Basher did a review on the Rome Design in one of the back issues. I don't recall which issue exactly. I'll let you know later.

Some info here.

well i am definitely not going to review all the boards i've ridden in the past but i can tell you that the design is one of my favorite boards ever and heres why

extremely damp and stable, will hold a line through anything
not overly directional feeling and rides switch very easily
centered stance options or you can ride it set back depending on how wide you want your stance
twin shape helps to keep the tail up when landing switch in pow and is asthetically pleasing
very light
tough construction (no crazy hyperlight laminates or crazy schemes)

the only downside is that being a fairly stiff damp board its not overly poppy, and the stance is set up such that if you want to ride a wide stance (24 inches) you can't really put it more than 1/4 of an inch or so in the back seat , although that may be fixed for 08

the anthem is ok, its way more directional feeling, a tad heavier, not as good in the freestyle department but maybe a better overall "freerider" since you can set your stance back a bit more

Thanks for doin some research on Rome! Here is the deal on the boards:

Design: Despite the price, you get everything you pay for and more. New for '08, new core, new top-sheet construction, has Rome's Airpop Core Matrix, which is the lightest, most poppy core they make (which is the answer to many people complaining it's too stiff to give good pop). Also, has Impact Plates in the board to reduce impact damage from your bindings, giving your board way more life. Now the closer: The Design has a "Smart Base" which is a harder blend of material so you DON'T NEED TO WAX IT. Aside from that, it's the lightest most stable board you will ride. Also is a directional twin, which won't give you feel of a old directional board with obvious nose and tail, but more of a very subtle transition from regular to switch.

Anthem: I have guys who swear by it, heavier than the Design, but still light and responsive, the best way to describe this board is "powerful". Has the same core composition as the Design, Impact Plates, but with a more directional shape. You'll notice when you are riding switch with this board more than the Design, but the Anthem has more flex and play to it, regardless, still bombs hills and hold's an edge on the iciest of days (all us Midwest riders shred on.)

I'm originally from Royal Oak. Cruisin Woodward whattttt!!!!!

The Anthem is more your speed, fast directional board set on a straight radial sidecut, none of the progressive crapola. Inserts are set back 20mm with a straight carbon triax 45 glass, not prewoven but wet layup. Carbon 4packs on the edge give you add edge hold and release as well as extra pop when loaded properly. The 45 degress layup of glass gives you added tonsional power over it's Tri 30 and Bi brethren. The Airpop core is new, added is Poweramp Technology which is a thin Bamboo veneer precurved and layed in close to the edge to ramp up your tonsional response as well as a low density wood in targeted areas to reduse some weight. This core also features Impact Plates which work to reduse the direct impact the core takes in the binding area while not compromising the flex of the board. Well i could go on but i think you get the idea. It will hit the hill hold a edge and rip.

I've ridin a ton of products from everyone and been riding over 20 seasons. I have had a season on a Anthem and it was a good year. I too i'am from teh middle so i'm well aware of the conditions in which you most likely be riding. Hope it helps some.

Have goodtimes.

The Design is a sick board. I think you will be happy with that board.

Hey I've ridden the Design for the last few years and it's definitely one of my favorite boards in the line. The canuck's comment is good about riding wide stances set back. It can be a little troublesome with those kind of widths. That said, I wouldn't recommend riding it much more than a 1/2" back on groomers. Centered or a 1/2", it rules the groomers. It's a little wider than the Anthem; so where I ride a 159 Anthem, I ride a 158 Design. Also the laminate makes it super solid on the hardpack. It definitely is softer then it used to be and the new tip and tail profile (super thin) makes it a much more universal and fun board.

I rode the Anthem 159 for most of last season though. I actually had the opposite experience (from the Canuck) when I tried to rock a more centered 21" stance on the Anthem. In the end, I pulled off the stance I wanted, but I don't think I could go narrower or more centered (without using the additional capability of the 4-hole disk). The Anthem is probably now the stiffest board in Rome's line (longitudinal). It has a great sidecut and inspires tons of confidence. The new shape is definitely more relevant and freestyle oriented, as well.