Libtech TRS, Travis Rice, or NS SL

frozone

Snowboard Virgin

Total Posts: 3 Joined 2011-03-03

Posted: 03 March 2011 09:04 PM

I’m thinking about getting an SL as a Quiver Killer. I currently ride a cambered 159 Lib Tech TRS and a 165 Burton Malolo. I live in Utah and ride almost exclusively at Brighton when I’m in bounds. I’m 185lbs naked and have a size 10 foot in a low profile Burton Ion.

I’ve always had long boards until I got the Lib tech 4 seasons ago. It changed my inbounds riding and I started doing a lot more spinning, riding switch, kickers, feature jumping, basically freeride type riding. It’s been a blast, but that board isn’t quite long enough on some days. I like the Malolo less every year, I only ride it on the deepest days, but it’s hard launch off a cat track into deep stuff and land switch on that board. It’s only fun on steep, deep runs.

I want a board that will let me stay playful but give me better deep powder performance. I’ve considered another Lib Tech, like this years TRS, in a 159, I’m thinking the new rockered tech could help a bit in the powder performance of that length. That said, it also seems hybrid rocker could give me more playfulness in a longer stick like a 161.

I think I’ve decided I want my next deck to be an SL, just not sure if I should go 158 or 161. I’ve talked to some shops and they say “you can’t go wrong either way” I’m sure that’s true but I really don’t want to ride this Malolo anymore and don’t want to end up too short.

I’m a little concerned about the Directional Twin nature of the SL and stuff I read on this site about it being harder to ride switch. I end up riding with my younger kids quite a bit and to keep it interesting sometimes will ride switch most of the day so I can get better at it.

I like my Lib but haven’t been super impressed with the quality, although it has held up ok over the last 4 seasons. I’d like it to be a tad damper. I like the idea of the SLs great construction, and while I know they’ve gotten lighter, I worry a bit about spin weight. Finally, the Travis Rice is a consideration but I’m afraid it might be to agro for what I want.

So
-Size 158-159 or 161-162
-Lib or NS or another brand I haven’t thought of?
-Buy now at end of season (got a bead on each of these boards for small discounts) or wait until next year to see what’s new? I don’t need a new deck right now, just want one. My wife would be happier if I waited.

MilvusMilvus

Snowboard Virgin

Total Posts: 2 Joined 2011-03-05

[# 1]

Posted: 05 March 2011 12:56 PM

If I were you, I would take a serious look at the Travis Rice C2 BTX 161.5.

I am currently riding the 157 version and it is slaying everything apart from rails. Really good quiver killer with the only shortcoming being the blunted nose and tail wich can provide you with some unexpected full speed - tomahawking in powder :)

As you are a bit heavier than me, I think you should be able to manage the 161 version just fine and thus profit nicely from the pointy nose and tail. With the rocker it should also be a bit more playful than your cambered 159 TRS.

cheers