LIB TECH ESCALATOR SPLIT SNOWBOARD PRODUCT GUIDE
Overview
The Lib Tech Escalator Split is built for high-alpine adventure seekers who prioritize lightweight touring and responsive downhill performance. Designed in collaboration with Travis Rice, this splitboard is purpose-built for big missions, extended skin tracks, and steep descents — with a directional, camber-dominant profile that grips the climb and slashes the descent. The Escalator lives up to its name: it gets you up the mountain efficiently, and it rides down like a full-power freeride board.
⚙️ Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape | Directional |
| Profile | C3 Camber (camber underfoot, mild rocker between feet) |
| Flex | Medium-Stiff |
| Terrain | Backcountry, Big Mountain, Steep Lines |
| Rider Level | Advanced to Expert |
| Core | Paulownia / Aspen / 3D Magnesium Fiber |
| Base | Eco Sublimated Sintered – fast, tough, eco-conscious |
| Edges | Magne-Traction® – serrated edge control |
| Construction | Firepower Construction (FP) – ultralight & responsive |
| Sizes Available | 153, 159, 162, 165 |
| Skin Interface | Karakoram Ultraclip + Tip & Tail Hooks |
| Made In | Handbuilt in the USA (Mervin MFG, Washington) |
🧠 C3 Camber + Magne-Traction®
The C3 Camber profile is Lib Tech’s most aggressive — maximizing pop, control, and edge hold, especially on firm snow. The mild rocker between the feet prevents edge catch and helps initiate turns. Add Magne-Traction®, and you’ve got a board that climbs confidently and descends with laser precision — even in icy or technical terrain.
🏂 On-Mountain Performance
⛏️ Touring & Uphill
- Ultra-lightweight Paulownia core reduces fatigue on the skin track
- Directional shape and camber provide efficient uphill glide and grip
- Compatible with standard splitboard bindings and climbing skins
🏔️ Downhill / Freeride
- Responsive and powerful on steep faces
- Camber ensures solid edge hold in variable snow
- Handles powder, wind crust, and hardpack alike
❄️ Powder
- Tapered directional shape helps with float
- Enough tail stiffness for stability and surf-style control
🎨 Design & Graphics
The Escalator features a clean, futuristic aesthetic that nods to high-alpine minimalism. The topsheet often includes textured bio-plastic with understated graphics, while the base remains fast and durable with Lib Tech’s signature sublimated artwork.
🛠️ Construction Highlights
- Firepower (FP) Core: Paulownia + Aspen + Magnesium = strong and ultralight
- Eco Sublimated Sintered Base: Durable, fast, and eco-friendly
- Magne-Traction® Edges: Maximum grip in icy conditions
- UHMW Sidewalls & Tip/Tail Impact Deflection: Built for the rugged backcountry
- Karakoram Hardware: Industry-trusted for tight splitboard connections
🎯 Ideal Rider
Best for:
- Experienced splitboarders chasing weight savings and power
- Riders venturing deep into the backcountry
- Mountaineers, big line hunters, and alpine minimalists
Not ideal for:
- Beginner backcountry riders
- Those wanting a surfy, soft-flex splitboard
- Resort-only snowboarders
📊 Tech Specs (Example: 159 cm)
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Edge | 120 cm |
| Waist Width | 25.5 cm |
| Sidecut Radius | 8.1 m |
| Stance Range | 20.5″–26″ |
| Recommended Weight | 130–210 lbs |
💬 Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- One of the lightest splitboards in Lib Tech’s lineup
- Responsive C3 profile for confident riding
- Tech-heavy construction with eco-conscious materials
- Excellent edge hold in all snow conditions
- Durable and fast base for long missions
❌ Cons:
- Higher price point reflects premium build
- Too aggressive for casual powder floaters or soft snow cruisers
- Requires rider input and experience to get the most out of it
🔁 Comparable Alternatives
1. Jones Solution – Classic backcountry splitboard with excellent downhill chops
2. Weston Backwoods Carbon – Lightweight, camber-driven splitboard
3. K2 Marauder Split – More surfy ride but also light and technical
✅ Final Verdict
The Lib Tech Escalator Split is made for the dedicated splitboarder who wants a lightweight skin track experience without sacrificing power and performance on the descent. Built with aerospace-grade materials and real mountaineering DNA, it’s ready for everything from dawn patrols to high-consequence descents. If you’re planning to go far and ride hard, the Escalator is your vehicle.