Expert Comparison: Never Summer Proto Slinger Snowboard · 2023 vs Lib Tech T.Rice Pro Snowboard · 2023

Published on 02/14/2024 · 5 min readCompare Never Summer Proto Slinger Snowboard · 2023 and Lib Tech T.Rice Pro Snowboard · 2023. Get expert insight below!
Taylor OShea, Snowboarding Expert
Taylor Speer, Snowboarding Expert
Stephanie Craig, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Taylor OShea, Taylor Speer, Stephanie Craig, Garrett Waliky, Grey E. and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Never Summer Proto Slinger Snowboard · 2023
Out of stock
Lib Tech T.Rice Pro Snowboard · 2023
Price
$359.99
40% off
$395.99
40% off
User rating
5(43)
4.86(95)
The Curated Take
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Best for advanced riders seeking a high-performance, versatile board capable of handling various terrains and conditions.

Snowboard type
Freestyle, All Mountain
All Mountain, Freestyle, Freeride
Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Advanced, Expert
Rocker profile
Camber/Rocker/Camber
Camber/Rocker/Camber

In the world of snowboarding, the Never Summer Proto Slinger and the Lib Tech T.Rice Pro are two titans that stand out. Both boards are designed for intermediate to advanced riders, offering a blend of performance, versatility, and durability. The Proto Slinger is a true twin deck that excels in park riding, powder, and all-mountain riding. It's packed with tech, including a Shock Wave Rocker Camber profile and V-shaped carbon stringers, making it a lively, playful, and precise ride. On the other hand, the T.Rice Pro is a high-performance board designed in collaboration with pro snowboarder Travis Rice. It's a versatile all-rounder, great for carving groomers, riding at high speeds, and hitting the park. Both boards have their strengths and are excellent choices depending on your riding style and preferences.

The Never Summer Proto Slinger Snowboard is a true beast on the slopes. It's a true twin deck, meaning it's identical from tip to tail, offering a playful and precise ride. The board is designed to suit a range of riders, from the intermediate looking to progress to the most technical freestyle rider.

The Proto Slinger features the Shock Wave Rocker Camber profile, which provides explosive pop, precise edge hold, and a playful feel. This profile combines the best of all shape profiles, with even-sized cambers under each foot and a rocker in the middle. This design gives the board excellent float in powder and pop for jumps.

The board also boasts an Asymmetrical edge bite, enhancing heel side edge hold and trench digging. This feature helps lock the edge into anything, from ice to concrete. Despite its softer 4/10 flex, the Proto Slinger is very stable at speed, thanks to the V-shaped carbon stringers at the tip and tail, and down the gut of the board.

The Proto Slinger is built to last, with a top sheet material that's basically bulletproof. It's packed with premium materials and tech, making it a total monster everywhere on the mountain.

This is one lively Mo-Fo that needs an owner who thinks outside the box. Throw a couple back in the parking lot and get after it!

Taylor OShea
Snowboarding Expert

The Lib Tech T.Rice Pro Snowboard is a high-performance board designed in collaboration with pro snowboarder Travis Rice. It's a versatile all-rounder, perfect for the progressing intermediate or advanced rider who wants a board that can handle various terrains and riding styles.

The T.Rice Pro features a C2 camber profile, which is a camber/rocker/camber shape. This design provides a strong edge hold and a good amount of pop, while the rocker underfoot offers float in powder and easier turn initiation. The board also features Magne-traction along the edges, which enhances edge hold on icy or hard-packed snow.

The T.Rice Pro is a directional twin, meaning it's designed to ride switch comfortably. It has a medium-stiff flex rating of 6/10, making it stiff enough to provide added stability when charging hard, riding off-piste, and landing off big air.

The board is also eco-friendly, made with environmentally-conscious materials. It's lightweight and fast, thanks to its sintered base and horsepower construction.

The T.Rice Pro by Lib Tech is a great all mountain board that can excel anywhere from freestyle to freeride. This board features Mervin's C2 Camber Profile which is a camber/rocker/camber profile which means that there is camber in the tip and tail for a strong edge hold and a good amount of pop, but the rocker under foot will be floaty and free for easier turn initiation and float in the pow.

Taylor Speer
Snowboarding Expert

Similarities

Both the Never Summer Proto Slinger and the Lib Tech T.Rice Pro are designed for intermediate to advanced riders and offer a blend of performance, versatility, and durability. They both feature a hybrid camber/rocker profile, providing a balance of pop, edge hold, and float in powder. Both boards also have a medium-stiff flex, offering stability at high speeds and a playful feel for freestyle riding.

Both boards are designed with advanced technology to enhance their performance. The Proto Slinger features a Shock Wave Rocker Camber profile and V-shaped carbon stringers, while the T.Rice Pro boasts a C2 camber profile and Magne-traction edges. These features help both boards deliver precise control, explosive pop, and excellent edge hold.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both boards are versatile and high-performing, they cater to slightly different rider personas. The Never Summer Proto Slinger is a true twin deck, making it ideal for riders who love to ride switch and perform freestyle tricks. Its softer flex and V-shaped carbon stringers make it a lively and playful board, perfect for park riding and jibbing.

On the other hand, the Lib Tech T.Rice Pro is a directional twin, designed for riders who want a board that can handle various terrains and riding styles. It's a high-performance board that excels in carving groomers, riding at high speeds, and hitting the park. Its medium-stiff flex and Magne-traction edges make it a stable and responsive board, great for hard-charging riders.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

  1. Versatility: Both boards are highly versatile, but the Lib Tech T.Rice Pro edges out slightly due to its directional twin design and ability to handle various terrains and riding styles.
  2. Freestyle Performance: The Never Summer Proto Slinger takes the win here with its true twin design, softer flex, and V-shaped carbon stringers, making it a lively and playful board perfect for park riding and jibbing.
  3. Speed and Stability: The Lib Tech T.Rice Pro wins in this category with its medium-stiff flex, Magne-traction edges, and horsepower construction, providing strong stability and dampening for hard-charging riders.
  4. Edge Hold: Both boards offer excellent edge hold, but the T.Rice Pro's Magne-traction edges give it a slight advantage, providing enhanced control on icy or hard-packed snow.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Never Summer Proto Slinger and the Lib Tech T.Rice Pro are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced riders. The Proto Slinger shines in freestyle performance with its true twin design and playful feel, making it a great choice for park riders and those who love to ride switch. The T.Rice Pro, on the other hand, excels in versatility and stability, making it a great all-rounder for those who want a board that can handle various terrains and riding styles.

Choosing between these two boards ultimately comes down to your personal riding style and preferences. If you're a freestyle rider who loves to play around in the park and ride switch, the Proto Slinger could be your perfect match. If you're a hard-charging rider who wants a versatile board that can handle everything from carving groomers to hitting the park, the T.Rice Pro could be the one for you. Either way, you're getting a high-quality, high-performing board that's sure to enhance your snowboarding experience.

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Never Summer Proto Slinger Snowboard · 2023
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