Salomon Taka Split Snowboard Review
Designed as part of Salomns hillside project the Taka split is an evolution of Takaharu Nakai’s solid board. The Japanese snowboarder has built his board around a powder shape that excels in the deep stuff. Now in split version the Taka Split is a take it anywhere on the mountain powder killer.
Disclaimer - I am not paid to write reviews about the gear I use and this board was purchased using my own money. I do not claim to be an expert just an average rider who is passionate about snowboarding and gear. If you find this review useful feel free to help me out and buy me a coffee using the button below.
SALOMON TAKA SPLIT OVERVIEW
SHAPE
The Salomon Taka Split has a directional freeride shape with a taper from nose to tail. The wider nose prevents the board from burrowing under the snow and sending you into a tomahawk. This is combined with the tapered tail which drops the tail of the board effortlessly preventing that powder leg burn. There is 12mm of taper from nose to tail.
CAMBER
The camber profile of the Salomon Taka Split is a hybrid camber with a combination of camber and rocker. The camber is under the insert packs ensuring control and stability of the Taka Split at higher speeds. Just after the front insert pack a long rocker starts which is perfect for ensuring extra float in pow. This rocker also helps turn initiation on-piste ensuring a less catchy ride.
FLEX
The Salomon Taka Split has a medium flex which is ideal for its powder performance. The nose feels soft and has some give in it which again helps it stay above the snow when needed. Despite not being overly stiff I found the Taka Split to hold an edge really well on harder snow.
CONSTRUCTION
The Taka split utilises Salomons Ghost Green Core. This core is constructed from their premium sustainable materials reducing board weight whilst being good for the environment. Salomon add what they call BA MD throughout the board which is a layer of fibreglass. The fibreglass weave keeps weight low whilst providing some predictability to the board’s performance.
SIZE GUIDE
The Salomon Taka Split is available in three sizes, 155, 158 and 161.
BASE
The Taka Split is fast thanks to its Sintered EG base. The sintered base on this board is one that I have had on a number of previous Salomon snowboards. The base does require regular waxing but if looked after performs brilliantly.
HOW DOES IT RIDE?
STABILITY
On piste and at speed the board feels solid despite being split down the middle. It holds an edge really well and wants to fly. This stability transferred into softer snow cutting through pow with ease and never feeling in danger of sinking.
FLEX
The Take Split has a medium flex under the feet but gets softer towards the nose and tail. The softness in the nose is perfect for keeping above deeper snow.
TURN INITIATION
The early rise rocker in the nose gives the Salomon Taka Split a loose feel rolling into and out of turns. I was taken back by how fun this board was to get on edge and turn with the expectation that performance in this area would suffer for powder performance.
ASCENT
The light construction of the Taka Split means it doesn’t feel heavy underfoot. The powder nose can be wider than the average skin track so you can find yourself cutting your own trail. Coupled with my Union Expedition bindings I was happy with the uphill performance.
POWDER
This board has a powder shape and a powder purpose. Without surprise, its designers Takahura Nakai and Wolle Nyvelt have hit the nail on the head with this one. Check out the videos below to see its powder performance.
PARK
This is not a freestyle board.
THE VERDICT
I really enjoyed riding this board although I did have a warranty issue with it. This has now been resolved by Salomon which is all you can ask for really. For accessing those areas close to the lifts this board was perfect and made my life a lot easier than boot packing it. I was really impressed with how this board floats in pow but more so how it rode around the rest of the resort. Its versatility meant I was happily riding it on a resort day just on the off-chance I would decide to get into hike mode.