This in-depth review delves into the performance and features of the 2024 Rome Agent snowboard, specifically the 157cm model. We put the Agent through its paces in a variety of snow conditions (excluding powder), comparing it directly to its higher-end sibling, the Agent Pro, as well as the directional twin Renegade. This comparative analysis allows for a nuanced understanding of the Agent's strengths and weaknesses, identifying its place within Rome's snowboard lineup. We assessed key aspects including flex, camber profile, edge hold, pop, and buttering capabilities, offering riders a comprehensive guide to help determine if the Agent is the right board for them.This review focuses on the ride characteristics of the Rome Agent for intermediate to advanced riders. We explore the board's suitability for various riding styles, from freestyle maneuvers in the park to all-mountain versatility. Our testing involved different bindings to isolate the board's performance and provide a fair assessment. Ultimately, this review aims to equip prospective buyers with the necessary information to decide whether the Rome Agent's balanced performance and unique features align with their riding goals and skill level, particularly when considering its relationship to the more premium Agent Pro model.
Pros And Cons
- Good for buttering
- Good pop for an ollie
- Good spring out of a turn
- Great for switch riding
- Competent edge hold
- Turns well in various conditions
- Handles hard, micro-bumpy, wet, and messy snow well
- More likely to catch an edge than boards with more early rise
- Doesn't have as fast a base as the Agent Pro
- Better pop than Agent Pro
- Good for expert riders in kickers and pipe
- Stiffer and requires more energy input than the Agent or Agent Pro
- Much better pop than the Rome Agent
- Faster base than the Rome Agent
- Good for switch riding
- Competent edge hold
- Handles hard, micro-bumpy, wet, and messy snow well
- Doesn't experience more chatter and bounciness despite increased pop
Read more: 2025 Nitro Team Snowboard: A Versatile All-Mountain Dominator
Sizing and First Impressions
The Rome Agent snowboard, in size 157, proved to be a perfect fit for my 185 lbs frame and size 9 boots. The true twin design, shared with the Agent Pro, ensures balanced performance. I found the sizing to be accurate and wouldn't recommend going up or down in size. This review covers varied conditions, excluding powder days, where I opted for a different board.
My testing included the Rome Agent, Agent Pro, and Renegade alongside the Rome Bodega and Deadbolt bindings, and Union Atlas bindings. This provided a comprehensive comparison across different models.
Camber Profile and Riding Style
The Agent features a mostly camber profile with a subtle early rise. This blend delivers a poppy ride while mitigating the harshness of full camber. The early rise enhances maneuverability and pressability. This makes it suitable for technical riding but remains forgiving enough for intermediate riders.
The directional twin Renegade, included in the comparison, offered a more pronounced directional feel. The Agent's camber profile provided excellent tracking and stability on various snow conditions, making it a versatile option.
Flex and Performance
The Rome Agent boasts a medium flex, providing a balance of responsiveness and forgiveness. The flex is consistent between the feet, while the nose and tail offer a nice amount of give. It is very similar in flex to the Agent Pro, but slightly more energetic.
The Renegade, however, feels stiffer with a more pronounced camber, demanding more energy input. I was surprised by the Agent Pro's lack of excessive chatter or bounciness given its poppy nature.
Buttering and Pop
The Agent’s flat double kick significantly enhances buttering capabilities compared to boards with raised sidecuts. The flat profile prevents unwanted sliding, allowing for smoother and more controlled buttering. This is a standout feature for intermediate to advanced riders who want to improve their buttering skills.
In terms of pop, the Agent performs well in ollies. However, the Agent Pro, with its carbon construction, significantly outperforms the Agent in pop and ollie power. The Renegade also offers impressive pop, due to its full camber profile.
Edge Hold and Turning Performance
The Rome Agent, Agent Pro, and Renegade all demonstrate competent edge hold, though not exceptional. In hard snow, they require slightly more controlled turning. However, this doesn't translate to unpredictable edge release. The boards are quick edge-to-edge, facilitating rapid transitions and allowing for a versatile riding style.
The Agent excels at various turn styles—from long, drawn-out carves to quick, short turns, making it adept at navigating diverse terrain. While not a dedicated carving board, its performance in this area is impressive for an all-mountain freestyle board.
Switch Riding and Park Performance
As true twin boards, both the Agent and Agent Pro excel in switch riding. The symmetrical design promotes balanced performance in both directions. Their versatility extends to the park, making them suitable for kickers and pipes.
The Agent Pro has a slight edge in park riding due to its superior pop and base glide. However, both boards are capable, and the choice comes down to rider preference and skill level.
Overall Conclusion and Recommendation
The Rome Agent is an excellent all-mountain freestyle board. Its unique double kick technology enhances buttering, and its performance is well-rounded across different conditions. However, the Agent Pro offers noticeably superior pop and base glide, making it a more premium option for riders seeking higher performance.
The Renegade caters to expert riders with its stiffer flex and full camber profile. For intermediate to advanced riders seeking a versatile and fun board, the Agent is a solid choice. Those who prioritize maximum pop and speed should opt for the Agent Pro. The price difference is reasonable, and the performance upgrade is significant.