Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit Review

Let’s Talk About Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit

Splitboarding opens up a world of backcountry access, but it also introduces the potential for equipment failure. The Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit is designed as a preventative measure, offering crucial replacement parts for a key component of your splitboard setup. Black Diamond, a name synonymous with quality climbing and backcountry gear, offers this kit as a means of ensuring your splitboard skins stay securely attached to your board. This translates to more confidence and less worry when you’re miles from the trailhead.

My journey to this product stemmed from a gnawing anxiety about gear failure in the backcountry. On a particularly steep and icy traverse last season, a friend’s splitboard tail strap snapped, leaving him struggling to keep his skin attached. The Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit presented itself as a solution – a readily available backup that could potentially save a trip.

Upon receiving the kit, my initial impression was positive, albeit somewhat understated. The components felt robust and well-made, exhibiting the familiar Black Diamond quality. The kit is compact and lightweight, meaning it can easily be stashed in a repair kit without adding noticeable bulk. The simple design inspired confidence that replacements would be quick and straightforward.

Compared to carrying spare duct tape or jury-rigging solutions with Voile straps (which I’ve certainly done!), this felt like a more professional and reliable solution. While other companies might offer similar replacement straps, I chose the Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit because of the brand’s reputation for producing durable and trustworthy equipment. It’s peace of mind in a small package.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. It’s just a replacement strap kit, after all. However, the potential to prevent a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation in the backcountry made me excited to have it as part of my standard gear. The reassurance that I could handle a broken tail strap effectively quelled any disappointment.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

While the Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit is designed for emergency repairs, I simulated a broken strap scenario in my garage to familiarize myself with the replacement process. This involved intentionally removing an existing tail strap and replacing it with one from the kit. The process, using basic tools, proved intuitive and straightforward.

While the controlled conditions didn’t present any extreme challenges, the exercise highlighted the kit’s user-friendliness. I appreciated how easily the clips and hardware fit together. This instills confidence that even with cold hands or in adverse conditions, the repair could be performed efficiently.

There were no significant issues. The replacement strap and hardware matched the original perfectly, ensuring a secure and snug fit. The experience proved uneventful but reassuring – confirming the Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit was a practical and well-designed solution.

Extended Use & Reliability

Since that initial test, I’ve carried the Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit on numerous backcountry tours throughout the season. Although I haven’t had to use it in a real emergency (thankfully!), it has remained a constant source of reassurance. I regularly check the kit for signs of wear or corrosion, but so far, it remains in pristine condition.

After several months, the components show no signs of degradation, demonstrating the quality of materials used. The straps are still supple, and the clips remain rust-free. The peace of mind knowing I have these parts readily available significantly enhances my enjoyment of splitboarding.

Maintaining the Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit is incredibly easy. I simply wipe down the components with a dry cloth after each tour to remove any moisture or debris. The kit outperforms improvised solutions like duct tape, which invariably fail over time in harsh conditions. It’s a reliable and purpose-built alternative.

Breaking Down the Features of Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit

Specifications

The Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit includes two replacement splitboard tail straps. It also contains clips and Split-skin specific hardware. It is specifically designed for Black Diamond skins.

These specifications are critical because they ensure compatibility and functionality with Black Diamond splitboard skins. Having dedicated hardware simplifies the repair process. It eliminates the need to improvise or search for mismatched parts.

Performance & Functionality

The Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit excels at its intended purpose: providing reliable replacement tail straps for splitboard skins. The straps securely attach to the splitboard tail. They maintain proper skin tension.

The strength of the straps is a definite strength. A potential weakness might be that it is only intended for Black Diamond skins. Overall, the Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit meets expectations by delivering a dependable solution for a common backcountry gear failure.

Design & Ergonomics

The Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit boasts a simple and functional design, prioritizing ease of use and reliability. The materials used feel durable and resistant to wear and tear. The low weight ensures it won’t add unnecessary bulk to your pack.

The kit is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no specialized knowledge or tools for installation. The straightforward design minimizes the learning curve, even for those unfamiliar with splitboard repair. Its small footprint and light weight make it easy to store in a backcountry repair kit.

Durability & Maintenance

The Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit is designed for long-term use, constructed from materials that can withstand the rigors of backcountry travel. Barring catastrophic damage, the kit should last for many seasons.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving occasional cleaning and inspection for wear. The Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit represents a durable and reliable investment in your splitboarding safety and preparedness.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit comes as a complete package with all necessary components for replacing tail straps. There are no additional accessories or customization options available. It is a standalone kit designed for a specific purpose.

The kit is designed to be compatible with Black Diamond splitboard skins. This guarantees a proper fit and function. While there may be aftermarket alternatives, using the Black Diamond kit ensures optimal performance and compatibility within the Black Diamond ecosystem.

Pros and Cons of Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit

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Who Should Buy Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit?

• Perfect for splitboarders who use Black Diamond skins and venture into the backcountry.
• Ideal for anyone who values preparedness and wants to minimize the risk of gear failure derailing their trips.

Who should skip this product? Splitboarders who don’t use Black Diamond skins or those who primarily ride inbounds where immediate repairs are readily available.

A must-have accessory is a small multi-tool with a screwdriver or pliers to aid in the installation process.

Conclusion on Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit

The Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit is a small but significant investment for any splitboarder using Black Diamond skins. It provides a reliable and easy-to-use solution for a common gear failure, offering peace of mind and preventing potential backcountry mishaps. At a price of $13.47, the value proposition is exceptional. The cost of this kit is minimal compared to the potential cost of a compromised or cancelled trip.

I would personally recommend the Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit to any serious backcountry splitboarder using Black Diamond skins. It’s a small price to pay for the assurance that you can handle a broken tail strap and keep your adventure on track. Don’t let a broken strap ruin your tour. Pick up a Black Diamond Splitboard Tail Kit and ride with confidence.