2021 Lib Tech Orca vs. 2021 Never Summer Harpoon | Head 2 Head | Curated

Is the Harpoon really the Orca killer?
In this episode of Head 2 Head, snowboard experts Colby Henderson and Franco DiRienzo pit the Lib Tech Orca against the Never Summer Harpoon! These two all-mountain twins will be evaluated based on three categories: Carving, Freestyle, and Freeride.
If you have any questions about whether the Orca or the Harpoon is the right board for you, reach out and talk to Franco here
www.curated.com/experts/franc...
Or Colby here
www.curated.com/experts/colby...
Or shop with a ski expert for all your gear needs, absolutely free. Get started at
www.curated.com/d/winter-spor...
Filmed at the beautiful ‪@sundayriver‬ resort in Newry, Maine. Reserve your tickets at www.sundayriver.com
Head 2 Head is Curated's new snowboard review series. In each episode, Curated experts Colby Henderson and Franco DiRienzo will pit two boards against each other to help you figure out which board is the right one for you.
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FEATURING BOARDS BY
‪@LibTech‬
‪@neversummer‬
0:00 - Intro
0:51 - Tech Specs
1:26 - Carving
2:42 - Freestyle
3:43 - Freeride
5:10 - Final Decisions

[@Curatedcom]

Make sure to SUBSCRIBE or click the link below to stay up to date on all of our snowboard reviews! bit.ly/curatedyoutube​

[@himboslice_]

I decided on a 159 harpoon grassroots art edition. 6'1", 175lb and a 12boot. Was swayed into a 159 over 156 by the Never Summer reps. If I had smaller feet I would have went 156 all day. I have a friend visiting with an identical 156 I'll have to try out.

[@joc5877]

I was riding the warping and switched to harpoon, way more fun and surfy. Took it silverton heli trip, needed to set bindings back but rode great in deep pow when I did. Rides really fast through moguls and no problem going full speed through glade runs. So easy to turn. Just moved to Colorado and like supporting a local company.

[@philipweaver8745]

Been in the market for a twin pig this next season. Waiting to pull the trigger. What are your thoughts on the warp pig? Why did you want to switch to another board?

[@jeffadams9699]

You like the fun and surfy feel to the Harpoon, which is freaking awesome. I am looking for that type of ride as well, but my main concern of that type of board is the stability issues at higher speeds on a day with no powder and crusty conditions on groomers at Breck and Keystone. I don't want to be flying down a run and wash out because of crappy conditions. By the way, welcome to Colorado!

[@choski76]

@Jeff Adams good reasoning Jeff cuz there's lotsa of groomers days in CO. And at those hills. The stuff just gets skied off by so many riders there.

[@ween0t]

Great review. I was debating this same thing and ended up with the Harpoon. LOVE IT. It may not be as "serious" as the Orca but it does everything on mountain and is WAY MORE FUN. that nimbleness and playfulness is especially great in the trees where it really shines.

[@francodirienzo6031]

So much fun in the tree's, especially here in New England where are tree's are so tight. Glad you love it!

[@tyjandrews]

I love both boards, man! No wrong choice tbh. Glad you're having fun on your new Harpoon, matey!!

[@rosequezada2534]

Thank you guys for the info

[@kyleetheridge7699]

Great comparative review. Would like to see a comparison of the Jones Stratos versus the Lib Tech BRD, and the Yes Hybrid versus the NS Harpoon (or Gnu Hyperkyarve); or some combination thereof.

[@lesterbro6029]

Head 2 head the best review i think!

[@bradylar123]

Pretty sure Colby is the one that helped me when I bought my Rome Warden online! Sick dude!

[@eduardovivas7550]

That powder looks amazing... I'm getting real jealous. Awesome video.

[@Curatedcom]

Somehow we were able to film on the one powder day in Maine this year

[@colby87]

Everyone knows New England has the deepest pow

[@ianmichael9224]

I got this year's orca , was actually surprised how much pop it has for having a shorter tail . Definitely a good board if you like charging hard at times. Even on harder snow it does pretty well ,the edge hold is amazing.

[@jeffadams9699]

And that's exactly what I am looking for. Those times where I want to charge hard, go fast and lay down some aggressive carves and not worry about it washing out.

[@nicholasrichon5062]

Interesting.... Stuck on that very decision. I'm a big fan of Lib boards but might go with the Harpoon for exactly the reasons you talk about. Nimble is good. Fit the Lib Double Dip into a review. I am way impressed with that board in almost all conditions. Short contact points, hybrid profile, insane float. I think it's one of their most overlooked decks.

[@finroddd]

Good job again, guys! I hope that u will compare Never Summer Westbound to... Let's say Jones Flagship or else but I definitely want to see the Westbound.

[@francodirienzo6031]

Would LOVE to do those two boards H2H

[@lonememe]

I'm a big Westbound fan but they haven't made the Westbound for a couple seasons now. I contacted Neversummer to ask what the predecessor is and they said it's the Harpoon. Jfyi.

[@TVguy9999]

I'm fine with getting both over the course of two seasons and giving each board a year to test out. I'm on the east coast so I'll probably get the orca first. ❄️🌨️🥶😎

[@atharvaparulekar1035]

Yes that magnetraction gonna turn east coast ice into snow.

[@dexirous41]

Any chance that you guys are willing to do a Head 2 Head for YES! Standard? That would be so awesome! Loving the content and please don't stop what you are doing!

[@colby87]

That is definitely on the list for next season, thanks for the support Dexter 🤙🤙

[@stevros48]

Gnu gremlin vs Salomon dancehaul ?

[@Curatedcom]

People are requesting the Gremlin so much that we may HAVE to do a head 2 head on it now

[@SnowHoarder]

6 ft 190 . size 11 Coming from a 161w Bataleon Omni currently. should i go for a 156 or a 159?

[@Ber_52]

I've decided between these 2 and harpoon was my choice. I really love it. I am 180 cm, 82 kg. My harpoon - 156 cm.

[@patrikfabianek8144]

I have very similar size and weight but am running the 159. Do you think that was a mistake?

[@SnowHoarder]

@@patrikfabianek8144 how does the 159 feel?

[@patrikfabianek8144]

@@SnowHoarder honestly, I had only few days on the board, but before harpoon I’ve had the beginner’s Gravity Bandit 2014 which was also a 159, so I didn’t feel weird or anything. Maybe it’s just me overthinking everything as harpoon cost me a pretty penny after all, I’m just always looking for reassurance whether it was a good purchase and everything ..

[@rustynailriders8211]

Hey. Love the H2H. I have been riding a 158W Frontier. Am 57 and ride like my age. Would the Harpoon be a good complement? Looking for a volume shifted that is a bit more playful. I am 5’11”” and 195 lbs. Thoughts?

[@colby87]

Yes! 100%. It is a super easy board to ride and still gives you great performance. It’s a board that gives you back what you put into it, if you want to ride really mellow and keep it playful it does that.. or if you want to turn it up and charge on it, it has your back. If you want to chat more about it my link is in the description I would be happy to talk more on Curated 🤙

[@jeffadams9699]

I'm feeling you Franco! On those PBR's and LBS. I am trying to get down to 230lbs by December! LOL. Everything you describe is what I need in a board, my riding style, my weight and size and the stability in sketchy conditions, it's the Orca for me! Even though that Harpoon looks sooooooooooo much freaking fun!

[@francodirienzo6031]

I feel you Jeff, but you can do it! I'm actually down to about 200lbs, dropped 15lbs since we filmed this video. Also you'll love the Orca, hit up my profile if you have any questions about it!

[@jeffadams9699]

@@francodirienzo6031 hitting that gym everyday! But now I just bought some snowboard pants that fit. So if I lose much more, I have to go buy new pants. LOL

[@francodirienzo6031]

@@jeffadams9699 Nothing a solid belt can't take care of!

[@jeffadams9699]

@@francodirienzo6031 funny you mention that. Hit up Keystone yesterday and the new pants I got were a tad large, picked up a $10 stretchy belt from Walmart on the way up there, worked PERFECT!!!!

[@Yurisilveira]

Holy shit, did you read my mind? Put warpig and the stump ape in the mix and you’ll have compared all my top picks for next season. The harpoon seems awesome, but might be a little bit narrow (or on the limit) for my 13 boot.

[@nicholasrichon5062]

Demo a Stump and I'd wager you won't return it. Wicked fun......

[@sundaygao1587]

Hello, I'm 50 years old, I'm a junior now, I don't go to parks, all mountains, I like moderate or slow skiing, which is best for me? Or have a better recommendation, thank you! 1. yes typo 2. never summer snowtrooper 3. Burton instigator 4. jnoes mountain twin

[@DavidLee-vu2bc]

GREAT VIDEO.....I was looking at the ORCA the other day. Love to see a battle between Bataleon Surfer vs Jones Storm Chaser (battle of the swallow tails)

[@nobodynowhere1166]

Wish I could find an original year orca for a descent price. Sounds like they messed it up with the HP construction

[@eduardvaniyants9877]

Great review on both boards guys. I’m really stuck at the moment trying to decide which would fit my style better, but your opinion would be best I’m 5’11, 180 pounds, boot 11, above intermediate but under advanced Really starting to feel out what I enjoy, but I’m gravitating towards powder & sharp cuts through trees. Definitely enjoying carving & a bit of park, but that’s how I prioritize. Was leaning towards the orca, but hoping my skill level will match up to it. Currently snapping around on a capita Mercury, but wanting something a bit more powder centric with some quick whip given I live in japan. Which would you recommend & what size for my build? Really appreciate it, thanks!

[@eduardvaniyants9877]

One last thing I wanted to add - I keep reading that they added the HP system into the new orca models & that kinda torched some of playfulness, is it really that noticeable for somebody at my level? Or is it a sort of Ignorance is bliss sort of thing? Thanks!

[@Curatedcom]

Hey Eduard! Alex here, snowboard expert @ Curated.com ( www.curated.com/experts/alex.v ) - GREAT question - You're pretty close to Travis Rice's build at 5'10, 180, and he rides the 153 Orca. Hmu on my profile if you want to chat! 🤙

[@justaboy813]

What bindings would you pair up with the harpoon? I’m torn between the Union Force and the Contact Pro-something that will do a little of everythign

[@patrikfabianek8144]

Hey, I'm running nitro phantom carvers but idk if that is a good choice or not, I'm not that advanced after all..

[@Curatedcom]

Hey! Bobby from Curated here. Honestly man you can’t really go wrong with either, it really depends on what you wanna get out of the Harpoon. Objectively, the Contact Pros match the Harpoon perfectly with a 5/10 baseplate / highback flex rating vs the Forces with a 7/10 rating on both. My anecdotal opinion - go with the Contact Pros. The Harpoon is so nimble that a little bit of additional surf-like feel from a softer binding is more appealing in my eyes. I rode the Harpoon with Burton Malavitas (CANNOT say good enough things about them) that are just about the same flex as the Contact Pro’s and had a blaaaaaast! If you wanna snag a pair, shoot me a message at [phone] to connect with me on Curated.com! I can answer any questions and handle all warranties, returns, etc thereafter. I also just love to talk snowboarding so, let’s chat! Haha thanks for the comment man, cheers!

[@Yurisilveira]

How about a big boys board comparison? Stump ape, and other wide boards?

[@nicholasrichon5062]

Look into the Lib Double Dip (W). Just my opinion but it's a sick board.

[@svkorolev]

Hey guys, thank you for the review. What is the size of Harpoon I should take if I ride 159-161 regular boards like Never Summer West?

[@francodirienzo6031]

Kinda depends on your weight, height and where you're gonna be riding. Hit me up at my profile we can chat more about it!

[@svkorolev]

@@francodirienzo6031 85 kilo - weight. 180 cm - height

[@francodirienzo6031]

@@svkorolev You could definitely ride the Harpoon in a 152, I'm 210lbs and rode it in a 152 although at my weight if I was to buy it I'd get a 156

[@kristianvrum8979]

Ok, so Colby is 6'2" 160 lbs and Franco is 5'11" 210 lbs. I've read in the comments that the Harpoon was a 152, but I can't find any mentioning of the length of the Orca? 153 perhaps..? Regardless, it would have been interesting to know if the verdicts had been different if Colby had used a 156 or even 159 Harpoon (vs a 156/159 Orca, if the tested board really was a 153).

[@francodirienzo6031]

Hey! The Orca was a 153. I agree would be interesting to compare different sizes but for our purposes and where we are being in New England these seemed like the best sizes for us to compare. Thanks for the comment!

[@j.a.physio6221]

Rossignol Sashimi vs Orca would be nice too.

[@blairlewis4161]

I bought two lib tech boards in the past two years. 1 T rice pro & 1 orca... they both broke & split at the seem of the edge!! Anybody else have this problem???

[@palmtree7813]

I knew it. If the orca was happening it would be against the harpoon. I just have to ask, was the older model of the orca better then the new t.rice model?

[@francodirienzo6031]

We touch on that a bit, I think it's personal preference. We both own last years model, I kinda like the stiffness of this years vs last years but it's definitely not as playful.

[@johnconover5957]

I’ve been riding snowboards for the last 20 years. I’ve gone to the mountains once a year, so I still feel like a experienced novice and have always rented a board. I’m heading to Aspen in February and want to buy a board for the first time and have no idea what to get. Here is what I do know: I’m 43 6’5” 245 Size 14 boot My riding style is enjoying controlled, easy to carve, groomers, powder, blues or blue blacks. I’m looking for a Board thats easy to switch between both edge’s with confidence. I don’t plan to ride switch, do park or really do any jumps. Just want to enjoy a moderate fast ride. Any suggestions on the type of board? Someone recommended an orca to me which lead me to this video.

[@Curatedcom]

Hey John! Alex here, snowboard expert @ Curated.com ( www.curated.com/experts/alex.v ) - to answer your question - you're going to need a wide board between a 162-167W length range (standard) or 159-162 volume shifted. Based on your style of riding, I would highly recommend checking these two models out! Hmu on my profile if you want to chat! 🤙

[@ADolanAdventure]

WHAAAAT!!!!! Colby chose the harpoon!?!?!?

[@colby87]

Haha dude right?! Dramatic turn of events

[@awiegwa]

Neversummer Swift vs. Orca....that would be more equal comparison (I own a swift and love it).

[@francodirienzo6031]

Definitely, I really wanna get on a Swift soon. Seems like such a fun board.

[@jeffschnettler6772]

Swift is very quick edge to edge, cuts like a knife, more torsional flex. Orca is better for wider lines, more pop and tail for landing, better float I think . I ride Orca (‘20) but borrowed my friend’s Swift which is 2cm smaller than mine. I actually liked the Swift but was riding trees on old crust pow that day, overall would recommend Orca.

[@seancolwell3815]

rome ravine vs ride warpig

[@ondasports]

Hey snowboarders, I am getting the Orca, choices 153 or 156. I´m 5´11 170lb, would be my one quiver. Usually chasing pow at ski resorts, off piste, trees. Boot 11.5 vans

[@MrSkyWaIker]

156

[@ondasports]

@@MrSkyWaIker thanks

[@Yuz909]

Reg Orca or Golden Orca. for Canada Icey Snow Condition ? i have Capita kazu pro already and looking to add another different fun boards. any suggestion is appreciated :D

[@Curatedcom]

Make sure to subscribe because we might be answering that very question in a couple of weeks

[@curtislon2589]

I’d love to see the Harpoon vs the Jones Mind expander

[@jeffadams9699]

Just got in my first day of the season yesterday at Keystone. I was on a 2020/21 K2 Manifest Team. And man, this board was super aggressive! Too aggressive for my tastes. This thing wanted to be ridden hard and fast! Minds out of the gutter guys! LOL. And I don't want to have to ride a board like that all day long, where you have to bring your A game or the board will put you on your ass. The Harpoon or Orca seem right up my alley. I am going to go with one, just trying to figure out which one.

[@Curatedcom]

Hey Jeff! Alex, snowboard expert @ Curated.com ( www.curated.com/experts/alex.v ) - Both of those boards are similar as they're both volume-shifted (meant to be ridden shorter and wider) - the main difference between the two are the flexes and cores. The Harpoon has more of a mid-flex and is a bit surfier than the 2022 LT Orca which is a bit more oriented for technical terrain and has a stiffer flex. Hmu thru my profile link above if you have any more questions! 🤙 I'm usually pretty quick to respond.

[@aaronburela432]

Gnu gremlin vs ride super pig

[@colby87]

The Gremlin is the most requested board so far, stay tuned 🤙

[@snowbdr89]

Orca dorka’s.

[@job11133u]

Tell Donny Pelletier the best skier on the planet I said ay bub

[@alexxxmmm1]

Great review, this is my first season snowboarding and i went with t.rice Orca, I loved its shape and design first and foremost. Paired it with step on Ion burton boots and bindings. Sales rep said boots were not for beginners but i come from surfing. I think most snowboarders overestimate the difficulty of the sport.

[@davidroberts168]

Personally, I will take never summer over any snowboard

[@headreddedstepchild6177]

Best part of this video, no masks

[@teacherguy5084]

Snowboard experts who choose to ride on the east coast? Got to wonder.

[@tannerk3732]

Sounded like you guys agreed orca was better at freestyle but then the check marks disagreed. 😄

[@headreddedstepchild6177]

I skipped back when I seen that, thought I heard them wrong

[@colby87]

Haha! I can see how that’s confusing. At the beginning of the freestyle segment I pick the harpoon, then we talked about the benefits of the Orca as the more stable board for people that are going bigger. Good catch gentlemen

[@themueller6330]

The clips of them riding was painful to watch