I’m a CO resident and work in a board shop. I get to go to demo days, test out endless boards, and lucky enough to have a good size quiver of boards to select from before driving into the mountains…. I probably tested 15-20 boards last year and this was my favorite by a good margin! I mainly go up as high as I can on the mountain and rip blacks, every side hit is a feature and ever roller is a nose butter on this board. It floated like a dream in 18” even in the lower angle stuff. You can lay down a carve, it’s edge transition is impeccable from the 3d nose., which also helps in powder. I paired it with my katanas and they make overshooting a jump into the flats wayyy more forgiving then most set ups. I don’t take it into the park really as I have more specific boards for that, but I’ve certainly will take it for a lap or two if that’s what the crew wants. I can’t express how happy I am with this board. If you need one board to do everything, send it on the ravine and you’ll have no regrets.

It is a rocket!!!
And your best friend!

After some time on rental equipment and borrowing a friend of mines Jones Stratos it was time for me to buy my own snowboard.
Since I liked the feel on the Stratos I was looking for something directional, tapered and relatively stiff. Online research brought my attention to the Rome Ravine Select amongst other boards and I made a shortlist of the options.

So I went to see which boards I would be able to test at the store but unfortunately the Ravine wasn't one of them. But then, one night, I dreamt of the ravine and it felt amazing. The next morning I made up my mind and ordered the Ravine Select and the matching Katana bindings.

I couldn't be happier with my choice! The board feels just as I expected, or better: Stiff enough to push it and lay a nice trench when carving. Flexy enough to still feel playfull and fun. The 3D shape of the nose makes it really stable, so I cant imagine catching an edge unless I really do something stupid. But the biggest surprise was the pop! Those carbon hot rods really want to send you off.

Summary:
Jones Stratos - but more poppy
K2 Alchemist - but more playfull and not as stiff
Lightweight, mid stiff, responsive, poppy, fast, stable, really great board. plus matching it with the yellow acid katana's it looks amazing too!

Have only ridden 3 days so far in late season, but the board is what I thought it was. Stiff, decent float without sacrificing, rails groomers . I have a jones flagship which is similar, but this is a bit more freeride oriented while being heat on groomers. I like it a lot!

I am coming from a true twin board and with this one I had to do a bit of getting used to it. It rides very fast and the way it is directional I notice it floats a bit more and for carving I have to lean a bit more to hold the edge. Initially, I had the impression that it doesn't hold the edge but it is just a different technique that you need with directional boards. With that said I think is great to try new things since it will challenge your riding style. On soft and powder it does a great job. I am pretty satisfied with it and I don't regret buying it.