West 21/22 Splitboard Hardgoods Preview

Please provide an overview of how 2021/22 is shaping up for your brand. Has COVID-19 affected your line? If so, please explain the changes you’ve made, and how you came to these decisions
As for each season before, we always had a carry-over item. For 20-21, the planned to be carry-over was our splitboard line. Therefore, for 21-22, we already have produced the boards and they will be carried-over 21-22

How much of your new line (pre-COVID) is normally dedicated to new models and artwork, and how has this changed, percentage-wise, for 21/22?
We have 4 models and it will be 4 models for 21-22

If you will be carrying over a larger proportion of your products than normal, how do you hope this will be received by retailers?
Carry-over was planned before covid-19. The good thing here is that we have plenty of stock and we take the risk of stock for our clients. Shops (by us) always order splitboard with caution on quantities and they know they can count on us to have enough stock through the seasons.

Are you using any new materials in your hardware for 21/22? If so, what, and why?
We changed the hooks due to a large demand from our customers

Any big advancements in functionality? Skinning, transitions, etc, as well as riding?
A small change on the top sheet to gain weight. We don’t claim to be some of the lightest but we are actually pretty good on this topic ( between 2.9kg – 3.4kg)

Please tell us about the dominant visual themes in your 21/22 gear, including any interesting artist collabs you have lined up.
DAYZE from Japan / we work with him for a few years already and after few collabs, events, and a trip to JPN, we became good friends. We love what he does and they love what we do. Since the Japanese market is now having more interest in splitboard market, we decided to collaborate this time on the splitboard range

Most brands tell us that selling in store is really important for splitboard gear, as it’s where you can get good advice. Can this be maintained post-COVID, or will you be looking to find more customers online?
We believe that instore sales will remain the biggest percentage of sales. But for sure, our oficionados are already buying most definitely online since they know the products

What are your three biggest European markets for splitboard hardware?
Switzerland – UK – Norway