GNU 2021 Snowboards Overview

For 2021 there are a few new models in the GNU lineup, as well as a growing amount of their boards that have the C3 profile, which I think is a great thing. On top of a few new models and shapes, it looks like the Müllair is now called the Essential Service.

Overviews of other brands: Ride, Nitro, Burton, Lib Tech, Capita, Jones, Salomon, Never Summer, Korua Shapes, Bataleon

GNU Camber Profiles

In a very simplified way, there is rocker (Original Banana), hybrid (C2) and camber (C3).

Original Banana

This used to be called BTX, and this is the easiest to ride profile that they have. Although the original had mega rocker, the current design has rocker between your feet, and technically some mild camber from your feet out towards the nose and the tail of the board. Although it might be there, when you look at an Original Banana board up close, the “mild camber” sections are so small, I would say they are pretty much flat.

C2

A hybrid camber profile, that has reverse camber between your feet, with camber out towards the nose and tail of the board.

On top of the regular C2, there are also two sub versions of the C2 camber: C2e and C2x.

Basically the C2e is the “easy” version, and the C2x is the “eXtreme” version. The C2e version is made to be a less aggressive ride, while the C2x is one step closer to a traditional camber feel.

C3

Although the graphics will make it look like there is rocker between your feet (it is almost too small to see), in reality this is just a traditional camber profile. I would guess that after years of pushing rocker/hybrid profiles they didn’t want to make it look like they were taking it all back by making camber boards.

This profile gives you the best edge hold, pop and stability – so it is often found on their more aggressive, stiffer boards.

Choosing a GNU board

It doesn’t have to be too complicated when working out what features of a GNU board you want. The camber profiles run from easiest to ride (loose and playful) to aggressive (grippy and stable).

Original Banana
C2e (Easy)
C2
C2x (eXtreme)
C3

The further down the list you go, the more camber you get – which will make the board poppier, hold a better edge, and have a more stable feel when you are riding fast. Not all GNU boards have an asym shape, but plenty do – if you are buying a twin board and you have an option of asym, I would choose that over a regular twin. Flex is just like any other brand, the softer you go the easier it is to push the board around, but it will be harder work at high speed. The stiffer the board, the more you can smash through snow and let the board do the work, rather than your legs. Bases are fairly simple, although there are levels they are like any other brand – cheaper slower extruded bases, and faster more expensive sintered bases. Although it has a fancy sounding name “Eco-Sublimated Co-Ex” is their cheaper extruded option. If it is in your budget, get a board with a sintered base and learn how to wax it yourself.

GNU Money

The Money is a freestylish, affordable board that you can ride everywhere. The C2 easy profile makes it easy to press and move around, but the medium flex will still give enough support to help keep it stable for faster riding. Magne-Traction adds to the edge hold when you are riding on icy or hardpacked days.

C2e Profile
Medium Flex
True Twin
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Eco-Sublimated Co-Ex Base
UHMW Sidewalls

More details on the Money

GNU Head Space

The Head Space is a mid flexing park board, that has quite a few good features that suit park riding. The C3 camber profile is much poppier than any of the hybrid profiles, so it will be able to handle bigger features without a problem. C3 combined withe Magne-Traction will gives it very good edge hold, so you won’t feel like you can slip out on icy landings.

Medium Flex
Asymmetrical Shape
Twin Shape
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Eco-Sublimated Sintered Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Recess

The Recess is a board that is designed to make learning and progressing quick and easy for smaller riders. The loose riding Original Banana Profile is catch free, and the medium soft flex gives a forgiving ride.

Original Banana Profile
Medium-Soft Flex
Asymmetrical Shape
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Eco-Sublimated Sintered Base
UHMW Sidewalls

More information on the Recess

GNU Carbon Credit

The Carbon Credit is quite similar in specs to the popular Lib Tech Skate Banana, but it has the advantage of having an asymmetrical shape for smoother and more natural feeling turns. The Original Banana Profile is easy to ride and turn, floats in powder and the Magne-Traction helps give you grip on tough conditions.

Original Banana Profile
Medium Flex
Asymmetrical Shape
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Eco-Sublimated Co-Ex Base
UHMW Sidewalls

More details on the Carbon Credit

GNU Finest

The Finest is an all-mountain freestyle board, with an asymmetrical shape. It has the slightly more aggressive X version of the C2 profile, so it has bigger camber sections for better pop and edge hold. It has a medium stiff flex that will handle more aggressive riding, and the sintered base keeps it moving quickly.

C2x Profile
Medium-Stiff Flex
Asymmetrical Shape
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Eco-Sublimated Sintered Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Riders Choice

The Riders Choice has been around for a long time, and has a solid reputation. It is an asym twin board, with the C2x profile that gives it a bit more of a poppy feel. The core is made a bit lighter with the addition of Balsa, and it has a fast sintered base.

C2x Profile
Medium Flex
Asymmetrical Shape
Magne-Traction
Balsa/Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHWM Sidewalls

More info on the Riders Choice

GNU RC C3

A new option this year, that I think fills some of the weaknesses the Riders Choice has. Like the name says, the RC (Riders Choice) C3 (camber) option is still an asym twin board, but the C3 profile gives it much more pop, stability at speed and better edge hold. It would suit a more aggressive rider who wants the benefits of camber – whether that is because they ride fast, or want to hit big features.

C3 Profile
Medium Flex
Asymmetrical Shape
Magne-Traction
Balsa/Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHWM Sidewalls

GNU 4

The 4 is an all-mountain, directional freestyle board. C3 camber makes it poppy and stable for bigger landings, and the sintered base is quick. It has a one inch setback stance, and a medium stiff (about 7/10) flex rating.

C3 Profile
Medium Flex
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHWM Sidewalls

Find out more about the 4.

GNU Antigravity

Another C3 directional option, the Antigravity is made to be a one board quiver that you can ride everywhere. It has a 1 inch setback stance for easier float in deeper snow, and a slightly softer flex than the 4. It has a slower base than the 4, but a much cheaper price as well.

C3 Profile
Medium Flex
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Eco-Sublimated Co-Ex Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU T2B

The T2B (Top to Bottom) is a freeride board that can do a bit of everything. It has a 1.5 inch setback stance, and a bit of taper – which means that it will naturally float in deep snow, and make carving on groomers very smooth and easy. The sintered base will keep it moving quickly.

C2e Profile
Medium Flex
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Hyper Kyarve

The Hyper Kyarve is made to be a floaty, carvy, freeride board. The C2x profile, with the 1.5inch setback stance and tapered design will make it float easily in deep snow, as well as carve smoothly on groomers.

C2x Profile
Medium/Medium-Stiff Flex
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Bio Beans Topsheet
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHMW Sidewalls

Find out more information on the Hyper Kyarve

GNU Billy Goat

The Billy Goat is a stiff, fast directional freeride board that can handle any terrain you can find. It has a quite stiff flex (between a 7 and an 8/10 depending on the size), which combined with the C3 camber make it very responsive.

C3 Profile
Stiff Flex
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Müllair / Essential Service

gnu essential service 2021 — GNU Essential Service 2021

Nicolas Müllers directional freeride board, this one will be hard to get considering all the drama with his sponsors. It is a fast, aggressive board that is very quick edge to edge because of its narrow waist width. C3 Camber and Magne-Traction give it very good edge hold in all conditions. It seems that this one is now going to be called the Essential Service, as it makes sense that lots would have already been made.

C3 Profile
Stiff Flex
Magne-Traction
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Silky Smooth Bio Fiber Dampener
Bio Beans Topsheet
Eco-Sublimated Sintered Base
UHMW Sidewalls

Read my review of the Müllair

GNU Gremlin

The Gremlin is one of the volume shift options from GNU, that just comes in one size – 155cm. It has a wide waist width of 264mm, so even riders with big boots will be able to carve hard without getting toe or heel drag. It has a medium stiff flex, C3 camber profile and a fast sintered base, and is made to ride a bit of everything.

C3 Profile
Medium-Stiff Flex
Magne-Traction
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Bio Beans Topsheet
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHMW Sidewalls

More information on the Gremlin.

GNU GORP Split

The Gorp split is a lightweight directional tapered board, with the C3 Camber profile. Like you would expect, it will float well in powder thanks to the 2 inch setback, as well as the decent taper.

C3 Profile
Medium Stiff Flex
Magne-Traction
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Bio Beans Topsheet
Eco-Sublimated Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Young Money

This is a smaller youth size version of the Money, which is a easy riding, park and all mountain board.

C2e Profile
Medium Flex
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Eco-Sublimated Co-Ex Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Gloss

The Gloss is a twin freestyle board, that is perfect for park riding. It has the C2 (easy) profile, so it has a good mix of stability, while still being easy to move around and flex.

C2e Profile
Medium Flex
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Magne-Traction
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Eco-Sublimated Co-Ex Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Semi Gloss

The Semi Gloss is a smaller version of the Gloss, for smaller riders.

C2e Profile
Medium Flex
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Magne-Traction
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Eco-Sublimated Co-Ex Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU B-Nice

The B-Nice is an easy to ride, softer flexing asymmetrical board. The asym shape, with the Original Banana profile make it smooth and easy to turn, and the Magne-Traction gives you extra grip when the snow is hard and icy. An easy choice for someones first board.

Original Banana Profile
Medium-Soft Flex
Asymmetrical Shape
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Eco-Sublimated Co-Ex Base
UHMW Sidewalls

More info on the B-Nice.

GNU Velvet

The Velvet is an all terrain, asymmetrical board that is made to ride everywhere. Comparing it to the B-Nice, this is a little bit stiffer, and has a the C2 camber profile, that isn’t as loose as the Original Banana, and gives the board a bit more response.

C2 Profile
Medium Flex
Asymmetrical Shape
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Eco-Sublimated Co-Ex Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Ladies Choice

The Ladies Choice is a medium flexing, asym all mountain freestyle board. An upgrade from the Velvet, it has the more aggressive camber profile, as well as a faster sintered base.

C2x Profile
Medium Flex
Asymmetrical Shape
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Bio Beans Topsheet
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Pro Choice

The Pro Choice is what the name suggests – it is the most aggressive womens asym twin in the line. It has the C3 camber profile, with Magne-Traction and the medium-stiff flex make it very responsive, poppy and give it very good edge hold in all conditions. It has a fast sintered base, which is what you would expect from a board at this level.

C3 Profile
Medium-Stiff Flex
Asymmetrical Shape
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Bio Beans Topsheet
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Chromatic

Somewhere in the middle between freeride and freestyle, the Chromatic has the loose and floaty Original Banana profile and a medium soft flex. It would suit riders who want an easy riding board to do everything, and aren’t into the look of the B-Nice.

Original Banana Profile
Medium-Soft Flex
Magne-Traction
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Eco-Sublimated Co-Ex Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Whip

The Whip is a freeride directional board, that has the more aggressive C3 camber profile, as well as a medium stiff flex rating. If you are looking for a board that will carve well, hold a strong edge and float in powder, this ticks those boxes.

C3 Profile
Medium-Stiff Flex
Magne-Traction
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Eco-Sublimated Co-Ex Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Klassy

The Klassy shares a few features with the Whip, but it has the C2x profile and a little bit more of a setback stance, that will help it flow in deeper snow with less effort.

C2x Profile
Medium Flex
Magne-Traction
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Aspen/Paulownia Core
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Barrett

gnu barrett snowboard 2021

The Barrett is a all-mountain freeride board, that has the stable C3 camber profile, a set back stance and a fairly big sidecut that is going to favour fast and long turns.

C3 Profile
Medium Flex
Magne-Traction
Triax/Biax/Power Pop Bands
Bio Beans Topsheet
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHMW Sidewalls

GNU Free Spirit

This is a short and wide directional board, that still has the C3 camber profile and a fast sintered base.

C3 Profile
Medium-Stiff Flex
Magne-Traction
Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax Fiberglass
Bio Beans Topsheet
Sintered Knife-Cut Base
UHMW Sidewalls