Board: Rome Mod Rocker
Size: 156
Camber Option: Freepop Rocker. Flat through the middle and just past the insert packs and then rocker in the tips.
Bindings: K2 Indy
Stance: 22.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy
Boots: K2 T1 DB Size 10
My Weight: 175lbs
Resort: Breckenridge
Conditions: Firm fast groomers in the morning and softer snow in the afternoon.
Flex: I will say this again, this board is the epitome of true all mountain freestyle flex. The tips are soft up until the Turbo Rods (Carbon rods) which give insane pop. It then stiffens up from the rods to the insert pack. Between the feet it’s just a hair softer. The torsional give is just enough to give it a little bit of play but not over demanding.
Stability: This board is lively which makes for a fun but not damp ride. As with anything that has rocker in the tips you might notice a bit of chatter but that never seems to resonate back to the insert packs and up into your feet.
Ollies: The carbon rods in the tips help with the boost. The snap out of the tips will pop you over slow signs, boost you off rollers, and get you up onto urban approach features with ease.
Pop On Jumps: Small line or big line this board is most at home jumping in the park.
Butterability: Get pressy on the snow with the softer tips, but remember there will be rebound due to the carbon rods. Not the softest board for playing around but if you know how to work it, you will enjoy. The tip shape really helps with deep pow butters though. Go fast and unleash.
Jibbing: Much like buttering, jibbing is best done at high speeds with this deck. You’ll want to engage the rocker area for pressing. The Turbo Rods give snap out of features. Boardslides are a breeze as well.
Carving: Do you like to go fast and turn to the left? Well then you might like NASCAR, this board is more like Formula 1. Short quick turns, long hard ones, deep aggressive euro carves. It does them all with ease.
Rider in Mind: The guy that’s spending equal parts spinning off a side hit as well as spinning a park jump.
Personal Thoughts: The last few years of this board, this thing has been perfect. It’s a great board for doing it all and sending it off anything. I can’t praise this board enough for how it handles everything put in front of it.
Check out the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 reviews of the Mod Rocker.
Comparable Boards: K2 Fastplant, Ride Burnout, Arbor Element
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*Disclaimer this board did not change for 2017 so we carried the 2016 review over.
85 Comments
This or the cambered Mod for all mountain freestyle and kickers? As a curveball, what about the Smokin Awesym CTX/TTX?
5’7″ and 160lbs. 153 or 156?
You could do any of them honestly they all fit the bill. 53 if you want to be more playful 56 if you want to charge harder.
Love your reviews and replies, it makes a change to hear so much honesty.
could do with some advice,
I ride 40% piste, 40% pow and 20% park.
Love my board to feel loose, lively and fast, not so into sharp, super stiff or aggressive.
Like using every bit of terrain as a feature, like to bomb tree runs and get lost in deep power looking for drops and transitions.
I Enjoy the odd mellow park sesh, mostly on rails getting a press on, not so into booters.
Would you go:
gang plank or mod rocker?
I’m 5’7 & 175lbs.
156 or 159?
The Gangplank is more freestyle focused and softer than the Mod Rocker but, the Mod Rocker in my opinion makes riding the mountain more like riding a skatepark. You’re basically comparing a Gala Apple to a Fuji Apple, they’re both delicious, they’re both apples, and they’ll both satiate you. How about I throw a wildcard into the mix and say Amplid Pillowtalk as a third option. I would say go more towards the 156 for that looser feeling you want too.
Found a good deal on a 16′, is it worth buying the new model over last years?
No, get the 16 and save the cash.
Hey man, would appreciate your input on a board decision. I am about 6 yrs in to the sport, able to hit the mountain about 5-8 days a year. I did 90% of my learning on a capita fkn awesome 157 with Burton Cartels. Nothing wrong with that board it is a great stick, I am just wanting a shiny new toy.
I go 5’11” 200-210 lbs, size 10.5/11 boot depending on brand. I have done all there is to do on the inbounds resort or hike to side of things and am starting to get the hang of switch and small/med jumps, small boxes and park features. Not great on the butter or rail side of things. I am looking for a board that is maybe a little more forgiving than my current set up that will allow me to work on my deficiencies without punishing my body. At the same time, I want to be able to keep up on the steeps and powder. I guess I am shooting for the “all mountain freestyle” category.
Been looking hard at the Rome Mod Rocker in either 156 or 159, leaning towards 159. Can I go wrong either way here? Is there another board you think I should consider? Thanks for any input
You’re fine buy it.
Hey man,
I’ve been riding Nitro Rook for a couple of seasons and i think it’s a great board; now it’s time for a new board and I have been thinking getting mod rocker, would you say they ride similar? or anything that i should be aware of making the transition from Rook to Mod Rocker? Thanks alot!
Mod Rocker is not the same as the old Rook. It has more snap, better float, different sidecut, over all it’s a better ride than the Rook and doesn’t go as limp.
Hey Angry,
I spend a fair bit of time in sidecountry with powder, but i also like to rip around in some pretty tight trees and also just kind of cruise around the resort hitting side hits. Ill also occasionally go for a few laps in the park. Do everything guy really. Ive been looking at the mod rocker, arbor element, regent, yes typo, and yes greats. Which of these boards would you recommend for me?
also ill deal with some hard snow sometimes so id want something that can carve on really hard packed snow
Have you put any thought to the Arbor Sin Nombre? After that I would say your first four choices are great, so go with the one that you can get the best deal on.
alright ill have a look a that. Thanks Angry!
sorry just one more question. The 2017 models of those four boards is the exact same as the 2016 apart from the graphics correct?
Never mind, figured it out on my own. Thanks!
Yes, save money, get the last years.
Angry, Mod Rocker doesnt sound overly damp. How does it handle ice and chunder death mounds, rough terrain?
It’s not the dampest board out there but it will survive on ice and chunder no problem. You might get a little bit of skidding out on the ice due to the way the rocker and edge initiate a turn.
Thanks A.
Im torn between the mod rocker, capita merc, and outsider Smoking Jetson which I can grab cheap.
Im after good edge hold and carving, reasonably damp but still fun for side hits etc, powder off and on piste.
Jetson would be the best for powder on and off piste, it can still rip a hard turn, and has a unique ride due to its shape.
Mr. A. Snowboarder,
I’m into charging hard all over the mountain, natural hits, butter tricks for days and all around silliness for weeks. I don’t spend much time in the park, only a hot lap here and there, but I would like some pop to help me out on jumps. Mod Rocker or Honalee?
Honalee will have more pop due to being traditional camber.
Fabulous. Happy Holidays!
BTW, you mention there’s no difference between the Bloodlines and Shapeshftr Honalees. Do you know if the Berserker collection had any technical differences?
Yes, different factory.
Speaking of which, do you know what factory the mod hails from?
For some reason I want to say Slovenia, but I feel that’s wrong and it’s China.
Got this board last year and love it! I kinda want to get a softer board to play around on and get the hang of buttering but I’ll try with this one! One of the best days of the season on Monday at Copper ripping this thing through the trees.
Just wanted to say I love your reviews man, everytime I look for a new setup I come here.
Monday was insane at Copper Jeff. Keep shredding senior.
Which size would you recommend for a seasoned rider who is 5’5″ 125-130lbs with size 8 boots? 49 or 53? Thanks
49 for more playful all around riding 53 if you’re going to charge more.
Hey bud, i got the kink & i love it as per your advice! One of the best purchased I made. So now i am on the hunt with getting a deck for the east cost (stowe, stratton, killington & mountain creek) assume 99% of the time i ride is on the east coast. I dont get alot of powder, alot of hard packed snow + some ice here and there.
Interested in charging, speed and just making the grooms my bitch. I have my kink for park and i still dont really get up on big kickers.
i am 6 ft 185lbs rome mod rocker or yes greats or machete gt. uv been spot on so far so ill trust your judgement. Also i ride rome boss 390 bosses + thirtytwo tm boots. Been riding for 4 years only. Any advice would be appreciated!
Get the Greats Larry. It will fit better with the conditions you’re riding as well as give you some camber underfoot to lock in on the ice. The sidecut will also help with this as well.
Hi Angry!
I am purchasing the Rome mod rocker and was wondering wich bindings would fit the best this beast, according to its style of riding. The only two things I want on them are canted footbeds because of my wide stance, and most importantly bindings that allow the best flex of the board by decreasing dead spots, in order to have smooth buttering feelings. But I still want them to be able to deal with hard conditions decently, so not too soft bindings are more welcome.
Big up from the swiss alps, keep that sh*t going on dude!
Marc so you’re going to want to find something with a mini disk and a plastic base if you want a smaller dead spot. So you might want to look at the Nitro bindings or possibly something from Flux. If you can get past needing a micro disk I would say check out the K2 Formula.
Your fast and helpful answer is highly appreciated! I was considering the nitro team bindings that features both canted footbeds and minidiscs, and are all mountain freestyle oriented but still stiff enough. Have you got them tested, or any info?
I’ve ridden them in the past, it’s probably the perfect binding for what you’re looking to do.
Hi Angry,
This board seems to get rave reviews here and everywhere else. Would you say it’s worth paying extra for (about $60) over say a ride machete. They both have similar camber profiles and target market it seems.
Mod Rocker is beefier construction and stiffer flex than the regular Machete. In my opinion it’s totally justifiable.
Angry – previous question was around yes greats & arbor element; unfortunately both purchases fell through. So im gonna grab a mod rocker as my do it all board, pretty confident its more than capable even if i’m not.
Im 5ft 9in, 165lbs & size10 boot only a 153 available; will this work? I would prefer it to be more playful; however for this next board float is more important (current board – 154cm box scratcher)
It’s going to float better than a Box Scratcher that’s for sure. It’ll also have more pop and better edge to edge transmission. With that said it’s going to be like riding a skateboard on the mountain. You’ll have easy to initiate pop, better snap overall, and a slightly stiffer board that will give some stability when in pow. Don’t expect it to be AMAZING in super deep snow, but it will do the job when you have to.
Thanks Angry, the only other board of interest that looks like it may fit my Brief is the Arbor Westmark Rocker in 154MW or 155, any opinion on which may be a better fit for what I’m after. Something middle of the road in flex or thereabouts, better float and stability (similar to the flow era 155 I had previously, based on your reviews, but admittedly that was too much board for me 4 years ago).
If you’re coming off a Box Scratcher, I would honestly go to the Westmark Rocker. Similar camber profile, it has Griptech which is similar to MTX, and it will have solid float in pow and still have enough snap/rebound to go around the mountain. I owned 5 of them as my daily driver and that board can handle just about anything you put in front of it.
Thanks Angry, your feedback much appreciated. II went in the other direction with the mod rocker, would have been happier with either but the better deal price wise was the mod rocker.
Love what you do here, look forward to the next set of reviews
Still not a bad choice sir, you’ll be pleased. Love that board.
Just wanted to say thanks for the review and recommendations, 1st day out in Niseko on the mod rocker and conditions were a mix of morning pow and groomers late afternoon and this board just did everything I wanted it to & then some. I had to get use to the stiffer flex & difference in profile but once sorted this thing floated, carved like nothing I’ve ridden, now I just have to learn how to use the flex and load it up
Cheers Angry
Hi Angry. I’ve been boarding for 20 years and I’ve finally decided to get another board after 16 years of great service from my K2 Eldorado! Profiles have changed a lot and I like the Sound of the MOD. I’m 5’8″ and 158 lbs. my K2 is a155. The only choices of MOD I have is the 153 or 159. What do you reckon? I’m tempted to go big, but will it be too cumbersome? I’m not a big park man, but love to pop off the edge off pistes and butter about (the odd bench doesn’t go amiss now and again either. Any advice appreciated.
Go bigger if those are your two options.
Glad you said that. I ended up ordering it!
Thanks for the advice.
Hi Angry, thanks for your putting your time and effort into such an incredible resource. I’m 6’0″ and 175lbs and can’t decide between 156 and 159. Will mainly be riding in resorts on groomers with the occasional off piste. Will there be a big difference between which size I go with?
Thanks!
If you’re not chasing pow, get the 56 it’ll be more playful and fun. If you’re looking at hauling ass more and less playing around get the 59.
Thanks! Curiously, how much more of a difference does that 3cm make? I’m leaning towards the 56 but last year’s 59 is now on sale at 35% cheaper than a 2018 56.
It just means a longer effective edge and surface area. You should probably go with the 156 for what you’re doing. Give em a try, they’re not for everyone.
Legend, thanks!
Also, I’m thinking of giving rear entry bindings a go. Flow NX2?
Hi Angry! Any idea how the 2018 model compares to the 2017?
do you know if this board stayed the same for 2018 (aside from graphics)?
Same board.
Hi Angry. I’m 6’0″ 175lbs wearing size 9 boots currently riding a 159cm 2016 GNU carbon credit with Burton LTD bindings and DC control boots. Intermediate rider with a couple of years riding experience (largely during the holidays). The current board feels too big and soft, bindings too stiff and boots too soft and so looking to move onto something more sensible.
I’m looking to improve my riding technique, doing lots of black runs while still having a bit of fun learning basic tricks, going in the trees and occasional powder riding. Was looking at the mod rocker but I suspect it might be too much board for me? If so, Would I be better off with something like the Rome Agent Hybrid Camber (155cm) or Yes Typo (155cm), paired with Katanas? Boots will be Burton Rulers size 9 as those fit me best and seem suited for what I am trying to achieve.
Also, with the Rome Agent – positive or hybrid camber?
Appreciate your input, thanks.
Could I also throw the Arbor Coda Rocker (156cm) into the mix? Thanks
Are you talking the Rome Agent Rocker? I’ve never heard of a hybrid version of that board. Out of the three you listed I would just get the Coda Rocker.
https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/V/Rome_Agent_Positive_Camber_Snowboard_152cm_2017-(139555)
and
https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/V/Rome_Agent_Rocker_Hybrid_Camber_Snowboard_150cm_2017-(139577)
But, will go with the Arbor as suggested.
Thanks for your input.
That’s just the rocker, once again another shop that is incompetent at understanding camber profiles.
Would I be ok with a 11.5 boot on the 159 or will it be too narrow?
You’ll be pushing it.
I’ve got the 156 with 11.5 dc boots n it’s perfect!! … I think the saving Grace is the set back mini disk that came with my K2 lien bindings tho…
Hi Angry, I’m confusing myself by looking at too many reviews and opinions and I’m not sure what to go for. I need one board to do it all. I’ve ridden 4-5 weeks and can handle myself at speed and I’m looking for something with a little more flex than my previous board (which may or may not be out of action).
I had a Rossi One Mag 2015 153cm. I’m 5’8 and 64kg and while I want something that’s quick on the runs, I want to start buttering and trying out park – found the Rossi slightly stiff. I’ve looked at the Rome Mod, Flow Era, Salomon Villian… Any recommendations – and should I stay 153 or go longer/shorter? Thanks!
Get that 153 Flow Era and be prepared to be the happiest man on Earth.
Cheers! Why would you rate it higher than the Rome Mod?
No, I just think it’s the best board for what you’re looking to do.
Hi Angry, I’m looking to buy a first board and can’t really decide.
I’ve been reading a lot of reviews of you, and despite they’re all great, it doesn’t make the choice any easier. I’ve got about 6 years experience, and board about 10-20 days a year (but plan to do more). I’d call myself intermidiate.
I’m riding 65% piste, 20% Pow, and 15% Park.
I like to go fast sometimes, but looking for something to cruse and have fun with as well. Looking to improve my skills. Some jumps on and of the slopes, but nothing to big. So just something to dick around.
I’m 5’11 (182cm) , 180 pounds (82kg) and have a size 9-9,5 US.
What boards would you recommend for me ?
Looking at the following:
Capita Mercury (looks like a great and fun board, but maybe above my abilities? )
Capita outerspace living (this one’s the fav for the moment, looks fun all around)
Yes Greats (same as outerspace, but more carving if i’m correct)
Yes Libre/typo
Nitro Gullwing (great allaround, but maybe a little but dull)
Rome mod rocker( as described above, but i don’t know about the rocker shape for allmountain)
Also I can’t decide the size. 158 looks good for me, for going a bit faster, 156 for more fun. Or am I looking at this wrong? What would you advice for my kind of riding.
Thank you in advance !!!
Here’s three boards you should look at Outerspace Living, Typo, and Mercury. 56 for more play, 58 for more speed. You’re pretty much there bud, pull the trigger.
Thanks for the fast anwser and good advice. Choise has been outerspace living and mercury for a while now. The more you read, the more you doubt. I think imma get the Mercury 56. Thanks again !
Hey, I’m 180lbs 6’1 do you think i should go with the 159 or shorter if im looking at the mod rocker
Hello, I’ve been riding for about 4 years I live in the midwest and take trips out west all the time. I ride just about anywhere on the mountain, bowls, groomers, trees, park. I’m looking for a board that will ride anywhere but will also be fun in the park. I love rails and jumps but ride more mountain, I had a Rome agent rocker 153 which rocked the mountain and was decent in the park but I’m looking for a new board. I’ve looked at the Rome mod, ride berzerker, and the arbor Westmark. Any help or different boards that come to mind would be great.
If you remotely like the park the Berzerker is not the board for you. The Mod is on the right track for a board you can ride anywhere, Westmark is 50/50 on that you can ride the whole mountain but it has more freestyle focus. I’d look at the Capita Mercury, Yes Typo, or Jones Mountain Twin personally. With more emphasis on the Mercury or Typo. You could also look at the new Yes Basic Decade.
Hi angry,
Is there any change in the latest 2019 model?
Also, I weigh 145lbs, 5’9, size 8 boots, should I get the 149 or 153? I don’t intend to ride pow on this guy as I have a K2 Eighty Seven. Just trying to get a board to learn jumps and grabs!
They discontinued the Mod Rocker.
Sad. When a company discontinues a model, is it because the model’s construction is deemed not advanced enough?
So I’m thinking either getting a Mod Rocker (previous years model), or getting a new Capita DOA. Which board do you think would work better to learn jumps/grabs on? They both have carbon which means added pop. Mod Rocker is flat and DOA is camber though.
It’s discontinued because there’s too much overlap in their line as well as a lack of sell through. Anything but the DOA.
Why anything but the DOA?
What’d you recommend as a substitute for Mod Rocker in their current line?
Cause that board is over rated and sucks. If you’re going to do Capita go with the Outsiders or the Outerspace Living.
Waddup A,
Just bought a Nitro Mountain 157, love it so far. Thing is a missile, edge hold is great and rides pow like no other. There’s a mint used 2014 Mod Rocker for $175, worth picking up? Just wanted your thoughts on comparison of the two rides. Thanks in advance.
I have no clue how the Mountain rides.