GNU Riders Choice Review

The GNU Riders Choice is a freestyle snowboard. This year, I bought myself one with some money I received for Christmas. I went with the 157.5 Magne-Traction model after reviewing several snowboards on Snowboard Reviews.

The graphics and layout of the board have been redesigned for this years model. GNU is also now offering Magne-Traction on the Riders Choice. Magne-Traction is basically seven points of contact (kind of like little nubs) which are added along each side of the snowboard. I went with the Magne-Traction because I ride in a lot of icy conditions and will often wash out on my old GNU Cummings board.

Even though the weather was pretty crappy here until about mid-January, I have had the chance to take this board out about 10 times or so now. I'm definitely happy that I spent the extra cash to get a Magne-Traction model, because you can definitely tell a difference when it gets really icy out there. I'm also glad I waited until this year to buy the board because I really like the topsheet graphics much better than previous years models.

On the slopes, the Riders Choice delivers. It has a ton of pop and turns well. The Magne-Traction gives an excellent edge hold. I spent the first couple hours out with buddies just crusing the mountain. The board did really well for being a freestyle board. We then headed over to the park where the board was really able to shine. This thing will cling to icy features in the park like no other. I was able to save a couple near falls that my Cummings would have definitely gave out on.

My only real complaint, and this is partly my fault, is that the topsheet seems to scratch easily. I was waiting to get in the lift line and a skiier went right over my board. I was pretty pissed to see several long scratches on the topsheet. I guess that goes with the territory though. Overall, great freestyle board with a great look.

Justin Biggs is a snowboarder and student. You can find out more information on the GNU Riders Choice at Snowboard Reviews.

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