When unwrapping the Rome Hammerhead the first thing to notice is the unconventional “Hosoi Shape” on the tip and tail that tells you, “this one will be different.” Red-eyed ravens flanking the inserts and a beastly skull cradling the words “Hammerhead” let you know this board is not for the weekend warrior – more accurately, daily slayer.
We were stoked to get a chance to get on this board and put the unique shape to the test and answer the one question that everyone seems to have about this one: “What does the shape do?” This one doesn’t just catch attention it starts conversations. Expect at least one person per day to ask about it, or at least do an obvious rubberneck to catch a second and third glimpse.
To put the questions to rest, the verdict was simply that there was no noticeable difference with the shape. And aside from lending to the pure evilness that the Hammerhead elicits, the unusual shape is great for getting to know people while riding the lift.
On snow, however, the Hammerhead is a beast of its own in the park. The Freepop Rocker and Skatecore Profile make it a jibbers dream. This board will not only add some evil to your kit, but inches to your press. Rome’s ButterOut transition zones lends to the loose, playful feel with drawn out transition zones on the tip and tail. In short, the Hammerhead makes getting technical in the concrete jungle easier than ever. Reverse camber boards typically are not the most powerful boards and this one follows suit. It can stomp medium sized jumps without an issue and surprisingly doesn’t go limp when coming down on the nose or tail. However, it may not be the type to be sending that 80-footer you have been scoping.
Everything about the technology of this board screams skateboard, while the graphics whisper evil. If you are looking to get loose all over the mountain — turning the resort into a skate park – the Hammerhead should be at the top of your list. And if you are looking to bludgeon the park without remorse, then let out the demon and locate the nearest shop carrying this epic slice of evil.
Price: $390
Buy now at evo.com
