Expert Review: Lib Tech T.Rice Pro Snowboard · 2023

About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2022.

My take

The Lib Tech T.Rice Pro Snowboard is by far the best one quiver, do it all, take-you-anywhere board for the progressing intermediate or advanced rider. Be ready for this beast. This board is great for any terrain, from the parks to the peaks.

About the gear

• Model: 2023 Lib Tech T.Rice Pro
• Size: 153

About me

• Height: 5’7”
• Weight: 130lbs
• Experience: 25+ years of snowboarding/skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought this: November 2022
• Days tested: 10
• Mount position: Standard and set back
• Boots: 2023 Ride Lasso Pro Wide
• Boot Size: 9.5
• Bindings: 2023 Ride C-8
• Where I’ve used it: Sunlight Mountain and Powderhorn Mountain in Colorado
• Terrain: Powder, groomers, some ice, trees

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was in search of a board that was like my previous board but enhanced. The previous board I had was a Forum Scallywag in 151. I did a lot of research to find the best possible option to give me all of my wants: Float in powder, ride switch, high-speed capability, ability to play around more on a board and practice ground tricks, all-mountain versatility, and ability to carve around in the trees.

Why I chose this gear

I chose this because my previous board is a full rocker, and this is a camber/rocker/camber shape, along with being a directional twin. After doing intense research, I found this board would satisfy my checklist. I did research on Travis Rice to see the type of riding he did, and I was blown away by the board's quality and descriptions, along with Travis Rice’s goals for this board.

I was torn between the Terrain Wrecker, the Ride Shadowban, and this board, the Lib Tech T.Rice Pro. I chose this one because I liked the Magne-traction edges, along with it being less aggressive than the terrain wrecker. I wanted a happy middle board where I was able to bomb a run but also take it slow when I wanted.

What I love about it

• Speed: I love this board for the speed it allows. I believe it is capable of going this fast because of the lightweight design and materials used along with the sintered base. This board was horsepower constructed to give one a fast ride. I feel extremely confident on this board going high speeds. The fastest I think I have ever snowboarded is with this board.
• Carving: I gave it a 4 out of 5 because it has the rocker. Sometimes it can be unforgiving when carving due to the rocker in the middle. The rocker helps with my carving and confidence at slower speeds, but if I am bombing and want to try a sharp carve, I must watch out for catching an edge. I have caught a few edges and have been chucked backward.
• Versatility: I feel very confident going all over the mountain with this board. I see no setbacks as far as terrain capability. The Magne-traction edges really help with the versatility. The camber/rocker/camber shape allows me to venture into the powder and still float along with carving up the groomers with the camber underfoot. I have the best of both worlds, having a hybrid shape.
• Edge hold: The edge hold on this board is unreal. I can throw the biggest clouds. I have never been able to do that on my previous board. The Magne-traction edges are a huge selling point for me and anyone else that is looking for an insane edge hold.
• Turns: Turns are super sharp at lower speeds and confident turns at higher speeds. This board can provide confidence all over the mountain. No matter what I want from it, this board provides it.
• Groomers: I have never ridden the groomers as much as I have with this board. I almost enjoy it as much as riding in the powder. This board can bring me to more places on the mountain than I normally ride.
• Powder: Being a directional twin with a rocker between the feet allows me to float effortlessly over powder. The little bit of a fatter nose really makes a difference in the float.
• Trees: This board is so helpful in the trees with the Magne-traction edges and how well this board does in short turn initiation. I can whip this board around the tightest areas in the trees with no fear.
• Moguls: Who likes moguls? It did well when I took it through some, but again not preferred. The Magne-traction edges really help carve into the mountain and is helpful if one ends up on a run with moguls. In addition, the edges really help grip the mountain's natural curves.
• Park: I haven’t taken it through the terrain park yet, but it's the T.Rice Pro, and this board is ready for it all. The camber on the underfoot is super playful and allows this board to pop with very little effort.
• Backcountry: This board is ready for the backcountry. Travis Rice is known for his backcountry play and wanted this board to be able to handle those days when one wants to throw backies in the backcountry with some fresh deep powder. This board has a rocker between my feet, allowing me to float in the deep powder.
• Switch riding: This board is a directional twin and is designed to ride switch. I feel extremely confident riding switch on this board. In addition, I feel like this board allows me to practice more spins and hops.
• Stability: This board definitely absorbs the chatter. Having the camber underfoot really helps eat up the chatter. It’s super poppy and great with butters. I love the rocker in the middle with the camber underfoot to help when at high speeds and with butters.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Weight: Not as heavy as the old school boards, thankfully; however, I wish it was lighter. My small town mountain doesn’t have a leg rest on the lift, so this board just hangs all the way up the lift, creating a pressure point and a weak spot in my foot and knee.
• Durability: The topsheet isn’t the most durable. I have some chips, but the snow wasn’t the best when I first took it out. I took this board through the trees, and some uncovered rocks still exist.
• Other: Having the rocker in the middle has its cons. I definitely feel like it isn’t the most forgiving board. It can throw me if I’m not prepared.

Favorite moment with this gear

I really loved the first cloud I was able to throw. The Magne-traction edges and board shape allowed me to touch the ground and pop back up like it was nothing. Honestly, this board is fast, and I can throw these mad clouds.

Value for the money vs. other options

One pays for quality and construction. This board is pretty average in price for the shape and tech. Of course, we all want deals, but I think this is priced accordingly. I feel like this could be a ride for a season and then hang up on the wall board. The topsheet and design are beautiful but, sadly, are already chipping away. I am hoping it’s just the topsheet for the T.Rice Pro versus all Lib Tech boards. I also have a Jones Twin Sister, and so far, the Twin Sister board’s topsheet is holding up better than the T.Rice Pro topsheet. I bought the Jones a week after the Lib Tech, so I have had them just about the same amount of time.

As far as being compared to a cheaper option, the T.Rice’s topsheet specifically is relatively cheap and could be similar in quality to a lower-priced board. The features and the way the board is made shine more for the price. The Magne-traction edges are a big selling point for me personally. It could be lighter in weight; I think it’s pretty heavy for lightweight construction. My Jones Twin Sister is half the weight of my Lib Tech T.Rice Pro.

Final verdict

I think this board is great for the intermediate to advanced rider who wants a playful daily driver that can do it all while taking one to places they’ve never been.