Installation Guides

  • For use with standard splitboard puck systems, including Spark R&D-style pucks.

    Critical Setup Note

    Before installing anything, make sure the splitboard is fully pushed together, seated, and aligned.

    Confirm there is no:

    • Snow or ice between the split skis

    • Debris preventing full closure

    • Hardware interference

    • Board misalignment

    The pads are aligned relative to the fully assembled board. If the splitboard is not fully seated, the pads and pucks may be installed out of position.

    Parts Included

    • Front surf pad

    • Rear surf pad

    • Pre-installed tethered locking pin

    • Installation jig

    Tools Required

    • Standard splitboard puck mounting hardware

    • Correct screwdriver or hex key for your puck hardware

    • Hand tools only

    Do not use power tools.

    Before You Start

    The included installation jig helps align your pucks so the surf pads sit correctly on the board.

    The jig represents where the edge of the surf pad will line up. When positioned correctly, it should be:

    • Parallel to the toeside edge of the snowboard

    • Flush with the edge

    • Not hanging over the edge

    Step 1 — Loosely Install Toeside Pucks

    Install the toeside puck for each foot:

    • Front foot toeside puck

    • Rear foot toeside puck

    Leave both pucks loose enough to slide and adjust.

    Step 2 — Align the Front Foot Toeside Puck

    Slide the installation jig over the loose front foot toeside puck.

    Adjust the puck until the jig:

    • Lines up with the toeside edge

    • Sits parallel to the board edge

    • Has no overhang

    Once aligned, fully hand-tighten the front foot toeside puck.

    Step 3 — Align the Rear Foot Toeside Puck

    Repeat the same process for the rear foot toeside puck.

    Slide the jig over the loose rear foot toeside puck and adjust until the jig is:

    • Parallel to the toeside edge

    • Flush with the board edge

    • Positioned where you want the surf pad edge to land

    Once aligned, fully hand-tighten the rear foot toeside puck.

    Step 4 — Install the Heelside Pucks

    Using the same jig, drop the heelside puck into position for the front foot.

    Adjust the puck until the screws line up with the board inserts.

    Then:

    • Hand-thread the screws

    • Tighten fully by hand

    • Do not overtighten

    Repeat for the rear foot heelside puck.

    At this point, all four pucks should be mounted and aligned.

    Step 5 — Install the Surf Pads

    Slide the front and rear surf pads over the pucks.

    Push each pad until it:

    • Bottoms out

    • Fully stops sliding

    • Sits securely on the pucks

    Insert the tethered locking pin into the pin hole.

    Confirm:

    • The pad is fully seated

    • The locking pin passes cleanly through the hole

    • The pin fit is secure

    • The pad cannot slide off unintentionally

    Step 6 — Check Standard Binding Fit

    Remove the surf pads and slide your standard bindings onto the same pucks.

    Confirm your standard bindings still fit and engage properly.

    If needed, make small puck adjustments to balance fit between your bindings and QSW surf pads.

    Split Pad Pro — Tunable Traction

    The Split Pad Pro includes QSW’s tunable traction system for additional grip and control.

    All traction studs come fully installed and threadlocked from QSW. No adjustment is required before first use.

    If a stud needs to be replaced or swapped:

    • Use a standard M4 hex / Allen key

    • Fully seat the hex key in the stud

    • Turn counterclockwise to unscrew

    • Replace with the desired stud

    • Tighten by hand until secure

    Do not use power tools.

    Before riding, confirm all traction studs are fully seated and secure.

    Final Safety Check

    Before riding, confirm:

    • Splitboard is fully seated and aligned

    • All puck screws are fully tightened

    • Pads slide fully onto the pucks

    • Locking pins are fully inserted

    • Pads cannot slide off unintentionally

    • Standard bindings still fit correctly, if used as a backup

    • No hardware is loose or interfering with the board

    • Split Pad Pro traction studs are secure, if applicable

    Care & Maintenance

    Hardware Checks
    Check puck hardware and locking pins before each ride.

    Puck Wear Adjustment
    Over time, standard splitboard pucks may wear slightly. If the pad fit becomes loose, make small puck adjustments to improve engagement.

    Snow and Ice
    Clear snow and ice from the pucks before installing the pads. Do not force pads onto iced-over pucks.

    Cleaning
    Wipe pads clean after use and allow them to dry before storage.

    Tool Guidance
    Use hand tools only. Do not use power tools on puck hardware or traction studs.

  • Parts Included

    • 1 × Front solid surf pad

    • 1 × Rear solid surf pad

    • 8 × Mounting screws

    • 8 × Washers

    Tools Required

    • P1 or P2 Phillips head screwdriver

    Tighten by hand only. Do not use power tools.

    Before You Start

    Choose your preferred stance width and pad position before fastening the pads.

    The Solid Pad mounts directly to your snowboard using the board’s existing insert pattern. No installation jig is required.

    Step 1 — Position the Pads

    Place the front and rear pads onto the snowboard in your desired riding position.

    Make sure each pad is:

    • Centered where you want it

    • Aligned cleanly with the board

    • Positioned for your preferred stance width

    • Sitting flat against the top sheet

    Step 2 — Choose Your Mounting Holes

    Select the correct mounting holes based on your snowboard insert pattern.

    For Channel boards:

    • Use the two center holes on the front pad

    • Use the two center holes on the rear pad

    For 4×2 or 4×4 insert pattern snowboards:

    • Choose the holes that best match your desired stance

    • Use the pad slots for small position adjustments

    • Confirm the screws line up cleanly with the board inserts

    Step 3 — Install the Hardware

    Using the included screws and washers:

    • Place one washer onto each screw

    • Hand-thread each screw into the board inserts

    • Keep screws slightly loose until the pad position is finalized

    • Make any final micro-adjustments using the pad slots

    Once aligned, tighten all screws fully by hand.

    Do not overtighten. Do not use power tools.

    Step 4 — Final Fit Check

    Before riding, confirm:

    • Pads are fully seated against the board

    • All screws are fully tightened by hand

    • Washers are installed under each screw

    • Pads do not shift or lift

    • No hardware is loose or interfering with the board

    Threadlocker Guidance

    Blue medium-strength threadlocker may be used if needed.

    • Apply sparingly

    • Use only removable threadlocker

    • Do not use red or permanent threadlocker

    Care & Maintenance

    Hardware Checks
    Check screw tightness before riding. A quick 30-second check can prevent field issues.

    Cleaning
    Wipe pads clean after use and allow them to dry before storage.

    Snow and Ice
    Clear snow and ice from the pads and mounting area before use.

    Tool Guidance
    Use hand tools only. Do not use power tools when installing or adjusting the pads.

  • Parts Included

    • 4 × Baseplates

    • 2 × Front pucks

    • 2 × Rear pucks

      • Identified by the locking latch slot

    • Puck inserts

    • 4 × M6 baseplate mounting screws

    • 8 × M5 puck mounting screws

    • The Ace bindings

      • Left + right

    Tools Required

    • M4 hex key

    • M5 hex key

    • M6 hex key

    Torque by hand only. Do not use power tools.

    Step 1 — Position Baseplates on the Board

    Place both baseplates onto the split skis.

    Confirm the baseplates are:

    • Fully slid together with no gap between them

    • Generally centered over each split ski

    • Set to your preferred stance width before fastening

    Important:
    The fore/aft adjustment slots are not for initial spacing. They exist to allow future outward adjustment if puck wear develops over time.

    Out of the box, the baseplates should be slammed together to achieve the tightest, most precise puck interface.

    Step 2 — Mount Baseplates

    Using the included 4 × M6 screws, attach the baseplates to the board inserts.

    Then:

    • Hand-thread all screws first

    • Apply a small amount of blue Loctite if desired

    • Tighten firmly by hand

    • Do not overtighten

    Note:
    Anodized aluminum threads are strong, but excessive torque can cause damage.

    Step 3 — Install Pucks

    Each foot uses:

    • 1 × Front puck

    • 1 × Rear puck

      • Rear puck has the locking latch slot

    Insert the puck inserts into each puck and set your desired stance angles.

    Place the pucks on top of the mounted baseplates and secure them using the included 8 × M5 screws.

    Then:

    • Hand-thread all screws

    • Apply blue Loctite if desired

    • Tighten evenly by hand

    Step 4 — Test-Fit The Ace Bindings

    Using the correct left and right bindings, place each binding onto its pucks.

    Follow the directional arrow on the pucks and rotate the binding until it stops turning. This is the locked position.

    At this stage:

    • Adjust stance width if needed

    • Adjust stance angles if needed

    • Repeat puck adjustment if required

    Once satisfied, proceed to boot fitment.

    Step 5 — Boot Fit & Binding Adjustment

    The Ace ships sized for a 26.5 Atomic Backland boot as a reference.

    To adjust for your boot size:

    • Loosen the 4 × M4 screws on each buffer plate a few turns

    • Slide the bail blocks within their slots to adjust fit

    • Re-tighten lightly

    • Test boot fit

    • Repeat as needed

    Full disassembly is not required.

    Tip:
    Aim to center the boot over the binding by balancing adjustments between the toe and heel bail blocks. This is not critical, but proper centering improves feel and engagement symmetry.

    Step 6 — Final Fit & Locking Latch Check

    With boots in the bindings:

    • Engage the locking latch into the rear puck

    • Confirm smooth engagement

    • Confirm secure retention

    • Make any final micro-adjustments if needed

    Once confirmed, tighten all fasteners fully.

    Final Safety Check

    Before riding, confirm:

    • Baseplates are fully tightened

    • Pucks are fully tightened

    • Bindings rotate smoothly into the locked position

    • Locking latches engage securely

    • Boots are properly fitted

    • All M4, M5, and M6 fasteners are secure

    • No hardware is loose or interfering with the board

    You’re ready to ride.

    Care & Maintenance

    Anodized Aluminum Care
    Rinse bindings with fresh water after salty or spring conditions. Dry before storage. Cosmetic wear is normal and does not affect strength.

    Preventing Stripped Screws
    Always fully seat hex keys before turning. Do not use power tools. If resistance increases suddenly, stop and reassess.

    Hardware Checks
    Check hardware tightness periodically. A 30-second check before riding can prevent field issues.

    Threadlocker Guidance
    Blue medium-strength Loctite is acceptable and recommended. Do not use red or permanent threadlocker. Apply sparingly.