Installation Guides
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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.