Hello and welcome to my Rome Katana AW bindings review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Katana AW as freestyle snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Katana AW a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other freestyle bindings.
Overall Rating
Binding: Rome Katana AW
Price: $399
Style: Freestyle/All-Mtn Freestyle
Flex Rating: Mid-Stiff (5-8/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 88.8/100
Compared to other Men’s Freestyle Bindings
Of the 25 current model freestyle bindings that we tested:
❄️ The Katana AW ranked 7th out of 25
Overview of the Katana AW’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Katana AW’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
STYLE:
Freestyle/All-Mtn Freestyle
PRICE:
$399 - BUYING OPTIONS
Ability Level:
flex:
weight:
Felt normal
Mounts to:
2x4 | 4x4 | Channel
Sizing
SIZE | US BOOT SIZE | EURO BOOT SIZE | UK BOOT SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
S | 5-7.5 | 36.5-40 | 4-6.5 |
M/L | 7-10.5 | 39-44 | 6-9.5 |
L/XL | 10-14 | 43-48 | 9-13 |
Who is the Katana AW Most Suited To?
The Katana AW are best suited to those looking for a highly adjustable binding that strikes a great balance between higher speed carving, slow speed agility and between good board feel and good shock absorption.
If you're someone who has trouble getting a good binding to boot fit, you should be able to tweak these to get that fit just right.
Best matched with boards in that 5/10 to 7.5/10 flex range and even more ideally suited to the 5.5/10 to 6.5/10 range.
The Katana AW in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Katana AW are capable of.
Demo Info
Binding: Rome Katana 2024, M/L
Date: March 31, 2023
Conditions
Snowing on and off. Visibility varying 70-85%.
Temperature was -3°C (26°F) and -9°C (16°F) with wind, in the morning and -2°C (28°F), which was -8°C (18°F) with wind, in the afternoon. SE winds 25kph (3mph) morning and afternoon.
24 hour snow: 1" (2cm)
48 hour snow: 1" (2cm)
7 day snow: 1" (2cm)
On groomer: Some harder spots and some softer spots. Not much ice but the odd patch. For the most, part dust on crustish.
Off groomer: Dust on crust.
Set Up
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Board tested with: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
Boots tested with: Adidas Response ADV, size US9.5
Footbed length: 25.1cm (9.9”)
Footbed Length Fully Extended: n/a
Baseplate Length (underside): 23.1cm (9.1")
Highback Height: 21.5cm (8.5”)
Weight: 960 grams (2lbs, 2oz)
* for one binding, including screws and disc. The average weight of a small sample size of around 80 bindings (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 models) I have weighed is 920 grams (2lbs). So the Katana was just over average on the scales and felt normal on snow.
Flex
In hand: The Katana have about the same amount of twist in the highback as my control bindings (Burton Malavita), which is relatively stiff. But more twist flex than the Astro Fullwrap (which I also tested on the day). In terms of pullback, there is zero pull back on the Astro Fullwrap (and the Malavita) but there is a bit of give on the Katana.
Katana ankle strap very interesting because it’s “frameless”. So the very outside is very flexy but it’s stiffer through the middle. Through the middle it’s stiffer than the Malavita but outside it’s softer. The Astro Fullwrap has a stiffer ankle strap than the Malavita and overall stiffer than Katana too.
Katana and Astro Fullwrap Toe straps feel identical. They are both a little stiffer than the Malavita toe strap and relatively stiff for toe straps.
On Snow: Overall, They felt a touch softer than how I remember them from testing them last year. But still a little stiffer than medium. On snow overall felt a bit stiffer than the Malavita.
Responsiveness
The Katana felt a little better than the Malavita for higher speed carves. Felt I could hold a little deeper and felt more support.
Felt about the same as the Malavita for slower speed agility. If I had to say, then just a hair not quite as good for slow speed sharp turns, but not far off.
Board Feel/Butterability
Felt really good for board feel, no doubt in part due to the mini-disc. Very much as good as the Malavita. If I had to say, then maybe the Malavita a tiny bit better, but really nothing in it.
Pop/Ollie Power
Felt as good as the Malavita for popping ollies, popping off jumps, rollers etc.
Adjustability
These are the most adjustable bindings that I've had the pleasure to work with. You can pretty much adjust everything and fine tune your fit to perfection.
Heel Cup: Yes. This is great for boot centering.
Stance Width: The disc runs horizontal (and there's no need to have it able to run vertical with the heel cup adjustments doing the boot centering for you) - which gives you good stance width adjustability. It's not the most, because of the mini-disc, but the mini-disc is big enough that there is some micro adjustability.
Highback Lean: Yes and tool-less.
Ankle Strap Position: Yes. The Katana have this pivot thing on the ankle strap that give you around 8 (yes 8!) different positions. So you can have it sitting high on the ankle for more ankle support/a more locked in feeling or you can have it sitting low on your ankle for a more free/surfy feel.
Toe Strap Position: Yes - 2 position options.
Ankle and toe strap length: Yes, like every binding. These adjustments are tool-less.
Gas pedal/toe ramp extension: You can't technically extend it. As in you can't make the footbed longer. But you can adjust the footbed backwards or forwards, which helps with getting your boots centered on the bindings and your footbed in the best position on the board (along with that heel cup adjustment).
Highback Rotation: Yes
Compatible with: 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | Channel
Note: Even though the Katana's use a mini-disc, they can do 4 x 4 and work on boards that have inserts that sit back from the main insert pack.
You can also adjust the canting of the highback.
Shock Absorption
The footbed has some good thick padding in there. I measured at 2.6cm slanting to 2.3cm on the toe end (canted footbed) and 2.3cm/2cm at the heel.
On snow they did a great job absorbing shock. Given how good their board feel is, it's pretty remarkable how good they also absorb shock and chatter.
Entry/Exit
Neither toe nor ankle ratchets were ultra smooth. Some stickiness. Not super sticky or anything either but stickier than I remember them previously, so might have just been the ones I got. Made it a little sketchy unstrapping on the move approaching the chairlift.
Comfort
Overall nice and comfortable.
Ankle Strap: Had some pressure on the top of my left foot, but not my right, so it may have been that I just had it cranked a bit tight on the left. Nothing bad, just a little. The edgeless strap design is interesting but I think I preferred their previous ankle straps.
Toe Strap: Toe straps conformed nicely and no pressure points.
Canted Footbed: Yes.
Padded Footbed: Good padding (see shock absorption section above).
Highback: There's some thin padding all over the highback. But the main thing is that there was no calf-bite.
Ankle Support
With that pivot strap allowing you to put that ankle strap almost anywhere, there's a lot of adjustability and if you want more ankle support it's easy to get that strap sitting higher on the ankle.
However, the one thing I find about the pivot mount is that it does take the bottom of the strap quite far away from the boot. This is the only reason I don't give it a 5/5 for ankle support. I found that it's very good ankle support, but not quite the best I've ridden for ankle support.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| FACTOR | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Board Feel | 4 | 16/20 |
| Shock Absorption | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Carving | 4 | 12/15 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4 | 12/15 |
| Adjustability | 5 | 10/10 |
| Comfort | 4 | 8/10 |
| Ankle Support | 4 | 4/5 |
| Entry/Exit | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 88.8/100 |
Overall, the Katana AW are awesome bindings that have an uncanny knack of being good at both high and low speeds and somehow achieve great shock absorption and great board feel simultaneously.
So there's really very little you have to compromise with, with these bindings.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Katana AW, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other Freestyle binding options, or if you want to compare how the Katana AW compares to other Freestyle bindings, then check out the next link.
Hello Nate!
Thanks for the great review. I’m considering getting the Katana for use on my Never Summer Nokhu board. Any insight on whether this would be a good fit or if I should go with something softer like Burton Cartels or Union Force? I tend to right more all-mountain (trees, off piste) and not so much park nowadays.
Hi Jose, thanks for your message.
The Katana could work well on the Nokhu, I think. They’re on the stiffer end of a good range for the Nokhu, but I would be happy putting anything up to a 7/10 flex or even 7.5/10 flex on the Nokhu. The Katana aren’t going to overpower it or anything, IMO. Depending on your physical specs, they should work well. If you’re a typical physique/strength or if you’re a bigger and/or stronger guy, then I think they’ll work well. If you’re a lighter weight than average, then you may find them a little stiff and be better going with something a bit softer.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I have a question about the Katana’s pivot mount. Rome states on their website that the Katana’s flex is between 6 and 8. Does this mean that if you have the ankle strap at the lowest position you have a flex of 6 and with the ankle strap at the highest position you have a flex of 8? I have a couple of Katana’s myself and I definitely notice a difference between a higher and lower position of the ankle strap, but it doesn’t change the flex of the binding itself in my eyes. The only difference is that your board reacts faster when you want to steer towards your toe side. How do you see this?
Thanks!
Hi Kai, thanks for your message.
Yeah, I’m with you. For me it doesn’t change the flex. But I believe what you’re describing is what Rome are saying when they say it’s a 6 to 8. But I’m with you, flex stays the same, but just gives that more locked in feel in the higher position – which as you say produces a quicker response to your toe side, and also adds more ankle support too, IMO.
Thanks Nate!
Hey Nate,
Would katanas pair better with K2 passport than the new falcors? I got the falcors but have been thinking if it will be too responsive for an intermediate rider.
Hi Arsen, thanks for your message.
I’d say yeah, slightly better. Slightly easier to manage for an intermediate rider and slightly better flex match. But not going to feel worlds apart or anything, in my experience with them.
Hope this helps
Is there plans to review the women’s katana that’s available this season? I wonder if I should replace by 6 year old Conda with last season’s Conda (I don’t think anything has changed much over the years) or the new katanas.
Hi undecided, thanks for your message.
We won’t have a review for the 2025 Women’s Katana specifically, as we didn’t test them. But they should be fairly similar to the Katana. If we can get a hold of some we’ll likely test the 2026 model which would give a women’s perspective on it (and they are supposed to be designed with for the “unique ergonomics and specs of female snowboarders” to quote their website – so there may be some differences from that, but I would imagine those difference are designed to make them fit/feel like the men’s would to someone with male ergonomics/specs). But I know that doesn’t help for right now!
The Conda did change baseplates for the 2024 model from what I can tell and got a new highback, so I think the 2024 model is quite different to previous models. NOW bindings are now YES bindings, but they’re essentially the same thing, but now just under the YES branding umbrella. The 2025 YES Conda looks to be the same or at least very very similar to the 2024 NOW Conda (except that the price actually went down, and not insignificantly, which is a nice reversal of the norm!). The 2023 NOW Conda had some small changes from the 2022 Conda. I haven’t looked back further than that for now, but it looks like there were some fairly significant changes over the last few models.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey, Nate! Have you tested Katana Pro? What do you think about it in compare with regular Katana?
Hi Max
I didn’t get a chance to test the Katana Pro (tried to get hold of some, but wasn’t able), so couldn’t say for sure in detail. But based on specs, it sounds like the flex would be the biggest difference. Hard to say having not ridden it how much stiffer it feels on snow, but based on specs it looks like both the base plate and highback would be stiffer with the following material differences (these were the only differences I found between the 2 bindings – and this is what would make it feel stiffer):
Highback: Katana 85% nylon | 15% glass. Katana Pro 70% Nylon | 30% Carbon
Baseplate: Katana 70% nylon | 30 % glass. Katana Pro 70% Nylon | 30% Carbon
Hi Nate,
can you tell me the differences between Malavita (your bidings) and Katana? what are the differences in comfort/responsiveness, butter? which of the two do you see better on a yes the greats?
Thanks
Hi Gud, thanks for your message.
I find the Katana a little better for carving and the Malavita a little better for board feel/buttering and a little more comfortable. Both pretty comparable in terms of shock absorption and slow speed turns. I find the Katana a little stiffer overall. Highback twist flex is pretty comparable, but the overall flex feel on snow is a little stiffer from the Katana.
Both are really good matches for the Greats, so you can’t go wrong with either. But I’d say the Katana are a slightly better match to the Greats. A slightly better flex match than the Malavita. But depending on what you would prefer to optimize for, both are options. E.g. if you’re wanting a little better board feel and comfort, then the Malavita might be your preferred choice, but if you want better adjustability and carving, then the Katana would likely serve you a little better. Noting that none of the differences are worlds apart or anything.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate, thanks for all of your reviews. I really enjoy them! I was wondering if you were going to do a review on this year’s Rome D.O.D? Or how do you think they compare to the Katana?
I’m currently on the ’22 Rome Agent with some Bent Metal Joints, I just grabbed the Crewzer and thinking about the DODs. I did the upgrade so I can get going faster without getting so squirrelly.
Hey Teebo, thanks for your message.
We haven’t tested the DODs yet, so can’t say specifically for that one, but I did get on the 390 Boss this winter, which is a very similar binding but just a little softer. I found the 390 Boss felt like a 6.5/10 flex to me, which is what I felt with the Katana, so a similar flex. I suspect the DOD likely feels a touch stiffer than the Katana as that’s been my experience with Asym wrap vs Full Wrap (DOD and 390 Boss are both full wrap and the Katana is Asym wrap). Also Asym wrap tends to give a bit more freedom of movement and board feel (as you would expect). Given you’re looking for more stability, I think the DOD could work well for you – and would be a good match to the Stale Crewzer, IMO.
Hope this gives you a bit more to go off.
Absolutely, much appreciated!!
You’re very welcome Teebo.
Hi Nate,
Would the Rome Katana be a good choice for a high-end beginner?
Kind regards,
Ferdi
Hi Ferdi
I would go with something a little softer than the Katana for a high-end beginner. Depending on your height/weight specs, I think something in the 4-6/10 flex range would be a good bet. Looking back on your previous messages from another review, I think you could go as stiff as 6/10 with your specs. I know that only puts the Katana just out of that range, but the line has to be drawn somewhere. So, you could probably get away with it, but I think something a little softer, i.e. 5/10 to 6/10 flex, would be more optimal.
Hi Nate,
Many thanks for your advice again!
I have purchased the Rome Vice bindings. Wanted to stick with this brand as I read many good reviews. I will match them with the Nidecker Rift boots. Did you try the Vice before?
Hey Ferdi. Yeah I got on the 2025 Vice this year. And they are a little softer than the Katana. I have them at 6/10 bordering on 5.5/10, so I think they should be a good bet with the Rift. Overall I liked the bindings too.
Hi Nate,
You mention the Astros in your review, but I don’t see a review on the site for them. How do they (Bataleon Astro Asymwrap) compare to the Katana assuming you rode them? Which is overall stiffer in your opinion. Thanks for the help!
Hey Eric
Thanks for your message. We tested the Astro Fullwrap but we haven’t tested the Asymwrap (should have been more specific in the section here where we talk about the Astro – I will go in and change that now).
But I would say that the Asymwrap Astro is likely to feel a little stiffer than the Katana – but not by a whole lot I wouldn’t think. But having not actually tested them, couldn’t say for sure.
Hey Nate – Do you think the 2024 Rome Katanas will pair nicely with 2024 Bataleon Goliath +? Do you recommend anything else on your ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREERIDE list that would pair better with that board? Thanks in advance!
Hey Evan
Thanks for your message. The Katana would be a great match to the Goliath +, IMO. Anything in that 6/10 to 7/10 flex range would be a good match, IMO. If you’re going to be doing any freestyle stuff, like buttering, ollies, side-hits etc, then I’d favor something with good board feel (which the Katana have), otherwise anything in that All-Mountain-Freeride list would work well, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi, i bought an amplid paradigma 22, rated as flex 6, and have ordered katanas but in atlantic blue, the 2023 version, which I see here are rated as 7 in flex, and the 2024 is rated as 6,5 in flex. Will they match the board well?
On Rome webpage it states the bindings can be adjusted from 5-8 in flex, but I cant find any information how this is done, could you please provide some insight into this adjustability?
Great webpage, very good information, thank you for that!
Hi Justin
Thanks for your message.
We haven’t tested the Paradigma, so can’t say for sure, but assuming the 6/10 flex translates to about that in a universal sense, and not just for the brand in particular, then I think the Katana should work well. I did find the 2023 a little stiffer, and I’m not sure if the 2024 version got a little softer because of it’s new ankle strap or what it was, but it did feel a touch softer. That said a 7/10 flex binding tends to work well on a 6/10 flex board, in my experience, so I think they should match well.
I honestly don’t know why Rome puts a flex range like that for them. There’s nothing there to change up the flex. I guess you could, at a stretch, use the ankle strap adjustment and that could change the flex feel a little, but to go from a range of 5-8 is a bit more than I’d be willing to go with for that. They have this pivot thing on the ankle strap that allows you to put it in a number of different positions depending on how much ankle support you want. Place it higher on the ankle and you tend to get more ankle support and a bit more of a responsive/locked in feel. And then if you have it lower on your ankle, it gives a more surfy/looser feel. So to a degree, the higher ankle strap position feels a little stiffer than if you had it in a lower position. But you can only do this at the same time as adjusting the amount of ankle support you get. And, IMO, it doesn’t make a massive difference to the flex, but I could see how you could argue that this adjusts the flex a little bit.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’m loving the website and all the reviews, it’s helped a lot in choosing my new kit.
I’ve gone with a Jones Mountain Twin 157 and am looking at the Rome Katana M/L for my 10US boots.
I can get an OK deal on Rome Katana 2022 model. Do you know if there’s much difference between the 2023 and 2022 models (apart from aesthetics of course :-))
Cheers,
Scott
Hey Scott
Thanks for your message. As far as I know the only difference between the 2022 and 2023 models is the “fast entry” that the 2023 model brought in. We didn’t test the 2022 model, so can’t say for sure if it makes a big difference, but I don’t think it makes a big difference, so if you can save a bit on the 2022 model, I’d say it’s worth it, rather than paying extra for what I would consider a fairly minor change – certainly not a change that will affect performance or comfort of the binding or anything.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your review. I’m really interested in the cushy feel that katana offers. I wonder if it is good for a all mountain freestyle use on a medium flex box (riders choice, assassin, etc)?
I have the union ultra (mainly for park) and nitro phantom (all mountain with stiffer board). Would you say that the Katana is a good addtion to my quiver and how do you compare it to the phantom?
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t tested the Phantom, so I don’t know firsthand how it compares. But based on specs and from what I’ve read from others, it looks like they’re a little stiffer than the Katanas. I’d say the Katana (7/10 flex by my feel) are probably closer in flex to the Phantom than to the Ultra (5/10 flex by my feel), but still lie somewhere in between, so could be a good middle ground, if you want something stiffer for the likes of the RC and Assassin. I would say the Katana are a good match to those boards – if were talking an older RC (which I felt at 5/10 flex), then I’d say the Katana are on the stiffer end of the range for it, but still within a good range. If it’s the newer RC (which I feel more like 6/10 flex), then I’d say it’s an even better match. The Assassin I also felt at a 5/10 flex.
They Katana do have really good board feel, in my experience, likely due, at least in part, to the mini-disc, so it’s a binding I would happily use for all-mountain-freestyle personally.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks a lot for the input. Definitely helps a lot. I plan to buy it when there is a better discount in the summer.
Regarding RC, do you mean that the old one is the C2X profile and the newer one is the C3 camber profile? Or both the same C2X profile in different year?
Michael
Hi Michael
There are currently two models of RC the Rider’s Choice (which is C2X) and the RC C3 (which is C3, naturally), but the Rider’s Choice (C2X version) changed last season (2023 model) to being a little stiffer and a little less playful. The 2022 model and earlier were a little softer and more playful. So when I say old one, I mean 2022 model and earlier, with the RC C3 being a separate model.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the clarification. I really enjoyed your knowledge and detailed review. Keep up the good work!
You’re very welcome Michael and thanks for visiting the site.
Hi Nate!
I was wondering how do these Katanas compare to Union (lets say Falcors) sizewise?
My boots are size 12.5. I’ve read a lot online that Katanas run small but I see you’ve measured the footbed on these just a hair shorter than Falcors in size M. This makes me think the L/XL Katanas should also be just a hair shorter than Falcors in L. Is my thinking correct?
I would very much like to own these 🙂
Hi Mat
Thanks for your message.
I found with the Katana M/L that I did have to have the toe strap on its longest setting (with low profile 9.5s). However, the heel cup is adjustable on the Katana’s and I had it all the way forward. It has around 1.5cm to move back, so in theory that’s 1.5 sizes longer I could have fit into it. And with a bigger boot you would want to be moving the heel cup back. So, I reckon I could’ve squeezed in with an 11 Tactical ADV. But they really low profile, so for the M/L, I think some bulkier 10.5s wouldn’t get into it. But most 10s should.
I don’t really know with the L/XL having not measured it. Not guaranteed that the L/XL vs L Falcor would translate the same in terms of the M/L Katana and M Falcor, but I’d say it’s fairly likely to be the case.
With the M/L being up to 10.5s and likely not fitting some bulkier 10.5s, but most likely fitting most, if not all 10s, IMO, I think the L/XL should fit most 12.5s, given it says up to 13. No guarantees as I haven’t had a 12.5 in a L/XL Katana, but I’d be fairly confident. If you have lower profile 12.5s, that would make me more confident.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate!
It always helps to hear your insight.
My boots are now Rome Libertine in 12.5. Decently reduced I’d say.
I’m waiting for Katanas to arrive in the mail. I’ll be very disappointed if Rome boots won’t fit into Rome bindings. From what I’m reading online I’m not sure it will be ideal. Have to wait and see. If it doesn’t work out I’ll remain a Union fan 🙂
Hey Mat
Fingers crossed – yeah you would think Rome boots would fit with them. Would be interested to hear how you get on, if you think of it at the time.
Hey Nate
So I finally got my Katanas today and they’re already mounted on the board 🙂
First impression is I love everything about these bindings except the footbed which is a little short. It will still work but I’d like it to be a bit longer. Somewhere around 27cm would be ideal for my boots.
I’ve measured the footbeds at around 25.5cm so not much longer than M/L size which is kind of sad. Still when I put my bearfeet in them my toes don’t overhang which should work well for leverage I expect. I pushed the heel all the way back and the footbed all the way forward. Straps are long enough and no problems there whatsoever.
But anything above reduced size 13 would NOT fit in these.
Can’t wait to try these on snow because overall they seem like a great binding!
Hey Mat.
Thanks for the update and for your insights. Super helpful, particularly for those with bigger feet. Would love to hear how you get on with them on snow.
Hi Nate! Thanks for the review.
I’m looking to buy a K2 Alchemist to carve and ride down groomers.
Will the Katana be a good match? Any other suggestions?
Hi Max
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Alchemist, so I don’t know for sure how the flex feels, but flex rating suggests it’s quite stiff. I think the Katana would work, but I think ideally, based on the Alchemist’s flex rating, you’d go a little stiffer. The Rome Cleaver could be an option, if you decided against the Katana.
Hope this helps
Do you think a small size can fit well a men using female boots. Snowboard industry is so bad to look for small foot people (24.5cm foot). I heard that female boots are narrow and I’m afraid to be loose in the binding. Thanks!
Hi Felipe
Thanks for your message.
I think you should be fine in the small. Typically as a binding gets bigger it also gets wider. So the S is usually the narrowest of the sizes and it gets wider as you go up sizes. So the S should be narrower as well as shorter. No guarantees as I haven’t had a women’s boot in a size S Katana, but my guess is that you should be OK.
Hope this helps
Do you think I can fit size 11 Burton Kendos in the med/g or would you recommend lg/xl
Hi Pat
Hard to say for sure without having put an 11 in it. I had plenty of leeway with my boots – but they are a super low profile 9.5, so can’t take much from that. Given that the Kendo’s are relatively low profile, if I had to guess I would say you could probably squeeze them in. But that would be a guess and definitely no guarantees. Going with the L/XL would be the safer bet.
Hi David – Would these be a good match for the Ultra Mountain twin(latest model)? All my other bings are Atlas and Strata. I tried the Flacor on a similar board but found the high backs too stiff, especially when compared to the softer base plate
Hi Brian
I think the Katana would be a great match for the UMT. I didn’t find the highbacks overly stiff. Not soft or anything either, but yeah overall flex a good match for UMT, IMO. The Atlas would also work, if you were wanting to switch those over, but if you’re looking for a new set for this board, then the Katana are a good bet, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
I am looking at the Rome Katanas OR Union Atlas for a Yes standard Uninc board. Which one would you recommend? Are there any other binding you would pick instead?
Thank you!
Hi Yann
Thanks for your message.
Both very good options for the Standard Uninc, IMO. You can’t go wrong with either of them, IMO. I would be leaning Katanas but only just and mostly because of better board feel. But the Atlas a good match too. Just double check that the Katana’s can do 4×4 (I think so, but I didn’t double check when I had them unfortunately) – they use a mini disc but it’s a bigger mini-disc, so I think it’s 4×4 compatible (a lot of mini discs aren’t). The only reason I mention it is that the Standard Uninc has slam back inserts which are 4cm back from the main insert pack and you wouldn’t be able to use them with some mini-discs. i.e. the Falcor would also be a good match for the Standard Uninc, but unfortunately you wouldn’t be able to use the slam backs. No issue if you don’t intend on using them, but important to note, in case you were wanting to use them.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hello! Appreciate the review. Will the Rome Katana binding be compatible and work well on the Jones Stratos 2022?
Thanks Peter
Hi Peter
Yeah, I think they would be a good match. The Stratos is a board I felt at a 7.5/10 flex – so I wouldn’t go any softer than the Katana, but I think they are stiff enough and should work well with the Stratos. And yes, they are compatible.
How would you compare them to Cartel X?
Hi Maks
Thanks for your message.
In a lot of ways, they’re similar to the Cartel X. Both around the same flex, both around the same in terms of response feel, similar board feel and shock absorption.
The Katana, I would say, has a little better board feel vs the Cartel X Re:Flex, but not quite as good vs the EST model. Ankle support feels similar too, but the Katana has more options in terms of where you can line up your ankle strap, so you can choose to place it higher on the ankle if you prefer that feel. The Katana overall more adjustable, but it’s the most adjustable binding I’ve tested. The Cartel X is nice and adjustable as well. The biggest downside for adjustability with the Cartel X is stance width adjustability (the EST version, if your riding a channel board, has great stance width adjustability but the with the Re:Flex version you’re limited to adjusting 2cm at a time – nothing more micro in terms of stance width adjustability at a time – and if you’re looking to keep the same setback stance on a board but just want to adjust your stance width, then you’ve got to do it in 4cm (40mm) bites – e.g. if on a board with a reference stance of 580mm, if you wanted it narrower, but keep the same setback stance, then you’d have to go to a 540mm stance width, whereas with something like the Katana, you would be able to narrow it (or widen it) by a more subtle amount if you wanted).
So yeah, long story short, they are more similar than they are different and match to the same types of boards and riding styles, but just some subtle differences, the main one being adjustability, IMO.
Hope this helps