Why We Chose The Rome Katana AW FASE
Rome’s legendary Katana gets the speed-entry treatment, combining the binding industry’s most adjustable platform with the convenience of fast entry – and without compromising performance.
“PivotMount technology provides 16 total adjustment options – a level of customisation that’s unmatched in the speed-entry world”
Who Is The Rome Katana AW FASE For?
All-mountain riders who demand maximum customization alongside entry convenience will appreciate Rome’s approach to speed entry – the Katana offers no fewer than 16 different ankle strap positions alongside the usual adjustable elements. Oh, and if you like your colour choices to match your iPhone Pro, you’re in luck; it’s available in black, slate and orange – all of them sleek and industrial.
How does FASE work?
Rome’s implementation of FASE technology centers around three key innovations. The AutoBack automatically closes around your boot as you step in, then opens for exit – no hands required. The Locked-In Toe Straps use tri-toothed ladders and Locking Slap Ratchet 2.0 buckles to maintain position between rides (eagle-eyed riders will see parallels here with Supermatic’s LSR 2.0 buckles, and indeed FASE was born out of the same Nidecker brand group). Most cleverly, the FastStrap ankle system stays connected via an extended ladder for genuine one-handed operation, with a classic ratchet design to fine-tune tension.
“More than half a decade since FASE development began, Rome’s legendary chassis gets the speed-entry treatment”
Baseplate:
The Katana FASE is built around Rome’s trusted AsymWrap platform, with three baseplate connection points for maximum tweakability and that signature surfy ride feel. The forged aluminium heelhoop is specially notched at the back to accommodate the new pedal system – a pressure-sensitive lever backed by a lifetime warranty that acts as the heart of the whole operation. As you step in and push down, the pedal flips the highback up automatically. The baseplate also features Slider Footbeds with two-degree canting and a two-part design with injected nylon topsheet, making it easier to slide your boot into the binding. Materials are 30% glass, 70% nylon for a nice balance of response and flex.
Straps and Highback:
Where the Katana truly separates itself from other speed-entry systems is adjustability. Rome’s signature PivotMount technology provides four different ankle strap positions per side, creating 16 total adjustment options – a level of customisation that’s unmatched in the speed-entry world. The redesigned interface uses gear-like geometry to maintain and hold FastStrap positioning. The higher the strap sits, the more locked-in and powerful the feel; drop it low for a looser, surfier ride.
The new OmniFlex ankle straps represent the next generation of Rome’s AuxTech pattern, featuring next-gen 3D Auxetic patterns with a TPU spine that perfectly wraps your boot and offers a useful amount of torsional flex alongside solid edge-to-edge power. Paired with ProGrip toe straps featuring yet more of the magical AuxTech webbing, it’s safe to say the fit of these bindings is second to none. The Forward Lean Adjuster offers three positions specifically designed for the FASE system. The highback uses glass-infused construction (15% glass, 85% nylon) for responsive support without straying into bone-rattle territory.
Roundup
Rome took their most adjustable, most celebrated binding and made it faster without sacrificing what made it special. The Katana FASE delivers on its promise – genuine speed entry that still feels like a premium two-strap once you’re locked in. Seven years of development and adoption by multiple brands shows serious confidence in this new system, and while it’s yet to be tested over a full season, our testing so far backs it up.
Pros
- 16 ankle strap positions offer unmatched customisation in the speed-entry world
- Works with any boot
- AsymWrap platform delivers surfy board feel
Cons
- With so many options, dialing in your perfect setup takes experimentation
- FASE still requires bending down to tighten the ankle strap
Tester Verdict
Maria Kuzma
“What more can I say? The bindings were responsive and FASE technology definitely made it easier and faster for exiting and entering. Winner!”
Buy the Rome Katana AW FASE Snowboard Bindings 2025-2026: from $409.95 at evo.com
Buy the Rome Katana AW FASE Snowboard Bindings 2025-2026: from €379.95 at BLUETOMATO.COM
