The profile features the classic camber bend with minimal rocker at each end. When you need edge bite and stability, it’s there for you, but the slight twist on classic camber means that it won’t be quite so twitchy. It may take a little getting used to if you’re a fan of straight-up camber, but the result is mellower turn initiation even at the highest speeds.

“The fairly stiff flex – combined with a carbon rod that runs down the middle of the core – means that you’ll get out what you put in”

A new development featured on the Rome National is the sintered sidewalls. These will take one hell of a beating, giving you less to worry about as you batter park features or nick the odd rock. As for pop, the fairly stiff flex – combined with a carbon rod that runs down the middle of the core – means that you’ll get out what you put in. There’s also carbon enhancements in the fibreglass, calibrated to match the rest of the National’s all-mountain properties.

As always, Rome have crafted some special edition graphics for their pro riders on selected models, and it’s Bjorn Leines that gets the treatment on the National. His eye-catching orange version also features two arced carbon rods rather than the standard edition’s single straight one. You can go for that one as long as you can work with a 158, but the standard version of the Rome National isn’t too shabby either.

The National turns and holds an edge better than any other board i have ridden. It’s really stable, but still quick and responsive.

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