A broad size range for a clear freeride brief: the Directional is TahoeLab’s forward-oriented all-rounder. From the compact 143 to the long 181, actual size substantially affects the board you get. This page covers the Phantom carbon build.
Is the TahoeLab Directional Split Phantom 26/27 right for your tours?
Freeride and alpine splitters find taper, setback stance and a shorter tail. Nose and tail rocker meet camber between the bindings. Widths do not simply increase evenly with length: 158 and 158W, for example, are different fit decisions.
The Phantom version uses four full carbon sheets on a bamboo core. TahoeLab also describes damping materials. We do not infer a specific gram saving for your size. Phantom names the board construction here, not an included Phantom binding.
What matters on the skin track?
On the track, examine waist and touring handling carefully. More area can aid trail breaking but needs greater lateral leverage with smaller boots. The 181 is a deliberate choice for substantial area and length, not a general upgrade from the 163.
How do you choose length, width and stance?
Offered sizes are 143, 148, 153, 158, 158W, 163, 163W, 168 and 181 cm. Manufacturer ranges in pounds and size-specific dimensions appear below. Missing Phantom 168 figures remain unspecified; the standard table is not an automatic substitute.
How should boots, bindings and skins work together?
Boot fit, board width and lateral support work together. An oversized boot moves before your pressure reaches the edge. Match binding size to the actual boot and the highback to your weight. Playful descending need not mean a touring setup that collapses sideways. Practise the complete transition at home using the interface and screws you will actually carry. For skins, consider length, trimming and suitable nose and tail fittings. A general splitboard description does not approve every interface.
Read more in our Splitboard Gear Guide.
Which of our test experiences help you choose?
We have not yet tested the TahoeLab Directional Split Phantom ourselves. This advice uses current manufacturer information and our Gear Guide principles. Earlier model introductions provide development context rather than our own riding tests. Manufacturer flex, damping and terrain numbers are therefore not converted into our editorial scores.
For a demo, choose a suitable size with your own boots and keep a familiar stance where possible. Check whether the board feels manageable in slow turns as well as at speed. After a longer climb, it can become clearer whether width and flex match your effort. A board may be enjoyable on an open powder face yet unnecessarily demanding on a tight exit. Include that combination of your typical touring conditions in the comparison.
What has changed since 25/26 and earlier models?
TahoeLab includes this version in its current regular range without assigning every change to a model year. This is our guide for the 26/27 season rather than a claim of a newly developed annual construction. Compare actual shape, dimensions, build and hardware with an earlier offer.
Earlier model introduction in the archive.
What is included in the price and what else do you need?
Budget for suitable bindings, their interface and skins in the complete setup price. Check actual package contents rather than assuming a complete touring setup from a product photograph. The original price is quoted in US dollars. For a European order, account for shipping and possible import costs in the actual offer; we do not invent a euro conversion.
Which alternatives should you compare?
Compare TahoeLab Directional Split and TahoeLab Twin Split. The shape and usage differences are discussed above. A demo is especially useful when deciding between widths or constructions. Use your own boots and a familiar stance where possible, so you can identify what changed the feel instead of comparing two entirely different setups.
FAQ: What should you know before the first tour?
What differs between standard and Phantom?
The Phantom version uses four full carbon sheets on a bamboo core. TahoeLab also describes damping materials. We do not infer a specific gram saving for your size. Phantom names the board construction here, not an included Phantom binding.
Which length and width suit me?
Offered sizes are 143, 148, 153, 158, 158W, 163, 163W, 168 and 181 cm. Manufacturer ranges in pounds and size-specific dimensions appear below. Missing Phantom 168 figures remain unspecified; the standard table is not an automatic substitute.
Have you tested this board yourselves?
We have not yet tested the TahoeLab Directional Split Phantom ourselves. Our assessment uses manufacturer information and our Gear Guide. We do not assign our own riding scores to it.
How should boots, bindings and skins fit the board?
Boot fit, board width and lateral support work together. An oversized boot moves before your pressure reaches the edge. Match binding size to the actual boot and the highback to your weight. Playful descending need not mean a touring setup that collapses sideways. Practise the complete transition at home using the interface and screws you will actually carry. For skins, consider length, trimming and suitable nose and tail fittings. A general splitboard description does not approve every interface.
What is included in the price and what else do you need?
Budget for suitable bindings, their interface and skins in the complete setup price. Check actual package contents rather than assuming a complete touring setup from a product photograph. The original price is quoted in US dollars. For a European order, account for shipping and possible import costs in the actual offer; we do not invent a euro conversion.
What differs from the previous season?
TahoeLab includes this version in its current regular range without assigning every change to a model year. This is our guide for the 26/27 season rather than a claim of a newly developed annual construction. Compare actual shape, dimensions, build and hardware with an earlier offer.
Which sizes and specifications does the manufacturer list?
Sizes: 143, 148, 153, 158, 158W, 163, 163W, 168, 181 cm. These are manufacturer specifications, not our own measurements. Pound figures also include rounded kilogram conversions; missing values remain unspecified.
| Size / stance | 143 | 148 | 153 | 158 | 158W | 163 | 163W | 168 | 181 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width: | 230mm | 239mm | 257mm | 253mm | 261mm | 259mm | 272mm | not specified | 276mm |
| Nose Width: | 280mm | 278mm | 297mm | 295mm | 303mm | 303mm | 316mm | not specified | 321mm |
| Tail Width: | 255mm | 272mm | 290mm | 288mm | 296mm | 297mm | 310mm | not specified | 311mm |
| Taper: | 25mm | 6mm | 7mm | 7mm | 7mm | 6mm | 6mm | not specified | 10mm |
| Sidecut Radius: | 7.2m | 7.3m | 7.5m | 7.8m | 7.8m | 8m | 8m | not specified | 9.5m |
| Stance Width: | 14.5-19.5'' | 17.5-21.5'' | 19-23.5'' | 20-24.5'' | 20-24.5'' | 21.5-25.5'' | 21.5-25.5'' | not specified | 25-30.5'' |
| Stance Setback: | 40mm | 30mm | 20mm | 20mm | 20mm | 20mm | 20mm | not specified | 25mm |
| Running Length: | 99cm | 102cm | 104.5cm | 104cm | 104cm | 114cm | 114cm | not specified | 128cm |
| Rider Weight: | 90-150lbs (approx. 41–68 kg) | 95-160lbs (approx. 43–73 kg) | 120-180lbs (approx. 54–82 kg) | 140-180lbs (approx. 64–82 kg) | 140-200 lbs (approx. 64–91 kg) | 150-220lbs (approx. 68–100 kg) | 165lbs + (approx. 75+ kg) | not specified | 190lbs + (approx. 86+ kg) |
Where do the data and images come from?
TahoeLab Directional Split Phantom – manufacturer page. Checked 19 October 2026. Product images and size charts come from the manufacturer.
What does the board look like? (3 photos)


