I bought this board questioning the hype, and I think along with everyone else, my mind was completely blown. This board is so sturdy, floats like crazy, and is overall so trustworthy. Thank you T!
Got the orca 3 seasons ago I absolutely love it! Im 6'3" 210 lbs and I ride a 156 orca, it's absolutely perfect, my previous board was a Capita 165 and before that a Burton 168. The orca is amazing in all conditions and I ride it switch as well with no issues. Love it!
As someone who's getting better and finally gaining preferences and ideas on what I want to ride this breakdowns and explanations are super appreciated! T rice all day.
I work as a snowboard Tester for a Local shop and tested tons of snowboards in the last years. There are a couple of boards which stand out of the mass of boards and the Orca is one of them. Just insane what Travis created here. I am 193cm and ride the 153 and it is just incredible, edgehold and float are out of this world 🙏 thank you Travis and thank you LibTech! We love the Orca!!
Ive ridden this board for one season so far and I dont see myself riding anything else! It boosted my confidence while freeriding and truely is that performance board. The art work is simple yet eye catching, so i display it on the wall in my house during the off-season ;-) #lovelivetheOrca !
@@mikeuptegrove So im 6'3 at 187 and im on a 156. Due to the volume shift, i couldve easily gone down to a 153 to be honest, but I dont get to ride treelines often enough and more open faces so went for the 156. Its not the fastest board ive ridden, but for me its fast enough.
I'm 6"2 185lbs with size 10 boots and I tried a 153 last season. It was a fun board but It felt a little slow/clunky to turn for me. I like mogul and tree runs so I enjoy a nimble feeling board. This season I tried a 150cm orca and I was blown away with how stable it felt at speed. it had the nimble and quick turning I wanted from the 153, but was still stable and not chattery when I took it fast on some blue groomers.
I've been riding a 156 and have been wanting to size down to 153 for the steeper terrain for quite sometime. I'm going to take the GOAT's confirmation for next season. Thanks!
I got my orca in 2022 and loved it the first day! I’m 6’1” 210 lbs with a size 13 boot. Got the orca bc it’s wider board and haven’t had any problems at all. Rides amazing on powder days like you’d except.
Awesome breakdown, I love this board and was very surprised how versatile it is for a directional board. It's my DD, I ride mostly steeper trees, and it kills on a sidecountry pow day. I ride a 156 and I'm similar size to Travis. My friends always give me crap for going so small, now I can tell them the man himself is better than all of us combined and on a 153. ;)
This is the board I finished my ski patrol candidacy on and it's very hard for other boards to come close, especially in crappy Midwestern conditions, this is the go-to. Bonus points, the short tail makes it less likely that I'll run over my board with the toboggan.
another orca fan here, ive mounted my first gen orca cause its just too pretty to ride but im looking to replace it with next seasons graphic :D thanks travis and the team at mervin!!!!
Too pretty to ride??? Too sick of a board to not be ridden. Take a picture of it, frame it, and look at that. Ride your Orca or your doing it a disservice.
@@kinetickutz it has seen its service in 3 years but i like it out of the board bag… being in australia its not often we get good conditions for a day out on the orca but ive had many and am happy to hang it before those pesky skiiers take any more chunks out of the top sheet
@@Jsnip3 the 150 is a 265 waist, the 147 is a 257mm... you wouldn't get toe drag but it wouldn't be a euro carving board for u... it all depends if you want nimbleness or even more stability
I’ve moved to Hawaii at 18, and if I ever went to ride I just got back on my Burton custom 156 from 1998…but I’m planning a trip to Japan and bought this board in a 153 because I heard it’s pretty low angle skiing with lots of pow. I’m around 165/170lbs (haven’t checked checked in years) and I’m in a 10 boot. Im 5’11. Anyone out there at 5’11 170ish 10boot riding a 153? What’s the verdict? Curious. Thanks. Aloha. 🤙🤙
Did the Golden Orca bump out the Goldmember pro? Sure hope not. Goldmember pro is a perfect all mtn powder freestyle aerial shredder that rides n lands switch like buttah.
I bought one for Japan too. Been riding same Burton custom since 98. My buddy’s 12 year old grandson, who lives in Alaska and sponsored by Volcom, said Orca is best board ever and is really good in powder. So I bought a 153 hearing Japan isn’t super steep, especially Niseko. It’s all low angle pow. I’m a 156 in Burton, size 10 170lbs, hoping the 153 is fast enough for Japan. But I decided to go to Hakuba which is steeper I hear and less complicated to travel to. What sizes did you get? I think I watched something where T.Rice says he’d ride a 156 in Japan.
@@Mixedbydavey wow! Thanks for the info. Did you ride Niseko both times? What was your overall takeaway with regards to that 3cm in difference? Sounds like you liked the 53 better than the 50, but both were awesome. I’m super excited. Going to go next February with the main buddy I grew to with riding. We haven’t ridden together in a quarter century. I’m also trying to plan a trip down to Argentina so I can get some days in before Japan. I surf everyday, and since I grew up snowboarding, it’s basically always been like riding a bicycle for me…but the prospect of riding with all these new technologies, in Japan, is pretty exciting for me. Thanks for the response. Aloha. 🤙🤙
I currently have the T Rice Pro and love it. I upgraded from the original Skate Banana. The SB must have been 12+ olds. Now I am contemplating getting the Orca. Decision decisions. Should I pull the trigger?
i’m 6’2” weight 160lbs and currently ride a 159W bc of my size 13 boot. someone said i should still get a 159 with the orca but i was thinking maybe shorter. and would i have any toe drag w/ size 13 boot?
I'm 6'3" 210 lbs size 13 boots And I've been riding the orca 156 for three seasons already, It's perfect no toe drag at all, It turns effortlessly, It's amazing in powder, trees, hard pack, steeps, everything! Definitely size down my friend :)
It is really up to your preferences. As an example, I am 6’4” 191lbs, boot size 13 and I have been using it for the 4th season now. Size 153. I live in Hokkaido so use it for off-piste tree runs in powder every weekend. I have had no problems whatsoever. Super nimble in the trees, floats well, good on groomers etc.
Looking for size suggestions. I'm 174cm 5.7ft, 70kg 154lbs. Size US 9.5 shoes. Wondering if the 144cm is suitable for me if I am mainly riding on piste and some light pow. My local store has a 144. Currently ride a YES The Greats 150cm.
I'm 5'7"...155 LBS...size 10 boot...yes...little guy..big feet. On a 150...amazing. Thinking of adding a 147 for steeps and tight tree days....save the whales and quiver up they say.
The kelly slater of snowboarding...both of you seem to be on an insane journey to figure out the best shape. The quest will never end, but always cool to try out the new models. My favorite lib techs ive tried is still the skunk ape and the blunt tip trice pro. Need to try these dang orcas
Every board should have the whale tail, thing rocks!! My dream board would be wayfinder with the whale tail. Or, bring back the La nina, put the whale tail on it and call it a day!!! LIB TECH 4 LIFE!!!!!!!!!! P.S. ride it 100% as forward as you can put yer binders. Game changer yo!!! Same with the wayfinder all the way forward!!!!!!!
The nose is that good in pow that you can ride it extra toward? What’s the reason behind the most forward positioning? More top end speed or makes the board more versatile? Thanks.
147-150 maybe, do you have large feet? You can't really go too wrong here, you hear TRice himself is all over depending on conditions, so it's up to you your usual riding like longer for speedy resort days or flatter slopes with powder. Smaller for more maneuverability but just watch the shoe size to avoid the toe drag.
Ouuuh i ride a 180 among other short twins.... Longboards with long and soft swallow tails are something différent !!!! Every snowboarder should try a long swallow tail once in life... Truly something else...
I've riden the 159 for the last 4 years, just upgraded to the apex orca, stuck with the 159, kinda wish now id gone for the 156 but i know the 159 has my back at speed
I respect the fuck outta Travis Rice. I hate these hybrid style profiles with rocker between the feet and camber underfoot, but goddamn does he know what he’s doing
I love my orca, love how this board turns so effortlessly. I have the evil bike co lab edition board. Ive only ridden it 3 times because pow days are rare here in NJ area. This is my pow day board.
I rode mine switch but not in powder. I have the 2022 Orca which has a less abrupt tail transition. I only rode it a few times and it's definitely different than traditional camber. You can feel the difference in the camber sections on the 2022. Riding switch works but the set back with camber feel takes some getting used to and since the tail is short, more like a wall than a scoop, and much stiffer, switch in powder isn't something I'll be doing on purpose. I like the board and will be using it a lot more this year. Rocker is fun and this thing is easy to turn.
I’m 5 foot 8 70kg Boot size 8.5 Currently ride the lib tech skate banana in a 150cm which I sized down from 152 I felt was too big. Wondering what size orca I should get??? 147 or 150
I second the other comment for 147. I also have an 8.5 boot at 73kg, and the width is perfect to keep the board feeling super nimble. Haven't had any issues with float on pow days.
Hmmmm, I am 5.10, 155lbs and US10 boots. Due to Health issues I Need to slow down my riding Style. Therfore I want a surfy pow groomer Board for icy conditions. Should I Go with a 150 or smaller? Thx
you should be riding somewhere between a 153-157. on the shorter end the board is: more playful/maneuverable/easier to flex and the longer end: more stable/faster/better in pow, 154, 155, and 156 would be your ideal sizes being the most balanced for your weight. this would go for pretty much any snowboard you look at
If you're talking the orca, I think you should consider the 150. I'm 5'6, 157lbs, size 9/9.5 boot. I was between the 147 and 150 for my weight and went for the 150 as it's my pow board and not daily driver. Would've gone 147 for my daily. It's a volume shifted board, so you should go 3-5 cm smaller than your all mountain daily. I'd say you're solidly in the 150 orca since you're the same weight but a bit taller. Especially since they went to the stiffer HP core construction, you'll want to be able to use your weight to flex the board like it wants to. 153 you'll have a harder time with that. For reference, my all mountain/daily is 154 and my freestyle board is 151.
I bought this board questioning the hype, and I think along with everyone else, my mind was completely blown. This board is so sturdy, floats like crazy, and is overall so trustworthy. Thank you T!
what size?
I could listen to Travis talk about board specs literally all day lmao
Got the orca 3 seasons ago I absolutely love it! Im 6'3" 210 lbs and I ride a 156 orca, it's absolutely perfect, my previous board was a Capita 165 and before that a Burton 168. The orca is amazing in all conditions and I ride it switch as well with no issues. Love it!
168 Jesus bro haha that’s a hog
As someone who's getting better and finally gaining preferences and ideas on what I want to ride this breakdowns and explanations are super appreciated! T rice all day.
I work as a snowboard Tester for a Local shop and tested tons of snowboards in the last years. There are a couple of boards which stand out of the mass of boards and the Orca is one of them. Just insane what Travis created here. I am 193cm and ride the 153 and it is just incredible, edgehold and float are out of this world 🙏 thank you Travis and thank you LibTech! We love the Orca!!
Pssst...what's your boot size? I'm a similar height, but my size 15 boots are making me hesitate on pulling the trigger.
@@MoxMisanthropeI have a 11.5 boot 🙂 15 is crazy dude, however, there are some boards which are extra wide with waist around 27.5 and bigger :)
@@stephprime To be 6'3 and have an 11.5 boot. That'd be amazing. I'm well acquainted with wide boards. Was just taking a long stare at the Orca.
@@MoxMisanthropehave you ever tried a skunk ape?
Surprised to see a 193cm rider on a 153 board. I’m 196cm and was going to go with the 161, would you recommend the 156 instead?
Ive ridden this board for one season so far and I dont see myself riding anything else! It boosted my confidence while freeriding and truely is that performance board. The art work is simple yet eye catching, so i display it on the wall in my house during the off-season ;-)
#lovelivetheOrca !
How did you size it? I see a guy above saying his 153 was slower than his 150, and he’s 6’2 185.
@@mikeuptegrove So im 6'3 at 187 and im on a 156. Due to the volume shift, i couldve easily gone down to a 153 to be honest, but I dont get to ride treelines often enough and more open faces so went for the 156. Its not the fastest board ive ridden, but for me its fast enough.
@@carldupreez6545 thanks. :)
I'm 6"2 185lbs with size 10 boots and I tried a 153 last season. It was a fun board but It felt a little slow/clunky to turn for me. I like mogul and tree runs so I enjoy a nimble feeling board. This season I tried a 150cm orca and I was blown away with how stable it felt at speed. it had the nimble and quick turning I wanted from the 153, but was still stable and not chattery when I took it fast on some blue groomers.
So wait, the smaller one was faster and better?
@@mikeuptegrove i was thinking the same thing like wtf 😆
proud as heck to be from where lib tech is made, washington state
I love my Orca so much! Stoked to have a shape I love that is made in USA!
Love this board, the company that made it, and the knowledge Travis drops along with it.
The Orca is my 5th board in 17 years and is by far my favorite.
Just got mine last week. Taking it to Breck soon, can’t wait
I love this board! I bought it 2 years ago. It was a game changer for me.
I've been riding a 156 and have been wanting to size down to 153 for the steeper terrain for quite sometime. I'm going to take the GOAT's confirmation for next season. Thanks!
Great job with comparing your height weight and boot size to what board you ride… very helpful
My favorite board!
I got my orca in 2022 and loved it the first day! I’m 6’1” 210 lbs with a size 13 boot. Got the orca bc it’s wider board and haven’t had any problems at all. Rides amazing on powder days like you’d except.
What size boar you choose? I'm 220lbs don't know woudn't be too big 161 golden orca for me
@ I chose a 156 and it’s good for me. Probably could’ve gotten away with a 153 bc it’s just a bigger board
@@aydenstephens7520 probably i'll choose smaller size too. TY for replay :)
@@MrAurimas123 it is heavier than most boards too. My brother has a cold brew and it’s way lighter than the orca
Awesome breakdown, I love this board and was very surprised how versatile it is for a directional board. It's my DD, I ride mostly steeper trees, and it kills on a sidecountry pow day. I ride a 156 and I'm similar size to Travis. My friends always give me crap for going so small, now I can tell them the man himself is better than all of us combined and on a 153. ;)
This is the board I finished my ski patrol candidacy on and it's very hard for other boards to come close, especially in crappy Midwestern conditions, this is the go-to. Bonus points, the short tail makes it less likely that I'll run over my board with the toboggan.
2:11 Can anyone tell me what a power hack is, or link to a video?
another orca fan here, ive mounted my first gen orca cause its just too pretty to ride but im looking to replace it with next seasons graphic :D thanks travis and the team at mervin!!!!
Too pretty to ride??? Too sick of a board to not be ridden. Take a picture of it, frame it, and look at that. Ride your Orca or your doing it a disservice.
@@kinetickutz it has seen its service in 3 years but i like it out of the board bag… being in australia its not often we get good conditions for a day out on the orca but ive had many and am happy to hang it before those pesky skiiers take any more chunks out of the top sheet
got my orca very small (150cm 12US boot) and its perfect. don't need a missle, i like doing tight trees.
So you dont have much toe drag with 150? Im only a size 10 165lb and thinking of going 147 but was worried id get hella toe drag
@@Jsnip3 the 150 is a 265 waist, the 147 is a 257mm... you wouldn't get toe drag but it wouldn't be a euro carving board for u... it all depends if you want nimbleness or even more stability
Hey need some advice im 5’11 250 i was told 153? please help….
😅😅i
@@earlthompson5420 I'd do the 159 at 250, can't imagine ur doing too much freestyle 🤔
10/10 would recommend.
Fantastic Board!
What’s the side factory edge bevel? Need to sharpen and don’t want to recut edge with file.
I usually rid a 153cm should I size down to a 147
I’ve moved to Hawaii at 18, and if I ever went to ride I just got back on my Burton custom 156 from 1998…but I’m planning a trip to Japan and bought this board in a 153 because I heard it’s pretty low angle skiing with lots of pow. I’m around 165/170lbs (haven’t checked checked in years) and I’m in a 10 boot. Im 5’11. Anyone out there at 5’11 170ish 10boot riding a 153? What’s the verdict? Curious. Thanks. Aloha. 🤙🤙
If your regular all mtn board is a 157, what size? 153.150
I usually ride 151. You guys think I should go 150 or even smaller like 147?
Think it sounds like 147
Did the Golden Orca bump out the Goldmember pro? Sure hope not. Goldmember pro is a perfect all mtn powder freestyle aerial shredder that rides n lands switch like buttah.
My wife and I got one each and are going to Niseko in Jan! Would you guys recommend setting the bindings back at all?
On a really deep day sure. Set back a screw hole or two. The board has a natural set back though.
It has 2.5" setback stock.
I bought one for Japan too. Been riding same Burton custom since 98. My buddy’s 12 year old grandson, who lives in Alaska and sponsored by Volcom, said Orca is best board ever and is really good in powder. So I bought a 153 hearing Japan isn’t super steep, especially Niseko. It’s all low angle pow. I’m a 156 in Burton, size 10 170lbs, hoping the 153 is fast enough for Japan. But I decided to go to Hakuba which is steeper I hear and less complicated to travel to. What sizes did you get? I think I watched something where T.Rice says he’d ride a 156 in Japan.
@@mikeuptegrove I started with a 150 in Japan and it was amazing, went back this year with a 153 and it was even better! You're gonna love it!
@@Mixedbydavey wow! Thanks for the info. Did you ride Niseko both times? What was your overall takeaway with regards to that 3cm in difference? Sounds like you liked the 53 better than the 50, but both were awesome. I’m super excited. Going to go next February with the main buddy I grew to with riding. We haven’t ridden together in a quarter century. I’m also trying to plan a trip down to Argentina so I can get some days in before Japan. I surf everyday, and since I grew up snowboarding, it’s basically always been like riding a bicycle for me…but the prospect of riding with all these new technologies, in Japan, is pretty exciting for me. Thanks for the response. Aloha. 🤙🤙
I currently have the T Rice Pro and love it. I upgraded from the original Skate Banana. The SB must have been 12+ olds. Now I am contemplating getting the Orca. Decision decisions. Should I pull the trigger?
Duh
i’m 6’2” weight 160lbs and currently ride a 159W bc of my size 13 boot. someone said i should still get a 159 with the orca but i was thinking maybe shorter. and would i have any toe drag w/ size 13 boot?
I'm 6'3" 210 lbs size 13 boots And I've been riding the orca 156 for three seasons already, It's perfect no toe drag at all, It turns effortlessly, It's amazing in powder, trees, hard pack, steeps, everything! Definitely size down my friend :)
@@aricharlap9761 awesome thank you so much for the response!
It is really up to your preferences. As an example, I am 6’4” 191lbs, boot size 13 and I have been using it for the 4th season now. Size 153. I live in Hokkaido so use it for off-piste tree runs in powder every weekend. I have had no problems whatsoever. Super nimble in the trees, floats well, good on groomers etc.
Looking for size suggestions. I'm 174cm 5.7ft, 70kg 154lbs. Size US 9.5 shoes.
Wondering if the 144cm is suitable for me if I am mainly riding on piste and some light pow. My local store has a 144.
Currently ride a YES The Greats 150cm.
I'm 5'7"...155 LBS...size 10 boot...yes...little guy..big feet. On a 150...amazing. Thinking of adding a 147 for steeps and tight tree days....save the whales and quiver up they say.
@@mikeyp3694 I ended up getting a 147cm board, havent used it yet but will be taking it with me to Niseko late Jan
@@mattl9194 fantastic...I think a 147 will be part of the board pile here soon for me too. Enjoy the trip!
@@mikeyp3694did you ever size down
@@mikeyp3694I’m the same size as you ! Would you recommend a 150 or 147
best board EVER
Got it 153 🔥
The kelly slater of snowboarding...both of you seem to be on an insane journey to figure out the best shape.
The quest will never end, but always cool to try out the new models.
My favorite lib techs ive tried is still the skunk ape and the blunt tip trice pro. Need to try these dang orcas
Don’t compare this clown to an 11 times world champ in the world’s hardest sport!
can you guys make an orca with C3?? Think it would be an amazing board for us east coasters
Check out the gnu gremlin
Does this board come with a helicopter?
I was torn between this board and the Never Summer Shaper Twin
The Harpoon would be similar
Every board should have the whale tail, thing rocks!! My dream board would be wayfinder with the whale tail. Or, bring back the La nina, put the whale tail on it and call it a day!!!
LIB TECH 4 LIFE!!!!!!!!!! P.S. ride it 100% as forward as you can put yer binders. Game changer yo!!! Same with the wayfinder all the way forward!!!!!!!
The nose is that good in pow that you can ride it extra toward? What’s the reason behind the most forward positioning? More top end speed or makes the board more versatile? Thanks.
“How much tail, is too much tail” 😂
The orca is the best board I've ever ridden in 25 years of riding.
Libtech orca is my favorite board. Over my capital mecury and Burton. It’s so stable down straights.
What size should I take? I am 85kg, 175cm (5foot9‘)
147-150 maybe, do you have large feet? You can't really go too wrong here, you hear TRice himself is all over depending on conditions, so it's up to you your usual riding like longer for speedy resort days or flatter slopes with powder. Smaller for more maneuverability but just watch the shoe size to avoid the toe drag.
What size did you go with?
Ouuuh i ride a 180 among other short twins.... Longboards with long and soft swallow tails are something différent !!!! Every snowboarder should try a long swallow tail once in life... Truly something else...
I've riden the 159 for the last 4 years, just upgraded to the apex orca, stuck with the 159, kinda wish now id gone for the 156 but i know the 159 has my back at speed
is he talking about the comedian andrew shultz?
I respect the fuck outta Travis Rice. I hate these hybrid style profiles with rocker between the feet and camber underfoot, but goddamn does he know what he’s doing
I love my orca, love how this board turns so effortlessly. I have the evil bike co lab edition board. Ive only ridden it 3 times because pow days are rare here in NJ area. This is my pow day board.
nuthin like a board review in a hotel lobby
@0:50 long live the Doughboy
2 fishes, like my toltèque 2 fishes, we are brothers of shapes.
Can't ever get enough tail!
anyone switch on it?
I rode mine switch but not in powder. I have the 2022 Orca which has a less abrupt tail transition. I only rode it a few times and it's definitely different than traditional camber. You can feel the difference in the camber sections on the 2022. Riding switch works but the set back with camber feel takes some getting used to and since the tail is short, more like a wall than a scoop, and much stiffer, switch in powder isn't something I'll be doing on purpose. I like the board and will be using it a lot more this year. Rocker is fun and this thing is easy to turn.
I’m 5 foot 8
70kg
Boot size 8.5
Currently ride the lib tech skate banana in a 150cm which I sized down from 152 I felt was too big.
Wondering what size orca I should get???
147 or 150
I’m 5’6 175 pounds and since 9US and ride a 147 in the orca. It’s great
I second the other comment for 147. I also have an 8.5 boot at 73kg, and the width is perfect to keep the board feeling super nimble. Haven't had any issues with float on pow days.
I’m 6’5 and rip a 153 2024 golden orca
Hmmmm, I am 5.10, 155lbs and US10 boots. Due to Health issues I Need to slow down my riding Style. Therfore I want a surfy pow groomer Board for icy conditions. Should I Go with a 150 or smaller?
Thx
you should be riding somewhere between a 153-157. on the shorter end the board is: more playful/maneuverable/easier to flex and the longer end: more stable/faster/better in pow, 154, 155, and 156 would be your ideal sizes being the most balanced for your weight. this would go for pretty much any snowboard you look at
If you're talking the orca, I think you should consider the 150. I'm 5'6, 157lbs, size 9/9.5 boot. I was between the 147 and 150 for my weight and went for the 150 as it's my pow board and not daily driver. Would've gone 147 for my daily.
It's a volume shifted board, so you should go 3-5 cm smaller than your all mountain daily.
I'd say you're solidly in the 150 orca since you're the same weight but a bit taller. Especially since they went to the stiffer HP core construction, you'll want to be able to use your weight to flex the board like it wants to. 153 you'll have a harder time with that.
For reference, my all mountain/daily is 154 and my freestyle board is 151.
95% of people on Orcas can barely link their turns lol
press onto shins, lift back against highbacks
looks pretty conventional to me. not sure the excitement?
Perfect for my 13 yr old learning to snowboard on sledding hills. Definitely NOT for mountains.
If only it were camber :(
Harder in POW, you ever see the Warca from YES though?
The Orca is my 5th board in 17 years and is by far my favorite.