Prior BC Split 165 Review & Test

Model: BC Split
Length: 165cm
Weight: 3520g
Radius: 9.5m
Nose / Waist / Tail width: 302 / 260 / 298mm
Setback: 30mm
Base: 4001 Sintered
Core: Aspen/Poplar (wood)
Edges: Rockwell 48 Steel
Interface: Chinese Hooks / Voile Pucks

Most board reviews test their gear on easy conditions or an intermediate tour to make assessing the equipment as pleasant as possible. When I decided to write this review I opted for a quite different approach. I decided to expose my Prior BC Split to one of the most radical terrain you can find on Stubaier Glacier, namely the steep couloirs & gullies of the Vorderer Daunkopf (2882m). This beautiful north-eastern face offers narrow 45-50 degree steep rides of up to 500m of elevation drop. Different routes can be chosen, from open powder fields scattered with cliffs to close-out couloirs sometimes filled only with crust and slush.

Since Prior calls its BC Split THE board to withstand a wide range of different snowpacks including powder, crud, hardpack or crust, the decision to take the BC on this adventure was easy. The BC Split is something like the all-time classic of Prior Splitboards, originally designed by Chris Prior 25 years ago. It is cut in a directional all-mountain shape to provide full control when going warp speed in steep terrain. It comes with Prior’s hybrid rocker in the nose and tail for extra floatability in nipple-deep conditions, combined with a more traditional camber construction (quadraxial fiberglass) to add resilience against all impacts. However, it even manages to be playful when spinning over pillows and riding switch in powder through the use of minimal taper.

This I witnessed when taking my Prior BC on a 40cm-of-fresh-day, a joyful experience with spray shots, quick turns in deep powder and occasional cliff jumps. The BC also handles these situations with ease, providing enough float to do the trick. Nevertheless, riding fall line speed with big turns spraying some powder in your face is the home turf of the BC. Please convince yourself by studying the lines drawn into the Daunkopf face to realize how well the BC managed this radical ride.

Earning your turns on the way up also comes easy with the BC Split. Skin attachment is convenient thanks to the quick-hooks for tip and tail. The profile of the board allows for a lot of skin contact onto the snow, providing a great grip. This is reinforced by the long effective edge length of the BC, making it even easier to climb on a slippery slope or surface. This results in good pressure and good grip on your way up, making you feel stable and in full control while skinning.

Conclusion: The BC Split is a real all-mountain, all-terrain riding machine built for plenty different situations. Whether riding steep faces, being high-alpine on a multi-day tour or just hitting the slopes, this allrounder will provide full support in every mission.

Have fun, please comment and share your own experience!

Team SPLIT