Rome Agent Review

The Agent was more difficult to maneuver while going slow than any other competitor. Once up to speed, it held edges through long, beautiful, turns and its low weight was noticeable when in the air. It did not have the same edge-to-edge response as other fully cambered boards, nor did it float in powder as well for the same reason.

Performance Comparison

Edging and Carving

Edge-to-edge transitions were relatively slow. However, once the board was fully involved in a turn, it excelled. Longer sidecuts make for satisfying and longer turns, while its width ensured that there was no toe/heel drag issues, allowing us to really lay it down. Being comfortable while laying a turn down at speed is worth its 8 out of 10. The Lib Tech Travis Rice Pro earned the only 10 out of 10 in this metric, proving to be exceptionally worthy at edging and carving.

Float in Powder

Its width and low weight helped it float in powder, though not nearly enough, as demonstrated in the stiffness that we felt (even though it's promoted as being medium-stiff). It did not perform anywhere close to the others in float, consequently earning a 6 out of 10, the lowest in our testing. We'd recommend taking a look at the Never Summer Proto Type Two, Lib Tech Travis Rice Pro, or Arbor Wasteland if powder is what you seek out.

Stability at Speed

This is where the Rome Agent excelled, going fast on and off edge, and while turning and straight-lining at speed. Stiffness combined with camber is a well known recipe for these qualities, and scoring an 8 out of 10 is enough for us to bring the board out again…if the conditions call for it. The Burton Flight Attendant scored the only 10 out of 10 in this metric, blowing all other competitors out of the water, particularly the Burton Custom Flying V and Arbor Wasteland, which each scored a 7 out of 10.

Playfulness

This contender is not the board to mess around on when you have other options. Its unforgiving flex, width, and camber made it feel like too much work, erasing any fun. Five out of 10 — end of story. Seek out the Never Summer Proto Type Two, Arbor Wasteland, Capita Defenders of Awesome, or Burton Custom Flying V if Playfulness is an important characteristic in a snowboard.

Pop

It did pop, we'll give it that. It snapped off jumps with assuredness; that same stiffness in the tail also made for stomped landings. It will stand next to the other top scoring “pop” boards, such as the Never Summer Proto Type Two, and Burton Flight Attendant, earning an 8 out of 10.

Best Applications

This board excels at carving with speed on groomers and hard-pack, or at hitting sizable jumps.

Value

Too expensive for how limited it felt.

Conclusion