I spent about half of my backcountry splitboarding days on the Korua Shapes Dart Splitboard. This thing is most fun when the snow is light and deep, however this deck will draw some super fun lines on corn and slush too. Although it looks like the regular dart just cut in half, Korua has given the split version a splitboard specific flex pattern so it will rip on the downhill but also provides grip on the uphill in ski mode even in variable terrain. The shape of the Dart split is perfect for short to medium tours in the slack country and shorter backcountry days. With the Dart's big long nose, swallow tail, a lot of set back and a large helping of taper sets the Dart up for making smooth, flowy, soul turns.
GOING UP
Uphill mode feels good aboard the dart. I did have a couple times I looped out and went straight to my back when I first strapped into this board though. It took me just a bit to get used to where I felt centered while skinning up. I will attribute some of that to being fairly new to splitboarding though. The Dart feels light underneath my feet with Union Explorer bindings. I do think on longer tours it could get tiring though and you may want to look at a lighter set up for those big days in the backcoutry. Edging while side hilling on harder snow felt fine. A few times I do wish I would have had crampons or at least stiffer boots. But I think any board would have needed the same in those type of conditions.
RIDING THE DART
Putting the Dart back into one peice turns this thing into the tool of an artist. I feel like Bob Ross with a paintbrush on this deck, painting effortless lines on a blank canvas of powder snow. The shape and setback allow you to really chill and let the board work it's magic. Absolutely zero back leg burn on this thing at all! Picture Cheech and Chong level chill here without the paranoia. The Dart Floats on top of the snow like it was it's job. You can get the tail to break loose when you want to slash and spray snow too for those magical white room experiences.
The Korua Shapes Dart Split comes in two sizes. 156 and 162. I have been riding the 162. I am 6'3" tall and weigh around 250 lbs., with a US size 12 boot. The specs on this board are set up for massive float and no toe drag.
The camber profile is what Korua calls their float camber which is normal camber from tail up past the front bindings with a long rockered nose which gives powerful turns, pop, and stability with a big dose of float.
Korua splitboards come with Union clips and I would recommend Korua's precut skins as well for super easy skin attachment. Korua splitboards have holes toward the nose where the skin attaches and notches at the tail for a straightforward attachment.
WHO ITS FOR
I would recommend the Dart split for anyone looking for a board to add to their quiver for shorter tours and want some fun, effortless, deep powder soul turn on the way down. Pair it up with a medium stiff binding and boot for the ultimate surfy feel. Grab a Korua Shapes Dart split and paddle out for some white winter waves.
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