Lib Tech No. 43 Review

The No. 43 features a hybrid C2X profile with rocker between the feet and camber outside, which can take a little getting used to if you aren't familiar with riding this style of snowboard.

Edge Hold

The No. 43 has a pretty good edge hold, earning a solid score for easily biting into steep icy slopes with minimal slip.

The No. 43 has serrated Magne-Traction edges that help it saw into and grip even the tightest snowpacks. These added contact points really help it bite into ice and hardpack, and we never had much of an issue with this board slipping or skidding.

Powder Performance

While the No. 43 didn't compare to the highest scorers, it still offered more than enough float for all but the deepest days (and we had more fun testing this metric, too).

The No. 43 doesn't float quite as well as some of the directional boards with giant noses and setback stances, but it rides well enough that you won't feel left behind by your buddies on powder days. It gives a fun and surfy ride while turning effortlessly in the fluffy stuff, and you can even play in the park after the good stuff gets tracked out — something the super directional boards can't do.

Stability

We turned the throttle up to “11” on the groomers and the No. 43 held its own. It rose to the occasion, giving us more than enough confidence to go for maximum speed.

The No. 43 is very stable when carving, and we never noticed any significant speed wobbles or chatter even when flying down the mountain, provided we were on an edge. It smoothly transitions from edge-to-edge provided you don't linger too much, with the banana-like profile on this board making it feel just a bit wobbly if you have the board flat. We honestly never noticed this as much of an issue when riding, only when attempting to traverse narrow tracks at low speed. This board also handles rough snow and crud fine, though it is plenty nimble enough that you should be able to avoid it if you are paying attention.

Playfulness

The No. 43 truly shines in this metric; it's a super fun and playful board — one of the best that we have seen.

The No. 43 has a lightweight core made of aspen, paulownia, and birch that make it plenty lively with tons of spring as you are cruising down the mountain. It's a very responsive board that is nimble and highly maneuverable, letting you zip through dense patches of trees without issues. The centered stance and true twin profile also make it a breeze to ride switch.

Pop and Jumping

The No. 43 finished out with another strong performance, performing in the air just about as well as it does on the snow.

The No. 43 is just a bit stiffer than a medium flex board, which we found to be just about perfect when it comes to this metric. It has enough spring to get you in the air and is stiff enough that you can easily stomp the landing. However, it also flexes enough that it doesn't make it impossible to press. This board is at home in the park or the pipe and would be decent for jibbing as well.

Value

The No. 43 is one of the most versatile options out there if you are okay with the C2X profile, making it a good value option if you are searching for a true quiver-killer — even if it isn't one of the least expensive boards on the market.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an all-mountain board that can truly handle the entire mountain — including the park — the No. 43 is a great choice. It's fun and playful to ride, with good edge hold and carving abilities, and can hold its own when it comes to riding powder. The C2X profile can take some time to get used to and make traverses a struggle, but who really wants to be traversing that much on a snowboard anyway? All in all, the No. 43 is a versatile all-around option.