Spark R&D | Blister

Lots of people dream of starting a company in the outdoor industry. But how do you go about actually doing that? At Blister Summit 2025, we talked with four individuals who had the dream — and the audacity — to start their own companies: Klem Branner, Venture Snowboards; Will Ritter, Spark R&D; Jamie Grant, CARV; and Cobey Nash, AlpenFlow Design. On this episode of the Blister Podcast, you’ll hear them talk about the highs, the lows, and the breakthroughs that come with starting a company — and the even more challenging work of keeping a company going.

Founder Stories: Creating a Company in the Outdoor Industry (Venture Snowboards, CARV, Spark R&D, & AlpenFlow Design) (Ep.357)

May 19, 2025 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We talk to Klem Branner, Venture Snowboards; Will Ritter, Spark R&D; Jamie Grant, CARV; and Cobey Nash, AlpenFlow Design about the highs, the lows, and the breakthroughs that come with starting a company — and the even more challenging work of keeping a company going.

Kelsey Opstad reviews the Spark R&D Women's Surge Pro Splitboard binding for BLISTER

2019-2020 Spark R&D Women’s Surge Pro Splitboard Binding

August 9, 2021November 26, 2019 by Kelsey Opstad

Spark recently released women's versions of their "Pro" line of splitboard bindings, and after spending much of last season on the Women's Surge Pro, it received our "Best Of" award. Check out our full review to see why.

Will Ritter, founder of Spark R&D, on the Blister Podcast GEAR:30

Spark R&D — Part 2 (Ep.28)

November 9, 2018 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We talk to Spark R&D founder, Will Ritter, about some of Spark’s current products, collaborating with CAST Touring and 22 Designs, and implementing solar power in their factory in Bozeman, Montana.

Zen & the Art of Creating the World’s Biggest Splitboard Binding Company: Will Ritter, Spark R&D (Ep.27)

November 2, 2018 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We talk to Will Ritter about starting - and running - the largest splitboard binding company in the world, Spark R&D, and Will provides a number of valuable insights for anyone thinking of starting anything.

Andrew Forward reviews the Spark R&D Surge Pro Splitboard Binding for Blister

2020-2021 Spark R&D Surge Pro Splitboard Binding

December 16, 2020October 17, 2018 by Andrew Forward

We’re big fans of Spark R&D’s simple and reliable splitboard bindings, and they just released an even lighter version of their Surge binding. So what, if any, compromises are made by going with the new, lighter Surge Pro?

review of the Spark R&D Magneto binding, Blister Gear Review

2013-2014 Spark R&D Magneto Splitboard Bindings

March 25, 2014 by Justin Bobb

Spark R&D's Magneto binding is the lightest, quickest, and easiest to use splitboard binding we've tested to date.