Construction and Materials
A 50/50 blend of poplar and paulownia gives the Ravine’s core a lively and lightweight feel, and with the addition of two carbon ‘Pop Rods’ – running diagonally out towards the tail – there’s plenty of ollie power on tap.
Different types of fibreglass are deployed in the layup: mellower biax weave beneath the core, and stiffer, more responsive triax on the top. The use of triax might sound intimidating but the overall flex is pretty friendly, especially at the nose to middle of the board where the lack of carbon lets you get your butter on. Compared to the more aggressive Ravine Select, this is a more freestyle-oriented platform that most riders will find accessible and which encourages you to get playful on any terrain.
There’s a sintered base, too. It’s not the fastest we’ve tested (for pure race pace you’ll need to shell out for the Select) but it’s plenty quick enough to leave your extruded-running brethren in the dust. As for the graphic… well, Rome set their stall out about 20 years ago didn’t they? Distressed typeface? Check. Black and white topsheet? Check. Black and red base? Check. They’re punk rock till they die.
“The overall flex is pretty friendly, especially at the nose to middle of the board where the lack of carbon lets you get your butter on”
Roundup
Although the Ravine is basically unchanged this year, it still represents one of the best all-mountain snowboards money can buy. Its tapered lines manage to tread the line perfectly between exciting and functional, with all the set back vibes you need to make the most of blower days. Sure, you could plump for the Select and enjoy some fancier materials, but we reckon the standard version is actually more fun to ride for the majority of shredders thanks to that freestyle-friendly flex. Keep the difference for an extra couple of days on your lift pass.
Pros:
- Playful performance on any terrain
- Tapered shape rides sick in pow
Cons:
Tester’s Verdict 2022/23
Coming soon…
Trade Secrets
Matt Stillman – Marketing Manager / Team Manager, Rome SDS
“Ahh yes, the Ravine. As a board that I’ve personally enjoyed countless incredibly fun days with, both powder days and normal-groomer-riding days that turn into ‘oh shit what am I doing over here’ days, the Ravine is a board that I could wax poetically about for hours. I’ll spare you the pageantry but think about the Ravine like a gateway drug. It’s the perfect flex and shape for riders who have always ridden a twin but are curious about exploring a directional option for all-mountain riding. The Ravine’s freestyle oriented flex makes it a super approachable way to get riders excited about heading into the unknown and getting after some bigger terrain.
With a healthy dose of taper, our 3D Directional Diamond nose for unsinkable float on powder days, and a playful yet responsible flex pattern, the Ravine is truly a board you could spend all season on and never be disappointed.”
