Product of the week: K2 Kwicker splitboard system
Over 25 years ago K2 was born in the backcountry of Mt Baker and the Pacific Northwest. Focused on innovation and a passion for performance gear, K2 has been pushing backcountry innovation ever since. This year K2 take one of its biggest innovation leaps in their history, and go back to their roots. Not only one, but 3 products presented here, that make the K2 Kwicker splitboard system.
Check the video at the end of this article to see how it all works.
The Kwicker Backcountry System is built on a new generation of K2’s proven Clicker binding interface, and enhanced with breakthrough technologies in splitboard and boot construction they left nothing untouched in this totally new system. The Result: 3.9lbs (1.8kg) lighter than the industry standard, 50% faster transitions, and you don’t even have to take your gloves off on transitions, thanks to its pinless design, low friction puck fit – binding plate slides quick an easy, and lock paw – locks plate in place.
The board
The board is only the Lightest splitboard in the world as we speak. Split Bambooyah core – bamboo of response, durability and strength. No topsheet – lightweight. Split Track mounting – infinite stances. 2-point Z-Clips– ultra secure skin attachment. here’s the Ultrasplit! With Bamboo core for strength and confidence, patented tip and tail skin attachment and unlimited Split Track stance options, this is the new standard for splitboarding’s new (or old) addicts.
C13 K2 Ultra Split 161
Tech details:
Baseline: All Terrain with Tweekend
Damping: Standard
Construction: UltraTech
Shape: Backside Hyper Progressive
Stance: Setback 3/4” (19mm)
Core: Bambooyah Split
Glass: ICG 20 / Biax
Additives: NEW Carbon Wing™ II
Base: Sintered
Base Bevel: 1°
Split Track Binding Mount
K2 UltraTech
Z-Clip Skin Attachment
Sizes: 155, 158, 161, 164, 165wThe Boot
The boot proposes great comfort, support and walkability: Conda – replaces ankle strap; Endo Construction– replaces highback; Kwicker outsole plate – bombproof attachment with snowclearing; 360o tuned flex – same feel as traditional boot/bindings.
K2 Standard Stark with Double Boa
Lacing System: H3 Boa® Focus
Liner Lacing: BoaÒConda™
Liner: Intution Pro Foam 3D
Outsole: NEW! Kwicker Light
Footbed: 3D Formed Dual Density EVA with HarshmellowÔ
Liner fit: Moldable Internal J Bars, Integrated Power Strap
Details: Dual Density 3D Formed Tongue
Sizes: 8-12, (1/2 sizes 8, 9, 10, 11)
Colors: BlackThe binding
The Binding featuring the Kwicker attachment is functional and efficient. Neutral skinning stance – no bow legged walking; Harshmellow – reduced shock, vibration & fetigue; Cored T6061 Aluminum desing – lightweight.
Kwicker binding.
Additional material: Skins and crampons
K2 skin and crampon.
To have a better idea on how things work, here the K2 Kwicker video:
nice music, shame about the video – has anyone who actually splits tried this product? there’s enough money gone into it that i’m curious. how does the interface compare with karokoram’s when it’s icey cold and snow’s frozen in all the parts? how do the skins hold up compared to G3′s? how do the funky pole clamps fair under load when you’re leaning on them? can the board cut an edge through crud and ice? how stable are the boots laterally when traversing on snow? what are my feet going to feel like after a day in such a stiff boot? how many days will the boot remain stiff for? is there a heel lock down for skating out the flats whilst the board is split? can i do a complete changeover with my mittens on? so many questions left unanswered by such a half-hearted video. if you want to sell us a complete new setup, show us it in action in the context we’re buying it for – not just a sunday stroll.