Hello and welcome to my Lib Tech Dynamo review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Dynamo as a surfy freeride snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Dynamo a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other surfy freeride snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Lib Tech Dynamo 2021
Price: $499
Style: Surfy Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating Score: 87.8/100
Compared to other Men’s Surfy Freeride Boards
Out of the 28 men’s surfy freeride snowboards that I rated:
* note that the "surfy freeride" category is a new category here at Snowboarding Profiles - and represents freeride boards that are in that softer flex range - 6.5/10 or less. They're not necessarily "surfy" feeling boards as such - but "slightly softer flexing freeride" just didn't have the same ring as a category name!"
Overview of the Dynamo’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Dynamo’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freeride (softer, surfier freeride) |
Price: | $499 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Rocker but camber dominant - Lib Tech's "C3 Camber" |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Setback 25mm |
Base: | Extruded (TNT) |
Weight: | A little heavier than normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
150 | 243 | not available | n/a |
153 | 252 | n/a | n/a |
156 | 255 | n/a | n/a |
159 | 257 | n/a | n/a |
162 | 258 | n/a | n/a |
156W | 265 | n/a | n/a |
159W | 267 | n/a | n/a |
Who is the Dynamo Most Suited To?
The Dynamo is a great option for anyone looking for a softer flexing, more easy going freeride option. Also great for those who like all-mountain rides, but just want something a little more directional.
Not for beginners, but great option for intermediate riders looking for a more freeride oriented board, but don't want to go too stiff/advanced.
The Dynamo in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Dynamo is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Lib Tech Dynamo 2021, 159cm (257mm waist width)
Date: February 18, 2020
Conditions: Sunny and perfect visibility.
Snow was firm underneath with soft on top on groomers. A little dust on crust off groomer but not majorly icy or anything.
Temp was quite warm in the sun. Supposed to be -1°C (30.2°F) with or without wind. Next to no wind. Felt about that in shade but warmer than that in sun.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Stance Setback: Setback 25mm
Width at Inserts: 265mm (10.4") at front insert and 265mm (10.4") at back insert*
*there is a slight taper and a bit of setback. Taper without setback, or a lot of taper usually gives a wider width at the front insert vs the back insert. Setback without taper usually gives a wider width at the back insert. In this case the little bit of taper offsets the setback and the width ends up the same at both inserts.
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 175lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Vans Aura
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight: 3080grams (6lb 12oz)
Weight per cm: 19.37 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.36 grams/cm*
*based on a small sample size of around 80 boards that I've weighed in 2019, 2020 & 2021 models. So, heavier than average, but didn't feel like a heavy board on snow, which is the main thing.
Damp or Chattery?
More on the damp side. Not ultra-damp, but damper than it is chattery.
Smooth or Snappy?
Slightly more snappy than smooth, but just a little to the snappy side of the middle of the scale.
Powder
Didn't have any really to test it in. But the specs and feel of the board suggest it would be a good board in powder. Not like an epic floater in super deep powder, but really good nonetheless.
It hasn't got a heap of taper, but there's some taper there - and whilst it's mostly camber, there is that subtle rocker in the middle of the board. And it's quite well setback - 25mm on effective edge and a good bit more in terms of the overall length of the board (longer nose than tail).
Carving & Turning
Carving: Good carver. Not epic in terms of big carves, but you can certainly lay a carve on it.
Turning: Really fun board for turning. Quite snappy but also quite an easy turner. Almost felt like it had more of a CX2 feel than a C3 feel.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Nice and agile at slow speeds.
Skidded Turns: For a C3 camber board it was actually pretty easy to skid turns on. That quite easy going flex helps there, I guess.
Speed
Good at speed. Never going to be an out and out bomber with its flex, but stable enough at speed.
Uneven Terrain
Good in crud and good in terms of weaving through bumps. A really comfortable board for navigating when it's not smooth or straight.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
Had a lot of fun on this board with jumps. Which isn't always the case with Freeride boards.
Pop: It's not massive, but it's there. And what's there is really easy to access. It's an easy, fun pop.
Approach: A good balance between being stable and being nimble.
Landing: Decent. Not an out and out stomper but solid enough.
Side-hits: Fun for side hits.
Small jumps/Big jumps: Works for anything from small to large, with medium being the sweet spot.
Switch
Rides switch OK. Better than a lot of other freeride boards. It's got that in between freeride and all-mountain feel.
Spins
Good easy pop and getting the spin around was pretty easy. OK for landing/takeoff switch.
Butters
Decently buttery. Not super easy to butter, but certainly not hard to butter either.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.8/100 |
Overall, the Dynamo is a nice softer/more forgiving freeride option (or you could look at it like a more directional all-mountain ride), great for intermediate riders looking to get onto a more freeride oriented board or for more advanced riders who just prefer a softer deck, even when predominantly freeriding.
Great price for what you get too. Gone up a little in price for the 2021 model, but still really well priced.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Dynamo, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
- US
- UK/EUROPE
If you want to check out some other surfy freeride snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Dynamo compares to other surfy freeride snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hi Nate,
I was on the all mountain page, but thought I should move the discussion over here. After reading through the list of options, I narrowed my choices to the MT 157, Dynamo 156 and Dynamo 159. From your review here, the Dynamo sounds great – the fun turns / somewhat flexible freeride. At 165 pounds (5′-10″, 9.5 boot), just not sure if I want 156 and 159. I am inclined to pull the trigger on 156, but there’s that voice in my head: get the MT, 157, get the Dynamo 159… seems I am at the win/win/win point of overthinking my decision.
Hi Garrett
I think the 159 Dynamo is in your range. I think 156 is probably the most accurate size, but 159 certainly doable. Some differences you’ll feel between those two sizes.
– The 159 will be more stable at speed and float better in powder
– The 156 will be more maneuverable at slow speeds and in tighter spots (and easier to butter, and better for freestyle in general, but from your previous comments it sounds like those things are all but out of repertoire?)
I think I would still be leaning 156, just because I think it’s the best balance between width and length for your specs. But the 159 certainly isn’t wrong and if you were looking to optimize stability, then it would certainly work. MT always a solid choice too and 157 def the size I’d go for you.
Thanks again. I’m convinced. I’m going for the Dynamo 156!
You’re very welcome Garrett. Hope it treats you well. Happy riding!
Hey Nate, Thanks for your review.
What size would you recommend for a rider that’s 160lbs, 5’11”? The 156cm?
I see that you were riding the 159, did you happen to try the 156 as well?
Hi Nick
Thanks for your message.
I only tested the 159. It felt just right for me in that size and that’s the size I would buy if I was to buy the board. But for your specs, I would be leaning 156. The 159 wouldn’t be wrong for you either, and it’s certainly an option if you were wanting to err longer, but I would be leaning 156 for your specs.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nat
How’d the 159 fit for your height weight? I’m similar Specs debating between the 159w and 156w for a Kootenay daily driver.
Hi Dave
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think the 159 was spot on for me for this board. I wouldn’t ride it any shorter. For like a big mountain, open terrain powder day, I’d be happy to have the 162, but as a daily driver, I would go 159 personally. If you have bigger feet and need wide and your otherwise similar specs to me, then I would go 159W over 156W.
Hope this helps
How would this board compare to custom x?
Hi Pat
Thanks for your message.
Really quite different to the Custom X, IMO. Some differences (though not all):
– It’s noticeably softer flexing than the Custom X (I felt this at 5.5/10 and the Custom X at 9/10)
– It’s no where near as aggressive. Even though it has C3 Camber, it’s quite easy riding. The Custom X is ride fast, hell for leather kind of board, IMO, this is more easy going
– The Dynamo is better in powder, better for riding at slower speeds and better for smaller jumps, sidehits, that kind of thing
– The Custom X is better for carving hard and bombing fast.
They really are quite different, from my experience with them
Hi I’d loke to buy this board, could you tell me wich size would be better for me. Im 6’0″ 183lbs and 12 size boots. I cant decide about 156w or 159w. for all mountain and park too. Thx
Hi Jeremy
Thanks for your message.
For your specs, I think the 159W would be a really good size. Just right, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
I learnt a lot on your website, great work there!
I’m an intermediate rider, 5’7’’, 60kg, 25.2cm foot, currently wear size 7 burton imperial boots.
I’m riding a 150mm Capita outerspace living thanks to your review, I really love the board. Now I’m looking for a new board as a complimentary to it. Something better in carving/speed, steeper slope and powder sometimes, I’m currently looking at the yes standard, lib tech dynamo, burton hometown hero, capita navigator. These are the ones I can find that seems stiffer and relatively narrow since I have a smaller feet. Do you have any advice on these boards? Thank you!
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, the YES Standard, as much as I love that board, is probably one to cross off the list. Partly because it’s not as narrow as it looks based on it’s waist width specs – even in the 149 it’s likely around 257mm at the inserts, which isn’t hugely wide, but certainly wider than the OSL in 150 and that coupled with the fact, that the 151 might be the better length, for your freeride board and the fact that the Standard isn’t that directional/freeride oriented. I think the combination of those things make it less ideal. I think you’d be fine riding the 149, but overall, maybe not the best choice as a compliment to the OSL in your quiver, IMO.
The 150 Dynamo: It’s not any longer than your OSL. But it is more directional and more powder and directional oriented. The width is good for your feet (around 251mm at inserts), IMO, which makes this an attractive option. The biggest downside is that it’s not that much stiffer than your OSL and doesn’t really give you more in terms of carving/speed. Certainly more for powder, but pretty similar for carving/speed as OSL, IMO. Doable though if you wanted a more subtle compliment to your quiver.
Capita Navigator: I think this would be a good compliment to the OSL. Just subtly stiffer than the OSL, but certainly more in terms of powder and downhill abilities. Again, pretty similar for carving as OSL, but a little more in terms of speed, and very powder oriented. Sizing-wise, I would be looking into the 151 for this board for you. The width is going to be on the wider side still – around 254mm at the back insert, so doable, IMO, but still a little on the wider side. But I think it’s a doable size for you.
The Hometown Hero would be a great compliment to your quiver, IMO. Giving you more for speed, carving and powder and being a good step up in terms of stiffness. I think this would compliment the OSL well. The only question here is the size. The 148 is probably your best size, but then you would be sizing down from your OSL, and preferably you want to stay about the same size or slightly longer for your freeride board. The 152 would be a good length, IMO, but it’s getting pretty wide for your boots. Probably around 258mm at the inserts. I would probably go 148 if you were going to go Hometown Hero, as I think the length and width combo of the 152 makes it just a little big.
I think you should also take a good look at the Burton Family Tree Sensei. This board was made for smaller feet. The 151 I think would be a really good size for you, and the width would be really good. Around 250mm at the inserts. I measured the 156 at the inserts (I didn’t ride it as it’s too narrow for me) at 252mm at inserts, so that 250mm is a guess based on that. I think this would be a really good size for you and a really good compliment to the OSL – and should give you more in terms of carving, speed and powder. Again, I didn’t ride it, so I couldn’t say for sure, but on paper, I think this would be a really good option for you.
Hope this helps
Wow! Thank you so much for the great details! I will definitely check out the tree Sensei. I stumble upon the Flight Attendant the other day at Sports Basement, they are running a 20% off, look closer I found the 152 has a 244mm waist, would that be a potential fit? Although I heard it’s a pretty advanced board so that’s another concern. Thanks again for your answer, huge help on my decisions.
Hi Jason
I think the 152 Flight Attendant (FA) would work for you in terms of size, both length and width. The 152 FA likely to be around 252-253mm at the inserts. It is a more advanced board, but it’s borderline high-end intermediate. Not for a low intermediate, but if you’re close to being up to that advanced level, I think it’s doable. Not really any more advanced than the Hometown Hero though, IMO. And probably not really more than the Sensei either. Just a touch stiffer I think, but not much in it all.
Thank you for the help, really saved me a lot of headaches! I was able to get the FA at a very good price. Really interested in the Sensei, but it would be $300 more than the FA in my area.
You’re very welcome Jason. Hope the FA treats you well. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Ah sorry, and another board I forgot to mention is Jones flagship 2021, 151, waist at 24.3
Hi Jason
Similar to the FA, the Flagship is a slightly more advanced board, but it’s not so advanced that it’s undoable for a high-end intermediate rider, IMO. But I think again you’d want to be at that really solid intermediate level. The Flagship has quite a big difference between the back insert and front insert – there’s quite a bit of taper in the board. Taking into account the narrower reference stance on the 151, compared to the 158 that I rode, I would estimate the width at inserts at the reference stance of 540mm, to be around 251mm at the back insert and 256mm at the front insert. So, I think the size is doable, if you think you are good with the level of board and the stiffness. It’s another little step stiffer than the FA. Though it’s also less camber dominant than the FA, so that mellows it out a bit.
Thank you for your informations. I wanna ask you another question, I rode DOA for last 3 season. I wanna dive in powder and carving more then last seasons. On the other hand side i’m a huge camber fan, i dont wanna give up from Camber profile? What do you think ist it a good choise?
Hi Ugur
Yeah, I think it’s a good compromise based on what you’re describing. You’ll get better powder performance versus the DOA for sure, IMO, but you’re not going too far from camber. The Dynamo has Lib Techs C3 Camber, which does have some rocker between the feet, but that is a very short section of rocker, and it’s very subtle – feels closer to a full camber board, than a Hybrid Rocker board, IMO. You still do notice that little bit of rocker (or at least I do, but I’m paying attention to these things very closely) but it’s subtle. So yeah, I think it could work well, in terms of giving you more in powder, but still having a good bit of camber to work with.
Hi Nate, I would like to buy this board for this season. Can i combine it with Union Strata ? Do you suggest any other Union binding ?
Hi Ugur
Thanks for your message.
Yes, I think this board would work well with the Union Strata. You could also ride it with the Force, Atlas or even Falcor (if you wanted a harder driving binding). But I think the Strata would be a very good match.