Rome Service Dog 25/26 – First Thoughts

Powder party meets playful precision — Rome’s Service Dog is your all-mountain sidekick built for float and flair.

Our test crew rated the 2025/26 Rome Service Dog highly for its Directional Diamond 3D nose, volume-shifted shape, and the newly added Directional Double Kick tail — a trio that delivers smooth float in powder, crisp carving on groomers, and extra playfulness for freestyle flicks and soft landings. With a mid-stiff flex (rated 5/10) and all-round freeride versatility, it’s a top-tier, fun-loving board that shines off-piste without losing its edge on hardpack. Want to see how it handles fresh lines and park-side hits? Hit up the full review on YouTube to find out more.

The Snowboard International First Thoughts are back for another season of in-depth gear reviews, giving you the lowdown on the best snowboard gear for winter 25/26. This time around, the team spent two weeks up in Åre, Sweden, putting the latest kit to the test: five riders, three videographers, and one epic resort.