Lib Tech Pickup Stick Surfboard Review
The Lib Tech Pickup Stick is a do-it-all board that caters to beginners and intermediate surfers alike. Whether you’re simply learning to trim a wave or do a full roundhouse cutback, it can all be done on the versatile Pickup Stick. Lib Tech surfboards are arguably the industry's most durable, high-performing, and eco-friendly surfboards. With a dedication to board riding, Lib Tech is changing the game in both surfing and snowboarding.
This Pickup Stick surfboard review will give you all the insights into what makes this versatile hybrid surfboard stand out compared to other mid-length boards in the industry. Without further ado, let's get you educated on this small to mid-size wave masterpiece.
“As one of the leading innovators in board sports design, Lib Tech is a core company that deserves recognition. After about 9 months of surfing my 6’6 Pickup Stick, I can honestly say it is worth every penny and has helped me progress as a surfer.”
Highlights and Features
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Strong & Durable
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Flexible & Lightweight
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Eco-friendly materials
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High-performance glide
History of Libtech Surfboards
Lib Tech is based in Sequim, Washington. With close access to the Washington coast and Olympic mountains, Mervin Made (Lib Tech) found Sequim to be the perfect place to curate innovative designs in the snowboard and surf industries. Having access to such great waves and snowy mountains is key to hands-on product testing. With humble beginnings, Lib Tech compiled a group of board sports dreamers to follow their passions in pushing the boundaries of what riding sideways is all about. After 40 + years of being in business, Lib Tech has had a significant positive impact on surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding.
Nowadays, Lib Tech is still pushing the boundaries of board sports technology. Shaped by Mike Olson and Jeff Henderson, the Pickup Stick outline is a combination of 1970s single fins, 1980s eggs, and 1990s performance longboards. It also has some characteristics of modern performance shortboards.
Lib Tech Pickup Stick
Board Design
The Lib Tech Pickup Stick comes in five different sizes: 6’6”, 7’0”, 7’6”, 8’0”, and 9’0”. Each of the sizes has subtle differences in the shape based on the length. The construction and material, however, are the same across the full lineup. Built with ecoIMPACT, the Pickup Stick surfboard is extremely durable, environmentally friendly, and high performing. For a travel board, it is hard to beat the Pickup Stick due to its strong construction, which is unlikely to get damaged during transportation. The boards have a relatively low rocker, flat mid-section, and double concave tail. These dimensions help the board excel in paddling, quick turns, and speed generation.
6’6” - As the shortest option in the Pickup Stick line-up, the 6’6” is built for the surfer wanting to have a playful, fun board that will do basically anything a shortboard will do. If you aim to ride a proper shortboard someday, the Pickup Stick is a great board to help you work your way down. With a squash tail, the board is relatively fast and can maneuver on a dime. The 45.3L is a generous amount of volume, and even bigger surfers can have fun on it.
7”0” and 7’6”—Both sizes are similar in design and are built for fun waves, whether clean or messy. They work in all waves, big or small. I wouldn’t say it is built for duck diving, but it can be done if you’re efficient and know how to do it. The tail on these two lengths is a pin and will hold when you need stability. These two sizes are the best do-it-all mid-length fun shapes that can be ridden in a wide variety of conditions.
8’0” & 9’0”- Both of these sizes cater to smaller fun days and are easy to paddle. Although they’re great to learn on, you can also practice your performance skills and walk the board. There is enough stability for you to hang five, or even ten if you’re skilled enough.
Construction
With ecoIMPACT construction, the Pickup Stick is a game changer when it comes to a durable, high-performing surfboard that is environmentally friendly. The recycled foam is called Nitrogen Cell Upcycled. Up to 40% of it is recycled material. It is similar to Epoxy foam but better because it is closed-cell. If damaged, water seeping through into the foam won’t ruin the board. If you have to repair it, you don’t have to wait for the foam to dry before fixing it. This is a big plus because you can repair the board quickly without missing out on too many waves.
The construction is extremely “Dang Difficult To Ding” due to the Magnesium fiber, G-glass, and Bio-Reinforced rails. The Bio-Matrix plant-based resin also adds to the durability and sustainability of the build.
Performance
The performance of the Pickup Stick varies by size, but you can expect a high-performing board for its intended purpose. I surfed the 6’6” for nine months and loved it. One performance feature that really caught me off guard was the board's flex underfoot. Given how solid and durable it felt, I wasn’t expecting much give, but I was pleasantly surprised when I felt it respond during a late drop-in. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t as flexible as a PU board, but it’s forgiving when it needs to be. I also wouldn’t say this is the best board for aerials and freestyle tricks due to its stiffer build.
The board is easy to paddle due to its higher volume and relatively flat rocker. The flat rocker in the mid-section and double concave out the back of the board made it plenty fast on weak, mushy waves. Also, the chined rails give it a loose, catch-free feel that is forgiving. On the contrary, there are videos of surfers getting barreled on the 7’6” board. It is literally a do-it-all surfboard, and I’d say the main difference in performance is the size of the board you decide to go with.
Fin Recommendations
Fins are key to emphasizing how the board surfs and feels under your feet. Often, changing the fin set can make all the difference in how your surf session goes. The Pickup stick lineup comes in two different styles based on the length.
6’6”- The most versatile size because it has five fin boxes. The two most common ways to surf a five-fin box are a Thruster or Quad. A quad is better for hold and speed, but slightly lacks maneuverability. A thruster is better for holding rail and maneuverability, but can be slower at down-the-line speed.
Recommendations:
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RRIP’s Tri Fin Set - Built for this board, and is adjustable
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RRIP’s Quad Fin Set - Built for this board, and is adjustable
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FCS II Performance PC Tri Fin Set - Good all-around fin set that is compatible with Lib Tech Surfboards
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FCS II Performer Neo Glass Tri Quad - This fin set has five fins so you can switch between a quad and thruster with one set.
7’0”-9’0”- The three bigger models come with a classic 2 + 1 configuration. This means you can ride the board as a Single fin or 2 + 1. If you’re looking for a smooth glide and graceful turns, a single fin would be a good option. If you’re looking for a fast and quick responsive ride with additional hold, a 2 + 1 would work best.
Recommendations:
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RRIP’s Single Fin - Single fin built for this board. All around fin template.
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True Ames Greenough 4-A Single Fin - One of my personal favorite single fins that can be ridden in Single or 2 + 1 configurations.
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True Ames California Classic - This is a great option for a classic single fin feel—plenty of hold and speed.
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Flying Diamonds Edge Side Bites - These side bites pair well with the RRIP’s and Greenough 4-A single fins.
Depending on the conditions, one fin configuration will make more sense. I rode my 6’6” as both a quad and a thruster. At first, I liked the quad because I could relate to the feel from snowboarding and edge control. After I gained experience, I switched to a thruster. In the end, I personally preferred the feel of the thruster due to the pivot capability off the center fin.
Relevant Blogs
Final Thoughts
The Lib Tech Pickup Stick will have you frothing after your first session. With multiple sizes to choose from, Lib Tech has you covered no matter what type of surfing you’re looking to do.
As one of the leading innovators in board sports design, Lib Tech is a core company that deserves recognition. If you care about Mother Nature and everything it has to offer, Lib Tech is a great company to support. After about 9 months of surfing my 6’6 Pickup Stick, I can honestly say it is worth every penny and has helped me progress as a surfer. With all that said, why not pick up the Pickup Stick? It will last a lifetime, perform like a champ, and promote sustainable production in the Industry.
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