Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Rome Libertine Snowboard Boot Review



Rome Libertine Snowboarding Boots
Rome Libertine Snowboard Boot Review

I have spent a good number of days riding in Rome's Libertine snowboarding boots. Slated to be the "go to" boot for those first chair riders or the mid-day park late risers, The Libertines offered up a very smooth flexing, customized out of the box feel.



SDS The Shred Remains
2015 Rome Libertine Snowboarding Boot

How the boot initially fits for me is a big factor... nothing ruins a day of riding worse than a poor fitting boot. When it comes to fit Rome has you covered with "PRO F.I.T" Liner, the inner material boasts an impressive "Ultralon" Performance foam. The performance foam forms to YOUR foot build literally after the first couple of rides. Nice touch I might add, was loving them first day on the mountain in fact.

Insert Foot = Go Ride
Insert Foot = Go ride
 Another signature Rome snowboard boot fit feature is their "Flex Lacing" system. This unique system allows for a precise dialed fit that wont end up giving your feet hot spots or putting them to sleep. Again  the simplicity of this makes these boots a no brainer if you looing to spend more time riding and less time lacing em up on the side lines. 
Flex LAcing Systems Rocks !!!
Pure Flex Lacing System

Having your heels slide around in a boot all day can cause you just a little bit of discomfort to say the least. The Libertine kept my heels in place and comfy with the "Skate Cuff Memory"

 Here's a pro tip:
Make sure that once you have properly laced up your new boots, walk around the store in them for a little bit to see how the feet. A lot of times a quick "in and out" try on session may not reveal how well the boots fits. Plus getting to the mountain only to have to deal with an uncomfortable boot...yep you guessed it.

Good tread good traction for hiking the park etc. Over all decent built boot outer lacing wise, warmth factor was good. This is an excellent boot for those intermediate to advanced level riders looking for a upgrade to their current boots or buying new.

Binding friendly, I found that the boot fit into pretty much every current binding system out there, so that should be a worry.

Plain and simple...when buying snowboard boots be sure to get the right ones. Used boots certainly are a good deal sometimes...but if your going to be hitting the slopes on a regular basis then purchasing a new boot is your best option.

Here's a pro tip:
When heading to the mountain bring be sure to change to socks your wore to the mountain and change into a pair of moisture wicking socks. This step will keep your feet a lot warmer through out the day. If you do have cold feet going inside the lodge to take your boots off to warm them up is actually a good idea.

Here are a few key boot buying tips:
  1. Comfort (if they don't feel good then you won't ride good)
    1. Fit = Not to small, not to big / leave room for layering with a warmer sock)
  2. Warmth (Not as critical as it used to be but still a consideration factor)
  3. Flex (Beginner = softer/medium flex * Intermediate = medium flex * Advanced =  Rider's choice soft/medium/stiff flex
  4. Ease of Entry (Putting your boots on or taking them off should not be difficult)


The Shred Remains
See you on the mountain