12 degrees) and high (18 degrees). The wire lands on the T1 Heel Rest on the board.

Forward lean adjuster: The highback has a tool free forward lean adjuster. Spark states it adjusts from 0 to 22 degrees and toggles to a negative 13 degree position for touring so the highback does not push your calf on the skin track.

Crampon interface: ST Touring Brackets have mounting claws for the Spark Ibex crampon. Spark lists the Ibex ST for Arc, Surge, Magneto, AfterBurner, Burton Hitchhiker, Nitro Vertical and all ST bindings.

Features

• Baseplate: Solid Surge baseplate, Tesla T1 system with snap ramp
• Highbacks: Surge Asym Rip 'N' Flip, high glass fiber fill for stiffness, separate left and right shapes, flatter upper section for side to side movement
• Straps: Pillow Line ankle and toe straps, one piece molded and waterproof; the toe strap can be worn as a toe cap or over the top of the boot
• Buckles: Burton buckles with Spark thermoplastic ladders and adjusters
• Touring brackets: ST Touring Brackets, thermoplastic bushings overmolded on an aluminum base; Spark states the bushings last 4 times longer than its earlier brass bushings

Compatibility

• Boards: Spark states its bindings are designed to work with all puck compatible splitboards
• Pucks: Spark Flat Pucks, Spark Canted Pucks, Voile Pucks, Burton Channel Pucks
• Climbing wire: ST bindings take ST Whammy Bars only, not the earlier Whammy Bar
• Touring brackets: Works with ST Brackets and with older Tesla brackets that have brass bushings
• Crampons: Ibex ST and Ibex ST Pro
• Does not fit: Karakoram interfaces. Karakoram states its system uses a different interface.

Sizing and fit

• This listing: Size Small
• Size chart: Spark publishes its binding size chart as an image on the product page. Check the chart on sparkrandd.com against your boot size before you buy.

Setup and installation

• Touring brackets: Attach the ST Touring Brackets with the yellow patched screws
• Heel rests: Point the arrow on the heel rest toward the nose of the board and attach with the blue patched screws
• New pucks: Spark notes new pucks can feel tight and break in after a couple of changeovers
• Checks: Spark recommends checking that your screws are tight from time to time

Care and service

• Sticky climbing wire: Spark says a wire that sticks can be lubricated with silicone or lithium grease
• Shop service: OMG can mount pucks, brackets and heel rests on your splitboard

Specs

• Weight (size Medium): 689 g per binding, 1378 g per pair
• Sizes made: XS, Small, Medium, Large

In the box

• Bindings: 1 pair
• ST Brackets
• T1 Heel Rests
• Mounting screws
• Spark Pocket Tool

You will also need

• Pucks: A set of Spark Flat Pucks or Spark Canted Pucks, sold separately