Burton Family Tree Smooth Operator vs Lib Tech T. Rice Apex Orca

How they compare

Both target all mountain and powder terrain, while the Lib Tech T. Rice Apex Orca leans more freeride. They share a directional shape — different nose and tail; built to ride forward with better float in powder and drive on groomers. Both feature hybrid (rocker/camber) profiles — mix of camber and rocker zones for all-mountain versatility—grip, float, and play in one profile. The Lib Tech T. Rice Apex Orca is slightly stiffer, though both sit in the medium range.