Solid overall binding. Fase system worked really well with my vans boot. Good adjustability. Nice you can still kick the high back forward when kicking around in the flats. Pretty responsive and has good forward lean (not too much but not too little). Typically like a touch forward lean despite still being a park guy and this works for me despite not being able to adjust the forward lean. Decent board feel. If you interested and like Rome bindings these will be solid for years to come.
I'm waiting for my product to arrive for a month and all the customer service reply are AI!
It seems they just don't care .I don't even have a way to cancel the order so I just have to wait until the season end.
Bought my First new snowboard setup this year. Loving my Rome FASE Katana bindings so far! They feel great, look great and get me out on the mountain significantly faster than a traditional binding. Also not having to sit down is a huge plus!
Rome has always made a solid binding, but the fase takes it up a notch. Getting in (that's what she said) to the binding takes getting use to, but is faster than normal bindings. Feel is great and responsive.
I purchased this product a couple weeks ago. I like how it wraps around my boots and how it can quickly strap in. However the durability seems to be a concern as the strap started to break after only a few time of usages. I guess that’s why Rome is sending along extra parts. But this can bring lots of risks especially when it breaks during the day of riding.
Love the fact that you can tune the bindings, like the “normal” Katana. The entry and exit system works fast, though it does take some time to get in and out quickly while riding. With low chairs, you still have to kick down the highback, so on exit it's not as easy to step in while riding away, since you need to put the highback back up and pull the strap up. But I can now do that while riding as well, so it's still quick.
Getting out is fairly simple. Two points here: wider pants that fall over the highback can prevent it from opening, so sometimes you have to pull up your pants before releasing. When there's powder, the latch can freeze up, which prevents it from releasing the highback. Over the last few weeks this happened maybe eight times. The same can happen on backcountry tours where there is a lot of snow. Two things about that: it's very easy to fix—just a little tap and it opens again. Second, you can still use them like normal bindings and strap in as before (FASE).
In the beginning I had some issues where, when I dropped the board to strap in, the ladders/straps came undone. For some reason this stopped happening.
As a conclusion: I'm very happy with the bindings. They feel just like regular bindings, but faster. Especially when exiting the lifts it's a big advantage. It takes some time to tune them and to deal with the above-mentioned issues, but still worth it in my opinion. I just bought a second pair to prove this :)
Slapped the Rome Katanas on my 155 Weston 10th Mountain. The ease of access for my boots was impeccable to the point where getting on and off the chair lifts was just as smooth as skiers. Slapping my boot in with a matter of seconds was the best feeling. The bindings are light and strong, that provide the secure feeling only a mother gorilla can provide. I got plenty of looks and stares just sliding down the slopes and throwing my boot in. Thank you Rome for making me look steezy and popular. The Jerry’s were begging for my attention and take pictures with me to show their moms. This was a great purchase, 10/10 doctors approve this purchase. But in all the good, I would like for the bindings to be a bit stiffer. I like to go fast just like Ricky Bobby.
Using the FASE system, the biggest takeaway is definitely "convenience." The AutoBack mechanism is quite clever; as soon as you step in, the highback automatically flips up and locks, eliminating the need to squat down or use your hands to assist.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
· Although it's marketed as a "step-on" system, it's not entirely hands-free. After you stand up, you still need to "take a bow" to tighten the ankle strap. Some reviews mention that if you're not used to it, the first few times might even be slower than quickly fastening traditional straps.
· Also, when you release the bindings to skate or head to the lift, the highback flips forward. You need to remember to use your hand or foot to kick it back upright before getting on the lift; otherwise, it can easily catch on the snow. This is a small habit that requires some time to get used to.
🏂 Riding Performance: Does It Truly Replicate the Feel of Traditional Straps?
This is where the Katana FASE truly surprises. Compared to some other step-on systems on the market (like Step On or Supermatic), its riding performance is almost indistinguishable from high-end traditional strap bindings.
· Direct Power Transfer: The first feeling when you stand on it is "clean." Thanks to the AsymWrap technology on the baseplate, whether you're laying down deep carves or navigating uneven terrain, the feedback is incredibly clear. It feels like your feet are fused directly with the snowboard.
· Balance of Flexibility and Support: Its flex index is around 6 (medium-stiff). This means if you want to tweak a grab in the park or surf through powder, it offers enough torsional give. But when you need to power through steep slopes, it provides ample ankle support without feeling loose or disconnected.
· Comfortable Dampening: The entire footbed is covered in EVA foam material. It retains its resilience even in freezing temperatures, absorbing vibrations effectively and reducing foot fatigue.
🛠️ Tuning Freedom: Plenty to Keep Tinkerers Happy
If you're the type of rider who loves to "micro-adjust" your gear, this binding should be right up your alley. It's one of the few step-on systems on the market that retains an extremely high degree of tuning freedom.
Using PivotMount technology, you can change the angle and position of the ankle strap. Want to play in the park? Set it lower for a looser feel. Craving precise power for carving? Set it higher for quicker response. There are up to 16 different combinations for you to experiment with. This kind of tinkering, much like building a model kit, can keep you entertained for an entire season.
⚠️ Potential Issues to Know Before Buying
Of course, new tech often has a break-in period. Some media outlets noted during demo days that if the bindings were left out in extreme cold for too long beforehand, the buckles used for micro-adjusting the strap positions could potentially freeze and stick, requiring significant force to adjust. While the manufacturer points out that most people will set these up comfortably at home before using them and won't encounter this issue, it's something to consider if you frequently ride at resorts that get brutally cold.
💡 Summary: Who Should Consider These?
In summary, the ROME Katana FASE is definitely not a "luxury tax" item but rather a well-rounded, high-performance piece of gear. It's particularly well-suited for:
· Enthusiasts who demand carving precision.
· All-mountain riders who frequently navigate between park and freeride terrain.
· Anyone looking to try a step-on system but absolutely refuses to compromise on the feel of traditional strap bindings.
· If you appreciate aesthetics, the color options (black, slate grey, orange) have a pretty solid质感 (feel/texture).
However, if your priority is "step off the lift and go immediately," wanting to avoid any bending or squatting whatsoever, you might be better off looking at Step On or other hands-free systems. But if you're searching for a versatile binding that's fast, rides exceptionally well, and is fun to tinker with, the Katana FASE is definitely worth investing in this season.
Have been using these bindings several times and so far like them a lot. I have tried most of the different "quick entry" bindings - Burton step-on's, Flow rear entry, Nidecker Supermatics, Clew first version, so far I feel that the FASE system is the best balance for me with respect to ease of entry/release and binding feel. The Katana feel like solid bindings already and now FASE only makes it better. Lots of adjustability too.
I bought these bindings after doing a lot of reading on the available quick entry models. I have some Boss390s from Rome and my positive experience tipped the scale in the Katana FASE. After riding these for 7 days, they do not disappoint—easy entry, very comfortable, and loads of adjustability to boot. These are great bindings that reduces my time trying to get strapped in annd increases my time moving down hills.