Straps and Highbacks

The Vice features an Ultralight ankle strap that does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s thicker than the ubiquitous webbed designs seen on other models and feels reassuringly squishy, but it’s not going to fall apart on you; this thing is bomb proof. The wide shape offers all the support you need to crank turns at mach 10, with a medium flex that will help you express yourself in the park.

Speaking of expressing yourself, you can set the ankle strap up in any number of ways (OK, 16 different ways – but it’s a lot!) via Rome’s trademark PIvotmount system. Simply rotate the joints on either side to customise the angle it sits over your foot, from high and powerful to low and relaxed. You can even position it asymmetrically if you really want to fine-tune the flex level on either side of your boot. Granted, that’s straying into full gear nerd territory, but hey – you’re the one reading an in-depth binding review.

The toe strap uses Rome’s top-of-the-line Auxetic Technology aka AuxTech. Micro hinges built into each cell within the geometric mesh allow the strap to expand uniformly (rather than stretch) around the end of your boot. The material is super tough and the surface is naturally grippy, so it stays locked in place through your whole lap.

Last up is the highback, constructed from 100% nylon for a flex level that’s mercifully not bone-jarringly stiff. Essentially any rider will be able to jump aboard the Vice and feel instantly comfortable. It’s a lightweight design too, with a hole on the medial side that softens the lateral flex still further. Tools-free forward lean adjustment and a dope-looking crease straight off the hood of a muscle car seal the deal.

“Tools-free forward lean adjustment and a dope-looking crease straight off the hood of a muscle car seal the deal”

Roundup

Rome have hit the bullseye with the latest version of their best-selling Vice. It’s an all-mountain workhorse that’s equally capable cranking heelside carves on corduroy or boning out front threes on the jump line. The AsymWrap platform, a ton of customisation options and that fancy toe strap help it stand out from the mid-range crowd and give you all the modern, surf-style freestyle performance you need without breaking the bank.