The Karakoram NOMAD-W is a women's softboot splitboard binding with a CNC machined 7075-T6 aluminum open chassis and a C4 Carbon Nyolite highback. It comes with the Ride Mode 3.0 interface kit and the tour mode interface with Dual Speed Riser and Heel Lock.

What it's for

Karakoram calls the Nomad its workhorse binding, based on the principles of its original SL. The W version uses the small boot Wayfinder strap. It suits riders who tour often and want a stiff, direct binding for the ride down.

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.

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 Riser: Two climbing heights that flip up with a pole basket.

Heel Lock: Locks the heel down in tour mode and can be engaged on the fly. Karakoram gives the release load as equivalent to DIN 6.

Dual Ride Stride forward lean: Ride angles adjust from 10 to 22 degrees in 2 degree steps. Surf mode is 0 or 11 degrees. Walk mode is minus 8 degrees, so the highback does not push your calf while you stride.

Features

• Chassis: 7075-T6 open chassis, CNC machined from 7000 series aluminum, which lets the binding twist with the board
• Heelcup: X-Type heelcup, stated by Karakoram as 2 times stronger than standard aluminum
• Highback: C4 carbon highback, flex 8 of 10
• Straps: Wayfinder straps with independent pressure pods that follow the boot
• Buckles: Carbon buckles made from recycled carbon fiber

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
• Solid boards: Add Karakoram Quiver Connectors, sold separately, to use the binding on a solid snowboard

Sizing and fit

• Small: US 4.5 to 7
• Medium: US 7.5 to 10.5

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
• Shop service: OMG can mount the interface on your splitboard

In the box

• Bindings: 1 pair
• Ride Mode 3.0 interface kit
• Tour Mode interface with Dual Speed Riser and Heel Lock

You will also need

• Board clips: Karakoram clips on the board, if not already fitted