KARAKORAM SPLITBOARDING F/W 2025/26 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Splitboarding F/W 2025/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Karakoram
Interviewee: Kyle HansenKahn Marketing director

How was last season in the splitboard market?
Mixed. The US had areas of good snow and solid but not stellar sales as post pandemic inventory cleared out. European snowfall was slower, and their inventory seemed to be about a year behind the US bottlenecks.

With the recent overall price increases, have there been any positive developments in manufacturing, sourcing, or logistics?
n/a—pricing TBD based on early November exchange rates

What are the major trends you’re seeing with product pricing in the splitboard market?
Upwards over the pandemic, stable now

E-commerce Vs. physical retail, how are you balancing both channels?
We continue to believe in and look for ways to support physical retail. The interaction between knowledgeable shop staff and customer remains key to developing lasting connections to the sport and culture of snowboarding.

How are you supporting retailers to sell this category?
Offering custom services, such as those available with our new ultralight 3.0 interfaces, give shops something to offer that can’t be beaten online. Innovative tech gives customers something to ask shops about, and showcases the value of in person salespeople.

Who Built Your Bindings?
We take great pride in the quality of products our dedicated team of snowboarders builds here from locally sourced materials in the foothills of the Cascades. We want customers to know about the craftmanship and community behind their gear, and know that community of binding builders is standing behind their gear. We think that if more customers asked the story of how their gear was made, in many categories even beyond snowboarding, the economy, the people and environment would all benefit. Gear made overseas has higher carbon emissions, less protections for workers, less regulations on the chemicals used and production processes, and may not have the same level of quality/durability, so it’s a great thing to bring to customer’s minds as they go through the buying process.

Have you made any new innovations in buckles, straps, highbacks, baseplates, heel cups, etc.?
Our Ride Mode 3.0 is a major step forward:
Lighter weight Better than any interface out there, with seam lock to keep the two board halves acting as one, and Active Joining improving force transfer between board and bindings Faster transitions, with improved snow clearing Stronger materials, making an already reliable and durable interface even more bombproof.

Are you using any new materials in your bindings for 25/26? If so, what, and why?
Carbon Nyolite is something we’re really excited about working to incorporate into our binding design. Cutting weight without compromising response/stiffness opens up so many possibilities for next-generation gear. It’s a major driver in how we were able to cut weight to make the resort comfortable yet light Ultra Ranger bindings, and lightest bindings on the market in the X/X Carbon bindings

Key Products:

Ultra Ranger:
Upgraded to a Carbon Fiber Nyolite and 7000 series aluminum chassis, the Ultra Ranger provides featherweight flow and power. With composite sidewalls, a full footbed, and Ride Mode 3.0 included standard, this binding is the ultimate binding for those looking for the feel and comfort of a traditional inbounds binding without compromising on weight or performance downhill, uphill or on the transition.

Ultra Ranger

X:
No expense has been spared. CNC machined completely from 7000 Series Space-Grade Aluminum and injection molded with Carbon Nyolite, the Prime-X is a featherweight beast. This is not a flimsy splitboard binding that took shortcuts to save weight. We reduce weight by using stronger and lighter materials such as grade 5 titanium hardware and hollow pins. Our new C4 Carbon highback features a progressive reinforcement profile: stiffness down low for leverage on turns, and flexibility at the top for comfort while touring and tweaking. The Prime-X sets a new standard for backcountry snowboarders. Travel lighter, travel faster, ride harder.

Wayfinder:
The Wayfinder is designed specifically for the smallest boots, to lead the way up and down the mountain. The small boot specific straps, chassis, highback and footbed fit down to a USW 4.5 (EU 34.5). Optimized fit and flex for smaller feet.

Wayfinder