Libtech x ...Lost: Board Review

Well...sold quite a bit of my quiver, fins, and other gear to shuffle things up a bit and try out the libtech ...lost collaboration (thanks to those of you who helped by buying my gear). Been riding Haydens for years and liked the EPS carbon parabolic tech, but when libtech came out with the ...lost shapes (and my buddies shop started carrying them) I decided to make the switch and give them a whirl after hearing about the durability and fun others were having on them.

Thought it would be cool to start a thread to review all three models (pic below)--encourage other who have them to contribute as well. I'll be a bit detailed pics of the surf etc. But really stoked out on these boards and want to give them a good shake and provide feedback for those looking into them...just my perspective on them...

Shapes (L to R): 5'3" Puddle Jumper (28 ltr); 5'6" Shortround (27 ltr); 5'10" sub buggy (27.6 ltr)

 

Had my first go on one of the lib boards over the weekend (Saturday)...based on the conditions of my local decided to take out the Shortround as the waves were around stom-chest high early with no wind (nt., pic below...later morning shot). Set up the board with the only FCS fins I have medium CI's--hastily threw them in and got ready to go. My height and weight: 5'10"x165lbs. My optimal volume for boards is usually around 27 liters +-...

Compared to my Hayden's the Libs have a bit more weight and I can definitely feel it when duck diving and paddling into waves. First wave was a runner around chest high...descent left (im a goofy foot)...board felt a bit squirrely on my bottom turn (like it was going to slip out) and just thought it needed to be ridden off the back foot a bit more. Board is easy to whip around...went fins free a few times and could feel the potential this board has...but realize I needed to get used to it. Got a few other fun waves before the backwash came up...and I moved to a few other locations. Board does not grovel well at all--second spot I surfed was really flat even on the sets...board had barely any glide into the wave (but I was tired). Finally moved to a spot that was dredging a bit and had a fun few waves. The low nose rocker was never a problem and was able to run through some sections with ease. Never had an issue catching as well with the wide nose--but this could be a length issue. Overall, it'll need some getting used to but I can see the potential of the board. My initial thought was that I need to figure out a good fin placement and may have to play around with the fins...get a few more templates...

Also, found when I initially jumped out in my haste to put in my fins the rear fins was not centered and a bit forward. After I moved it...tightened the board up a bit...only moved the fin about an 1/8"...wild how just a minor adjustment will change the board.

Pros: easy to paddle despite length and thickness; low rocker made it easy to get into waves; durable (I am really heavy footed and despite a 5 hr. session not a pressure at all--cant say that about the haydens and stretches I have had); large sweet spot

Cons: fins placement--no shaper dots...no specific placement recommendations--can only put the FCS tabbed fins in the center of the box and hope for the best

Overall, I really liked the board and know it is going to be a real winner...with a few tweaks shouldn't have an issue whatsoever once I dial in my fins and the placement. It'll take some getting used to but such is the case with all boards...

 

Yea should have ridden the PJ but the Shortround looks so sweet...couldn't help myself. Next smaller session I'll totally grab the PJ knowing what the shortround lacks...as for the sub buggy seems like a great little shortboard I think it'll feel really similar to my lovebuzz due to outline rocker, etc. the foil towards the nose is a lot thinner but definitely has real potential can't wait...

As for the lib fins...I have them on order. I'll give them a whirl once they come in...I've seen others ride the mayhem fins in the board and it makes sense but I typically don't rise large sized fins...but who knows. I'll keep ya updated