Soul Splitboards F/W 2026/27 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Splitboarding F/W 2026/27 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Soul
Interviewee: Corran Addison – Chief designer

How would you describe the 2024/25 splitboard season in terms of market performance and consumer demand?
There was a definite drop in overall splitboarding equipment sales compared to the two previous seasons, with many retailers putting related goods on sale before the season had started.

What major trends are shaping the splitboard market (pricing, consumer preferences, backcountry participation)?
There is a shift towards lighter boards on one end of the spectrum, and more reliable equipment on the other, even at the cost of some added weight.

From changing consumer behavior to tariffs and supply chain stress, what’s been the biggest challenge for your brand recently?
General overstock in retailers from Covid, massive used sales post covid as some people realised they’re not actually getting out touring, general lack of disposable income from consumers, all affected last seasons sales of our touring specific products through retailers (though direct sales were up), and undoubtably the tariff war will affect 2025/26 season.

How are you supporting retailers in selling this category?
We do not have a wide retailer base. Retailers are understandably reluctant to carry lines that are not mainstream. They prefer to offer the same products as everyone else and draw customers through aggressive pricing than to carry boutique brands. While this makes it difficult to distinguish one retailer from another, it tends to be the preferred route to make smaller margins than to draw in customers by carrying different product lines.

SPLITBOARD SPECIFIC

What trends or innovations in construction, shapes, or functionality (skinning, transitions, riding) are you highlighting in your 26/27 range?
Our focus for the upcoming seasons is in weight reduction of boards. For the 25/26 season we now offer our Zen 158 splitboard in a 2.6kg construction, and are working on technologies to reduce that further for the following season. We also have a new powder specific shape, the Paradox, that is a full rocker, reverse sidecut design that can be ridden with or without bindings, as a solid or a split, for fast lap powder runs. Our kids line of boards continues to evolve, and our directional surf shape Zen 130 remains one of the most progressive and exciting kids splitboards on the market.

Are you using new materials in your splitboards (inserts, edges, cores, sidewalls, resin, glues, wood types, bases, top sheets, wax, etc.)?
We make all our boards using pre-preg materials (fiberglass and carbon) giving us a level of consistency that cannot be had with wet layup methods. Combined with Paulownia cores and our proprietary Oscillate damping technology, this makes for lightweight, highly performance focused boards.

What new approaches are you taking in design — graphics, patterns, collabs, or limited editions?
Our graphics are a simple and easily recognisable red that are similar from model to model, creating a clear recognisable brand

Are you putting a stronger emphasis on particular ranges (e.g., freeride, expedition, lightweight touring, women’s-specific, entry-level) for 26/27?
We are very focused on directional, surf inspired shapes for both our inbounds and touring lineup. Our boards are high end, constructed using the best materials and technologies, to create a unique feeling and riding experience on progressive designs. We are one of the few companies that offers truly inspired splitboard shapes for kids.

SPLITBOARD BINDINGS SPECIFIC

What new innovations are you introducing in splitboard bindings (buckles, straps, highbacks, baseplates, heel cups, etc.)?
We have made several improvements to our Stoke Binding. The focus was on reliability, and adjustability – for both rental fleets needing to switch boards from regular to goofy, stance widths and angles in just seconds, and for riders looking for a practical, reliable system.

Key Products:
The Zen and Zen Kids continue to evolve from solid and loved boards to even more exciting and responsive rides as our construction tech continues to evolve, while the new Paradox breaks from tradition to offer the most unique surf inspired snowboard, creating some of the most progressive and inspired rides you’ll strap onto.

Paradox 152 split:

Paradox 152 split

Zen 130 Split:

Zen130Split

Zen 158 redline:

Zen 158 redline