In the world of snowboarding, the Rome Artifact Snowboard and the K2 Afterblack Snowboard are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both boards are designed with the park enthusiast in mind, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Rome Artifact is a jib-focused board with a softer flex, making it ideal for rails and small to medium jumps. On the other hand, the K2 Afterblack is a versatile all-mountain freestyle board that excels in the park but can also handle a variety of terrains. While the Artifact is best for those looking to progress in the park or focus on rail garden, the Afterblack is recommended for intermediate to expert riders who want a board that can handle the whole mountain. However, the final verdict depends on the rider's style and preference.

Rome Artifact Snowboard · 2023 summary

The Rome Artifact Snowboard is a true park twin that stands out for its wide sizes on shorter lengths, making it a great choice for big-footed riders. The board's flex is softer than medium, but not as soft as other jib-focused boards, providing a nice balance for park riding. The bamboo rods combined with the traditional tip-to-tail camber give the board a nice pop and snap, allowing for decent carving.

The Artifact is most at home on rails or other jibs but can still be taken through the small or medium line of jumps with no problem at all. However, outside the park, it can be a bit soft and lively for chopped-up snow. This board is recommended for someone who wants a park-specific deck as part of a quiver that can still cruise groomers around the resort between park laps. It's ideal for jibbing, small to medium jumps, and buttering, but not ideal for chunder outside the park.

K2 Afterblack Snowboard · 2023 summary

The K2 Afterblack Snowboard is an all-mountain freestyle board that excels in the park. It's a true twin with a hybrid camber, featuring a nice middle camber section with a little bit of rocker at the tip and tail. This design allows the board to hold an edge well while carving. However, it can get a bit chattery at high speeds, especially when flat based.

The board's rocker in the tip and tail, and mid flex, make it playful and capable of buttering, but it's not the softest board out there. It's great for riding switch, making it perfect for hitting kickers and sending it. However, it's not the best choice for a powder day.

The K2 Afterblack is recommended for the intermediate-expert freestyle rider looking for a fun board that can handle the whole mountain and rip the park. It's not recommended for total beginners due to its more cambered profile.

Similarities

Both the Rome Artifact and the K2 Afterblack are designed with park enthusiasts in mind. They are both true twin boards, making them great for riding switch and hitting kickers. Both boards also feature a hybrid camber profile, providing a balance of pop and playfulness. They are both capable of buttering and have a decent amount of pop for ollies and jumps. Additionally, both boards are recommended for intermediate to advanced riders, although the Artifact is also suitable for those progressing in the park.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both boards are designed for park riding, they each have their unique strengths. The Rome Artifact is a jib-focused board with a softer flex, making it ideal for rails and small to medium jumps. It's best for riders who want to progress in the park or focus on rail garden. On the other hand, the K2 Afterblack is a versatile all-mountain freestyle board that excels in the park but can also handle a variety of terrains. It's recommended for intermediate to expert riders who want a board that can handle the whole mountain.

The Artifact is not ideal for chunder outside the park, while the Afterblack is not the best choice for a powder day or for total beginners due to its more cambered profile.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to park performance, the Rome Artifact takes the lead with its jib-focused design and softer flex. For all-mountain versatility, the K2 Afterblack comes out on top with its ability to handle a variety of terrains. In terms of carving, both boards perform well, but the Afterblack's hybrid camber gives it a slight edge. Finally, for beginner-friendliness, the Artifact is the winner as it's suitable for those progressing in the park, while the Afterblack is not recommended for total beginners.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Rome Artifact and the K2 Afterblack are excellent choices for park enthusiasts, but they cater to slightly different rider profiles. The Artifact is a jib-focused board that's great for those looking to progress in the park or focus on rail garden. The Afterblack, on the other hand, is a versatile all-mountain freestyle board that's perfect for intermediate to expert riders who want a board that can handle the whole mountain and rip the park.

Choosing between these two boards ultimately comes down to your riding style and preference. If you're a jibber who loves hitting rails and small to medium jumps, the Artifact is the board for you. If you're an all-mountain freestyle rider who wants a board that can handle a variety of terrains, the Afterblack is the way to go. Either way, you're in for a thrilling ride!