LIB TECH SKATE BANANA SNOWBOARD PRODUCT GUIDE
Overview
The Lib Tech Skate Banana is one of the most iconic and groundbreaking snowboards in the freestyle world. Known for popularizing the rocker/camber hybrid profile, the Skate Banana offers a super playful, forgiving ride that’s perfect for park rats, jibbers, and all-mountain freestyle enthusiasts. Its rocker between the feet combined with mild camber underfoot delivers effortless turn initiation, catch-free presses, and lively pop, making it ideal for riders of all levels, especially beginners and intermediates.
⚙️ Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape | True Twin |
| Profile | Original Banana Rocker (rocker between feet, mild camber underfoot) |
| Flex | Medium-Soft |
| Terrain | Park, Freestyle, All-Mountain |
| Rider Level | Beginner to Advanced |
| Core | Aspen / Paulownia Hybrid Core |
| Base | Sintered 7000 – fast and durable |
| Edges | Magne-Traction® serrated edges for superior grip |
| Construction | Eco-Friendly Bio Resin, Triaxial Fiberglass |
| Sizes Available | 148, 151, 154, 157 |
| Made In | USA, Mervin Manufacturing |
🧠 Original Banana Rocker + Magne-Traction®
The Skate Banana’s revolutionary Original Banana profile features rocker between the feet for catch-free turns and playful presses, with mild camber zones underfoot for pop and edge hold. Combined with Magne-Traction® serrated edges, the board provides excellent grip and control on hardpack and icy conditions, making it a perfect all-around freestyle board.
🏂 On-Snow Performance
🏂 Park & Freestyle
- True twin shape perfect for balanced switch and regular riding
- Medium-soft flex allows easy presses, buttering, and forgiving landings
- Rocker profile minimizes edge catches on rails and boxes
⛷️ All-Mountain
- Camber zones provide solid edge hold for carving and groomers
- Magne-Traction® edges offer confident grip on ice and variable snow
❄️ Powder (Light)
- Rocker helps with float in light powder, though not designed specifically for deep snow
🎨 Design & Graphics
Classic and vibrant graphics that have evolved over the years, reflecting the board’s status as a freestyle staple with a fun, youthful vibe.
🛠️ Construction Highlights
- Aspen / Paulownia Core: Lightweight and responsive for freestyle tricks
- Eco-Friendly Bio Resin: Durable and sustainable materials
- Triaxial Fiberglass: Provides torsional strength and smooth flex
- Sintered 7000 Base: Fast and durable base for varied conditions
- Magne-Traction® Edges: Serrated edges for superior grip and control
🎯 Ideal Rider
Best for:
- Beginners to advanced freestyle riders
- Park and jib enthusiasts looking for a forgiving, playful ride
- Riders who want a true twin with excellent switch performance
Not ideal for:
- Powder specialists needing deep float
- Riders wanting a very stiff board
- Purely aggressive freeriders
📊 Tech Specs (Example: 154 cm)
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Edge | 116 cm |
| Waist Width | 24.3 cm |
| Sidecut Radius | 7.8 m |
| Stance Range | 19″–24″ |
| Recommended Weight | 120–190 lbs |
💬 Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Legendary rocker profile for playfulness and control
- True twin shape ideal for switch and freestyle
- Medium-soft flex perfect for jibbing and presses
- Magne-Traction® edges provide excellent grip
- Durable, eco-conscious construction
❌ Cons:
- Limited deep powder performance
- Not the stiffest board for aggressive riders
- Less directional stability for high-speed carving
🔁 Comparable Alternatives
1. GNU Headspace – Playful freestyle true twin
2. Capita Horrorscope – Soft flex, park-focused board
3. Ride Saturday – Balanced freestyle/all-mountain board
✅ Final Verdict
The Lib Tech Skate Banana is a legendary snowboard that continues to define freestyle riding with its innovative rocker profile and playful true twin shape. It’s perfect for riders at all levels who want a forgiving, versatile board that shines in the park and handles all-mountain terrain with ease.