The roots of Karakoram
In 2007, in Seattle, Washington, brothers Bryce and Tyler Croche set up a small CNC mill in their garage and began prototyping splitboard bindings. To avoid disturbing the neighbors with the noise of the compressor, they would mill the prototypes on stormy nights. Karakoram's history began with these handmade origins
Whether in the backcountry or at a resort, wherever the turns lead, it's all for the sake of riding, for friends, and for the sake of having fun. That attitude hasn't changed since the company was founded
Their goal has always been simple:
"To design and manufacture the gear we truly want to ride and share it with our friends."
True to their word, all bindings are assembled by snowboarders themselves at their own factory at the foot of the Cascade Mountains in North Bend, Washington. Their home mountain, Alpental, is just a 20-minute drive away. Even on weekday mornings, it's common to see staff members riding powder before work. Their sensibilities as both riders and makers are directly reflected in their products.
Karakoram's unique "Active Joining" technology was also born from these real-world experiences. It applies pre-pressure (a pressing force) to the contact point between the binding and the board, eliminating the play and slippage unique to splitboards. Building a detachable system that can handle everything from resorts to the backcountry with a single board, based on this technology, is likely the reason Karakoram has established its unique position in the market
"If you make a good turn, make another good turn next time." This motto, championed by the founding brothers, still embodies the core of the brand 18 years later
Topics from the brands featured on the 26th and 27th
CONNECT series leverless update
The "CONNECT series" is a product line featuring a nylon chassis and active joining. It combines the familiar soft feel of many years with the quiver function that allows you to easily switch between multiple boards. Since its release in 2014, this line has been refined through more than 10 years of development and tens of thousands of wraps
That goal hasn't changed since the beginning: "To create harmony between the rider and the board through the bindings." For the 26/27 models, updates have been made to all four models that take this philosophy a step further
The LAYBACK
weighs 795g. Its low, flexible surf sidewalls allow for knee-dropping movements, while the AirPod Surf strap ensures free ankle movement. It
's the softest of the four models, and the 3D-molded EVA footbed conforms to the bottom of the boot for enhanced cushioning. Ideal for riders who want to ride through terrain with a surf-like feel.
Flex: 1/5
Size: S, M, L
¥91,300 (tax included)
Included: Quiver Connectors ×2 Sets
The biggest change is the shift to a "leverless design," eliminating the lever at the bottom of the heel cup. Previously, the lever was pulled up to lock the shoe when attaching and detaching it from the Quiver Connector, but the new design uses a locking mechanism near the footbed
The "push-in" and "lock" actions during installation are now both performed in the same downward direction, ensuring reliable operation even for riders with less strength. The overall appearance is also cleaner, and there is a slight reduction in weight
The four models to which the leverless design has been applied, and their main features, are as follows:
The FREE RANGER
weighs 825g and features an asymmetrical design with a low surf sidewall on the inside and a high power sidewall on the outside.
The reactive highback wraps around the boot while reducing pressure on the calf.
It sits between the freedom of the LAYBACK and the power of the ULTRA RANGER, making it suitable for riders who want a single boot that can handle everything from freeride to sidecountry.
Flex: 3/5
Size: S, M, L
¥102,300 (tax included)
Included: Quiver Connectors ×2 Sets
The ULTRA RANGER,
weighing just 700g, is the lightest and stiffest model in the series, featuring a carbon nyolite (carbon fiber reinforced nylon composite) chassis.
The highback and sidewalls, also made of the same material, achieve a high level of balance between vibration absorption and responsiveness. A splitboard interface is included as standard, combining lightness for climbing with aggressive power for descending.
ESP pads absorb high-frequency vibrations, reducing strain on the feet even during long rides. This is a top choice for riders who don't want to compromise, whether at resorts or in the backcountry.
Flex: 3/5
Size: S, M, L
¥145,200 (tax included)
Included: Split Interface
The WAYFINDER,
weighing 795g and available in USW5 (Japanese size 22cm) and other sizes, is a specially designed boot for small feet. The straps, chassis, highback (heel-side back plate), and footbed are all tailored for smaller boots. It's
not simply a scaled-down version of an existing model; the key difference is that it was designed from the ground up to provide optimal flex and fit for riders with smaller feet.
For women and riders with small feet, it's a valuable option that doesn't require compromise.
Flex: 2/5
Size: S, M
¥102,300 (tax included)
Included: Quiver Connectors ×2 Sets
All models are compatible with Quiver Connectors, allowing you to switch between multiple boards without changing screws. Furthermore, by adding the Connect Split Conversion Kit, you can expand them to backcountry specifications
The allure of Karakoram
The practicality of the Quiver system is an essential aspect when discussing Karakoram. By attaching Quiver Connectors to your existing board, you can switch boards simply by placing your bindings on top
Since the stance width and angle remain unchanged, there's absolutely no need to take out any tools. Enjoy deep snow with a powder board in the morning, and switch to a carving board in the afternoon. Such luxurious use can be achieved without any hassle
The grip provided by the Active Joining system is also noteworthy. By applying pre-pressure to the contact points, the play inherent in splitboards is eliminated, resulting in a structure where the force applied when stepping down is directly transmitted to the edges, even on firm snow or icy surfaces
This technology is trusted in real-world situations by the brand's ambassadors, including professional rider Kazushige Fujita
The fact that all bindings are hand-assembled in their own factory in the United States is something that shouldn't be overlooked when considering long-term use. Having a system in place to handle everything from parts supply to repairs is especially valuable for such expensive gear
One set of bindings connects any board to any mountain. No other brand currently seems to have realized this concept with such a high level of perfection
26-27 Digital Catalog
BRAND info
Karakoram
URL:https://www.hasco.co.jp/karakoram/
Dealer: Hasco Enterprise
