Rad Air Splitboarding F/W 2026/27 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Splitboarding F/W 2026/27 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Rad Air
Interviewee: Harry Gunz, co-founder

How would you describe the 2024/25 splitboard season in terms of market performance and consumer demand?
Our second year in the splitboard market but we are really happy to see a customer demand on a longer splitboard. But again we are talking about small numbers but happy customers. We still believe the splitboard market size is way overestimated. Covid has been drivng this market but now many customers are selling their used boards on various platforms.

What major trends are shaping the splitboard market (pricing, consumer preferences, backcountry participation)?
From our point of view the major trend is pricing. Have a look on the internet offers, too much product on the market compared to the market size. Consumer preferences: as light as possible as cheap as possible. Understand?

From changing consumer behavior to tariffs and supply chain stress, what’s been the biggest challenge for your brand recently?
As said on the general snowboarding questionnaire, we purchased early, paid early and are safe without the hick-hack on tariffs. We knew that was coming, we took action in time.

How are you supporting retailers in selling this category?
We don’t. We are participating on some of the splitboard supporting on-snow-demo’s, but our splitboard sales are 95% online.

SPLITBOARD SPECIFIC

What trends or innovations in construction, shapes, or functionality (skinning, transitions, riding) are you highlighting in your 26/27 range?
According to our customers feedback our Split 179 offers the performance they have been looking for,so wat to change?

Are you using new materials in your splitboards (inserts, edges, cores, sidewalls, resin, glues, wood types, bases, top sheets, wax, etc.)?
Our Split 179 is a full carbon body, wet process laminated lightwight woodcore construction and Pu-sidewalls. In our opinion it contains some of the best materials on the market. Take it or leave it.

What new approaches are you taking in design — graphics, patterns, colabs, or limited editions?
NONE, same model as 25/26 season.

Are you putting a stronger emphasis on particular ranges (e.g., freeride, expedition, lightweight touring, women’s-specific, entry-level) for 26/27?
NO, we got one size 179cm and we know that doesn’t appeal to everybody. Those who know the advantage of a longer board in various changing conditions will buy, others won’t.

Key Products:
we got a 179 only. We address the customer who’s looking for that split-longboard. Shorter sizes are plenty on the market already.

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