Expert Review: Rome Vice Snowboard Bindings Artifact
My set up! 2022 Rome Vice on a Signal No Recess All photos courtesy of Keith Durr
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the bindings, which I purchased with my own money in January of 2022.
My take
The Rome Vice Snowboard Bindings are comfortable and playful and would suit riders of any skill level. They make presses, butters, and jibs almost effortless while maintaining response and comfort underfoot.
Front Side
About the gear
- Model: 2022 Rome Vice Bindings
- Size: L/XL
- Burton channel compatible: Yes
- Mini disc (reduces footprint of the binding on the board to enable more board feel): Yes
About me
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 206lbs
- Experience: 18 years of snowboarding
Test conditions
- When I bought these: January 2022
- Days tested: 30+
- Board: 2022 Signal No Recess
- Boot: 2023 Ride Jackson
- Where I’ve used it: East Coast
- Terrain: Terrain Park, Groomers
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was looking for new bindings because my previous set started falling apart. They weren’t the best quality. I was looking for something built better and would pair well with my jib board.
Why I chose this gear
I chose the Rome Vice bindings because they checked off all the boxes I was looking for. The AsymWrap Platform is great for presses and butters, and the high back adjustments help dial in binding response. I was considering buying a pair of Union Stratas. However, I went with the Romes because of adjustability, and I really like that AsymWrap.
Mountain Creek - table features are the best features!
Definitely durable - no unusual wear and tear
What I love about them
- Binding adjustability in boots: These have a lot of adjustment options to help dial my boots in to fit into these bindings. There are four adjustable heel cup positions for varying boots sizes, and the strap lengths are adjustable. The PivotMount ankle straps are mounted on an arm, and each side of the ankle strap has four different positions, allowing for ultimate comfort and customizability.
- Stance adjustability: The mini discs are compatible with 4x2 and 4x4 setups. I can really dial in the small but important stance width adjustments.
- Comfort: The mellow flex high backs are responsive without digging into my calves. The flexible straps provide comfort while keeping my feet secured. They are super playful and comfortable underfoot. Probably one of the comfiest sets of bindings I’ve owned.
- Shock absorption: They come with a 2.5-degree canted footbed, an EVA gasket underfoot, and foam padding. This combination makes for soft landings.
- Responsiveness: They are not the most responsive bindings I have ever ridden, but the response is incredible for bindings with a mellow flex. Once I got the adjustments dialed into my specific setup, the edge-to-edge response was amazing.
- Carving: I do not ride a board meant for carving since I typically ride a jib noodle. The AsymWrap makes getting my weight over my board a breeze which would really be great for a nice surfy feel to one’s carves.
- Ease of turn initiation: Turning is effortless in these bindings. The adjustable high backs allow me to dial in response, and the asym underwrap helps me get to my edges with minimal effort.
- Buttering: It’s like these bindings were made for buttering. The AsymWrap frame allows me to really get my weight over the nose or tail, making presses and butters even more fun.
- Straps: The toe straps stretch and conform perfectly to the toe box of my Ride Jacksons. The padded ankle straps, paired with the adjustability, make for a super personalized, comfortable hold. The toe and ankle straps have good rebounds with very few pressure points.
- Durability: There has been no abnormal damage or wear and tear. I have the expected scuffs and scratches, but they have held up incredibly well.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Buckles: Sometimes it takes a little extra effort to release the straps. I never get stuck in them, but sometimes they are a little difficult to undo.
- Weight: They aren’t the heaviest bindings I have ever ridden, but they also aren’t the lightest. I personally think the weight is decent, but if someone wanted a super lightweight binding, these aren’t them.
Indoor laps over summer at Big Snow
Favorite moment with this gear
The Rome Vice bindings seriously helped me nail down my pressing and buttering technique and skills. The AsymWrap and adjustable straps were a huge help. After a few days of riding with them, the whole process of buttering finally clicked. I was cruising groomers and went to ride a tail press. I have never held a press that high and for that long. I was so excited.
Value for the money vs. other options
There are definitely more responsive and hard-charging bindings for the price. I would compare these to the Bataleon Chaos bindings, although the Rome Vice bindings are about an extra $30. The Bataleon Chaos also features the AsymWrap at a lower price but loses a lot of the adjustability options that the Rome Vice has. The ability to really customize my strap placements is definitely worth the extra money.
Final verdict
The Rome Vice is a comfortable yet responsive do-it-all binding that allows a dialed-in fit. Additionally, if I want to bomb some hills, hit the park, or butter down the mountain, these bindings will excel.
