Rome Ravine Select Review: Six Things You Should Know.

As short review of the Rome Ravine Select, easily one of my favorite freeride boards of the season!
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Specs and Biases:
6'3", 180-90 lbs, size 11.5 boot, 23.5" stance. +18 -6 angles (usually.)
Generally riding as fast and hard as possible in natural terrain. Big, long, high speed turns. Powder, chunder, groomers, and natural airs. If a board is really surfy, I can be persuaded to slow down and spend some time slashing around. Not spending much time in the park.
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[@jimhine]

Demo’d this last year and its dampness was really confidence building. The fastest board I’ve ever ridden. Carved great and I’m a crappy carver. Float was great, not a flickable / playful as the stalefish I demo’d after but not that far apart either. Selling my Dynamo for this in the spring. So glad you agree and I really appreciate your reviews. I’m 60yo, 185lb size 12 typically riding a 56-60 Twin. Hoping I can size down on this without giving up the bomber stability it’s has.

[@Drift-Products]

I think a 162 would still be a solid cruiser for sure and a little more manageable overall. I wanted this thing to hang on deep days and it does but I probably don't need that much board all the time.

[@jimhine]

Thanks!

[@troypattillo4100]

Reassuring as I just ordered this last week and expecting next. I'm an older man and my knees need the dampness this board promises as suggested by a few different people. Looking forward to one or two laps before the season ends. Great review as usual, thanks for giving us insight!

[@Drift-Products]

Enjoy. It's a gem.

[@hazmatite]

Glad to see you reviewing it. I have been super impressed with Rome's line. I haven't tried the Ravine since we wouldn't sell it in our area, but the ones I've ridden I have all liked (except the Crewzer. not for me)

[@Drift-Products]

Cheers!

[@johnbartender3451]

I own two ravine. 2020 152 cm and 2023 152 cm. The original shape only lasted two years (2018/2019 and 2019/2020). They are very different beast, same concept, different execution. The height of the camber profile on the new ones is much higher ( almost 3/8) compared to the old one (1/8). The curves on the nose contact point is much more smooth on the 2020 making for a smooth turn initiation. I dont like the new 3D nose diamond, the old one use a spoon shape instead, again, making for a smooth ride. The 2021 and up use carbon rod instead of bamboo. Carbon gives more energy, while bamboo feels, again, smooth. 2020 = smooth, predictable, a joy to ride, snazzy. 2023 = agressive, precise, but, a bit lifeless. So, I’m always on the look out to find another 2019 or 2020, thats the ravine I love, not the new ones.

[@christopherhindman7573]

I've ridden this for a few seasons now and it is hands down my favorite board yet. I had come off of the Rome National, which they discontinued and I'm so glad I went with the Ravine Select. I was looking to purchase the National in a larger size because I loved that board, but since it wasn't in the line-up anymore I went with this. I was worried that it would be less fun in a freestyle way, but I was wrong. I'm an older (53) rider and do my best to "skate" the mountain, and was worried about getting a board that was too directional and that switch riding would not be good. Switch on this is a breeze. Super stable board, tracks nicely on flat & firm, and after I got used to a larger size - 162, based off of the size/weight chart on Rome's site - I'm able to maneuver just fine and be as aggressive as I can be with it. I agree with this review, it's a bomber, and you might want to be mindful of really hard and chopped out conditions as you will get bucked a bit (esp with older knees). Just a bit though. Decent in deeper powder too, but a really nice all-around deck. Did fantastic in spring slush on the last day at Mary Jane. I thought about the new Stale Fish, but I think I'm sticking with this for a while. Comparing this to the new, more nimble and more "twin-ish" Stale Crewzer, it's a Cadillac in terms of turning/carving - which I love. I take the Crewzer out on those sunny groomer days I want to just ollie around and press, but on most all other times I'm on the Ravine Select. Thank you for your great reviews, by the way!!

[@Drift-Products]

@@christopherhindman7573 thanks for sharing! Rad board for sure. I like it a lot more than the stale fish, but that’s just me.

[@taqveerdoha3609]

Thank you so much for your detailed review on this. Currently riding a Jones Mountain Twin for 4 years now. Looking to get a powder and tight tree runs oriented board for PNW and possibly Japan. In the Rome lineup, would you recommend Ravine Select, Stalefish or Service Dog as an addition to my JMT. I feel like the Ravine would be a replacement rather than addition to my current board. Would love to hear your thoughts

[@Drift-Products]

If you’re sticking with Rome, I’d go stalefish. I’ve got a 157 that’s basically brand new if you want one!

[@taqveerdoha3609]

@@Drift-Products don't think that would fit me. I ride 157 so looking at either 151 or 154. Thanks for the response! Do you still have the same opinion of this board now?

[@Drift-Products]

Honestly, yes, I don't mind it but I can't call it a favorite. It's like an aggressive full camber freestyle board with a powder friendly nose. If you want a true pow board, I wouldn't do anything from Rome. There are just better options out there.

[@fridaytwilight]

What would your top tree picks be?

[@Drift-Products]

@@fridaytwilight top three of what type of board?

[@fridaytwilight]

@@Drift-Products 🌳 Tree board Referencing your comment in the video that you wouldn't pick the board you mentioned as a tree board. So what boards would you pick for the trees?

[@Drift-Products]

@@fridaytwilight ah that makes sense sorry I read that wrong. Top 3 tree boards? Jones Storm Chaser, Rossignol Sushi, K2 Special Effects, Elevated Egg, Yes Warca, Bataleon Cruiser plus all come to mind for me.

[@papasgormita]

Great review man, I’m thinking to buy this or the flagship by jones for next season but maybe the flagship is more nimble and damp in trees. I’m 170cm tall x 77kgs x 28cm feet, do you think is better normal 158 or 156w jones?

[@Drift-Products]

Probably go either way doesn't really matter too much. I'd follow Jones recommendation.

[@bpreston23]

Been riding the (regular) Ravine at Snowbird since 2020 it’s an awesome board. Lack of dampness is the only downside as it causes the legs to fatigue. Looking for a more surfy damp board… any recommendations?

[@Drift-Products]

Cardiff Powgoda, Amplid Surfari, Hovercraft 2.0, Cruiser plus.

[@jpwookie22]

I wished they made that 166 in a true wide. 26.2 just won’t work for my size 12 boots.

[@Drift-Products]

I wear 11.5 or 12s depending on the brand. I’ve ridden quite a few 26.2 ww boards this year. Not ideal it’s fine in most situations. I agree they need an actual wide.

[@jpwookie22]

@@Drift-Products I’d like to hear your impressions of the Nidecker Ultralight if you can get on one. The UL isn’t for everyone but like the Pantera it’s a game changer IMO. Keep up the good work, cheers! 🤙🏻

[@Drift-Products]

I’d love to get on one.

[@chrishusky3923]

sounds similar to your flagship review...maybe a lil stiffer and not as nimble?

[@Drift-Products]

This is more lively than the flagship, and a touch more aggressive in camber profile but the flagship still edges well with it's edge tech. The Flagship is surfier with more rocker 3D shaping tip and tail. Most of the time I'd enjoy either one fine. On a deep day, I'd lean flagship.

[@chrishusky3923]

@@Drift-Products awesome! I am a bigger rider like urself (lil heavier) and went with the 169w Flagship but was also looking at Ravine Select. getting it out for the first time tomorrow. sounds like i made the right choice

[@Drift-Products]

Have fun!

[@chrishusky3923]

@@Drift-Products LOVED IT...5" of fresh on top of crud...wind blown areas of deep and scraped off ice...I perfect environment to test drive a true freeride board...so confidence inspiring!

[@Drift-Products]

Awesome. It's a classic for sure. @@chrishusky3923

[@stianthorsen6968]

test the mindekspender 166:)

[@Drift-Products]

Would love to.