ROME KATANA aw FASE BINDINGS

I’ve ridden the 2025/2026 Rome Katana AW FASE bindings for most of the 25/26 season and have been stoked by their functionality and performance. I was skeptical at first, as typical fast-entry style bindings come with performance issues such as extra weight, reduced response, reduced adjustability, reduced board feel, etc. But the Katana FASE delivered on all levels with no compromise.

The stiffer flex gives great response when carving. The adjustability of the heel cup, toe-ramp, and ankle strap is superb to get centered on the board and dialed in for the response and comfort you need to ride your best. The ratchets are smooth and get even smoother with time, as they’re a little stiff at first. Getting in and out of the binding takes a little getting used to, as you have to angle your foot slightly to get in and have the toe strap tight enough to keep you in, but “loose” enough so you can step in and out without “getting stuck”. Once your bindings are fully adjusted to your boot, foot, and riding style, you can stop thinking about it and just ride more.

Another feature I like is that if you ever have any issues getting in or out, you can always undo both straps like a traditional binding. And once you are locked in, the binding truly rides and feels like a regular 2-strap binding. You can still tweak grabs, cinch the straps down crazy tight (for those of us with last-click syndrome), and charge hard without concern of the binding not being able to hold up. I also like how the high-back has been designed to hinge forward and back. This makes it easy to step in, but also safe to put down and keep out of the way when getting on and off the lift or packing for travel.

I’ve ridden this binding in ice, slush, & powder, and I’ve had no issues with snow “clogging” up the FASE mechanism. Powder and slush can be brushed out or falls out when you step in. Ice can build up, as it would with any other binding, as the toe-ramp is designed as a slippery, grooved surface to help your foot slide in, which helps snow to come off easier as well. I’ve also used these bindings in steep, rocky terrain and had no issues getting in, not even when forced to sit in icy, rocky drop-ins. All of the above has also showcased the durability of the binding and FASE mechanism, as I’ve ridden over 20 days on this binding so far without any signs of breaking down or failure points.

I’d recommend the Katana AW binding to all-mountain freestyle riders who like to ride hard and fast, but still be playful at times for some freestyle flair. It’s not the softest flexing, so it’s not ideal for dedicated jibbers, beginners, or riders who like to be super playful.

I’d recommend the FASE System to anyone who wants a bit more convenience and speed when strapping in, while still having the feel and performance of a traditional binding. I don’t think the FASE System is “ideal” for beginners who are learning to ride, as this system works best when standing to strap in and requires a bit of balance when stepping in and out. But to be clear, I don’t think the FASE system is a hindrance to beginners, but I think the value they provide won’t be fully appreciated until they can stand up and balance to strap in. In short, they can be helpful to a beginner, but they aren’t essential to “learn faster” as they aren’t meant to be a “learning aid”. They are meant to speed up the strap-in process while making no compromises on performance, and on that, they deliver!

- Cody (check out my stats in my rider profile)