To size up or size down?

Splitboard sizing

When it comes to splitboarding, taper (when the nose is wider than its tail) is the single most important feature of board shape. Taper makes the board float better, and provides stability, agility and dreamier turns while maintaining a compact (and lighter) shape.

Here at Pallas, we have over a decade of in-house R&D and field-testing on tapered shapes.  Over the years, we have seen attitudes about taper that can be misleading, and understanding these can help you focus in on the ideal shape and, importantly, the ideal size. There is an idea that the added float from taper means you should always ‘size down’ from the un-tapered shapes you’re likely used to. This is not always the best advice.

So, size-up or size-down?

As an example, The Zeitgeist 'floats' longer, but 'rides' shorter. That is, the board will float as if it's 4cm - 6cm longer but will turn and maneuver as if it's 3cm - 4cm shorter. For example, let’s say your typical board length is 147cm. The Zeitgeist 151cm would float like it's whopping 157cm long, but maneuver as it were a 147cm. In other words, the 151 would turn like your 147 but float like a 157.

In this example, sizing-up (147 to 151) would mean you have a board that would be optimized for deep pow, with no impact to agility. If you size down, you would have a board that floats like your resort board. The choice you make depends on what you want, but in many case sizing down means undoing the basic advantages of tapered designs simply to ride a smaller, lighter but more squirrelly and unforgiving board.

So, if you want to progress your riding, maximize your riding experience, and have the tool for the job, then size-up. If you simply want the smallest, lightest possible board, and are less concerned with backcountry performance, then size-down.

Not convinced? Check out our mail-order demo program and try a high-taper shape for yourself. If you’re convinced, the demo is free.