Construction and Materials

Like a lot of boards of its ilk, the Rome Agent has been designed with a decent amount of give. Twisting it through the waist is a doddle thanks to the 90-degree biax fibreglass, and the medium longitudinal flex allows for seat-of-the-pants spontaneity when you’re in amongst the sidehits. Ollies still pack a punch though, thanks to the carbon-enveloped bamboo rods in the nose and tail. These ‘Omega Hotrods’ were first introduced last year, and have gone down a storm.

The rest of the core is pure poplar. Not the cleverest configuration, perhaps, but definitely one of the most reliable. The lack of variation in the wood profile may seem like a missed opportunity in terms of weight saving, but it makes the Rome Agent damn near impossible to break, and keeps the cost down too. It’s also now got a sintered base, improving its straightline speed (provided you look after it, of course).

“Ollies still pack a punch though, thanks to the carbon-enveloped bamboo rods in the nose and tail”

Roundup

An Agent of change? Not this one – and we couldn’t be happier. This is true all-mountain versatility done right, with a track record that speaks for itself. In a world where more fly-by-night models than ever are creeping into brands’ lines for a season or two, only to be replaced without warning, this stands out as a proven winner. If you’ve been burned in the past, here’s a safe-as-houses option that’s also properly fun to ride.

“Truly an agent of chaos, this board is a true twin designed to slip behind enemy lines and make short work of whatever it finds. Built with our Fusion Camber, the Agent is responsive enough for jump line but plenty pressable when it’s time to hit that down rail hidden in the parking lot. This year’s graphic is inspired by cryptic transmissions from the agents of chaos throughout the Syndicate.”