Lib Tech Orca 2019-2023 In Depth Snowboard Review- vs. Apex Orca, Golden Orca and Gnu Gremlin

[@Jamisonaf]

This review is one of the most accurate reviews I have ever heard and I cannot agree more. I'm on the East Coast and I ride the 152 Gremlin almost exclusively because of the ice and C3 wins here. However, when we have powder, I bring the orca out. I also use the orca when I want days in the trees or on mogels. I am 172 lbs and 5'7" and I tried both the 152 and the 147 orca paired with the Atlas.I loved the 147 hands down even with my size 10 feet and i usually ride a 154-157. Way more responsive on fast turns with the smaller size. I was surprised, however, how the Gremlin did well in powder. If I had to bring one board out west, I would bring the Gremlin but if I could bring 2 I'd bring the orca for the powder and trees and the Gremlin for the groomers and hard pack. I will finish this up with saying that the Gremlin is the greatest board I have ever ridden and I ha e rode alot of boards. I just wish they were both a little bit better at switch but there's always a trade off. Twin Gremlin would be amazing. I was debating on the Apex orca but it doesn't seem like the price justifies the difference between that and the regular at least for my riding style. Great job....

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks for the good words and taking the time to give us your take.

[@bimfred]

Nice reviews. I would also be keen on a more Twin-like Gremlin. Tight radius, C3, Mid-wide, just less set-back. Weird thing is the contact length of the Orca is significantly longer than the Gremlin - think it is the longer tail with a sharper kick. In my mind this ought to make it a better carver, and the Gremlin too washy…

[@pegas2929]

Thank you for everything you re doing for the snowboard comunity

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for the good words!

[@Jacko1980]

What size would you go for on the orca, I’m 5,9 170lbs and size 10 boot ? Many thanks

[@thegoodridesnow]

You could go 150 if you want easy maneuverability and a more playful ride or 153 if you want something better for speed and has easier float.

[@Jacko1980]

@@thegoodridesnow many thanks, would you recommend this or the jones ultra mind expander as a second board ( freeride powder board ). It’s to go with my jones aviator 2.0 that i only really use on posts or in the park Thanks

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah that would be a great compliment to your Aviator 2.0. I would go with that.

[@Jacko1980]

@@thegoodridesnow thanks, did you mean the ultra mind expander or the orca ?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Mind Expander or Ultra Mind Expander. Not the Orca.

[@ItsG06]

I grabbed the 156 a few seasons ago and love it! I’m about 185 6”0 and my boot size is 11.5. Watching this video makes me kinda wish I went 153. I usually ride a 159-162 and was happy to downsize but also was scared to go too small.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Glad you like it. We liked it smaller but it's all about personal preference so you might have the right size. If you get to demo a 153, thought, it would be great to hear your take.

[@natetro8787]

Hey im 5"11 and 135Lbs, I'm planning on picking up a used orca 150cm, do you think it's too big or good fit. My other boards are the 152cm Ride Buck Up! And 157cm lib Tech Box knife. And I have a set of now select pros bindings with Burton moto boots size 9 also have a set of step on boot/binds. I'm really looking for a board that handles well in icey snow and pow. Should I get it or is there another recommendation

[@natetro8787]

The current setup was a 157cm box knife with the now select pros. It felt pretty comfortable for pow/mid days, but it felt a bit rough with icy snow. Just wanting a board that handles well in icy conditions and that floats well.

[@thegoodridesnow]

This won't feel as stable with rocker underfoot vs. camber with the Box Knife but the grip is stronger and I think the 150 could work. You could go 147 if you want something a little easier for your weight but your 9's can turn the 150 pretty well and the 147 will feel pretty small when turning and riding pow. If you like more control and better/quicker turning in uneven conditions or tight spots the 147 would be better.

[@benhui]

147 or 150 regular orca?. 5.8 tall, 170lbs no gear and size 8.5 boot. Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

I'd go 150 unless you are used to riding a smaller board for your specs.

[@stevros48]

For the golden Orca what size would you reccomend for someone weighing about 192lbs with size 10.5 boots and 175cm tall , im quite torn between the 153 and the 157 , i already have the normal orca in a 153 and the gremlin in a 155

[@thegoodridesnow]

157 matches much better with your specs. You should ride this a little bigger than your Orca. I would only go 153 Golden if your Orca 153 feels too big.

[@druhew]

What bindings would you recommend to match with the Orca?

[@thegoodridesnow]

The Union Falcor's are Travis' binding so they match super well. That being said I prefer the new Force better. I also like the Rome Katana and Nitro Phantom +

[@philpryor3152]

@The Good Ride you guys have been so helpful in choosing the right gear for me and my family over the years, but for once I am really struggling, Orca sizing, what a surprise! I'm a UK size 9 (current boot is 32 TM2 Stevens in US 10.5 but min US10) so logic says 153cm due to boot but I am 165 - 170lbs and a hair over 5'10. love powder, always looking and dipping off piste, but inevitably in Europe a fair bit of groom too,. I currently ride a Hovercraft 156 with no problems and think its pretty manoeuvrable/slashy, but I am tired at the end of the day on groom. I get older and am riding slower with less advanced friends, in 25years of boarding on boards like the Burton BMC 168cm, Ride Serum 162cm, basically ridden nothing less than 160cm until the HC. I want something that floats and is an all rounder but fun and more turny at slower speeds. I'm between the 150 and the 153 just unsure about the float with such a short board as the 150cm. I'll keep the HC (2016). I could roll with both Orca's if its too close to call and then pass on the one. Many thanks from the UK🙏🏻

[@philpryor3152]

I think I've read everything on Orca sizing and I'm still on the fence hence the Q!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks! I think you will like the 153 for your specs and based on what you ride now. Especially for your boot size which is most important. The 153 will be a nice change up from the Hovercraft for days when you want a more mellow ride in all conditions. I would only go 150 if you want something super turny to be really different in the quiver. Just keep both the Hovercraft and Orca for different conditions and moods.

[@MilatheCat01]

I’m 6ft 190lbs 11 boot, is the 159 in the orca ok?

[@thegoodridesnow]

That's pretty big. It's meant to be ridden shorter so you might actually prefer the 153. Maybe 156 if you like riding bigger boards. If you want to get into it more hit me here to give me the info I need to help you much better. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@LEO-pw3fc]

Thinking about getting the orca, I’m 160lv 5’10 size 10-10.5 size boot do you think the 153 would be too big?

[@thegoodridesnow]

No. The 153 is a good size but what make/model/size/year board do you ride now and how does it feel?

[@LEO-pw3fc]

@@thegoodridesnow I rented this whole season. I was riding a 155 nitro prime toxic. I think it’s was 2020 felt nice but on the more powdery days I needed more float. And when riding through Chunder I would get bucked around. I also demoed the 157 yes hybrid from 2021 and it gave me more stability and float. That one felt a little better

[@jayk127]

Where was thisnshot beautiful

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks. Bachelor.

[@JasonBedient]

I'm kinda shocked to hear you riding a 150. I'm 5'9" 160 size 10 boot - advanced rider and I was thinking a 153 as an all arounder. I have an Ultracraft for serious powder but for those days i want a bit more fun i'm torn on which way should i go.

[@thegoodridesnow]

I'm shocked your shocked. Sizing a short/wide is all about finding a balance between weight and boot size. The 153 or 150 could work for your specs. What size Ultracraft do you have?

[@JasonBedient]

@@thegoodridesnow 156 Ultracraft. I'm basically shocked because being an older guy (just turned 50) back in the good ol times...the only time anyone rode something near a 150 was for jibbin'! Would never consider a 150 for a pow/all arounder.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Im almost 52 so I get it now. Yes we used to ride boards with a mid to high 24cm waist that were much much longer vs 26.5 vs 26.7 waists. I ride the 156 Hovercraft/Ultracraft. If you want something super mellow that is very quick to turn and playful go 150. If you want closer to what you have now but more forgiving with a deeper more turny sidecut go 153

[@JasonBedient]

@@thegoodridesnow I found a used ridden 4 times 153 for $250. Went for it. I kinda wanted to try the 150 but for that price couldn't resist. Thanks for the input!

[@snazzfab]

Thank you so much for your videos! I'm learning so much. I weigh 180, size 11.5, 6 foot tall... Would a 159 orca fit me in your opinion? I'm looking for a quiver killer for my hood spring slush that can do powder also

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks. No that is too big. You want to ride this shorter for your specs. I would consider the 153. Or If you want to get into it more hit me here to give me the info I need to help you much better. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@golfclaps_]

Hey, amazing video. Quick question. I’m 6’2 190ish pounds with a size 13 boot and I bought the 2021 Orca in a 156. Im worried that maybe I bought too big of a board. I havent got to riding it yet but do you think I made the right decision or should I have gotten a 153/150? Any feedback would be so appreciated 🙏🏽

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks and sorry for the slow response. You know weight wise you would be happier with the 153 but the 156 works with your specs because your 13's will easily turn this. So bottom line I think you made the right choice with the 156.

[@Damster587]

On a POWDER Day, If you had 10 seconds to choose and a Nerf gun to your head, what board would you choose between a "UltraLight Nidecker" and the "Orca" ?

[@thegoodridesnow]

On a deep day, I'd take a nerf shot to the head, and go get one of these pure pow boards. thegoodride.com/the-good-rides-favorite-powder-boards/. But seriously, if I had to choose between the two I'd probably go Orca.

[@Leon-ju4xv]

Hey there! Thanks for your really good review, I'm on the verge of buying an orca at the moment. What size would you recommend for a 5.11 (181cm), 210lbs (95kg) and a shoe size 11.5?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks. Depends on how you like to ride. 153 is a little better for your height and boot size. It would be easier to control more fun to make quick/slashy turns and better to manage in uneven snow and bumps. 156 will be better if you plan to see really deep days, like more drawn out down the line turns or like to bomb and want a board a little more suitable for your weight.

[@phase2re]

Thanks so much for the review. I have 185 lbs / 10.5 boot and got the 153 based on this video and it feels perfect. I've ridden in deep pow through the trees and felt like I was cheating. Super easy to maneuver. The turnability is amazing and overall I'm really enjoying this board. Very fun, easy to ride, and versatile. LOVE the slash-ability and poppier than I thought it would be. Only thing I don't love with this board is steep firm groomers due to the rocker but once it softens up it's great like you mentioned. Thanks again!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take and good words!

[@gwoodsy6872]

I have the orca and golden orca, and would disagree about the comments that the golden orca won’t go well in powder. The orca has advantages in deeper snow, trees, steep technical terrain with the shape/setback/sidecut combo, but if you are riding big mountain lines the golden orca certainly has your back. In Japan I ride the golden orca most days and save the orca for the deep pow days, it is a perfect combo. The review is pretty accurate,but I have never needed a specific powder board over and above the orca even in chest deep powder, provided you don’t size down the orca like a lot of people do.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take but we would understand your much better if you included your boot size, weight, height and the Size Golden Orca and Orca you are riding now.

[@Aaron83W]

I’m currently riding a 150cm lib tech skate banana. But looking to get the orca…but confused on sizing. Should I size down from the 150cm I currently ride or should I get a 150 orca? I wear an 8.5 Burton boot. I weight 160lbs…but slimming down. Im 5 foot 8 inches. I do prefer smaller more nimble boards though but the next size down is a 147. Please help! 😁

[@thegoodridesnow]

Man that 150 Skate Banana is pretty small for you but If you feel really comfortable with it maybe the 147 is the call. Normally I would have suggested the 150 for your specs though so if you want to go that route it might take a little time to get used to it but you might like it more once you do.

[@TheEmpers]

How does the orca and golden orca compare to the lib rig? I have a lib rig already which i use as a daily driver, i’m looking for a dedicated powder board which is a little less aggressive/less stiff than the lib rig but can handle east coast conditions for when powder gets ski’d off.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Three massively different rides. Have a review coming of the Lib Rig but soo behind. The Orca is super different. Short, wide and very different camber profile. The Golden orca is closer in shape but the biggest difference is just the camber. The Lib Rig C3 vs. Golden Orca's C2 is very very different. The Golden Orca is more of a mid/wide size where the Lib Rig is a little closer to regular sizing. If you like a more camber dominant feel with a little early rise go Lib Rig. If you like a more loose/forgiving ride go Golden Orca. If you want to get into it more hit me here to give me the info I need to help you much better. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@rishabhmulani6986]

Thanks for the amazing review! I'm highly confused between getting the Orca v/s the Gremlin. I'm a solid intermediate rider who does skid turns quite a bit. However, I own a LibTech Magic BM and I totally get what you mean by the "auto spinny" feeling. I demoed the Orca in a 150 and loved it though for it's stability through rough terrain. Plus the maneuverability was out of the world. However, I also loved riding a camber board, my buddy's Nitro Mtn, and it didn't feel as unforgiving. Which board between the two would you recommend for my riding style, and what size? My deets: Height 5'8" Weight: 140 Boot size: 9

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! Orca for intermediates. The Gremlin is pretty much full camber which is very very unforgiving but if you like almost full camber like the Mtn (has a little early rise) Maybe the Gremlin could work but the safe call for sure from my perspective is to go Orca 150 or look at other boards out there that are in between these two models. Hit me up here if you want to get into more detail and get proper advice. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@vkgt]

Awesome review. I love that you mention that they're over-recommended, probably because riders that aren't quite intermediate yet can pick them up and accelerate their skillset faster. On the feet of a more advanced rider, they shine for sure.

[@energ8t]

It certainly got “over-hyped” and became a trend with newbs the world over. That said, the haters that say it’s ONLY marketing are succumbing to the same hype just in the negative. This board is very good on experienced feet but it could never please everyone. No board can do that. At the end of the day, it’s wood on your feet and the only way to tell is to try it out. I’ve had good luck with Libs since ‘92 and the Apex is light, responsive, poppy for a “pow board” and kills steep tree pow runs but still lets you rip groomers at full speed. Certainly doesn’t hurt to have MagnaTraction on a pow board. Plenty of pow tree runs have hidden icy sections and firm/choppy groomers going back to the lifts and that extra bump in control is a nice touch.

[@Diesel0807]

How is this board going to advance a rider more quickly?

[@monkeyballer32]

​@Chris Robinson the biggest difference, besides experience, between an intermediate and advance rider is confidence. The right board can definitely help with that.

[@Diesel0807]

@@monkeyballer32 yeah BS..

[@monkeyballer32]

@@Diesel0807 great counter-argument...

[@DH_3112]

Is the 156cm a suitable size for size 9.5 Uk boots and 210 lbs. Debating between the orca and mcwayfinder 2 but I think the orca is a better compromise due to the amount of hard pack I see over the season! I have a ride wildlife which I need something that handles ice better!

[@thegoodridesnow]

153 might be better. What is your height? Also what make, model, year and size board do you ride now? If you want to do this much better hit me up here so I have all the info to help you find your next ride. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@ChadMorton-i5z]

Thank you so much for the indepth review. I am picking up a used one off of cl for $350 today. It's the 150 and I wasn't sure if it would be too short for me at 5'9" and 150-160 lbs. Seems like I got lucky and hit the orca in the blow hole...LOL

[@thegoodridesnow]

No prob. Whats ur Boot size?

[@ChadMorton-i5z]

@@thegoodridesnow 10.5

[@thegoodridesnow]

Ok that will work as long as its in good condition but you might like the 153 depending on how/where you ride and what make/model/size/year board you are used to now.

[@ChadMorton-i5z]

Just got back from acquiring the orca. Really good condition and he gave it to me for 340 since I drove from Salida to Breckenridge. Nice drive and the fall colors are some of the best I've seen in my 27 years in Colorado. Current setup is never summer snow trooper 158. I'm stoked!

[@thegoodridesnow]

@ChadMorton-i5z cool! Make some turns on your amazing wave for me.

[@zachwilson8686]

What size would you recommend for me in the T. Rice Orca? Im 6 ft, 170lbs, and have a size 9.5 foot. Also thank you for the in depth video review, cheers.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks. Check the review on the site. I put in suggested sizes. I think you might like the 153 if you want a better groomer carver and pow board. You could go 150 if you want something really easy to turn but I think overall the 153 is the better call.

[@drb9628]

I’m 6’1 225 pounds size 12 boots should I go for the 156. Thinking of pairing this up with the twin pig for my two boards

[@thegoodridesnow]

156 is a good call for your specs. You could probably handle the 159 too but it just depends on what you want out of this board. If it is mostly for powder size up. If it is for a mix of groomers, hard snow and powder I would go 153.

[@Stanimir1980]

is 159 a good size : 195-200lb 6' tall 12 for foot size, i have a burton free thinker 157 and is a bit small for me

[@thegoodridesnow]

156 would be better as a daily driver but the 159 could work too if you want more float and speed and a little less manuverability.

[@vladgopro4472]

Perfect review ! What size would you recommend for Orca if Im 6 feet / 183 lbs / 12 Burton boots / have the TR C2 BTX Snowboard, 161.5 cm . Would it be a complete universal replacement for my current board or are there any significant advantages for which I would prefer one of them for specific snow/slope conditions? ...speed/pow/etc.. Thanks a lot in advance !

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many Thanks! If you have the 161.5 pointy they are massively different. Your ride is a centered twin with equal camber in the tip/tail. The Orca is a tapered directional set back short/wide with a short but higher camber in the back and a longer more mellow camber on the front foot. They ride soo different I don't know where to start. Way more directional float in powder, similar speed, carves different but both carve pretty well. I would go Orca if you always wanted more directional float in powder and you don't ride switch much. If you really like a centered twin then don't get this. Hit me up here though if you want real advice. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@itsjaynguyen]

Wish you guys started on KZbin and opened up comments from the beginning you guys would have been huge. ❤

[@thegoodridesnow]

My life is a series of mistakes...

[@sax1607]

Got on a 153 at 185 5”11 based on reccomendations…so the board was incredible but rode bigger than I expected and felt a bit more work to ride than I felt it should…so sold it and got on a 150…hit the jackpot….less is more with this one!

[@thegoodridesnow]

I felt the same way. But just to help others what size boot did you have?

[@hamedizzy5137]

Would you get this as a powder board? Or the PYL uninc ?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Neither. There are floatier boards out there but if you want to also ride groomers with them then these could both work. Two very different boards. Like the base and longer length of the PYL Uninc but the set back on board of the Orca. Hit me up here if you want in depth advice. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@ltr2518]

I hope they make a full camber version, or at least without the rocker in-between the feet - never liked how washy that feels

[@thegoodridesnow]

So if you want that you can get the Gnu Gremlin. Lib Tech and Gnu are basically the same company and that is kind of what they were going for in the Gremlin.

[@brianlantz9855]

where is that standing wave in the framed photo in the background?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Bend OR.

[@vloggingvillager]

Awesome review! Thanks to your size recommendations I purchased the 2022 model in 53.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks and hope you enjoy it.

[@rileyseaman5671]

Hi, really really loved the video. I ride a 156W Mega Merc which is a lot of fun (only size I could get my hands on last season), and it’s so fast, and a nice ride, but a little sluggish in the turns since I got the 56W, can definitely be a ton of work and tired by the end of the day. I have a 155 skeleton key also that’s a blast, but hoping to maybe replace the Skelton key with an Orca. Seems to be a decent compliment to my mega Merc? Confused on sizing though. I’m 160lbs, 5’9, size 11 boot. Size recommendation for me? Or even a different board Rec that may pair well with the mega Merc?

[@thegoodridesnow]

The 150 is best for your weight but the 153 is better for your boots. If you feel the 156w MM slow edge to edge maybe go 150. Hit me up here is you want to get into more detail. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@rileyseaman5671]

@@thegoodridesnow thank you so much for the reply, I’ll check out the link!

[@erickgonzalez2099]

I’m 6’1 size 10.5 boot and weigh 175Ibs. I was recommended the 156cm but after reading the comments, do you think I should go 153cm? Plan on using this as a daily driver on groomers and moguls. I’m currently riding a 161cm all mountain board and have had the same board for 7 years

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah 153 is the call. You ride this much shorter than most all mountain boards and you get a lot of surface area for a 153.

[@erickgonzalez2099]

@@thegoodridesnow appreciate your feed back! Thanks 🙏🏻

[@AustinRockyRode]

killer review! I think I'm going to go for the 153, 5'11 240 10.5 normally ride a 157

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! Yeah 153 should work but what make and model 156 fo u ride now.

[@AustinRockyRode]

157 2018 COLD BREW @@thegoodridesnow

[@dennis8156]

I’m 5’8 185 pounds size 11 boots. I am really not sure what size to take. Any recommendations? Cheers!

[@thegoodridesnow]

I would probably go 153 for your specs.

[@gg12123]

I am 5'8 175 and 9 boots. I have the orca 2021 in 153 and i loved it but i could imagie choosing 150 next time bc on bad conditions it felt to big sometimes...

[@aaronreid2786]

I’m 5’9

[@stefanzob]

Thanks for the amazing review! I was just wondering something with all the downsizing advice I read about the Orca and volume shifted boards in general. Does this still apply when you already riding a wide board? I mean, the advantage of downsizing is because volume shifted boards are wider, but compared to wide boards the difference is negligible or in some cases not even there. Thanks for your reply!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah it's very spec specific. If you have super big feet and already ride boards, then this wide it won't feel like how I described and might not work for you. Hit me up here if you want to find a board right for your specs, riding style n such. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@stefanzob]

Thanks for the swift response! I have size 13 boots, so pretty big feet indeed :)

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah tough call. Not knowing anything else about you I'm not sure if it would work. I need a lot to actually help. Otherwise I'm just guessing. Hit me up here if you want to figure this out. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/. YT is a really bad place to help.

[@GC16199]

Hi guys, amazing reviews you did on the Orca! I bought one because of your vids and from the guys at Curated. I love it! Just a question, it floats amazing in pow and so much fun to hop around moguls at the end of the day where everybody is struggling on groomers. I see you do seem to be able to carve it and I have a bad time doing that. My posture is probably not the best either but my toecarves are allright but heelside just sucks. I think you ride in a posi posi stance on your videos? I am going to give that a try. Do you also stay in the reference stance for carving or move your bindings more up front? (since there is a natural setback stance pattern)

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! There is a lot to fixing heel side carves. Best thing to do is get a lesson and have someone film you so you can see what's happening. You should be able to heel side carve any way you set it up. I ride everything from +15/-15 to +45/+15 and if you click through to the reviews on thegoodride.com you can see the angles I used when testing. That being said it is a little easier set up posi. I would also make sure your boot is centered in the binding and on board. Also make sure the high backs are rotated to match with your heel side edge. With the Orca, I liked setting it as far back as I could so my back foot was closer to the more pronounced tail camber. That seemed to give me the best turn. Hope that helps.

[@GC16199]

@@thegoodridesnow Wow thanks for the extensive reply, yes I was thinking of taking a private lesson to help. I learned snowboarding like a wiper blade... Will already try to squat more and try not to bend at the waist, thanks for the help and the videos!

[@thegoodridesnow]

No problem and great to hear you are getting a lesson. Also make sure you have your highbacks rotated and your boots centered in the bindings.

[@aaronreid2786]

This was an awesome review, well done! I’m 160lbs, size 8.5 boot. What size Orca do you recommend?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks. Prob the 150. What is ur height?

[@aaronreid2786]

@@thegoodridesnow5’9

[@thegoodridesnow]

150 will be a great fit then.

[@tribalart88]

Would the 156 Orca hold someone 190lbs

[@thegoodridesnow]

Hard to say based on the info given. What is your boot size, height, ability level and what make, model and size do you ride now? Or hit me up here if you want to do this properly. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@tribalart88]

@@thegoodridesnow Boot size 10.5, 5 10”, intermediate to advanced, endeavour 159

[@BaezLife]

Wish the Apex came in 150 😢I'm 5'9-5'10 and 165 size9.5..

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah that would be a good fit but man you pay a lot more for the Apex. You might have a great life with the regular 150 Orca.

[@BaezLife]

@@thegoodridesnow I'm leaning for the orca now actually! But people were convincing me to g 153cm..

[@thegoodridesnow]

I rode both and both could work for your specs. Go 153 if you mainly ride clean/good condions, pow and want more speed. Go 150 if you see varied conditions and want control.

[@fcbtim]

Curious on your thoughts for the Orca vs PYL in forgiveness + turn init - I’m trying to decide between the two

[@thegoodridesnow]

These are super different boards in terms of overall ride and feel. You ride the PYL much narrower and longer. The Orca shorter and wider. Both are forgiving. The PYL initiates a turn faster but the Orca has a tighter turn once initiated. The PYL feels more stable and the Orca feels more loose but has more pop near the tip and more so the tail

[@fcbtim]

@@thegoodridesnow thank you!!! I REALLY enjoyed the golden orca when I rode my friend’s, and everyone in my group rides an orca for the pow and trees (orca pod lol) so I’m looking for something similar but not exactly the same. Would you happen to have any reco’s in the orca style?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Hard to say. Hit me up here if you want legit advice because i need to know more about you. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@garrettstreater]

Hey mate I’m 6’3 220. Size 12. 156 suit me? Great review btw. Really appreciate it!

[@garrettstreater]

Specifically for Japan resort pow and some general resort riding

[@garrettstreater]

Subbed as well

[@thegoodridesnow]

What board do you normally ride now and what size is it?

[@mikekren1567]

Hey guys, love your reviews! Like so many before me I am considering getting an Orca but am unsure about the sizing. I am 5 foot 4 inches (164cm), weigh around 138 pounds (63kg) and have a size 9 boot. Should I get the 150, the 147 or even the 144? What would you recommend? I would consider myself an advanced, maybe even expert rider. I would use it mainly on groomers but if there is pow I will ride it for sure. The last board I bought btw was the 2001 Jamie Lynn pro model. This winter I rode again after a 14 years break and it was just awesome. Totally hooked again! Always loved Lib Tech and the Orca just seems so much fun. Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! You are definitely in between sizes here. The 150 will feel pretty big and wide but the 147 and 144 might feel a little too small/narrow for the kind of board it is. What make, model and size board do you ride now?

[@mikekren1567]

@@thegoodridesnow Thanky you very much for the reply, I really appreciate it! I own no snowboard currently, just came back from a 14 year break this year. I rented a board and they gave me a Salomon Wonder 148 which was pretty random but a lot of fun to ride regardless. The last board I bought was the 2001 Jamie Lynn but I want something more modern and came across the Orca which looks like a lot of fun. An alternative would be the 150 Golden Orca I guess which looks great as well but is also even more expensive. Snowboards sure were cheaper in 2001, haha! Though choice! Thanks guys!

[@thegoodridesnow]

If the 148 Wonder rode well for you and didn't feel too small then you could do the 144 Orca and it will feel like it's a lot more board than what you rode in 148. If you want real/more in depth advice hit me up here shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@mikekren1567]

@@thegoodridesnow Thanks for your insight! A local shop has an 144 that I can get a pretty good deal on and I think I will try my luck with it. Thanks again!

[@slothcaruso1153]

​@@thegoodridesnowk

[@onetybug99]

I’m 195 size 10 boot would a 156 be ok?

[@onetybug99]

5”10

[@thegoodridesnow]

Go 153. That would be better.

[@trevorgardner5184]

Great review.

[@thegoodridesnow]

many thanks!

[@ryanbarry-souza4876]

Any suggestions on best placement for bindings on the orca? Someone was telling me to get the front binding as far out in front, then determine rear. Thoughts?

[@thegoodridesnow]

It all comes down to personal preference so its best for you to go out with a tool one day and experiment as to what works best for you. In powder, I want it set as far back as possible for easier float. On groomers I slide the back foot forward to get it centered on the highest part of the camber. Then I do the same with the front foot to get it close to the highest part of the camber as well. That way it turns better on groomers. But try to keep it within your normal stance width so you aren't changing that up and making it awkward for you.

[@ryanbarry-souza4876]

@@thegoodridesnow my front foot hurt terribly on the first outing. When I grabbed by other deck I could tell I shorted myself a half inch in stance width. But even more is I feel like my boots sit much deeper in my rome targas than the atlas. Any suggestions on atlas adjustments?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Hard to say based on the info given. What part of your foot hurts and what boots do you have?

[@ryanbarry-souza4876]

@@thegoodridesnow I got my bindings dialed in. Took it out today after a heavy 28" fell last night. This board is amazingly fun in the pow. Very surfy. Didn't want to straight line into a bowl like my XV does. I can hang onto the tail longer than I'm used to resulting in some crazy turns at very high speeds. Negotiating some bigger boulders was easier than usual. It's just awesome. I found the base glide to be fast. Carving steep hard groomers at speed was scary, soft groomers fun. Overall this is a good addition at 350$ new.

[@EmPi46]

Hmmmm, I am 5ˋ10, Boot 10.5 and 150lbs. Should I Go with the 150 or 153 for the regular Orca? Thx a lot

[@thegoodridesnow]

153 would be a better fit for ur boots and to a lesser extent height. 150 for ur weight. What make, model and size do u ride now?

[@EmPi46]

@@thegoodridesnow I currently Ride a 155 Gremlin. But due to Health issues I lost 10kg of weight and need to Slow down my riding. Therefore I want to have a surfy Daily Cruiser for groomers and pow in icy conditions.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Sorry to hear. I think both the 153 and 150 will be a mellower ride than your 155 Gremlin and your 10.5 boots can handle both. I would go 153 if you want a little more of what you have from the Gremlin you have now but in a much easier camber profile to handle. Or go 150 if you want something much quicker turning and really easy to control.

[@EmPi46]

@@thegoodridesnow thx a lot I will Go with the 150 and hope for „good“ days to enjoy my Gremlin

[@thegoodridesnow]

Cool!

[@ThetaTauGammas]

I'm 165 with 11 boot, size 156 good?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Height? What make/model/size do you ride now?

[@ThetaTauGammas]

@@thegoodridesnow 6 feet. boot size 11, 162, random camber board

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah the 156 could work but you might like the 153 better for your weight.

[@ThetaTauGammas]

@@thegoodridesnow great thanks for the rec

[@bigslacker666]

Middle of my second season on the Orca, it's gonna be a rock board next year. Amazing board in the trees and pow, can still rip a groomer. Not a park board (duh) but it steers so well and has magic float when it's deep.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take

[@PhilipBrown1]

Good stuff! I just bought this and got 156.. I ride 155 and worry if it’s going to be to much. Weight 150 5”10

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks. Yes, most likely way too big. What is your boot size?

[@madvillain1987]

I just picked up a 156 but I’m 6’ 195 11.5 boot. I had the same size Attack Banana and I had some issues dragging my heels when carving hard. I’m hoping the wider Orca corrects that problem.

[@dannyli2163]

Thanks for the amazing review. I've booked a trip to Niseko next January and planning on purchasing a board for Japow. I'm 5'10, 154lbs and US8 (260 mondo) boots. I'm torn between 147 or 150 as I'm worried 150 might be a bit too wide for my US8 boots as I will ride a bit of groomers and trees/pow. What size do you recommend and is the Orca the most suitable board for Niseko conditions?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks. Boot size?

[@dannyli2163]

US8 (260 mondo)@@thegoodridesnow

[@thegoodridesnow]

For a size 8 and 154 you are in-between sizes. It really depends on what make/model/size you ride now and how you feel it works for you. YT is a pretty bad place to help people because I don't get enough info about you to help. If you want to do this properly hit me up here and we'll figure out if this is your board and what size you should buy. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/