The Karakoram Guide HB is a hardboot splitboard binding for Karakoram's Prime system. One size fits boot sole lengths from 255 mm to 350 mm.

What it's for

The Guide HB holds a hard shell touring boot to the board for the ride down. It locks to Karakoram's Ride Mode interface the same way the brand's softboot Prime bindings do.

How it works

Ride mode and Active Joining: The binding drops onto the Ride Mode interface that is bolted to the board. Closing the lever spring loads the binding to the board, so the contact points near the board edges are preloaded and there is no play. Karakoram says the binding is fully locked when all three pins stick through the ride mode hold down loops, the heel lever snaps over center and the safety lock sits over the lever.

Ride Mode 3.0: Karakoram describes Ride Mode 3.0 as a 3D composite design with material only where it is needed and channels that let snow escape, which helps the binding drop on cleanly.

Tour mode: The binding's axle sits in a quick release touring bracket. Independent sleeves rotate on a fixed thru axle for the touring pivot. Karakoram describes the tour mode as self cleaning: pushing the axle into the cradle clears snow and ice.

Dual Speed Risers and Heel Lock: Karakoram's tour mode interface has two riser heights that flip with a pole basket, plus a heel lock that can be engaged on the fly. Karakoram gives the heel lock release load as equivalent to DIN 6.

Compatibility

• Board inserts: Karakoram states its interface mounts to the insert pattern used on production splitboards that also accept the Voile interface
• Insert spacing: Standard ride mode spacing is 3.375 in, plus or minus 0.0625 in. Boards outside that range need changes to the Ride Mode parts.
• Pucks: Not compatible with Voile pucks. Karakoram bindings use their own interface with five attachment points.
• Board clips: Karakoram states its bindings must be used with Karakoram clips and are not compatible with Voile hooks
• Clips: Karakoram recommends UltraClips or its Splitboard Clips with the Prime system
• Solid boards: Quiver Connectors are available separately

Sizing and fit

• Size: One size
• Boot sole length: 255 mm to 350 mm
• How to check yours: The boot sole length in mm is molded or printed on the shell of most hard boots, near the heel

Care and service

• Screws: Karakoram recommends a regular check of the side screws, highback and strap hardware and the tour mode axle
• Loose hardware: Apply a few drops of thread locker to the threads and tighten again
• Changeovers: Clear snow from the inner seam of the board and from the interface before you lock in

In the box

• Bindings: 1 pair

You will also need

• Interface: Confirm what is in the box before buying a separate interface. See the note on this listing.