Rome Black Label 2020 Snowboard Binding Review

Rome Black Label 2020 Review by The Good Ride

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Summary

The Rome Black Label is a bit on the heavy side for this price and the toe straps stretch too much but you get a very damp and exceptionally adjustable binding. You can even cant the highback and adjust the ankle strap angle to increase or decrease response.

Update 2022: The 2022 Rome Black Label is much more recommendable than the 2020 we reviewed. It was re-engineered and it’s now much lighter. If it’s anything like the new Katana or Cleaver it should have a much better feel underfoot and overall better ride.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

How This Review Happened:  Borrowed this for an extended demo and sent it back.
Days: 3
Conditions:    and an early morning slackountry time with Drift Boards & Union Rovers
Riders:  James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs), Nick (Size 10, 160lbs, 5’8”)
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers
Boards: Rome Ravin

Similar (but not the same) Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Falcor, Burton Genesis X, Salomon Quantum, Salomon Highlander, Nitro Phantom Carver, Now O-Drive

Weight

The Rome Black Label is pretty heavy at 2.4lbs. Most bindings at this price point are lighter. It is very damp though.

Highback Flex

Not super stiff but definitely on the stiffer side. I like the dual density high back happening here. It has good twist and good give at the top but it is more responsive towards the bottom.

Flex Underfoot

The new mini-disc is not super small but big enough to still mount like a full sized disc if you want. It butters much better than full sized discs do as well.

Turn Initiation/Response

Very responsive. Especially when you adjust the Rome Black Label’s ankle strap up high on the ankle. Then you have exceptional toe side response. But if you want more of a park oriented ride you just adjust the ankle strap position down for a lot less response and it doesn’t feel too lopsided with the highback.

Shock Absorption

Excellent shock absorption and this is very damp. This is one of the advantages for being so heavy.

Boot Support

Depending on where you adjust your ankle strap position the Rome Black Label can be very supportive or give you lots of freedom of movement. The toe strap stretches too much for my taste with my boots. I crank it all the way down and it still doesn’t feel tight.

Ratchets

Nothing great but far from being bad.

Adjustability

The Rome Black Label is incredibly adjustable and you can dial this out pretty much any way you want. Even can’t the high back, adjust the ankle strap angle and all the other standard stuff. You can slide the heel loop in and out as well as the gas pedal so you can center your boot in the binding and therefore the board. Then you can turn the disc tip to tail to dial out your stance width. You can even use this mini disc with full sized  disc only set back inserts. You can’t slide them but they do mount that way.

Conclusion

So other than the toe strap and the heavier weight, the Rome Black Label is a very unique binding at this price point.

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