Hello and welcome to my Lib Tech Orca snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Orca as a freeride snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Orca a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other freeride snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Lib Tech Orca 2021
Price: $649
Style: short/wide freeride
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating Score: 81.9/100
Compared to other Men’s Freeride Boards
Out of the 32 men’s freeride snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Orca’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Orca’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freeride (short/wide) |
Price: | $649 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Rocker - Lib Tech's C2X |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Setback 64mm (2.5") |
Base: | Sintered (Sintered Knife Cut) |
Weight: | Felt a little heavier than Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
138 | 247 | 90+ | 41+ |
144 | 255 | 100+ | 45+ |
147 | 257 | 110+ | 50+ |
150 | 265 | 120+ | 54+ |
153 | 267 | 130+ | 59+ |
156 | 267 | 140+ | 64+ |
159 | 267 | 150+ | 68+ |
162 | 269 | 160+ | 73+ |
* the 138 and 162 sizes are new as of 2022
Who is the Orca Most Suited To?
The Orca is best for anyone looking for a stiffer short/wide board and mainly wants to ride at speed, carve and find powder. Or for those with bigger feet, but still want something 159 or under, that wants that kind of freeride experience.
Also for those looking to ride longer, more drawn out turns as opposed to short/sharp snappy turns and looking for something that is damp and smooth.
Not a beginner or even intermediate board, IMO - advanced to expert.
The Orca in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Orca is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Lib Tech Orca 2021, 153cm (267mm waist width)
Date: February 20, 2020
Conditions: Beautiful sunny day with perfect visibility. Almost too hot!
Off groomer quite crunchy and icy and the steep run I test on was quite crunchy too, but on groomer was really nice - hard packed underneath but with some soft on top.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 530mm (20.9″)
Stance Setback: Setback 64mm (2.5")
Width at Inserts: 276mm (10.9") at front insert and 275mm (10.8") at back insert
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 175lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Salomon Lo-Fi
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Damp or Chattery?
Really quite damp. Quite far up the damp side of the scale
Smooth or Snappy?
Smooth for sure. Again, quite far down the smooth side of the scale.
Powder
No powder to test on unfortunately, as I think this board would be super fun in powder.
Based on specs, it would be a powder lover for sure. A healthy amount of taper, heaps of setback, a longer nose than tail and rocker in the profile.
Carving & Turning
Carving: Nice on a carve. Not a monster carver, but still really nice. Prefers long arcing carves to shorter sharper ones.
Turning: Again prefers things to be a little more long and drawn out when making regular turns - as opposed to shorter, sharper turns.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Not terrible maneuverable at slower speeds. Takes some effort to switch edges at slow speeds. Starts to purr more when riding faster.
Skidded Turns: Not great for skidded turns. Somewhat doable, but not super forgiving of them.
Speed
Performs really well at speed and prefers some speed behind. It feels like a much higher performance board when the mph is higher. And feels stable at speed too, when you open it out. In once sense this was quite surprising, given the length I rode (153) but in another sense it wasn't too surprising given how stiff it feels (7.5/10, bordering on 8/10)
Uneven Terrain
Felt great in crud - just smashed through it like it wasn't there.
Not as good in bumpy terrain, particularly trying to weave through - not nimble enough to be great in there.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
OK butnot amazing overall.
Pop: There's a good bit there, when you really give it some. But it takes quite a bit of effort to extract, IMO.
Approach: Really stable for faster approaches, but not as nimble as i would like for slower, trickier approaches
Landing: Solid on landings for sure. Can really stomp it when you get it right, but not that forgiving if you get it wrong.
Side-hits: Doable but not great. Not nimble enough for my liking and pop not easier enough to extract.
Small jumps/Big jumps: Best for bigger jumps where you need good stability on approach and landing.
Switch
Doable, as any board is really, but one of the less suited boards to riding switch.
Spins
Being a shorter board, it wasn't too bad getting the spin around, but still not super spinny. Not great for landing switch or setting up switch - or any kind of tricky setup. So not ideal for spins, IMO.
Butters
I found it surprisingly buttery for how stiff it is. I'd say as much as 3.5/5 for buttering, which really surprised me, given how the board otherwise felt.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 81.9/100 |
If you're looking for a damp, smooth board for long, drawn out turns but mostly want something that's effortless and floaty in powder.
Make sure you like your board relatively stiff and wide and that you're an advanced rider - and if that all melds together, then this is a great option.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Orca, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other freeride snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Orca compares to other freeride snowboards, then check out the next link.
D’oh! Meant to post on this page but ended up commenting this on Strata page.
Hey Nate!
Thanks for everything you do here, love the site.
I just copped a 2022 Orca, and am looking for some bindings to pair with it. I know you haven’t reviewed the 2022 yet, but what are your recs for bindings for Orca in general? For context, I live out in Tahoe and ride a bit of everything (drops/chutes at Kirkwood, sidecountry on Heavenly, bombing groomers from time to time, lots of trees). I tend to ride more stiff bindings…do you think the Union Forces are straddling the line on stiffness?
Hi Patrick
Thanks for your message – and all good. I saw the other comment, but will reply to this one.
For the Orca, I think stiffer bindings work better – and given you already have a penchant for stiffer bindings, I think the Force will be too soft for that board and your preferences. I would go minimum 7/10 flex on the Orca and whilst that’s what Union rate the Force as, I’ve never felt them as stiff as that. 6/10 more accurate, by my feel, for the Force.
If you’re going Union, I would be looking either Falcor (7.5/10 flex) or Atlas FC (9/10). Some other option I think would work:
– Flux XF (7/10 flex)
– Salomon Highlander (7/10 flex)
– Salomon Quantum (8/10 flex)
– Burton Cartel X (7/10 flex)
Or if you wanted to go even stiffer, you could look at:
– Flux XV (9/1)
– Jones Apollo (8.5/10)
– NOW O-Drive (9/10)
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate. Nice review 😉 . I am between 150, 153 and 156. I am 66kg (145lbs) , 6.3′ ft (1.93m height) and 44.5 boot size (11 Us). I am tall and skinny. Which one ?
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
I would say definitely not 156 for your specs. I think it’s too big. The 11s help with this being a wider board, so you don’t have to size down quite as much with someone with smaller feet, but I’d still not go as big as 156 at your weight. So, for me it’s a debate between 153 and 150. If you had size 9 or 10 boots, then I’d say 150 for sure. But with 11s, I would be leaning to the 153. But somethings to take into account:
– If you want to really maximize how nimble the board feels, particularly for tight spots in trees and when you’re having to ride slower/more technical, then there’s more strength to the argument to go 150. It would be at the sacrifice of a little stability at speed and float in powder (though the 150 would still be good in powder for your specs, IMO).
– If you want to maximize float in powder and stability at speed, but still have something that’s not too much of a board to turn when riding slower, then the 153. Sure if you really wanted to maximize speed and float, you could go even bigger, but it would be too much cost to maneuverability, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hı Nate
Does it differ so much between 150 and 153 Orca? I am asking because there is only 153 at nearby shop.
I mostly enjoy carving on groomers and fresh powder.
I am 165 lb and boot size is 11
Hi Salih
Thanks for your message.
I think the 153 could definitely work for you, particularly if you’re mostly into groomers and powder. The debate would certainly be between the 150 and 153. At 165lbs, if you had smaller feet, I would be more leaning towards 150, but with 11s, you don’t need to size down as much as you otherwise would. So, I think 153 is definitely doable – but if you could also let me know your height. Weight and boot size certainly more important but I still like to take height into account as well.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate,
My height is 5″ 9′. I have Burton boots which has reduced footprint size technology (size 11).
Hi Salih
I think 153 works for you. It’s the kind of board you want to size down from a typical size for sure – but how much you size down depends on your boot size. I would say your typical size would be around 156/157 – and with size 11 boots (or more accurately feet that fit in size 11 boots – as it’s your feet that ultimately provide leverage to the edges of the board) you don’t need to size down as much as you would with a smaller foot size. So I think 153 is reasonable for that board with those specs. The 150 isn’t wrong either, if you were wanting to mellow it out more and/or you were predominantly riding trees with it. But otherwise, I think 153 is a good size for you for this board.
Thank you Nate
Lastly could you please compare Orca with lib tech BRD 159 on groomers and powder ? Which one is aldı better regarding maneuver especially between tress?
Lastly boot size 11 does it suit BRD 159
Hi Salih
I wouldn’t recommend the 159 BRD for 11s. It’s 255mm at the waist, which on some boards would be OK for 11s, but the width at the inserts at the back insert of the BRD, isn’t that wide. It’s only 5cm wider than the waist, so you’re only looking at around 260mm at the back insert, which, IMO, is pushing it for 11s. I wouldn’t risk that on 11s.
Size-wise otherwise, I would say the BRD 159 is around the equivalent to around a 154/155 Orca (if that existed) but with more effective edge than a 154/155 Orca. If not for width, I think that size would be doable for you – given that it’s a freeride board and you can go a little longer with a regular shaped/widthed freeride board like that. The 156 would also be an option for your specs, if it wasn’t too narrow. If there was a 157W or something like that, then I think that would be the size you’d really want for the BRD.
Hi Nate,
What size shall you recommend if both my wife and I pick up Orca? I have relative small foot men size 8, and 165-170 lbs, 5’10”, my wife wears women boot 7, her weight is 110 lbs and height 5’5″? We initially think of 147 and 138 because of volume shift, shall we choose one size larger?
thanks,
Tim
Hi Tim
Thanks for your message.
For you, I think it’s a debate between the 147 and 150. The 150 is considerably wider than the 147, so with 8s, it will feel very wide. I reviewed previous comments and it sounds like you have the Standard 151. If you think that size works for the Standard, then I would be leaning 147 for the Orca. The Standard 151 is around 260mm at the inserts. The 147 Orca would be around 266mm wide at the inserts – so significantly wider, The 150 Orca more like 274mm at the inserts. So, if you find the 151 Standard good, then I think the 150 Orca might feel too big. If you feel like the Standard 151 is on the small side (I think we discussed between the 151 and 153 when you were looking at the Standard), then the 150 Orca is doable. Note that the Orca will be stiffer, and considerably wider than the 151 Standard. I think I would be leaning 147 Orca for you, unless you find the Standard 151 really small.
For your wife, I definitely wouldn’t go any longer than 138. I think it would be more a debate between 135 (if it existed) and 138. I definitely wouldn’t go any longer than 138 for the Orca for her specs.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, I am really really appreciated your help and so glad you still remember our conversation. Yes, I got 151 standard last year and has been riding it all season this year! I also got 157 Terrain Wrecker C2 last season model (which I shouldn’t, but cannot resist a good deal, LoL). Another update is, like I wrote, I down size my boots from 8.5 SLX to 8 Ion SO, it is a sort of correction and realization after my riding skill improved. I feel now i am true size 8. So, i am very comfortable for this pair 8 Ion and 151 Standard. For the TW, i feel like the board is hurry me out of carving and sometimes the riding path became unpredictable, I am not sure if it is because the board is too long for me, or it is because of the nature of Mage-traction (TW is my 1st wavy edge board)?
Back to my new question, the Orca. you are obsoletely right. From the specs, 150 is noticeable bigger than 147. I am also toward 147, but only concern about its powder performance. I already got Standard as all mountain board, getting 147 for Orca is more like getting another all-M board. Maybe i am wrong, 147 could be surfy for me? I do not want this board to be 100% powder only board, I still want it to be ridable in resorts.
Last, you helped us put on 138 for my wife’s specs, she was a bit concern and scary to go that short, even though both of us believe it should be the right size.
Hi Nate, after your reply, I had some deep thinking. My question will be is that really necessary to get 147 Orca in the case that I already have 151 Standard. The reason I am confused is that I look at the specs for both boards. From Surface Area, Contact Length, Tip/Tail Width and Sidecut, two boards are at the same level, the different is mainly from flex and tapered? Only if 150 Orca were picked, there will be more differentiated. But I do not believe 150 will be a good fit for me, right?
The same situation on my wife’s specs, too. She already got her Hel Yes 146 and LibTech Cortado 148. It seems Cortado is a bit too long for her but it is in mid flex on board feel and is very easy to tweak. So Cortado will be more like the surfy board for her better than 138 Orca?
Hi Tim
The Orca 147 and Standard 151 are very different boards in a lot of ways. The contact length on the Orca 147 is 105cm versus 100.3cm on the Standard 151, which is quite a big difference. We don’t know what the effective edge is on the Orca (effective edge not to be confused with contact length), but the ratio of effective edge to contact length also really affects the feel of the board too. That taper makes quite a bit of difference too – the contact point at the nose on the Orca 147 is a good bit wider than the contact point on the nose of the Standard 151. But the tails are quite similar widths. The width at inserts is bigger on the Orca 147 versus Standard 151 too, as discussed previously. In addition to that add the extra stiffness, very different camber profile, the difference in nose length versus tail length (same length on the Standard, very different lengths on the Orca) and the large setback on the Orca and no setback on the Standard, and you have 2 very different boards – and they feel that way on snow too. That doesn’t mean that the 150 is wrong for you at all – as discussed in the previous comment, but just wanted to point out that in the 147 Orca versus the 151 Standard, they are very different.
Not sure of the surface area on the 147 Orca versus the 151 Standard, but even if they work out to be the same, the Orca would still be better in powder, mostly due to the taper, the longer nose and the large setback stance.
For your wife, the Cortado is very big for her specs, IMO. Not just in length but it’s also a very wide board. It is a freeride oriented board though, and if she is happy riding that for powder days, then I don’t see any need to get another freeride board. But purely based on her specs, taking into account sizing down the Orca, which is designed to be ridden shorter, then 138 for her specs is the best size, IMO. But certainly if she’s happy with the Cortado in that size, then I don’t think there’s any need to get the Orca for her. If she does find it to big and wants to replace her freeride board, and wants to go Orca, I would still go 138. Even the Hel Yes as an all-mountain length is on the big side for her, IMO. I’d put her more at around 143cm for an all-mountain length. But 146 isn’t huge, given that it’s not as wide as the others, but if I was to recommend an all-mountain size for her specs, it would be around 143cm. So I think the idea of 138cm seems particularly small for her, given the size of boards that she has currently.
Hi Nate, thanks again! She also read your review and she will consider to replace her Cortado to Orca 138. For me, I will pick between 147 Orca and 153 Hybrid as my pow board (i think i am influenced by your review so much haha, Standard truly work for me perfectly, so will Hybrid?) .
TW did not give me good feel on riding so i am not sure Orca could be similar or better board feel? But before i make any decision, my plan is to test my Standard with slamback setting in a powday (at Big White) to see if i really need another pow board or not.
Hi Tim
Good plan trying out the Standard in the slambacks and see how you feel with that.
Hybrid also super wide for your boots, so the only question there would be whether going to 153 would be short enough to compensate. Certainly for powder, you’d be getting great surface area and that would help with powder float. It’s just whether you’d find it to much of a boat in hard pack conditions. But would give you a more similar feel to the Standard (but in a more powder/directional orientation) versus the Orca, because you’ve got a similar (not the same) camber profile and flex. Certainly not the same feeling board, but more similar feeling than what the Orca is.
Hi Nate, I think I got your point. Both Orca and Hybrid will be too wide to my boots. I have to size down drastically. I occasionally met a Jones Flagship 154, what do you think about this board and size for me, comparing to Orca and Hybrid?
Hi Tim
I think the Flagship in 154 would be a really good fit. The Flagship is another of those boards where the waist width is a little deceiving. The 154 is probably around 257mm at the back insert and 262mm at the front insert. So a fairly similar width to your Standard 151 (a little narrower on the back insert and a little wider at the front insert). Still on the wide side for your boot size, but 154 is a little on the shorter side for your height/weight. But I think it’s a good amount of size-down for the width. And gives you something bigger than your Standard. I think for the Flagship you could certainly go up to 156 (if it existed). 158 doable, but IMO getting a little big, when you factor in both length and width. I think the 154 would work.
Hi Nate !
Greetings from Bulgaria !
Your website is just AWESOME! There is so much information. Thanks a lot!
I still ride (for the last 3 years) my first snowboard – Rossignol Circuit 155. I use to think that I’m intermediate, and (only) trying to get to advanced. I like to ride mostly on the slopes in our resorts. Maybe just a little powder (once or twice per year) and a few small jumps (not necessarily) just for fun. I`m 174 cm., 75 kg., riding with Burton Ruler.
Can you please give me an advice for a snowboard + bindings ? I really want something good and in the same time applicable for me and my style.
I`ve looked at Lib Tech Orca 153 and Burton Process FV 157, but of course any other suggestions from you are welcome. I prefer to stick to these two brands, because they are easier to find here. About the bindings – I have no idea what (make and model) to choose – Union, Fix and Drake…
Could you please give me some advice for snowboard and bindings, because I`m the only (for now :D) snowboarder in our group.
Thank you very, very much !
Regards,
Hi Kristian
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, the Orca and Process Flying V are very different boards! The Orca is quite stiff and is very directional – a freeride board bordering on powder board. The Process Flying V an all-mountain board but bordering on freestyle. Much softer flexing.
I think from what you’re describing, something in between. If you’re not really riding switch, then you could go with something that’s mellow freeride, but unless you know you really want a stiff board and are at an advanced level, I wouldn’t go for something like the Orca. Some options from those brands, that I think would work well.
– Burton Skeleton Key 154 (not great for riding switch if you were planning on doing that regularly)
– Burton Process Camber 157 (though not that great for powder)
– Burton Hometown Hero 156 (not great for riding switch if you were planning on doing that regularly)
– Lib Tech Dynamo 156
– Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker 157
– Lib Tech TRS 157 (not great for powder)
That’s based on going for something around mid flex (between 5/10 and 6.5/10 for those above). But if you did think you wanted to go stiffer
If you were wanting to go stiffer, you could look at the likes of the Burton Flight Attendant or Lib Tech Ejack Knife, but those would be a bigger step up from your current board – and not great for riding switch or jumps, if you’re not hitting bigger jumps.
For bindings, it kind of depends on the board you go with, but if you go with something mid-flex, then the likes of the Union Strata, Atlas or Force would be good choices. I don’t test Fix or Drake bindings, so don’t really know a lot about them.
Hope this helps
Hi nate,
As always, your website is a good and reliable source of infos and my go-to source when I’m searching for shopping tips.
I’am actually hunting for a pow board to ad to my quiver. I’m interested in a surfy feeling, to slash those windlips but stable enough to be confident in the steep. The board should be able to float effortless, and be “freeridey” enough to lay a good carve on the piste (as pow days are rare in my area).
I already own a Jones Mountain twin 157 as my do-it-all (bought following your advices) and eventhough I love it in powder, I would like something more specific, with not much overlap.
I can get a good deal on an Orca, an Ultracraft or a regular Hovercraft. What would be your best bet? Which size for each?
I am 175m tall and weight about 77 kg, size 10 Adidas Tactical boots (bought following your advice too)
Have you an other board recommandation?
The board will be paired with Union Atlas from last year (bought following … 😉 )
Thanks in advance for every
(Woops looks like I hit send too soon)
Thanks in advance for every info you can share.
Julien
Hi Julien
Thanks for your message.
The Orca and Ultracraft (haven’t ridden Ultracraft, but based on specs) are rather stiff, and aren’t what I would call “surfy” – but very good in powder (and surfy enough when it comes to powder)- and definitely no major overlap with the MT, IMO. If you like the idea of stiff, then they’ll definitely work. If you did want to go with the more easy going option, the Hovercraft would be the way to go. Haven’t ridden the Hovercraft yet either but based on specs and everything I’ve heard about it, it’s going to be the surfiest and most easy going of those options for sure. And again, no real overlap with the MT. A closer flex to the MT (but still a little stiffer) I would say, but everything else about it is quite different.
From what I’ve heard it can carve the groomers well too.
Size-wise, I would go 156 if you went Hovercraft. Often you go longer with a freeride board versus your all-mountain board, but in this case with the Hovercraft it’s wider and with your boot size, I would size down a little. It’s designed to be ridden a little shorter. Same goes for the Ultracraft.
Same deal with the Orca in terms of sizing, except that I would probably size down even further, to the 153. It’s an even wider board.
Hope this helps
This helps a lot !
I’m guessing if I want to go steeper, a stiffer flex may be a good choice (just need to do some squats during summer).
What bindings would you pair with these boards?
I’m thinking Union Falcor, Union Atlas or Burton Cartel but I’m open to any suggestion. Is the Now skate tech any good with these boards?
Thanks again.
Julien
Hi Julien
For the Hovercraft I think the Falcor, Atlas or Cartel X (rather than normal cartel) – and they’d work with the Ultracraft and Orca too, but I’d potentially even go stiffer with those 2. Something from here:
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
I think NOW bindings would work on these boards, given the type of riding you would be doing on them. My biggest issue with NOW bindings is the butterability/board feel, but with these kinds of boards, that’s not really an issue, so yeah, NOW bindings would work well, I think (you’ll see a Jones (pretty close to NOW for bindings) and NOW binding in the link above).
Hi Nate,
I ride a couple times a year most, but have no issues stepping on the board and riding blues most places first run of the trip, so I would categorize myself as an “advanced beginner” or “boarding on intermediate” rider.
My local shop is suggesting I give the ’21 Orca a try, but I see soo many mixed reviews it is hard to decide. I don’t do park and rarely even ride switch… just like surfing down the hill and love powder (no trees).
Would you recommend this board? If so, any help on the sizing? I am 5’11”, about 210lbs (give or take 5 lbs either way), and fit size 10 Adidas Tactical Lexicon’s.
TIA for any help you can provide!
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
Personally I wouldn’t recommend this board for a high-end beginner/low intermediate rider. It’s pretty stiff and prefers to point pretty straight down the hill. Not really something that likes to be ridden slow, in my experience. If you were riding powder all day everyday (we can only dream!) then you’d likely be fine, but this is quite a lot of board on hard pack, if you’re not at an advanced level.
If you did go Orca, I would size down quite a bit from what your typical size would be – probably 153 for this board for your specs and what you’re describing.
Certainly other directional options that are easier boards to handle than this one, IMO, that are probably more suitable, e.g., some from the following:
>>Top 10 Surfy (mellow) Freeride Snowboards
That’s quite an eclectic list and some are more powder specialized and some are a little more advanced, but a lot of those would suit what you’re describing well. If you decide against the Orca, and want any particular recommendations from there, let me know.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I was wondering which size you would recommend for someone who is 6’1 190 size 11 boot?
I am mainly getting this as my pow and tree board
Hi Rob
For you, for the Orca I would look at the 156. For this board, given it’s width, I think the 159 is going to be too long. You might really like the 153 in the trees, but I think the 156 strikes a good balance between float in pow and maneuverability in trees. However, if the pow you see is pretty much always in the trees and not open terrain, deep pow, then I might lean more towards the 153, particularly if you already have a longer Flagship in your quiver. Actually thinking about the fact you have the Flagship in your quiver already, makes me more likely to lean 153. What size is your Flagship?
My Flag is a 164, which is why I was leaning 153 for the Orca. I don’t want too much overlap in my quiver, and I figured the 164 flag would be more than fine in wide open powder bowls. I’m getting the Orca to be my short/fat & playful powder board, but I’m hoping I won’t be sacrificing too much float with the 153?
Most of the pow I see is in trees, but I do more rarely get into the wide open & deep terrain
Thanks for answering all my questions btw!
Hi Rob
Yeah for the quiver I think I would be leaning 153. The Flagship 164 will do very well in open terrain pow – and I think that will give you a greater difference in the quiver and more maneuverability/playfullness in that shorter size.
I decided on the 153! Thanks for all the help. I was also wondering where you would put the upper weight ranges for the 153 size? I don’t plan on gaining that much weight but with holiday cooking and all…
Hi Rob
At a guess, I would say around 200lbs as a max. I think you should be good. A few extra turns after holiday cooking will help 🙂 – a good excuse to ride more, right!
Hi Nate,
I am getting a new board for the 2021 season. I am 5’11 and float around 220-230 pounds with size 11 boots. (32’s) and Union Atlas bindings.
I live in Vancouver, BC and get to ride 50 to 70 days per season on the local mountains, Whistler and Interior BC. I would say I am an advanced/expert rider in all disciplines except park.
I am a powder hound and tree dweller. I spend 80% of my time hunting down powder stashes in the slack country and trees. I love tree riding and linking fast, smooth turns. I also go on occasional back country adventures using snowshoes. Apart from that I like natural jumps, side hits and medium drops. I hit the park occasionally to do jumps and easy rails/boxes (But I don’t want park to have much influence on my board selection) I also bomb down groomers when there is no powder to be found.
I am looking for a board to deliver in all those fields if possible. I rode the 2020 Orca 153 on a demo day last March and loved it. I found it to be nice and light when turning and it felt great in chopped snow. The snow on the slackcountry that day was mediocre but I got a chance to ride it on some short hits of powder and the board felt amazing. I don’t know if my experience was biased from being a T Rice fan boy but I loved the board. Is there anything else you would recommend that would be better suited for my riding style?
I rode a Ride War Pig last year for 15 days and loved it until the top sheet peeled off. (Returned it under warranty)
My friend is pushing me to try a Yes PYL. I have also been recommend to check out the Kazoo….
Any help much appreciated my friend!
Chat soon,
Paul
Hi Paul
Thanks for your message.
Since you’ve experienced and really like the T Rice Orca that’s definitely a safe bet for you, so I would be leaning towards that. Size-wise, the Orca is definitely a board to size down with, but I would probably be leaning towards 156 for you, even after sizing down. However, since you liked how the 153 rode, again, that experience I would maybe lean there. And maybe that size is OK for you, given you’re in the trees a lot. I think 156 would work for you as well, but you might not find it quite as nimble/light feeling. At 175lbs and with a size 10 boot, I didn’t find the Orca that nimble – not un-nimble either, but not that nimble. So my biggest concern with going to 156 for you, is that you found it less nimble. Going longer would give you more stability at speed and more float in powder, so that’s the trade off. But if you liked the feel of the 153 in powder, then again, I think that would be where I would lean for you.
The Kazu was the first board that came to mind when you were describing everything there, so I do think that would be a great option for you. If you hadn’t tested and really liked the Orca, I would probably be saying Kazu 160, but there’s no substitute for experience, so given your experience I would still be leaning Orca.
The PYL would also really suit what you’re describing. You’ve had some good recommendations, IMO. Based on specs and taking into account how you describe your riding, I would say the 160W would be the best size for you – going a little shorter for trees, and the 160W isn’t that wide for a wide board. But you could probably also get away with the 162 width-wise, if you wanted to go a little longer. But I would be leaning 160W for the PYL for you. I think both the PYL and Kazu would work for sure, but the safe bet would be Orca. Given you’ve had a good experience on it. If you did get the chance to test other board, then I would certainly try out the Kazu and PYL though.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Thanks for the speedy reply man. Much appreciated!
I shared your same thoughts on the sizing, the pros and cons between 153 and 156.
I did have a great experience on the Orca for sure but also feel that I may have been slightly biased and I was wanting the board to perform so that may have affected my judgment. Sometimes I feel like there is a lot of hype in regards to this board. Some people love it and some people find it not so great.
What concerns me is how you rated other boards in regards to quick turns and turn iniation etc. From your experience you did not think the Orca performed as well as others.
If I was to take the Orca out of the equation what would you be leaning towards.
Looks like we ride similar terrain as you are located in Vancouver too.
I am mainly hitting the trees on Cypress and slack country off Sky chair, along with 5 -10 days in Whistler and 10 days in the interior.
I am open to any board that performs well in powder and trees most importantly but can also be a daily driver for groomwers and average snow.
Thanks man!
Hey Paul
Yeah sounds like we have pretty similar seasons alright! I split my time between the locals, Whistler and interior also.
Taking the Orca out of the equation, I would probably lean towards the PYL, but it’s a very close call between that and the Kazu. Both would definitely do the job well though, IMO. The main reason I would take the PYL, is that it’s subtly better for speed and carving, for when you’re on the groomers. In the trees/powder, they are equals, IMO. So definitely not a bad choice between them, in my experience.
For the Orca, given that you’ve got a bit of weight on me and a larger foot, the 153 would certainly feel different for you than it does for me, so there’s definitely that to consider too. It could even be the case that the 159 would feel for you how I felt the 153 – or maybe something like a 157, 158 if it existed. Hard to say for sure of course, but weight and boot size on a given board does make a noticeable difference.
Thanks Nate. Much appreciated my man! I can get a killer deal on a 2019/20 Never Summer Westbound (480 CDN) in a local shop. I might be leaning towards that as the price is great.
In reality I could get the NS and still have $400 ish leftover to pick up another full on powder oriented board to add to a quiver for the same price of one board below.
The other options that we chatted about were the PYL (815 CDN) or Orca (700 ish CDN).
Would you rate the NS for all the type of riding we chatted about before?
Hi Paul
I think the West Bound would suit what you’re describing, for sure. I would say it’s got a bit more of an easy going feel compared to the Orca – it’s a bit softer flexing, but not soft by any means (7/10). But it’s one of those boards, that I really liked to carve on, but still found quite maneuverable at slower speeds. And really good in uneven terrain. So based on what you described, I think it would work well. Can work for side-hits etc too – and whilst not ideal for park riding by any stretch can take you in there – and I know that wasn’t a major factor for your decision.
For more details on what I thought of the West Bound, check out:
>>NS West Bound Review