If switch riding on tour is part of your style rather than an occasional necessity, consider the Wildcard. Prior uses a symmetrical true-twin outline here. Its basic purpose is therefore more clearly freestyle-oriented than the many directional powder shapes in the range.
Is the Prior Wildcard Split 26/27 right for you?
26/27 season guide: the version currently offered by the manufacturer.
Which type of splitboarder does it suit?
Freestyle splitters who ride switch frequently. You treat the backcountry as a playground and naturally use both directions. The Wildcard’s true-twin concept is the clear option within this Prior comparison. If you almost always ride forwards, do not overvalue that benefit.
What does the shape offer on the descent?
Matching nose and tail geometry can help when moving between regular and switch. In return, you deliberately give up the strongly set-back, tapered arrangement of a powder specialist. Think about the way you actually ride most tours. Riders heading forwards through deep snow have less use for a twin than those planning natural features, take-offs and varied landings. Choose that shape priority before focusing on the name of a carbon upgrade.
What should you consider on the skin track?
A freestyle split still needs to work uphill. The Wildcard offers two Wide options alongside regular sizes. For large boots that is more relevant than simply moving to a longer narrow board. Check your planned stance and binding angles in the configuration you want. A stance you love on a solid board should also fit touring transitions and your complete interface.
How do you choose the right size and setup?
Listed lengths are 156, 159, 162, 162W, 165, 165W and 169 cm. The 162/162W and 165/165W pairs let you separate length and width decisions more deliberately. For shorter lengths, the Slaylok is a separate, narrower option. The Phalanx instead combines a centred stance with a tapered overall outline.
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?
Balance mobility with lateral support. A good freestyle boot can hold your heel without being maximally stiff everywhere. On a firm traverse, however, the whole setup should not collapse before pressure reaches the edge. Bring your usual boots when comparing regular and Wide options.
A symmetrical shape helps less on a purely forward powder descent than on switch turns and landings. Decide by riding style first, then weight and carbon options.
Read more about matching the components in our Splitboard Gear Guide.
Which test experience helps you choose?
We have not yet tested the Prior Wildcard 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.
For an older offer, confirm the dimensions and construction of that exact version. A claimed weight saving is only comparable when board length and the components included in the measurement match.
Which other current boards fit your riding style?
Compare Prior Phalanx Split and Prior Slaylok 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?
Wildcard or Phalanx for frequent switch riding?
The Wildcard is the explicitly symmetrical true twin. The Phalanx has a centred stance but a tapered shape. If similar nose and tail behaviour is the priority, the Wildcard is the clearer starting point in the manufacturer comparison.
Which Prior Wildcard Split size should I choose?
Currently listed sizes are 156, 159, 162, 162W, 165, 165W, 169. Listed lengths are 156, 159, 162, 162W, 165, 165W and 169 cm. The 162/162W and 165/165W pairs let you separate length and width decisions more deliberately. For shorter lengths, the Slaylok is a separate, narrower option. The Phalanx instead combines a centred stance with a tapered overall outline.
What hands-on test experience is available?
We have not yet tested the Prior Wildcard 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 Phalanx Split and Prior Slaylok 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?
Balance mobility with lateral support. A good freestyle boot can hold your heel without being maximally stiff everywhere. On a firm traverse, however, the whole setup should not collapse before pressure reaches the edge. Bring your usual boots when comparing regular and Wide options.
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 | Hybrid |
| 159 | Hybrid |
| 162 | Hybrid |
| 162W | Hybrid |
| 165 | Hybrid |
| 165W | Hybrid |
| 169 | Hybrid |
Where do the information and images come from?
Current product information, price and product images: Prior Wildcard 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)
