VERMONT Magazine Holiday 2024 | Page 59

MAX LYONS ga HotRod variation further amplifies energy transfer , offering “ turbo boosters ” for the board ’ s flex pattern . This is ideal for riders looking for even more explosive response .
Rome ’ s technological advancements extend beyond the boards to their bindings , where the proprietary Aux- Tech ® system elevates rider comfort and responsiveness . “ The AuxTech ® system provides a really connected riding experience ,” Wassick explains . “ You ’ re able to have a lot more responsiveness with your boot in the binding itself , and it ’ s a lot more of a close feel than you have with other snowboard bindings .” The AuxTech ® system features a geometric pattern that stretches in response to pressure , creating unparalleled ease and precision . Additional innovations like Flax Walls — lightweight , durable materials strategically placed in the board ’ s core — further elevate performance . Flax adds impact absorption without sacrificing strength , providing stability in demanding backcountry conditions and support during big landings .
While Rome ’ s technology is at the forefront of their product line , the visual design of the boards plays an equally significant role in shaping the rider ’ s experience . Wassick leads the charge in creating designs that speak to the rebellious , tightly knit spirit of Vermont ’ s snowboarding scene , blending gritty aesthetics with technical precision . The process begins with figuring out the “ attitude ” of the board and what kind of riding experience it should evoke . Wassick explains , “ We start off with figuring out the profile of the board . ‘ Who is this board going to be marketed towards ?’ Obviously , a really soft women ’ s park board needs to look different than a powder board that ’ s targeted for somebody who ’ s ripping through the trees .” From there , Wassick usually sketches out design ideas by hand before transitioning to digital tools , such as the Procreate app on her iPad , ensuring that the raw , handdrawn quality is retained even after the design is digitized .
Wassick believes that the way Rome ’ s design team balances true-life , DIY aesthetics with advanced production techniques sets them apart from larger corporate snowboarding gear
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