Lib Tech Skate Banana: SNOWBOARDER Best of Test #1

Beginning last January, SNOWBOARDER Magazine traveled across America, attending key on-snow retailer demos at Kirkwood, Keystone, Stratton, Mission Ridge, Boyne Mountain, Mammoth, and Snowbasin. These regional gatherings allowed knowledgeable salespeople to mount up new gear and hit the hill in order to figure out which boards they are going to back for next season.

Unlike other magazine evaluations, which rely on a small group of evaluators in a fixed location, to determine the Best of the Test boards, SNOWBOARDER went one-on-one with snowboard-shop employees to get their honest impressions of the products they rode. These riders not only know how to sell, but they also know how to shred, and the conditions they tested in varied from rain-infused slush in New England to Midwest bulletproof hardpack to bluebird park laps in Southern California.

Once we had all of the on-hill data, we could tabulate the results. After checking and rechecking the tally, it became apparent that the boards displayed here are those that made their mark on the most people in the widest variety of terrain and conditions. The following is just a sampling of the testimonials we received; for video of the testers, and to find more top-rated products, visit snowboardermag.com/gear.
- Pat Bridges

Lib Tech Skate Banana

Two years ago, the mad scientists at Mervin Manufacturing threw traditional snowboard design theory out the window when they introduced their “Banana Technology.” What was initially looked upon as whimsy by the establishment has quickly become a snowboard design revolution. By reversing a board’s camber, “Banana Technology” allows the user to have more direct connection with the snow underfoot, leading to catch-free cruising, easier turn initiation, and a more versatile ride. Currently, every major company has some form of rocker in their line, but according to the masses, no one else does it like Mervin. Don’t let the “skate” in the name fool you—this board is a blast for everyone.

Lengths: 148 (narrow), 151 (narrow), 152, 156, 159
Waist-width: 24.2 cm to 25.5 cm depending on length
Base Material: Swirl Sintered UHMW base
Core: H-POP Core with Banana Specific Core Profile
Directional or Twin: Twin
Flex (from 1-10): 6
MSRP: $469.00

“It’s really tough to catch an edge on, but if you really lay into it, you can hold an edge really well. It’s a great all-around board.” -Evan Martini Skate and Snow Northfield, Ohio

“Amazing—it was the only twin that I rode that felt like a directional.” -Petina Tahoe Dave’s Tahoe, CA

“It’s like cheating; it’s easy to press, and it 360s like a breeze. It carves everywhere—there’s just no competition.” -Hillary Roguis Snowbird, Utah

“You definitely feel like you’re riding the snowboard, rather than the snowboard riding you.” -Corey Snowboard Instructor Seattle, WA

“It’s soft, playful, and really nice.” -Ryan Sports Authority New Jersey

“The Banana is the best board I’ve ever ridden—I would ride the Banana over any board here. I don’t know if it’s ’cause I’m used to it, but it rips everywhere. It’s solid.” -David Boyne Country Sports Boyne, Michigan

Related Links:
ROME Artifact: SNOWBOARDER Magazine Best of Test #2
SNOWBOARDER Magazine Best of Test #3 RIDE DH

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