Rome 390 Boss Snowboard Binding - 2011

A followup to my last review.

I've ridden my Bosses for awhile now and can safely say - I don't like them.

I typically ride the Targa as I like the support more, but from owning both the Targa and 390, I thought I'd like to have both again.

Well I can safely say, I have no interest in riding my 390s anymore.

Why? Because it's such a weird blend of a binding that to me, it makes no sense.

The tray and heel hoop are the same as the Targa (the Targa is cored more for lighter weight, otherwise the same). What you're getting underfoot is the drive and support of Rome's underwrap system - it's great if you want power.

Now where it all goes wrong is throwing a very soft gel strap on the ankle and a very flexible highback in the mix. What you end up with is a supportive binding under foot - very little flex and play - and a playful setup from your ankle to your heel.

I had ridden the United in the past and since it's a glass unibody design it allows for more play under foot which blended smoothly with the rest of the binding. The old 390 I hated with a passion as the highback was stiff and the tray was uncomfortable (very little padding, very rigid and stiff).

This tries to mix two things that just don't work together.

So my advice: stick with the Targa if you want the underwrap system. Buy the United or Mob if you want a playful binding. This binding tries to be two things in one; like a transvestite - it just doesn't work for me.

Ive been rocking the 390 bindings for years now and loved them.... After the Boss line came out last year i fell in love with them even more. With the New canting footbed and sturdier straps these bindings are a no brainer..... There the most adjustable, comfortable binding on the market. With the V rod base plate delivering the most power and responce to the board without sacrificing natural board flex. One you strap into a pair of these its almost impossible to want to ride anything else

first off, I own the S/M flat colourway, and I have size 8 Thirtytwo lashed boots. Ive ridden on these bindings around 12 times this season since i bought them in December. The Yes I Cant tech is very nice for a wide stance, and offers alot of cushion. The baseplate is slightly too narrow for my boot, and the toe strap is atrocious. The adjustment buckles are hard to undo, and no matter how I adjust them, I just can not keep them from crushing the toe on my left boot. The ankle strap is starting to lose its comfort, and seems to be stretching. V-rod base is nice allows my board to flex nicely. these bindings are suuuuper adjustable too. The ratchets do the job, but are annoying because sometimes they dont catch the teeth on the strap. don't expect your binding to look new for very long either, the paint scratches and chips easily.

overall, they do the job, but I wouldn't buy them again.

I had read that the proper body alignment which canting provides puts less strain on your knees. After having ACL surgery 9 months ago, this was all I needed to hear to try these out. Rode 4 days this season on my old K2 Formulas that have no cant and had discomfort in my knee after each time.

I got these Boss's last week and used them this weekend and had no issues with my knee after riding.

After opening the box and checking these bindings out, I was somewhat concerned about edge to edge responsiveness because the highback seems really soft. Was happily surprised that these were plenty responsive yet you don't get that dead board feel that a lot of stiffer bindings give.

I've been using 390s for a while now, but after riding some union contacts i really am starting to like the unions. they are a little softer than the 390s. which is nice for park riding, but i would prefer the 390 outside of the park.

Rome bindings are very simple to set up, and the yes i cant system is a nice feature. i have not had the problem with the straps pooping on me. But yea the paint definitely is cheap. not like that will effect the performance. but they look like shit really fast.

great all mountain but for park i would look at a softer binding.

I've been riding 390s since the first year they came out. When the Boss came out last year, Rome upped the ante to an even higher level. If you like loads of adjust ability, comfort, and bindings that don't quit, these are them. If parts ever break, Rome is quick to hook you up, as well.

In terms of size, I would go S/M in a size 9.5 and smaller boot. The only brand that is an exception to this rule would be 32, where I would go s/m for 9 and down. If you are rocking a slim profile boot, such as the Salomon F series, or DC parks, I've had 10s in the S/M. Hope that wasn't confusing. I like to point this out because although it says you can put a 9 in L/XL, I would say it is far from ideal.