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Rome Mod Rocker or.....?

7K views 27 replies 10 participants last post by  yarg 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi All,

Just looking for a bit of advice please from those who are more up to date with current boards than me.

I’m 6’3″ (192cm) and 185 pounds / 84kg, size 12UK / 13US Salomon boots; usually ride -9 deg on the back foot and +15 on the front. Have been riding a 163W K2 Nemesis since 2006 and am looking to replace it...mainly cos I'm trying to do more jumps and spins off natural terrain and the Nemesis is really heavy. Been boarding 15yrs, not really into the park except the odd run through on the small kickers...am more looking to get off piste any time I can. Live in the French Alps so have to deal with a huge variety of conditions...plenty of ice to contend with too. I’m not the guy who’s always racing/straight-lining to the bottom of the piste, but I sometimes ride with some guys who are and need a board which can keep up there too.

So I know I'm asking a lot of my next board and perhaps what I'm looking for doesn't even exist but I'm basically trying to find the lightest possible all-mountain board which will let me play around ollie-ing and spinning while still letting me enjoy powder runs whenever it snows.

It's end-of-season sale time so I'm looking to pick up a good deal now. I’ve been doing a whole lot of reading online and these are some of the boards I’ve been considering:
Rome Agent 161MW / Agent Rocker 160MW
Rome Mod 159 / Mod Rocker 159
LibTech T. Rice Pro HP 161.5 / HP 161.5W (apparently super light and able to do anything/go anywhere)
Bataleon Whitegold Flyer 160W
Burton Custom Flying-V 158W / 162W
One of the Jones boards...?

Currently I'm leaning heavily towards the Rome Mod Rocker as have read a lot of good things about it, but am concerned since it's not available as a wide board and have to deal with these huge boots. Also have seen a great deal on that one which puts it a good 30-40% cheaper than the others in the list. Unfortunately I'm travelling at the moment and won't be home until July, so I have no way to demo these boards or even get to a shop with my boots to measure up and see what would fit.

So what do you guys think? Any advice for someone who's pretty confused by the sheer amount of options available these days?

Thanks a lot in advance!!
G
 
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#2 ·
So what do you guys think? Any advice for someone who's pretty confused by the sheer amount of options available these days?

Thanks a lot in advance!!
G
I had no idea the Mod Rocker isn't available in wide. It's a great board by most accounts, but probably too narrow for your feet.

I rather like the ride of RCR boards (camber between the feet with a bit of rocker in the tips). It sounds like you are looking for something fairly versatile and these generally handle jumps, pow, and carving quite well. Unfortunately, for whatever reason there aren't a ton of wide options...

Rome Agent Rocker would be a great board on paper, but I hear mixed reviews of their new MTN rocker 2.0. Endeavor Live and Capita DOA come to mind as great options for the type of riding you describe. Burton Process Camber could be another good choice. Never Summer Proto HDX could work as well though it will ride a bit looser and slide more than the others listed.

For next season Never Summer will likely have more wide options for the Type Two and Burton will have more Pure Pop boards out. These would both be great options as well.

Hopefully some will think of some boards I am forgetting.

Regarding the number of options, don't sweat it too much. Almost all the boards out there are really good. You are looking for a twin or directional twin 158-162cm in length with a medium flex. You want a waist width of 26cm or more I think (big foot guys correct me if I'm off) and a hybrid camber (RCR, CRC, or a minimal camber). You hit those criteria and you will almost certainly be happy with the board.
 
#3 ·
From your list the rome agent rocker or the custom flying V, given the sizes available i would go with the agent rocker 160mw.

Will give you enough float in z pow, it is slightly set back. If those are what you are getting deals on that would be what i would put you on.
 
#4 ·
Thanks a lot for your thoughts guys. I've managed to find an Endeavor Live 161w for only 20 bucks more than the Mod Rocker 159, and it's actually at a shop I can get to so I'm going to try and at least have a look at it in person in the next few days.

Just in addition, I saw someone throw the Yes Typo into the mix when discussing these boards on the forums, and I've found a Typo 159w for 150 less than the Endeavor and Rome. Is that one worth considering too?

Also, more reading has made me consider the Bataleon Boss 159w and Goliath+ 160w on top of the Whitegold Flyer 158w I mentioned originally. All 3 are more expensive than the other boards, with the Flyer being over 100 bucks more. I don't see these boards getting much love...are they not that good or they're just not the kind of board I should be considering for the type of riding I described?

Thanks again!
 
#6 · (Edited)
Just got back from the shop where I was able to see a number of the boards in person for the first time. TBT seems to be too much of a risk not having had a chance to demo it...could end up a very expensive mistake. I think it's got to be down to a straight choice between the Endeavor Live 161w and the Rome Agent Rocker 160mw or 162mw. Think I also should emphasise again that powder is an important element....the second there is fresh snow my buddies and I are off piste and for days afterwards we'll still be looking for pockets of fresh snow.

With that in mind and also wanting something more light/playful/poppy and less of plank than my K2....which of those 2 above would you guys choose?

Cheers!
 
#7 ·
I spent part of this season on an Endeavor Live and I liked it very much. The ride was great. I had a nice balance power and playfulness, but was a bit more towards the aggressive end of the spectrum (which is my preference). It carved like a champ and had good edge hold but I did find it a bit unstable and washy at very high speeds (may have been partially related to the tight sidecut radius). I was on the 156 at 165 lbs so that may have been part of the problem. The 161W has a longer radius sidecut and greater running length so it will be more stable. Powder floatation wasn't bad either. It struck a good balance between powder and hardpack performance. It's an awesome park jump to pow to groomer carves to side hits board.

Build quality was top notch and the board was very robust. Toughest topsheet I have encountered. Unfortunately my board had a defective base. Vendor and Endeavor took care of me and I will most likely buy another Endeavor in the near future because I really liked that board.

That's my experience with the Live. The Agent is also a sweet board. You would be quite happy on either I am sure. No first hand experience with the Typo, but I like Yes as a company. Any of those three would be excellent I'd imagine, but I liked the durability of the Live. The seamless sidewalls were cool and the topsheet held up very well to lift line abuse.
 
#8 ·
I have an Agent Rocker and a Yes Basic. The Typo is a better version of the Basic since it has a sinthered base, a half CM of set back, and better materials. I would recommend getting the Typo honestly for the type of riding your describing. If you want to do big jumps get the Agent Rocker. My basic had a lot better float in pow as well.
 
#10 ·
Thanks for the thoughts guys, appreciate the additional comments from those who own/have ridden the boards.

My Nemesis is an old full camber board, so I've never ridden any hybrid/new profiles. From reading around the forums and reviews, have I got this right:

CRC (Agent Rocker)
Better for edge hold in icy conditions, feeling of stability at high speed, more pop for carving turns, not as easy to ollie

RCR (Typo, Live)
Better for float in powder, more surfy feel (appeals to me as grew up surfing before moving to central France in my 20s), not as grippy for high speed on hard pack/ice (squirrely/twitchey underfoot), not as much pop in carving turns, easier for ollie-ing and lower-speed, soft playing around

Is that broadly accurate??

Something else to consider are the prices I've found these at in the sales:

Endeavor Live 161w - $400
Agent Rocker 160w or 162w - $310
Yes Typo 159w - $235

Money isn't really a major consideration; if the perfect board cost $500 extra I'd go for it, but if they are all much of a muchness then why pay more. Since I'm also shopping for bindings at the same time, I could basically get the Typo + bindings for the price of the Live.

While on that subject, any binding recommendations to pair with the winning board? Currently using old Ride full metal chassis bindings which weigh a ton and are super stiff. Primarily looking for something much lighter and perhaps not as stiff. Much reading of reviews has lead me to Burton Cartels or Malviitas, Union Contact Pro or Atlas. Does that sound about right or any better suggestions please?

Cheers all!
 
#12 ·
From reading around the forums and reviews, have I got this right:

CRC (Agent Rocker)
Better for edge hold in icy conditions, feeling of stability at high speed, more pop for carving turns, not as easy to ollie

RCR (Typo, Live)
Better for float in powder, more surfy feel (appeals to me as grew up surfing before moving to central France in my 20s), not as grippy for high speed on hard pack/ice (squirrely/twitchey underfoot), not as much pop in carving turns, easier for ollie-ing and lower-speed, soft playing around

Is that broadly accurate??
No, you pretty much got that backwards. Your RCR list describes CRC and vice versa.

Something else to consider are the prices I've found these at in the sales:

Endeavor Live 161w - $400
Agent Rocker 160w or 162w - $310
Yes Typo 159w - $235

Money isn't really a major consideration; if the perfect board cost $500 extra I'd go for it, but if they are all much of a muchness then why pay more. Since I'm also shopping for bindings at the same time, I could basically get the Typo + bindings for the price of the Live.

While on that subject, any binding recommendations to pair with the winning board? Currently using old Ride full metal chassis bindings which weigh a ton and are super stiff. Primarily looking for something much lighter and perhaps not as stiff. Much reading of reviews has lead me to Burton Cartels or Malviitas, Union Contact Pro or Atlas. Does that sound about right or any better suggestions please?

Cheers all!
The Yes deck is a steal (if a recent/current model). The Rome is pretty good deal. Endeavor too expensive.

Again boils down to RCR (Yes) vs CRC (Rome) - figure out which one you want and pick based on that.

All the bindings you have listed are great.
 
#11 ·
Rome has quickrip side cut to help hold an edge, yes has something called underbit(assuming it is the correct year). The camber profile of the yes and endevour float a little bit better IMO then what the rome is however it won't be a significant difference and they will all be better than your current board.

Given your choices and the cost I would just go with the yes. I think it fits your style and is a great deal. Cartels, malavita, genisis, from burton, rome targas or 390s, nitro phantoms would be bindings i recommend, 390s and vitas would be the softer choices but definitely adequate.
 
#13 · (Edited)
It's the 2016 Yes Typo....it seems like at the price it would be silly not to get it, so that's the board choice sorted...finally!

On the binding side, unfortunately this time of year is not a good time for places to actually have stock. My first choice would be Cartels, but can't find any place that has them in my size (L/XL) anywhere in the UK/Europe. I've found the following 2016 models on sale:

Burton Genesis - $200
Rome 390 Boss - $150
Rome Katana - $160
Rome Targa - $170
Nitro Phantom - $215
Union Contact Pro - $125

Thoughts on those? Would any be too stiff for the Typo?
 
#15 · (Edited)
Burton Genesis - $200
Rome 390 Boss - $150
Rome Katana - $160
Rome Targa - $170
Nitro Phantom - $215
Union Contact Pro - $125

Thoughts on those? Would any be too stiff for the Typo?
I recommend selecting bindings from popular companies (Burton, Union, Rome) because they are easier to find parts and support for. Burton Missions are also a great an often overlooked option. I'd suggest those if available.

Not sure if there is a used binding market in your area, but I my neck of the woods one can find great deals on lightly used binding. Ebay is a good place to snag bindings as well, but not sure if their are obstacles for that in your location.
 
#16 · (Edited)
Thanks gents....board is ordered and on its way. Now I just have to wait 6 months to ride it!!

Unfortunately, for the bindings, I have checked the second-hand sites by me and haven't found anything decent. From the research I did today I reckon it's between the Katanas and the Contact Pros to buy on the sales. Have read about problems with the toe strap on the Katanas not tightening so you don't feel locked-in, and complaints on the Contact Pros about the ankle strap being too narrow. Anyone have any experience/comment on those? Other than that they seem to be two pretty good bindings which fit what I'm looking for....
 
#17 ·
Honestly you saved that much money getting the Typo, I'd splurge a little on bindings and get the Genesis. They're fantastic, you won't regret it.
 
#18 ·
Unfortunately I've since realised that I messed up when I added them to the list: I missed the "EST" in the produc description :-(

For the Typo I would need the Reflex version and I can't find them in my size anywhere in the UK/EU online shops....
 
#19 ·
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their input here. I have the Typo on its way and am looking to pick up either the Katanas or Contact Pros as those are the only ones I can find in my size over here.

Looking forward to riding them...cheers again!
 
#26 ·
Hi guys,

I got the Typo from a little ski shop in France; the site is http://www.laglisse.com
There were only a couple of Typos left, each one a different size. I see today that all the Typos are gone though...sorry! They have pretty good prices on a lot of last seasons stuff, but with the delivery costs to get the boards to you over there it might not work out as such a good deal?

Cheers,
G
 
#27 ·
Hi guys,

I got the Typo from a little ski shop in France; the site is Vente de matériel de snowboard, ski, skateboard et wakeboard - La GlisseThere were only a couple of Typos left, each one a different size. I see today that all the Typos are gone though...sorry! They have pretty good prices on a lot of last seasons stuff, but with the delivery costs to get the boards to you over there it might not work out as such a good deal?

Cheers,
G
Ahh got it, and yeah shipping costs would've probably been astronomical. Congrats on getting a great deal!
 
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