Rome Targa Snowboard Bindings 2012

Comments about Rome Targa Snowboard Bindings 2012:

I purchased the 2011-12 Targa bindings and got a chance to take them out for a few different trips last week. My setup: 157cm K2 Happy hour, Size 11.5 Vans Cirro Double-Boa boots, Rome Targa bindings L/XL size (White)

The Targas are a great higher-end binding, with many great little adjustments you can tweak and customize to fit your style, all with relative ease.

If you are just purchasing your first board/binding set-up from the trenches of rental-warfare, or graduating from a more budget set of bindings- The first thing you will notice is your feet will no longer have to be at war with them to stay secure. These things ENJOY keeping your feet planted, and everything from the oversized straps to the firm but forgiving highback ensure riding comfort. The canted footbeds are fantastic, and you get the option to adjust the cant-angle (3.5, 2.0, and 0) as well as their placement on the bindings themselves, allowing the user to get maximum toe and heel input tailored to their foot size.

I rode these with a pair of Vans Cirro Dbl Boa boots (size 11.5), an arguably stiffer and larger boot. Even so, the Targas were very accommodating, and the only wear I noticed on the boots I would attribute to normal breaking-in rather that fitment issues. That being said, based on my experience and other user reviews, I'd say these bindings benefit more from a stiffer boot setup than they would flexxy/park footwear. The Targas themselves are heavy, so take this into account with the type of riding you intend on doing. If you focus more on downhill/speed riding the weight is no drawback.

The shock and bounce over hard-pack and groomers that threaten to toss learning riders (or speedsters) on their rear is noticeably reduced while riding, really have to say this probably the best thing about the targas, second to the fitment security.

The Targas feature an above-toe OR over-toe toe strap... I was happy to discover it held up well even under maximum 'cranking' stress. The 'auto-strap' system (advertised in video 2 above) I could take or leave. The little elastic bands used to pull the straps free work as advertised, but I feel they contribute to stress on the 'adjustable' end of the strap (non-ratcheting side). My lead toe strap flew open twice after harder falls over the course of the week (again, on the non-ratcheting side that had the elastic band on it). I was able to lock it back in and continue while on the mountain, however. In the future I think I'll just leave the elastic bands off on the lead foot side- since during a normal day you only will need to remove your lead straps once or twice. The tech worked fine and the rear foot to keep straps out of the way of the footbed, no complaints there.

Cons, because I'm realistic:

1.While riding, however, I noticed the highback lean adjustment screw would repeatedly 'tighten' itself during runs- effectively taking the highback from a forward lean to a near vertical angle in as little as 2 trips down the slopes.

At first I decided it was most likely due to impact from falls (Had my share during the first two days), but even after 3-4 runs down a relatively shallow slope without incident I found I had to make a trip back to the 'courtesy tool bench' to loosen up the highback screw to re-acquire the desired forward lean.

My solution after that first day was a small (flat!) screwdriver attached via lanyard to my pants. The screw basically has no torque (Which I suspect leads to the problem in the first place...) A few half-twists every 2-3 hours of riding and things were back on track. This workaround means your forward lean angle will never be a set-degree figure, more 'feel' than an exact science.

While this did work for me, I suspect most people would share my lack of enthusiasm of putting that much effort to sustain a feature they paid good money for. All in all, the problem is more of an inconvenience than a deal-breaker. I had several ideas to fix the issue, but I'd like to avoid any "solution" that would permanently inhibit the ability to adjust the lean angle as I gain more experience as a rider.
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*Update* After emailing Rome about the highback issue, I received a reply asking to register for their warranty program and send my highbacks in for a replacement. I can't attest to if the new highback will work or not (the season is over for me), but it was nice to get a quick response to my problem.
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2. The paint finish on these things is shoddy at best. In a week of relatively gentle riding complete with bagging my board after each day, they look like I've been riding on them for at least half a season. To say the paint 'chips' off would be misleading... In places where two finished areas rubbed into each other (IE highback to base, strap to base) the paint just 'rubbed' off. I got the white version to complement my board, but seeing the price of the Bjorn red higher for no apparent reason other than this 'paint' job made me chuckle.

Again, this was more of an annoyance than an issue... some people like the battle scarred look, I suppose. I have no doubt that these things would look haggard pretty quickly with someone who actually put them through their paces.

Conclusion:
All detraction aside, I would buy these again as well as recommend them to a friend. The bindings are great for all levels, as the ease of customizing will go great lengths to make new riders comfortable with their board, and "pros" that know exactly what they want can get the Targas to deliver.

Comments about Rome Targa Snowboard Bindings 2012:

Only used them a couple times but there is a huge difference compared to my old bindings. Very study charging down the mountain at high speed. Pretty good on the pipe and also off jumps. If you adjust your bindings a lot for the different conditions, it does take some time compared to some bindings that are out there, but it doesn't really bother me. Overall, excellent binding!

Comments about Rome Targa Snowboard Bindings 2012:

The Straps near the toe area is starting to rip

Comments about Rome Targa Snowboard Bindings 2012:

Great product!

Comments about Rome Targa Snowboard Bindings 2012:

These bindings are great!