ProView – Kemper Fantom Split Review
As the roads to the ski resorts fill with hybrid vehicles (as they should), so too, are the mountains filling with hybrid snowboards. Have your park, and eat pow too. Did that translate? The theme of the story here is versatility and all-terrain goodness. The Fantom has a perfect rocker/camber combo and rides like a dream wherever you want to take it.
Kemper Fantom Split
Product Name: Kemper Fantom Split
Product Description: The Fantom splitboard is a directional twin designed for all-mountain riding and epic powder days. Constructed with Kemper’s Shark-Bite™ edge-traction technology underfoot, this board provides stability in all conditions.
Offer price: MSRP: $800.00
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Quality
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Features
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Fit
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Durability
Summary
Surfy, playful, confidence-inspiring. All words that describe the Fantom Split. When I ride snowboards, it feels like their personalities come alive. This split is like a playful bestie that just wants to go fast, but always has your back. I highly recommend the Fantom Split from Kemper! It will be my first grab for the backcountry for many season to come.
Overall
5Pros
- True twin makes park riding super fun
- Easy to play around on
- Great control in pow
Cons
- None
For many years I was a resort only snowboarder. After living in Colorado long enough, teaching snowboarding at some of my favorite resorts, and braving the traffic both on the slopes and off, it was time to take it to the backcountry. Ah, what a haven it was. No human lines, all fresh pow lines. Wake up when you want, bring your pup, have a snack halfway through. These are all of my favorite things. Enter the Fantom and the deal just got sweeter.
Fit/Setup: Length/Binding System
The Kemper Fantom Split 2021/2022 comes in an assortment of sizes. From 150cm to 163cm wide. I fell just in the middle with a 156cm. I knew it was a tad larger than the normal boards I ride, but wanted the extra float in the backcountry. And boy did I make the right decision. With such an epic snow year for Colorado, the size and float were just right. The 156cm is 25.4cm in the middle, and a true directional twin with 0 taper, meaning the nose width and tail width are exactly the same.
To complete the set up I used Spark R&D bindings with the RIDE Cadence snowboard boot. It’s a stiff boot that stays comfortable while climbing uphill or boot packing, and stays responsive on the ride down. The board comes with Phantom Spinner Tip Clips which are a tad hard to lock into place with gloves on. It’s complete with Hercules Hooks which don’t go through the board so the base stays smooth. Lastly, I used Kemper’s Klimblite skins, made by Montana Climbing Skins. They have a great grid to traction ratio. Once set up, I found they had great coverage and functional glue. Skin savers are provided but I’ve always felt skin savers do the opposite of their name. I store them folded in on each other to stop the possibility of air contacting the glue.
Look/Style/Features
The Fantom Split is a true directional twin with camber rocker camber edges. It has a poplar/Bamboo core with carbon fiber stringer and a 20mm set back. All these come with a kooky top sheet and two-tone base. The top sheet really reminds me of the Rugrats. If you’re too young for the reference, do yourself a favor and head to YouTube. It’s 80s vibes are fun and playful, as are all of Kempers boards. While doing some research, I found a Limited Edition Fortnite Fantom that could be an excellent addition to your split collection (if that’s what you’re into).
Downhill Performance
This board is SURFY. I rode it in the backcountry in an array of conditions and the rocker camber really keeps you steady while letting you make big turns or hiphops down the mountain. I really enjoyed the playful feel of the board. It felt responsive to jumps and dips, and confident on landings. This is considered and all-mountain board, but I would call it an all-condition board as well, which isn’t the case for many splits. The 20mm set back keeps it floaty in powder while the rocker in the middle helps engage ice on less than ideal terrain. This is what they’re referring to when they talk about the Shark-Bite™ edge-traction technology! I really enjoyed riding this board every time I went out.
Weight/Durability/Construction
The Kemper feels like a solidly built board. The top sheet will resist scratches and I’ve been able to ride the factory wax for the season. I will relax and tune over summer to make sure it’s spick and span for next season. So far I’ve had no core shots and the base has held up. All Kemper boards come with a 4 year limited warranty. The board must be purchased from the Kemper site and covers structural cracks, delamination, and under-performing inserts.
The Final Word
Surfy, playful, confidence-inspiring. All words that describe the Fantom Split. When I ride snowboards, it feels like their personalities come alive. This split is like a playful bestie that just wants to go fast, but always has your back. I highly recommend the Fantom Split from Kemper! It will be my first grab for the backcountry for many season to come.
If you’d like to read about more Kemper boards, check out some other Kemper reviews.
About the Gear Tester
Roxy Dawson
Roxy Dawson lives in a van full time and travels around the country working as an adventure journalist, searching for backcountry adventure, and using her dog as a pillow. Like most adventurers, she loves coffee, hot springs, and getting pretend lost. She works for Outdoor Prolink as the Content Marketer. She is trying to make a small positive impact on the world, and a larger one in her community. Follow her on Instagram at @roxyjan_