Lib Tech Golden Orca Snowboard Review with Davey

An In Depth Breakdown of the Lib Tech Golden Orca For Average Riders Review by The Good Ride

• User Reviews
• Product Specs
• Product Images
• Questions?

Lib Tech Golden Orca Review

How It Was Tested

Sizing

I’m a size 12 boot, 250 pounds and six foot three and a half. The 164 fit me perfectly. I love the bigger sizing on this board. If I sized down, I don’t think I would have experienced the full personality of this board. For someone who can handle the hard charging nature, I recommend sizing up. Only size down if you want more control for spins or tighter terrain.

Durability

No issues with durability. This board feels solid. The top sheet is glossy and holds up well. No noticeable binding marks even after riding. The updated construction improves both performance and environmental impact.

Shape

This board is tapered and slightly set back, but less so than the Orca II. It has nine millimeters of taper but feels less pronounced. It rides more centered and feels more like an all mountain board.

Camber Profile

The Golden Orca has Lib Tech’s C2X camber. Rocker between the feet with camber zones under both feet. The front camber is longer and more elliptical, while the back is shorter and more aggressive. It can feel slightly auto spinny when flat basing, so keep it on edge.

This board is best for committed intermediate riders up to experts. It is harder to skid turns and more demanding than typical C2 boards.

Flex

This board is stiff. The nose and tail are both very stiff, with slightly more give in the middle than the Orca II. It is not the easiest board to butter due to its stiffness and size.

Pop

This board is a monster when it comes to pop. It has a ton of spring out of the tail and boosts you off jumps. The longer tail provides strong takeoff and solid landing support. This board wants to go fast and get air.

Edge Hold

Edge hold is exceptional. The magnetraction grips hard but is less grabby than older versions. It performs well in both soft and icy conditions.

Uneven Snow

In hard uneven snow, it absorbs chatter and stays damp. In soft uneven snow, it is a powerful chunder buster. It becomes smoother and more stable as conditions soften.

Switch & Park

This rides switch surprisingly well for a directional board. Its centered feel encourages riding and landing switch.

It has the grip and drive for pipe riding. However, it is harder to get on edge and lacks the ideal sidecut for most riders.

Turn Initiation

Turn initiation is slower than expected. It is harder to get on edge, but once engaged, it holds strong. This board prefers down the line riding over tight carving.

Speed

This board is extremely fast. You will often need to control your speed rather than try to gain it.

Base Glide

Base glide is solid but requires frequent waxing. The sintered base has poor wax retention and dries quickly. Frequent maintenance is necessary for optimal performance.

Powder Performance

This board floats well in powder. It performs best when ridden centered, especially in steeper terrain. It planes smoothly and carries speed well in powder. Slightly behind the Orca II in float but still very capable. Wish I could’ve gotten this out in some true bottomless steep and deep powder.

Final Thoughts

This board rips. It is centered, aggressive, and built for speed and big air. Has a powerful tail that pops, launches, and lands well. It complements the Orca II as part of a two board quiver. If you want a hard charging, big mountain style ride, this is an excellent choice. Stick to your normal size or size up if it fits your boot. This is a Big Guy’s favorite and an exceptional board overall.