Rome Snowboards has been around for a while now, and have continued to not only improve their product line, but also innovate them as well.   The Targa is the stiffest binding in the Rome lineup, and caters to my riding style more than the 390′s.  I have ridden the 390′s and absolutely loved them, but that’s for a later review.   Let’s dig into my thoughts on the Rome Targas..

Rome Targa -Black/Acid Colorway

I picked up a pair of Rome Targas in the Black/Acid colorway size L/XL.  First impressions out of the box; the bindings are gorgeous.  The colors are bright, and the bindings look great.  Bindings aren’t all about looks though, there’s a lot of technology in the Targas.  The Targa includes the auto strap on both the heel and toe cap, which keeps the straps out of your way, as you’re getting strapped in.  The Targas have an insane amount of adjustments, whether it’s the straps themselves, the highback rotation, lean, footbed cant, or heelcup length, Rome really lets you dial the Targas into exactly what you’re looking for.

Rome Targa

I did have two issues out of the box, that were slightly irritating.  First, the auto-strap on the toe cap of one of the bindings just sheered right off during adjustments.  The other issue I encountered was with the inverse ladder strap that allows you to adjust the length of the heel strap. One one binding, the clamp locked into place with very little effort, but on the other binding, it took an act of god to really get the clamp to lock down.  I ended up (at the suggestion of Rome’s Warranty Department) using the edge of my counter top to apply pressure to the clamp to finally get it to lock down after about 30 minutes of trying.  Once it locked down once though, it’s never given me a fit again.   On the auto strap, I have to give insanely great praise to Rome’s Warranty Department.  I emailed them, and they shipped out two new auto straps for my toe cap pretty quickly.   So really while I ran into an issue or so, I am not holding it against Rome, as their support was second to none in getting the problems resolved.

Rubber "Auto-Strap" Sits ontop of the Ladder Strap

So how do these things actually feel?   Well, honestly they are a blast to ride.   The Targas are very responsive bindings, due partially to their stiffness, but also to the overall binding design.  The heel straps are very comfortable, and even they have adjustments to make them stiffer or softer based on your preference. The highback rotates 12 degrees to ensure comfort and support/response is custom tailored to your liking.   Rome includes all the parts to adjust the bindings, from the various cantbed inserts, to the strap pressure pads.   Rome has one of the best toe caps in the business (in my opinion) and the Targas are no exception.  I did have a problem once or twice with the toe cap slipping off, but that was mostly due to me not paying enough attention to tightening them enough.  If you have a boot with a wider profile, you may find the toe cap will require more adjustments,  or the toe cap may “eat” into the side of the boot. I rode a pair of Vans Cirro in size 12 with the Targas on a Never Summer Raptor X 165 and Capita Black Death 10 Year 165 which is not really a wide board, but as big as I could get this year in the B.D. Line. When you really dig into these bindings you get nothing but solid support from the binding.  Combined with the Vans Cirro you get a really stiff binding/boot setup.

Rome Targa on Capita Black Death

I rode the Targas in both groomed conditions, and in waist/chest deep pow conditions.  I’ve put quite a bit of time on these bindings so far this season, and I’m having a problem going back to my Flow NXT FSE’s honestly.   The ease of getting in and out of the Targas, as well as the adjustment capabilities makes them beautiful to ride.  The Targas are known as a stiff binding, and they live up to that reputation.  While the high back has some flex, it’s a pretty stiff ride, but with the v-rod baseplate tech, the bindings provide great board feedback, and awesome response.   With the v-rod tech on the baseplate, the first time you mount the bindings, you may find yourself fighting to get the mounting screw into the board mounting holes.  There is a little trick to mounting the vrod baseplate.   The easiest and quickest way to mount them, is to use just the screw without the washer on it, and screw the binding down using just one screw. You can then use the other three screws with the washers on them to mount the bindings onto the board.   From there, you just unscrew the very first screw, put the washer back on, and put it back in place.

The Targas are a great stiff binding, that provide immediate feedback through the v-rod baseplate tech, and multiple customizations. V-Rod is Rome’s version of a “rockered” baseplate, allowing the board to flex more naturally under the baseplate.  Essentially from what I can tell, the baseplate really touches the board in two points directly.  The cantbed tech is rather nice.  I find myself riding the number 2 cantbed setup and it’s damn comfy.  The ratchets work quick, and are easy enough to get going.  I think if you have a wider boot, you may find the toe cap can be finicky in some situations, but really you just need to take some time to get them setup properly.   Overall, the Targas started out as a demo and quickly earned their place as my year round bindings this season.

More Info:

http://www.romesnowboards.com

Average Price: $249.99

Sizes:

S/M  US Mens 4 – 9.5

L/XL US Mens 9 – 14

*Disclaimer:  I purchased these bindings with my own funds*