The Lib Tech dPr is a brand new all-mountain freestyle board that’s perfect for intermediate and advanced riders looking for a board that can do all types of resort riding very well for less than $500. This board feels like it has a vice-grip level of edge hold on ice. It’s poppy for launching off jumps, pressable for park features, cruisy for powder, and stable for carving groomers.
Summary of the Lib Tech dPr Review
This board is a blast all over the mountain. The nose is lifted a bit, which makes it incredibly easy to turn and helps you float in powder. It also has Magne Traction to help it stay incredibly locked into turns when it gets icy out. It has a snappy, powerful, energetic feel under your feet that gives you an extra boost of pop for jumps and side hits. It’s built for freestyle and resort riding, so whether you’re in the park, hitting side hits, or just cruising, it feels stable, laid-back, and ready for whatever your day brings.
From the moment I stood on this, I knew I liked it.
I have a feeling you will too.
What I liked most about it:
The Lib Tech dPr is the full package for such a cheap price. For only $499.99, you get a premium-feeling board that can pop off small to medium-sized jumps, hit rail features, and carve well. It’s set back to help it float for the occasional powder day that us East Coast riders occasionally get.
It’s highlighted features for East Coast Riders: Its Grip on Ice
The dPr can grip ice thanks to its Magne Traction edges. So what is that exactly? Magne traction is a type of serrated shaping technology built into the edges of this snowboard. If you were to look at this board’s edges, you would see that the board’s edges are serrated like a steak knife.
This image does a great job showing the wavy, Magne Traction serrated edges and highlights their benefit.
The Magne Traction built into this board makes the Lib Tech dPr an excellent option for East Coast riders or anyone who needs extra grip in icy conditions.
Overview
Board Reviewed: 156 Lib Tech DPR 2026
Price of Board: $499.99
How the Price Compares to Others:
The Lib Tech DPR costs -$12.01 less than the average snowboard price of $512.0.
Our Rating Score: 4.41 out of 5
How the Lib Tech DPR Ranks Against Others:
The Lib Tech DPR ranks 11th out of the 34 boards we reviewed in the all mountain category.
The Lib Tech DPR ranks 13th out of the 26 boards we reviewed in the all mountain / freestyle category.
The Lib Tech DPR ranks 11th out of the 30 boards we reviewed in the park category.
Who is the Lib Tech dPr the Right Board For?
The Lib Tech dPr is perfect for intermediate riders who want one all-mountain board that can be their entire quiver at a really attractive price. For $499.99, you get a board that’s perfect for:
- Groomers, Slush, Ice, and Light Powder
- Feels stable while being really easy to steer
- Poppy for hitting small to medium-sized jumps
- Pressable for butters and nosepresses
Pros of the Lib Tech dPr
It’s a Versatile to Go Everywhere & Do Everything Deck.
This is one all-mountain board that really can do it all, exceptionally well. Check out the category section below to see the notes for how this board performs across the entire resort.
It’s Cheap, Made in the USA, and Compares Closer to Boards That Cost 23% More.
You get a lot of snowboard tech in the dPr for the low price of $499.99.
With how smooth this board rides, it feels closer to compare this to a snowboard that is in the $650 to $700 price range.
It’s Perfect for the East Coast or Anyone Who Rides Icy Terrain.
This board has an exceptional level of edge hold thanks to its Magne Traction edges (the edges are serrated like a steak knife). The serrations cut through ice like a saw, offering a more stable feel when conditions start to get firm.
Quick Base That’s So Simple to Repair
The base on this board is decently fast, and since it’s all black, it is so easy to repair with a black P-Tex stick. If you accidentally gouge this base on a rock, you can fill it with P-tex and keep your base in top shape.
Cons of the Lib Tech dPr
The Graphics Don’t Look Like Much From a Distance
If you aren’t looking at it up close or on a sunny day, the graphics of the dPr won’t look like much. It’ll just look like a black Lib Tech board with a smiley face on its base.
From close up, you’ll see the topsheet has a collage of mini 3D-raised graphics that are made up of Lib Tech easter eggs. Here’s a closer look at the mini graphics on the topsheet.
It’s Not the Most Beginner-Friendly Deck
While the early rise tips are forgiving and make this board feel simple and laid back to ride, I wouldn’t say this is the best board for someone just starting out.
Can a Beginner Learn on This Board Anyway?
Sure, with some practice, anyone could learn to ride this board. I just wouldn’t recommend learning on this board because you can still catch your edge if you aren’t precise with your turn.
The dPr is best for an intermediate to advanced rider or anyone who already has the basics of connecting their turns down.
Review Rating of the Lib Tech dPr Snowboard
The Lib Tech dPr has earned an 88.15 out of a possible 100 score (or 4.41 out 5) stars.
Learn About How I Scored This Board
I believe a snowboard review should include more than just my opinion about my favorite aspects of the board. That’s why I put every board that I review through a consistent on-snow testing process to get real, measurable and consistent data about its performance for the type of board it is.
For the dPr, I’m using my All-Mountain Freestyle scoring system, which prioritizes a blend of carving, versatility, and park performance. The ‘Weight’ column below shows you exactly how much each characteristic contributes to the final score.
| Considerations | Rating Out 5 | Score Out of 100 | Weight / Importance to Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pop / Power | 4.25 | 85 | 10 |
| Carving / Turns | 4.5 | 90 | 10 |
| Speed | 4.25 | 85 | 10 |
| Ice / Poor Conditions | 5 | 100 | 10 |
| Switch | 4 | 80 | 10 |
| Jumps | 4.5 | 90 | 10 |
| Dampness | 4 | 80 | 10 |
| Fun to ride | 5 | 100 | 10 |
| Resort Riding / Versatility | 4.75 | 95 | 5 |
| Responsiveness | 3.75 | 75 | 5 |
| Jibs | 4.5 | 90 | 5 |
| Powder | 3.75 | 75 | 3 |
| Buttering | 4.75 | 95 | 2 |
| Weighted Score | 4.41 | 88.15 | 100 |
Editor’s Rating: 
4.41 out of 5 stars for the Lib Tech dPr snowboard
Sizes Available / The Size I Reviewed
The dPr is available in 152cm, 154cm, 156cm, 158cm, 159W, and 160cm sizes.
For this review, I rode the 156cm. For reference, I am 144lbs, 5’6″ and have a USA men’s 9.5 boot. Someone around my size would also enjoy the 154cm, too. (I tend to like longer boards for my size.)
Actual Feel of the Flex Rating
Under my feet, the flex felt like a 4.5 out of 10 flex pattern. It is slightly softer than medium and easy to nose or tail press.
I rode the 156cm size, and Lib Tech rates the flex pattern at a 5/10. I’d say that’s close to being accurate. I found it to be slightly softer and more pressable than the medium side of the spectrum. So you can press it, butter with it, and steer it with your feet because it is moderately softer than medium (but not an overly flexible park noodle).
Photo Gallery from the Review
How Does it Feel to Ride the Lib Tech dPr?
The dPr feels stable, responsive, and lightweight, while still being laid back and easy to steer. It’s the type of board that is versatile enough to be ridden fast and aggressively when you need to, but it’s more for the rider who wants to casually cruise and explore the whole resort.
To put it simply, it’s a more forgiving mild camber deck. It has a stable, somewhat damp, smooth-riding feel. From the smooth ride alone, you would think this board should be priced closer to the $650–$700 range (compared to other boards in the same $500 price range).
All-Mountain Riding
The dPr was one of the most versatile all mountain boards I got to review for the 2026 season. That’s not even me saying that for its price, it’s just out of the boards I reviewed for the upcoming season, this would be my pick for trying to find a board that was the most versatile to explore the entire resort.
It’s got everything you need to carve ice, powder, groomers, or hit the park.
Carving
This is a responsive board that locks into a carve with a vice-like level of grip. Turning wise, I’d say it’s best for medium-sized and shorter, tighter turns over long, drawn-out aggressive like carves.
The Profile: Lib Tech’s Early Rise Camber Profile
The dPr features Lib Tech’s early rise camber profile. If you were to look at the board from the side, it would look like this.
The profile has a mild camber (a lowercase ‘n’-shaped arc where the board rises off the snow between your feet), and then both the nose and tail have a more exaggerated curve that starts earlier to keep the board’s contact points off the snow and make them less catchy.
The early rise camber gives you the pop and power of a traditional camber board, while the early rise tips help the board float in powder and make its overall ride feel more forgiving and less catchy. The combination of having a camber profile with more playful tips adds to the board’s versatility. You get a board that’s aggressive when you need it to be while still being playful and laid-back when you want it to be.
Jumping
The dPr is great for hitting small to medium-sized jumps or side hits. If you’re trying to hit jumps over 50 feet, you might want to check out a stiffer board. However, it will be perfect for anything under 50 feet.
Jibs
This board locks into rail features nicely. The 4.5 flex pattern worked well to mold around features to help me balance, while the early rise tips made it a little less catchy.
Buttering
Thanks to its flex and early rise tips, it feels like the Lib Tech dPr was built for the all-mountain rider who loves to butter. The early rise tips make the board feel a little less catchy as you slide on your nose or tail, and the softer 4.5/10 flex pattern makes it relatively easy to hold the board in a pressed position.
Powder
The tech in this board has everything you’ll need to help you float in powder that’s less than two feet deep. With that said, I didn’t get to test this board in very deep snow first-hand, so I would urge you to read through Evo’s review of the dPr to learn more about its powder performance.
Being that I didn’t get to ride this in powder, I kept the powder category’s score weighting of my review to only 3% of the final score. My powder review rating was based on the tech that helps the dPr float and how it felt to me in the occasional softer stash I got to ride between the groomers and ice.
Tech to Help the dPr Float
The dpr has a setback stance of 1.3cm (.511 inches) and an early rise nose, allowing the board to more easily stay on top of deeper snow. The early rise design curves the nose upward and away from the snow. This raised curvature allows the board to stay on top of the powder more naturally instead of trying to plow through it (like a board with traditional camber would). This gives the board a more effortless level of float in deeper snow.
Speed & the Base
The Lib Tech dPr has a slightly faster-than-average base. It’s by no means the fastest board out there, it’s far from the slowest either. I’d say it’s perfect for cruising the resort casually or having enough speed to get from feature to feature in the park.
The Lib Tech dPr vs the Jones Rally Cat
Both the Lib Tech dPr and Jones Rally Cat are strong contenders for being the best all-mountain board under $500. They share a few tech details that make them versatile resort/freestyle boards, but they also have a few differences in their performance and feel.
| VS. | Lib Tech dPr | Jones Rally Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$499.99 | ~$480 ($20 cheaper) |
| Best For | All Terrain Performance, Great for Resort Carving, Excellent Grip on Ice | Jibbing, Buttering, Playful Cruising |
| Flex | 4.5 / 10 (Medium-Soft Still Pressable) | 3 / 10 (Soft & Very Pressable) |
| Feel | Medium dampness, smoother, more traditional feel while being laid back / forgiving | More lively, softer, looser, more “surfy” |
| Ice Grip | Outstanding (Magne-Traction Edges) | Good (Mild Traction Tech Edges) |
| Nose / Tail Tech | Early Rise Tips (Contact points are lifted of snow / the tips are not 3d or spoon-shaped) | 3D Contour Tips (Spoon-shaped nose and tail) |
The Verdict: So Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Lib Tech dPr if…
You want a more powerful and well-rounded ride. Its got the stronger edge hold makes it the clear winner for high-speed carving, especially on hardpack and ice (like we do here on the East Coast).
Choose the Jones Rally Cat if…
You want a playful, freestyle-focused all-mountain ride. Its much softer flex makes it the better board for jibbing, buttering, and easy presses down features. You can check out our full review of the Jones Rally Cat to learn more about it.
Here are a Few Other Similar boards to the dPr to Consider
- Lib Tech Cold Brew
- Lib Tech Dynamo
- CAPiTA Outerspace Living
- Bataleon Whatever
So Is the Lib Tech dPr Worth Buying?
Yes, the Libe Tech dPr is worth it for anyone looking for an all mountain board that comes in at less than $500. This is the type board that feels stable and still very easy to ride, so it inspires you to push yourself a little bit harder (which forces you to level up).
It’s one board that you can explore the entire resort with, from carving groomers, to finding stashes of powder, to lapping the park and launching off side hits.
If that sounds like you, get this immediately.
Bindings to Pair With the Lib Tech dPr
I reviewed the dPr with the new Bent Metal Supermatic bindings and my Union Force Bindings. I liked the Supermatics, but I preferred the Union Force bindings for this board. The Force has a similar medium flex pattern that paired well with the dPr.
Where to Buy the Lib Tech dPr
You can buy the Lib Tech dPr at Evo, Tactics, and Blauer Boardshop.
If you found this board comparison helpful in any way, please consider purchasing your board through one of the store links I just shared. Either link will point you to the lowest-priced offer I could find for the dPr; it will not cost you anything extra, and you will have supported this website.
Why use these links? These links are embedded with my affiliate partner tracking code. This shows EVO or Jones that my article helped you make the decision on which board to buy.
In return, they share a small commission with me for your board purchase. While these commissions are nowhere near enough for me to quit my day job, they do help me cover the hosting fees for this website and cover the cost of the occasional lift ticket.
Most importantly, thanks for your support and for reading as far as you have.
You can also support this site by subscribing to us as a preferred snowboard review source on Google here.
About the Reviewer
Rider Name: Steve Weber
Field Test Notes: I rode the 2026 Lib Tech dPr snowboard at the EWSRA on snow demo in Stratton VT on February 4th and 5th 2025.
Conditions Tested in: I tested this board in Stratton, Vermont, on an icy 7° degree day, and this board’s Magne Traction serrated edges just came through with so much edge hold, that I felt more controlled on this board than most of the boards that I got to ride for the upcoming season.
Rider Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced – I’ve been riding for over 16 years. However, I lean more freestyle than freeride. I prefer hitting jumps and rails over trying to make the perfect turn.
Rider’s Preferred Terrain: The park with small to medium-sized features
Size / Model: The board I reviewed was a 2026 Lib Technologies dPr in the 156cm size.
Rider Weight: 144lbs
Bindings Used: Bent Metal Super Matic Bindings and Union Force Bindings
Steve Weber is the passionate snowboarder, skateboarder, and author behind Board of the World. He understands that most gear reviews focus on having the perfect snow conditions, but his testing methodology is different. Living in Pennsylvania, Steve describes exactly how a board performs when the conditions aren’t perfect. His reviews cover performance on ice, hardpack, and flat-out brick conditions. In other words, he reviews boards for the conditions that East Coast riders actually face.
Bringing 27 years of East Coast snowboarding and 21 years of skateboarding experience, Steve is a 42-year-old intermediate park rider. His recommendations are informed by decades of battling icy conditions, ensuring every review accounts for the board’s performance on the roughest of terrain.
For the last five years, Steve has poured his passion into writing in-depth, unbiased reviews that help riders make informed decisions about the gear they’ll use. He also works part-time at a snowboard shop in Northeastern Pennsylvania, which gives him a direct line to learning about the new gear tech months in advance. When he’s not writing reviews, Steve is often found riding at Montage Mountain and testing out new boards.
Steve’s goal with Board of the World is simple: to help every reader find the right gear so they can have fun outside from the first time they use it.
Hi, great review! I was wondering about the sizing for the DPR, there’s no max weight so I’m a little confused for what size to get. I am 5’8″, around 185lbs with shoe size 9. Was looking at the 156 as I want to start learning park as well. Is this board mainly meant for lighter people? Or do you think the 156 will be fine? Thank you!
Hey Jacob, I am 5’6″ and 144lbs with that same size 9. I rode a 156 for this review and still found it to be nimble for being a hair big for me. I’d say for you, either the 156cm or 158cm will be perfect. Either size works, just size up more if you’ll be jumping and carving more than buttering and jibbing.
Hi Steve,
First, thx a lot for your great work, you certainly spend a lot of time to do that and It’s realy helpfull and pleasent to read, continue like this 👍.
So for me It’s time to buy a new quiver killer 😅…and m’y heart balancing between this “spécial” DPR on 158 or 159W ?
or the mainstream Jones mtn twin 157 or 159W ?
(I’m +40, 5’10”, 182lbs, boots 10, intermediate+).
As you ride the two models, can you maybe help me to find my future best friend (searching for an all Mountain more freestyle than freeride but not necessarly park) ?
First of all, need a stable board giving confidence for growing up not too touchy, I ride 2-3 times year in the North French Alpes, so need good grip on hard/icy groomers !
For the rest, a board that giving me no limits to do what a snowboard can do on a ressort (like and learn to better carve , do side kicks, switch /buter, some time boombing the slopes when no skieers in sight, some line in pow “when available” and have some fun…but without burning my legs before the end of the day 😅)
Thanks in advance.
Hi Sam, Also 40+ crowd here. I think either board would work for you, but I would nudge you more to the Lib Tech dPr for the fact that you’ll be hitting some ice and the Magne Traction in that board offers a stronger level of grip than the Traction Tech found in the jones board. Both are side hit friendly and can butter for freestyle riding out of the park. I’d go with that 158 with your size 10 boot. Good luck and have all the fun out there!
Hey Steve,
Thanks for getting back to me 😉
A friend told me that Magne-Traction can feel a bit too aggressive and energy-draining. Do you think that’s true?
My ideal board should have solid grip and stay stable at high speeds and in tough conditions, but I’d also love to just cruise down and enjoy a relaxed ride.
Basically, a board that gives me what I need, when I need it.
Have a good day,
(PS: I had a glitch with my previous reply, it can be deleted).
Sam, totally understand. I would describe Magne Traction as being grippy enough to help me feel more confident out there. I don’t find it “draining.” There might be more going on with the tip that they gave you. Every board is a little different with its profile, how much it weighs, and its ease of turn initiation. I can’t tell if that draining comment is more that they are trying to speak on the added grip adding some friction to the ride or if maybe they aren’t on the right board for how they like to ride. I recommend seeing if a friend or a shop near you has a Lib Tech or GNU board for you to try out. I’ll also steer you towards checking out the Never Summer Proto Type 3 review I wrote a few weeks ago. Never Summer now have their RIP Edge Tech that adds some grip for ice, but it does it in a way that uses pressure rather than serrations. I have a feeling you’ll find it interesting, too. (Or just go with the Jones board because it also rips.)
Steve,
okay, I see, thanks for your feedback regarding the Magne Traction, it convinces me and I think my friend’s impression maybe might not be justified😉
Since Never Summer is more expensive here in the EU…
I’ll stick with my “favorite” the Lib Tech DPR in 158, which I think will give me more of a “fun factor” than the Jones… at least I hope so 😁
Thanks again for your advices and returns and I wish you a great 25-26 season 👍
You’re so welcome, Sam. Thank you! I hope you have an excellent season as well.