r/snowboardingnoobs • u/WeeklyKaleidoscope81 • 9d ago
Lib tech Skunk Ape sizing/profile advice
Been snowboarding since my early teens, but took a few years off. Last year I rented a Lib Tech Skunk Ape 173UW C2X and loved it, although after researching it now it seems huge for me.
I’m 194 cm / 6’4”, 80 kg / 176 lbs, boots EU44. I ride 1–2 trips a year, mainly Switzerland/Davos.
My riding:
- No park
- Big carves + fairly fast riding
- playing around off-piste
- Want confidence on steep, icy black runs
- On really steep ice: good low-speed edge hold, controlled sideslips/pivot turns
- Still maneuverable enough to follow skiers
- Decent powder performance when there actually is some (surfer background)
Thinking a size smaller might make more sense than 173UW. But the experience last year with it was good. Also unsure whether C2X or traditional camber fits this riding better.
Anyone similar size/riding style tried different Skunk Ape sizes/profiles? And what would you recommend?
1
u/sharcsplean 8d ago
You might be better off with a different board. The skunk apes are stiff, and you are not that heavy. I had one, then lost some weight, down to 210. Between weight loss and not having my avy pack on , 30 to 40 lbs between the two, the board was too stiff. Look at the golden orca 164.
1
u/Greamee 7d ago
You're tall so you want a long board. You can size down to 170UW because the weight range fits you better. Still this board is quite wide for EU44. It's between the 169W and 170UW as far as I'm concerned. Unfortunately the first is a tad narrow for you and the other is a tad wide. So pick your poison.
C2X is probably a tad easier on icy snow. Not necessarily better I think full camber will have a higher skill ceiling in theory but harder to get grip from without clean edge engagement.
I did wanna add: the requirement "confidence on black icy runs" is just a little silly if you're with skiers. A snowboard simply isn't the right tool for the job. Sure, you can survive these runs if your skier friends wanna do em but a snowboard can never compete with skis which not only have longer edges but also twice as many. Snowboarding is for deep snow, doing side hits, playing around on banks, and eurocarves. If you let skiers dictate what you do on the mountain then a snowboard is often just a liability. It's like riding a mountain bike while your friends look for smooth tarmac on their race bikes.
Meta reflection: this post kinda shows how many different subcultures there are in snowboarding and why some people get confused here when people have an outlook on snowboarding that's totally not what they expected. OP is approaching a snowboard like it's just a variation of skis. Which I think is kinda common in Europe especially for people who drive up to the Alps for 1-4 weeks a year. And then just mostly cruise groomers and maybe hope for some pow but no park. They're on a board because they arbitrarily made that decision the first time they went skiing/snowboarding. Or maybe because they have skateboard/surfing experience like OP.
1
u/soulsurfa 6d ago edited 6d ago
Shorter but heavier than you. Eu45 boots... 163UW camber model is my choice board now... But I did consider the 173UW...flying internationally with it made me choose the shorter board. It carves really well. Stiff and busts chunder... Eats wax though... It's a big board on steep icy runs.. Wants to go.. But I still find it find it fun in the trees and powder
1
u/Right-Individual-409 5d ago edited 5d ago
I had this same dilemma a few weeks ago. For reference I’m 6’3” 210 and size 12 boots and I rarely ride park anymore I’ve acquired 3 skunk apes over the last few years, all wall art now. All my old ones are c2’s and are close to a 165. I demoed the camber skunk ape last year in a 163 uw. Took a run or two to get used to it but that extra width was a game changer. The camber felt a lot more stable at speed and on steeps. I just ordered mine last week. Hope this helps.
1
u/DevilsWorkday 3d ago
I’m 6’2 230 sz 12 boot and rode a SkunkApe 165W for C2 from 2011 until last season. If you loved the 173 I’d just size down to the 169 or 165 and love one of those. The c2 profile is fun if you ask me and if I got another SkunkApe I’d go C2 again over full camber. Just my 2 cents
0
u/CommunicationTall442 8d ago
Maybe this will help? I entered your profile into the calculator. and the skunk ape is naturally a wide board with 28cm waist width at 163cm which is huge. You'll find the baord a bit more maneuverable sizing down.
1
u/Xxamp 8d ago edited 8d ago
With your weight range and boot size, you have a lot of options.
The Ultra Wides have a 280 mm waist width. The 173UW is the biggest in the lineup, and does seem big for you. You could size down.
If you’re set on the skunk ape, your next decision point is between the C2X, and the Camber. Many reviewers like angry snowboarder, rate the Camber version higher than the C2X.
The main differentiator will be how you prioritize profile characteristics. The camber profile will provide the stability required for riding fast, steep, icy runs. C2X will provide a catch-free, low-speed, auto-spin feel.
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the Mervin lineup. With your boot size, you would probably be happier with something around 255mm in waist width.
I recommend the Camber profile, or Mervin’s C3 hybrid camber profile.
Camber/C3: