Looking for a freeride board to float through powder and make side hits? You might just find that in the 2022 Lib Tech Orca.

First things first. Curated experts aren’t sponsored by any brands, which means that this review is totally unbiased and based on their honest opinions. We just want you to find the best gear!

Check out the video below or read on to find out what we think!

Meet the Reviewers

Mike Leighton

• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 180 lbs
• Years Snowboarding: 22
• Favorite Terrain: Park and big mountain

Frankie V.

• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 170 lbs
• Years Snowboarding: 16
• Favorite Terrain: Powder, trees, and off-piste

Expert Review

Key Features

• All-mountain freeride
• Medium-stiff flex
• Directional
• C2 directional hybrid (camber/rocker/camber)

Overall Impressions

Right away, Curated Expert Frankie V. explains his initial hesitation, “I didn't want to fall into the hype...everyone's like 'the Orca, the Orca!' But after getting on it, I kind of understand. The hype is real.” He emphasizes, “the hype is real!”

In terms of terrain, both Frankie and Mike found that the board excelled through powder. It was able to float through chop, chowder, and powder while maintaining its stability. In fact, Frankie found that the Orca was able to stay on top of everything better than anything he’s ever ridden.

The board has great pop and was actually softer than what Frankie thought it would be. He shares, “once you do kick off those side hits, it throws you up in the air better than I would have expected from a powder board. It's not as stiff or as demanding as I expected something designed like this to be.”

Through their experience riding the board, both Experts saw the Orca as being a great fit for freeriders looking to make side hits and wanting to go “balls to the wall” and “just have a good time.” On the other hand, Frankie also thinks that “if you’re more of a cruiser, if you're older, if you're chasing the kids around, if you're just trying to go out and have a chill time” the Orca is still a great board for you.

At the end of the day, Frankie shares, “I'm buying one. A hundred percent, I'm buying one.”

Things to Consider

If you’re looking to ride switch, Mike explains, “It's a little scary at speed.” He found that it was a bit slow to respond when changing edges, most likely due to the increased width of the board.

On that note, Mike recommends sizing down. “If you ride this at the exact size of what you're usually riding, this thing is going to feel like a boat.” Go three to six centimeters shorter than your normal board.

In Frankie's opinion, beginner riders should avoid this board. If you’re a day one rider that’s figuring out “where you’re trying to go and what you’re trying to do,” you won’t be best served by the Orca.

Summing It Up

What It's Good For

• Side-hit freeriders
• Slaying powder
• Floating through chop, chunder, and pow

What It's Not Good For

• Beginners
• Those looking for a narrow board
• Switching quickly edge to edge

If you want to find the right gear for your next adventure or if you’re not sure if this is the best board for you, chat with a Curated Expert to learn more about the 2022 Lib Tech Orca and get free, personalized recommendations.