Some tours revolve entirely around one deep descent. The Swallowtail Split is Prior’s unmistakable choice for those days. A long nose, split tail and space for directional turns create a concept for riders who know their style and specifically want this kind of powder board.
Is the Prior Swallowtail Split 26/27 right for you?
26/27 season guide: the version currently offered by the manufacturer.
Which type of splitboarder does it suit?
Freeride splitters with a clear powder priority. You know you want a swallowtail and choose suitable tours for it. That is a more useful starting point than wanting an unusual-looking all-rounder. A different shape fits regular switch riding better.
What does the shape offer on the descent?
The cut-out tail is intended to settle into powder and reduce back-leg loading. Prior also emphasises limited taper and a long effective edge, separating this shape from the simple idea of a very short, extremely wide powder surfer. Its tail sections can flex differently during a turn. If you are coming from a conventional closed tail, that makes a comparison ride especially useful.
What should you consider on the skin track?
The unusual tail belongs in the setup discussion too. Ask for a suitable skin attachment for your chosen size and consider how you handle the board during transitions. Extra length still needs to move through kick turns, even if it feels ideal in deep snow on the descent. For daily mixed use, the BC or Slasher provide relevant alternatives.
How do you choose the right size and setup?
Current lengths are 156, 160, 167 and 172 cm. If you remember the model from an old catalogue, do not simply carry that size list forwards. Prior describes shape revisions but does not clearly date them to 26/27 on the current product page. Your purchase should follow the present specifications secured here.
Configuration is part of buying a Prior. The shown figure is the starting price; XTC Carbon, particular connectors, topsheets, bases or other requests can change the total. Prior claims an average saving of around 500 grams against Quad-glass. That is a general manufacturer figure, not a weight prediction for your individual size.
Choose shape, length and width first, then construction and connectors that suit your binding interface. A custom graphic does not automatically change flex. For a Canadian order, confirm lead time, shipping and the full delivered amount for your country. A euro display establishes currency, not European warehouse stock or a final price including every import cost.
How should boots, bindings and board work together?
Build the setup around your actual boot size and required lateral support. The tail concept is intended to help in powder; it cannot replace clean pressure transfer on firm tracks. Confirm a suitable skin attachment and practise transitions with the complete system.
Extra length remains relevant in kick turns and on your pack. That compromise can look different for a short approach to a favourite descent than for long alpine touring.
Read more about matching the components in our Splitboard Gear Guide.
Which test experience helps you choose?
We have not yet tested the Prior Swallowtail Split ourselves. The advice on this page is based on manufacturer information and the principles in our Gear Guide. We therefore cannot yet describe the feel of this exact board from personal riding experience.
On a demo, we would focus on the points discussed above for your riding style: can your boots put enough pressure on the edge, does the board remain comfortable to move after a longer climb, and does the size work when the snow becomes heavier lower down? Use your usual boots where possible and compare a suitable length.
What has changed since 25/26 and earlier models?
Prior currently sells this shape through its custom configurator without unambiguously assigning model year 26/27 on the product page. This is our guide for the 26/27 season, not a claim of a newly developed annual version. Compare older offers by length, width, Quad or XTC construction and installed hardware; a different price or custom graphic alone does not establish a changed shape.
Earlier model page in the archive: Prior Swallowtail 14-15.
Which other current boards fit your riding style?
Compare Prior Slasher Split and Prior Fissile Split. The shape and usage differences are discussed above. For a demo, similar sizing, your own boots and a familiar stance help more than comparing random available lengths.
FAQ: What should you know before your first tour?
Is the Swallowtail simply a longer Slasher?
No. The Slasher shares ideas with the powder family but has a different ratio of overall length to effective edge and a smaller swallowtail. Choose each model for its own shape and setup requirements.
Which Prior Swallowtail Split size should I choose?
Currently listed sizes are 156, 160, 167, 172. Current lengths are 156, 160, 167 and 172 cm. If you remember the model from an old catalogue, do not simply carry that size list forwards. Prior describes shape revisions but does not clearly date them to 26/27 on the current product page. Your purchase should follow the present specifications secured here.
What hands-on test experience is available?
We have not yet tested the Prior Swallowtail Split ourselves. Our assessment is based on manufacturer information and our Gear Guide. We do not assign our own riding scores to it.
Which current alternatives should I compare?
Prior Slasher Split and Prior Fissile Split are the relevant comparisons discussed on this page. Choose shape, boot fit and your usual tours first. A different construction level becomes useful after those basics fit.
Which boots and bindings suit this board?
Build the setup around your actual boot size and required lateral support. The tail concept is intended to help in powder; it cannot replace clean pressure transfer on firm tracks. Confirm a suitable skin attachment and practise transitions with the complete system.
Is this a new construction for 26/27?
Prior currently offers the shape without an unambiguous 26/27 model-year label. This is our seasonal guide. The actual configuration matters more than the year alone.
Which sizes and specifications are available?
These are manufacturer specifications, not our own measurements. The current configurator does not provide a complete public dimensional table. Confirm waist, effective edge and rider-weight range directly with Prior before ordering.
Which measurements and sizes does the manufacturer specify?
| Length (cm) | Profile |
|---|---|
| 156 | Powder Rocker |
| 160 | Powder Rocker |
| 167 | Powder Rocker |
| 172 | Powder Rocker |
Where do the information and images come from?
Current product information, price and product images: Prior Swallowtail Split – manufacturer page. Checked 15 October 2026. Photographs and size charts are provided by the manufacturer. Our own and historical test experience is described in the test section and assigned to the relevant boards.
What does the board look like? (2 photos)
