Rome Targa Snowboard Binding - 2011

So as you can see, I have written a review on this binding already. I still standby my thoughts on the performance of this binding - it's a solid binding.

However, I need to followup as the warranty experience thus far ha been as comfortable as being stabbed in the eye with a coat hanger that's been laying exposed to the elements for about 32 years.

6 weeks ago I emailed them informing them I was having issues with my bindings. The quick release on my right toe strap had busted (half of it had broken off; I haven't a clue how), my left toe strap continuously pops open while riding, the screws in the back of my heel hoops that connect the tray are coming loose on an all too often basis, my highback screws won't stay tight and my ankle straps are stretched and torn.

Now as you may read in my last review, they don't have any of the current Targa toe straps, which is absurd if you ask me.

Whatever, it is what it is. Now, I contacted them at the beginning of December. I patiently waited, knowing that with the holidays things do tend to take longer. Well 4 weeks later I finally asked what was going on. They didn't have an answer and said they would send me new straps.

FINALLY, today, over 6 weeks after my initial email, new straps and parts had arrived.

Great, right? Yes, until I started swapping over parts to get my bindings setup again. I come to find out that I do indeed have two new toe straps and two new ankle straps....HOWEVER, they are TWO right ankle straps and TWO right toe straps. Additionally, one of the toe straps was so generous to include a buckle, but a buckle that had a stripped screw on it.

Now, I don't like to ridicule the intelligence of others as I am far from the most intelligent person in the world, BUT, how difficult is it to look at a strap and realize the logo branding on the straps is identical and that a screw is stripped? I think my 4 year old nephew could see that.

So here I am, after 6 weeks of shot parts, still stuck with half of my stuff being broken, worn, stretched or just plain shot.

Awesome.

Rome quality has gone down the crapper. Stop worrying about being a mega snowboard company and return to make products that are good.

I have these bindings and the Targas from 2008. They r great fully adjustable backs, straps, everything for a really custom setup. They r super durable and have a great fit and a ton of comfort. Some flex but not a ton. Very responsive binding I highly recommend

Many of my thoughts on the 390 Boss transfer over to this binding as many components are quite similar, if not the same.

Things that I do enjoy about this binding:
-The highback is very supportive. It seems that it's hard to find a binding that has a lot of support both on edge and from side to side. This binding definitely fits the bill if you want the all around support.
-The ankle strap is much better fitting than the gel straps. If you read my review on the 390 Boss you will notice that one of my biggest complaints is how the strap stretches. The softness of gel already gives the strap a softer feel meaning you don't notice the support as much; with the Targa it's a firmer straps so you can notice the tension and support meaning that when it stretches, it won't feel as loose.
-New FLAD system. It's about time they upgraded the twist and release system. First and foremost, who actually adjusts their forward lean so much that they need an on the fly system? Secondly, I cannot count how many times with the previous FLAD I have had it turn and pop open while riding (on numerous pair of Rome bindings). The only fix to the old system was to tighten the hex bolt to the point that you couldn't turn the adjustment piece rendering it unusable anyway.

The downsides:
-As mentioned with the Boss, the quality of finish is atrocious. My highbacks and my heel hoop have all chipped and look more bombed out than a World War II battleship.
-The new Conformist.3 toe strap fits and grips amazingly, the problem, however, is that the material used to make the shell isn't very durable. I broke 2 sets already and Rome doesn't seem to have this strap in for replacement as I have been waiting for a set for the past 4 months - instead I have been sent Conformist.2 straps from the previous Targa...I bought the new model and have been sent old model parts. Wonderful.

Bottom line: The simple fact is that everyone is making super soft park bindings, which is ok, but if you want a supportive binding you are very limited on your options. I've liked the Targa the most out of the Rome lineup since it was released and still like it to this day. If you want a serious binding that doesn't bend more than a pole dancer, then this is your go to.

Spent all last season on these and couldn't be happier with the performance. They are on the more supportive/stiffer side of bindings but you get a lot of adjustability with these.

I will agree with the below reviewers that the finish on these leaves alot to be desired. Chips and gauges everywhere on the paint. But, in the end it's a snowboard boot and I expect it to take some abuse.