Why We Chose The Rome Trace Pro: Thanks to some subtle yet effective upgrades, one of our favourite all-rounder bindings of recent years is now even better.

The crew at Rome must have known that they were on to a good thing last winter when they unveiled the Trace. Even before it had hit the shelves, they would have been cooking up its new and improved variant – the Rome Trace Pro.

“It takes the most all-rounder-friendly bits and pieces in Rome’s inventory, and combines them in one neat package”

This thing is the very definition of ‘evolution, not revolution’ – but with just a few tweaks here and there, the already impressive performance of the Trace has been stepped up further still.

Who Is The Rome Trace Pro For?

‘Versatile’ is the watchword of the Rome Trace Pro. It takes the most all-rounder-friendly bits and pieces in Rome’s inventory, and combines them in one neat package. And that’s before you get on to the exhaustive adjustability options that allow you to fine-tune the fit, and even adapt it to your preferred riding style from one day to the next.

Baseplate

As with most Rome binders, the first thing you’ll notice about the Trace Pro is its bomb-proof aluminium heel cup. However, while some (like the Katana) extend the metal out along one side of the baseplate, and others (such as the D.O.D.) do the same along both sides, the Trace Pro’s heel cup tethers to the baseplate only at the very back. That makes this a little more mellow and forgiving than the aforementioned models..

The baseplate itself is made of a blend of nylon and fibreglass, with more of the former. It’s therefore pretty solid, but not rigid. Complimenting this nicely is the underfoot EVA padding that prioritises boardfeel over extreme dampening, which suits the all-rounder and keeps the cost down.

“With just a few tweaks here and there, the already impressive performance of the Trace has been stepped up further still”

The footbeds on the Pro version are canted, meaning that they sit higher on the outside of each foot and lower on the inside. As well as making life easier for your knee and ankle joints – especially if you prefer a wider stance – they also take some of the effort out of ollies.

Straps and Highbacks

The Rome Trace Pro features a 100% nylon highback; by definition not as responsive as its carbon-enhanced brethren, but the ideal composition for all-round riding. As well as having the option to line them up nicely with your heel edge, you can also adjust their angle in relation to your legs to maximise comfort and response.

The ankle strap of the Trace Pro features a bend in the section that attaches to the rest of the binding. It’s a simple yet clever bit of design that means you can easily adjust how high the strap sits on your boot, by whether or not you make the kinked section bend down or up. It’s a great example of innovating without the need for fancier materials or new tech.

“It’s a great example of innovating without the need for fancier materials or new tech”

Other than that, the ankle strap is the same as that of the standard version; a low-profile yet strong option that expands as it stretches, and therefore spreads the pressure neatly across the front of your boot. Those same ‘auxetic’ properties can also be found on the toe strap – and that’s something you’ll only get with the Pro upgrade.

Roundup

Once again Rome has kept a popular binding’s personality intact, whilst also moving the needle performance-wise. It’s a nice mix of improvements via materials (the toe straps), design (the canted footbeds) and adjustability (the ‘Kink ladders’ on the ankle straps).

Put them all together, along with the Trace’s existing mid-flexing, all-rounder approach to the mountain, and you’ve got another winner – one that’s worth stepping up to if you want just a little bit more from your binder, but aren’t interested in rattling your way through crud at eye-watering speeds.

So it’s a warm welcome to the market for the Rome Trace Pro – and, for that matter, the Rome Hydra Pro, which female riders should definitely take a look at.

Pros:

• An improved binding that hasn’t just added a bunch of carbon
• Thanks to the canted footbeds, these are even more freestyle-friendly than the originals

Cons:

• While we like the targeted upgrades, some may feel that it doesn’t differentiate enough from the regular Trace to warrant its ‘Pro’ status