K2 Marauder Splitboard Test | Photo Mike Hardaker Mountain Weekly News
The K2 Marauder Splitboard is incredibly solid on the way uphill with its camber dominate profile. On the way down if you can handle the camber the board excels, especially in light density snow.
K2 Marauder Splitboard Profile
The K2 Marauder Split is camber dominate with slight rocker at the tip and tail for added performance in deep snow. With this no-frills profile this splitboard tours exceptionally well. It could be the combo of the factory cut K2 – POMOCA Skins.
The camber dominant profile on the K2 Marauder combined with the directional shape and the stiff BAP wood core is nothing to take lightly. The sort of rider that will appreciate this K2 splitboard rides hard, likes bigger boards and for the rest of us, the K2 Marauder seems to be easiest to ride in light snow. All in all one of the top splitboards that you can find for the skin track.
Touring on the K2 Marauder Splitboard with POMOCA Skins
One of the best features of this splitboard is how the skins actually connect with the base of the board via tip hooks, vs traditional skin that only sticks to the base of your board.
Mounting bindings to this K2 Splitboard is simple and fast thanks to K2’s Split Track. If you have used the Burton Channel System in the past, this system will seem very familiar. My recommendation though is to always carry an extra Split Track insert with you especially when traveling as they have been known to pop out of the board when changing bindings out.
I tested this board with the Union Expedition Splitboard Bindings.
Other cool things about this board and a lot of splitboards on the market are new top sheets designed to shed snow. K2 uses the Snowhobic Topsheet that seems to do a good job of stopping snow from accumulating on the top sheet. When it’s super cold snow will still stick, this tech works best when the sun comes up and the snow has additional moisture to shed.
Out of the box, the K2 Marauder Splitboard package is a killer deal. You get the board, custom factory cut skins, pucks to mount your bindings and all the normal splitboard hardware comes attached (tip and tail and board connectors). So all you need to do is buy a pair of bindings, take an avalanche course, get the gear, partners and your off. It’s that easy.
K2 Marauder Splitboard Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent uphill performance with camber dominant profile
- Connectable skins for secure attachment to base
- Easy and fast binding mounting with Split Track
Cons:
- A camber-dominant profile may be challenging downhill
- Stiff wood core may not suit all riders
- Split Track inserts can pop out easily
Overall Impression
The K2 Marauder Splitboard Package ($1,069.95) is available in a huge size run from 147 all the way to 166w.
K2 is starting to make its mark on the splitboard scene as of late, clearly, the brand is listening to consumers wanting a solid board for the up. And something to blast through powder on the way down.
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Hello! How do you actually attach the union explorer bindings? Everywhere I look says they aren’t compatible with a channel system (I have them on my current board, but I want to upgrade that board to this one).
There are special K2/Ride Sliders that work with this. They are a little bit lower than the standard ones that make the Union’s compatible. Shoot me an email I may have some extra at the office as I ordered extras just in case.
-Mike
Hi Mike, thinking of buying the Marauder. What size would you recommend I get? 190cm tall, 77kg (without gear), experienced/fairly aggressive rider. Thanks!
John,
Thanks for the comment. I would go with the 162 or 163W. What size board do you normally ride. Looks like you are 6’1 in height. There is also a 166 version but I would not ride this unless it similiar in size to what you normally ride, 2-4cm max.
-Mike
I have about 20 days on the Marauder 162 and I don’t know if I am not using the right wax, or not riding steep enough, or what. But it does feel verrrryyy slow. It also could be the excess weight in my backpack for touring. It’s only my first 20 days splitting/touring ever, anyone have any ideas how to go faster?
Conor,
Are you still running the factory wax? I find that with splitboarding the temps of the snow and outside temp really effect the touring and even how the skins stick.
Where abouts are you riding?
For waxing, throughout the year I run all temp wax top to bottom and then depending on conditions and temps a cold wax or warm wax melted over the all temp. I will make a video on that actually thanks for the idea.
Mike
Great review. Interested in getting the Marauder and I’ve got the same Unions. How are they mounted to the board with the split track system? Did you need to buy any additional hardware?
Mark the Union kit comes with all the hardwear. One thing I would do is get some extra inserts before going into the backcountry though. The little sliders inside the board. I have some extras if you need. Otherwise hit up K2 as we have had them fall out of the boards the past few years when not in use. Super weird. Otherwise great board, epic touring on the up. Thanks for the comment.
-Mike
Resurrecting this post, is the insert you are talking about the part where the bolt threads into? or the cap at the end of the track? I just ordered this board online and am waiting to get it. Thank you!
Hey Arnoldo,
Thanks for the message. I was talking about the ones at the end of the track. Where I noticed them falling out was more in the loading the boards in and out of vehicles or roof racks, basically tipping the system upside down. However it is very rare. Carry and extra and your good to go.
-Mike
Cheers!
which would you recommend, the k2 marauder or the lib tech split brd?
David,
Darn similar boards. I like the way the Lib ride better.