These days, we’re spoilt for choice. There are more park boards available than ever, and pow-specific shapes are all the rage. However, neither of those come close to the enduring popularity of the all-mountain snowboard.
It makes sense, really; terrain and conditions can vary so much that buying one stick that can handle it all is often the right call. It can be a hard thing to get right, but with the Lib Tech TRS the clever folk in Washington State have nailed it.
You can fine-tune your ride even further by opting for one of three different versions
The clue’s in the name; TRS stands for Total Ripper Series, and it’s been designed with all aspects of riding considered. At the forefront is Lib’s XC2 BTX profile, which combines a short but profound rocker section between the feet with longer camber sections that run out towards each end. This gives the rider a little help with keeping one end afloat in the powder – as well as holding presses on boxes, rails and the piste – but also has grip where it counts.
Further improving the board’s grip on hard-packed snow is the wavy Magne-Traction edge, designed to grip an icy slope or a halfpipe wall like crazy thanks to the seven serrations spread out along each sidecut.
You can fine-tune your ride even further by opting for one of three different versions. As well as the standard TRS, there’s the TRS Horsepower which features Basalt glass instead of fibreglass, and the super-sturdy yet eco-friendly topsheet made from bio-plastic.
Alternatively you could go for the TRS Firepower, which takes the already souped-up characteristics of the HP version and thins out the tip and tail to make the board lighter and more manoevrable – and perfect for big spins. No strength is lost, though, and it’s been given a carbon boost to ensure it’ll handle the big stuff.
Among those who have already taken to the TRS are three of Lib Tech’s heaviest-hitting pros
Get started by checking out the full specs and sizes of the Lib Tech TRS here, but rest assured that all three are built to handle everything without leaving you feeling short-changed in any department.
Among those who have already taken to the TRS are some of Lib Tech’s heaviest-hitting pros. Notably there’s Blair Habenicht – a master of board control that has logged some of the best backcountry video parts of recent years, and who features in the incredible photos and video seen on this page. And of course there’s the magnificently hirsute Eric Jackson, another powerful rider with a trick bag that’s even more formidable than his beard.
We recently caught up with EJack to discuss what makes the TRS his snowboard of choice:
A lot of boards claim to be ‘great for everything’ – so what specifically makes the TRS a true all-terrain board?
There’s a lot that goes into making the perfect all-round board, but I think the shape and stiffness are big factors. I like its twin shape for riding and landing switch, and it has enough stiffness to support you through hard landings. However, it’s not so stiff that you feel like you’re riding a cedar plank. I’ll ride it in the park and jib rails, and I’ll cruise the pipe and be able to hold an edge – but the true test for me is in deep pow, and the TRS has long proved itself in that respect.
How much have you noticed Lib’s board tech changing (or improving) during the time you’ve been riding their boards?
I feel like Lib has always been on the forefront of board technology. The coolest thing to me is that they aren’t afraid to try new things. I’ve ridden Lib since i was 13-years-old, and they get better every year.
Do you and Blair provide feedback during the design process?
Yea absolutely. Lib has the best design team that I’ve ever worked with.
The true test for me is in deep pow, and the TRS has long proved itself in that respect
Which version of the TRS is your favourite, and why?
I like the Firepower [pictured left] – it’s extremely light and responsive underfoot.
It’s a twin board, but you spend so much time in the pow. Do you always ride with a twin stance, or do you set back?
I always ride an inch or two set back, depending on snow conditions and the type of terrain that we’re expecting to ride that day.
People went nuts for the trailer for The Fourth Phase – how much of that have you been involved with so far, and what can you tell us about how filming has gone?
I was fortunate enough to go on three trips with Travis and the Brain Farm guys filming for The Fourth Phase, and it’s been one of the wildest and most humbling experiences of my life. We went through the highest of highs and lowest of lows, so it should be super exciting to watch! I am just so thankful to be a part of such an amazing project, and for everything I learned along the way.
What are your plans for this season?
Nothing’s set in stone yet, but I do plan on spending some time in Saas Fee with Fredi [Kalbermatten] and John [Jackson, Eric’s older brother]. Also maybe hanging with Danny Davis for a trip or two. I’m just kind of taking it one day at time – it’s more exciting that way!
Check out our in-depth video review of the Lib Tech TRS 2015-2016 snowboard here