Two Snowboard Giants
Burton is the biggest snowboard brand in the world. Founded by Jake Burton Carpenter in 1977, Burton essentially invented the modern snowboard industry. They make boards for every rider from beginner to pro, and their binding compatibility system (The Channel) is the most versatile in the industry.
Lib Tech (Mervin Manufacturing, Washington State) is the engineering iconoclast. Founded by Mike Olson in 1977 as well, Lib Tech pioneered environmentally-responsible snowboard manufacturing and patented Magnetraction — the serrated edge technology that revolutionizes edge grip on hard snow and ice.
Construction Technology
Burton's key technologies:
- Flat Top / Flying V / DirectionalFlat: Burton's proprietary rocker/camber profiles. Flying V (alternating rocker and camber zones) is their most popular for all-mountain riding.
- Squeezebox Core: Varying core thickness zones that add flex without reducing pop.
- Frostbite Edges: Extended edge contact in the tip and tail for edge hold on hardpack (their answer to Magnetraction).
- Dragonfly Core: Basswood/poplar blend with carbon rods for lightweight pop.
Lib Tech's key technologies:
- Magnetraction (MagneTraction): 7-point serrated edges that dramatically increase edge hold on hard snow and ice. Game-changing for east coast/midwest riders or anywhere with icy conditions.
- C2 Camber: Lib Tech's unique camber profile with rocker between the feet and camber under the bindings — balanced pop and float.
- UHMW Sidewalls: Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene for durability and vibration dampening.
- Eco-sublimated topsheets: Water-based inks, no PVC.
By Riding Style
| Riding Style | Burton Pick | Lib Tech Pick |
|---|---|---|
| All-mountain (beginner) | Burton Instigator | Lib Tech Skunk Ape |
| All-mountain (intermediate) | Burton Custom | Lib Tech Travis Rice Pro |
| Freestyle/park | Burton Process | Lib Tech Box Scratcher |
| Powder/freeride | Burton Family Tree | Lib Tech Orca |
| East coast/ice | Burton Custom Flying V | Lib Tech TRS (any Magnetraction) |
Eco & Sustainability
Lib Tech's parent company, Mervin Manufacturing, is the most environmentally responsible snowboard manufacturer in the world. They produce all boards in Sequim, Washington using renewable energy, water-based resins, recycled materials, and bio-resin options. If sustainability matters to your purchase decision, Lib Tech is the clear leader.
Burton has made significant sustainability commitments through their CarbonNeutral product program and Bluesign-certified materials, but their manufacturing is global and less vertically integrated than Mervin.
Price Comparison
| Category | Burton | Price | Lib Tech | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | Instigator | ~$350 | Skunk Ape | ~$400 |
| Mid-range | Custom | ~$550 | Travis Rice Pro | ~$680 |
| Premium | Family Tree Pow | ~$750 | Orca | ~$700 |
Lib Tech is generally 10-20% more expensive than Burton at equivalent tiers. The premium reflects their US manufacturing and eco-materials. For budget-conscious buyers, Burton offers excellent value.
Best Models
Burton Custom is the best-selling all-mountain snowboard in history. Twin tip, symmetrical, Flying V profile — a true do-everything board. If you've never owned a snowboard and want one that lasts years regardless of your progression, the Custom is the easy choice.
Lib Tech Travis Rice Pro is a legend. Blunt nose/tail with C2 camber and Magnetraction, this board excels in virtually every condition. Travis Rice is the most respected big-mountain rider in the world, and his pro model reflects his demanding standards.