This is my review of the GNU Riders Choice snowboard.
I have been working as a snowboard instructor for the last ten years, and I’ve been riding snowboards for decades. I took a rented Riders Choice board out for a few days and spoke with some other instructors who have experience with using it.
The GNU Riders Choice is an awesome all-mountain snowboard that allows for more freestyle possibilities than the average option in the style. It features a twin shape while still allowing you to tackle any terrain or condition at a high level.
In this post, I’ll provide you with an in-depth review of this board. I’ll show you the areas where it excels and also what could be improved. The goal is to give you a solid idea of if it’s the right board for your needs and preferences.
Let’s start the show.
Contents
GNU Riders Choice Overview
The GNU Riders Choice is one of the top snowboards in the all-mountain category. It’s effective in just about any type of condition and will work well for riders who like to rip up the mountain and not be held back.
It’s also one of the top freestyle performers in the all-mountain category, making it a good option if you want a board that can shred the terrain park with the best of them but still more than hold its own in technical big-mountain situations.
Many riders choose an all-mountain board because of the versatility they provide that allows you to stay on a single board all season long. The Riders Choice stands out with that in mind and could very well be the only board you’ll need.
A freestyle twin shape gives the board an undeniable appeal that park rats, powder hounds, and freeriders alike can enjoy. This shape has its advantages in the park but is also built to handle anything you want to put it through.
It’s not exclusively a freestyle-focused, all-mountain option, and with a slightly asymmetrical and hybrid camber blend, you can push your limits and improve your abilities. It is a one-quiver board that will keep you in good company in any condition and terrain.
The Riders Choice is aggressive and approachable, and that’s a mark that not many other snowboards can hit. It will meet the needs of advanced-level riders who go hard while not being out of the realm of possibilities for beginners who want to up the antie.
There isn’t an obvious downside to this board, but the twin shape does have some limitations in deeper snow and extremely technical freeride situations. It’s not quite as powerful as boards that are focused entirely on either one of those conditions.
With top-of-the-line performance and a relatively approachable price, the board is also a solid value, especially considering how versatile it is. You can strap this board on and be happy all season long.
Detailed Review
The GNU Riders Choice is a serious contender for one of the top all-mountain snowboards currently out there. It’s perfect for any rider who loves freestyle lines but doesn’t want to be limited to any single style.
Performance
This board can do a little bit of everything. Scratch that – it can do a lot of everything. It’s an all-mountain shredder in the very best ways and will give you the ability to roam anywhere and everywhere that you want to.
The twin shape gives it a freestyle appeal that is evident and effective. The board can hold its own in the terrain park. You can easily ride switch, hit rails, and huck off any big feature. A medium flex allows for enough play in the park, but it isn’t too soft.
When you are done flying through the air, the Riders Choice will deliver outstanding performance in all types of other terrains and conditions as well. It has a hybrid camber profile that gives you plenty of pop and power to stay in control in technical situations.
The board will stay stable at higher speeds and has excellent edge control. Even on harder pack conditions or ice, you can expect to have excellent carving and turning capabilities. This also makes groomers feel like a warm (or cold) blanket.
The medium flex does limit some power in serious freeride situations. If you are an expert level-rider who demands extreme precision and wants to stay in the steeps all day, you’re better of with a more focused freeride board.
With its ability to handle nearly every inch of the mountain with ease, the Riders Choice is a great choice for a one-board quiver. It has a minimal downside and gives you the ability to extend your range without changing up your setup – pretty sweet.
Construction
The Riders Choice is well built and has a solid construction that will keep you satisfied when ripping around the mountain. It’s capable of charging through tough conditions without much worry of wearing down or falling apart.
Even though it has a twin shape, GNU blended in elements of asymmetry in there as well. This is intended to help keep the board balanced, and it works well to create a natural ride that is easy to control and direct.
A G2 Asym ECO core utilizes Aspen and Paulownia woods for strength and flex. This helps give the medium flex perfect response without compromising power. It also keeps the weight down to make the board highly manageable.
Fiberglass reinforced laminates hold everything together really well. There is very little risk of layer separation, and the board is built to last. It’s durable and solid all-around, you can ride it until the wheels fall off, and they most likely won’t.
The hybrid blend of camber and rocker also helps the board excel all over the mountain. You get camber underfoot for power and pop while rocker in the tip, tail, and center gives you plenty of float and fun.
Additional Features
The board also comes with a decent amount of additional features that increase its already competent abilities and extend its range. The asymmetrical core is worth mentioning again here as it has a deeper heelside sidecut, which is unique and effective.
It comes with a sintered base that is knife cut and ready for action. This gives you solid durability and also excellent slide. The base holds its wax well and is easy to maintain, adding to the versatility and effectiveness of the board.
Magne-Traction edges are one of my favorite features on GNU boards, and the Riders Choice comes with them. The brand claims that these edges turn ice into powder. They don’t quite pull off that magic, but they do give you fantastic edge hold and control in all situations.
The eco-sublimated top sheet is another nice touch. This poly material used in this layer is super strong and durable while also being better for the environment than other typical epoxies used in some models.
The board also comes with some pretty sweet graphics that will stand out and a 2X4 binding mounting pattern for solid compatibility.
Value
The GNU Riders Choice is an excellent value. I would easily pay top-dollar to get a board that I know will live up to an all-mountain distinction. This board won’t cost you top dollar while giving you amazing performance all over the mountain.
For an all-mountain board, it’s in the running for the best option out there, especially if you love spending any time in the terrain park or getting after any other freestyle pursuits. It has high-end versatility and excellent construction.
The board might not meet the needs of advanced or expert-level riders who demand something with a bit more of an aggressive nature. It doesn’t quite have the flex or response you’ll want in truly technical and demanding lines.
Thanks to a middle-of-the-road price-point and top-of-the-line performance and versatility, the board is worth considering for just about anyone. You won’t be disappointed and are sure to have a good time with this strapped on.
The Alternatives
The GNU Riders Choice is one of the top all-mountain boards out there, but it’s not the only option that will give you versatile and effective performance. Check out any of these recommended alternatives as well.
The Custom Flying V is another all-mountain shredder that can flat-out get the job done. It’s one of Burton’s most popular boards for a good reason – it gives you endless versatility and can let you explore the entire mountain with ease.
This board is geared towards intermediate to advanced riders who want freedom and versatility. It has a directional shape, which contrasts to the Riders Choice, so it isn’t quite as good in the terrain park – but still capable.
==> Read our detailed Burton Custom Flying V review for more.
The Circuit is a more beginner-friendly all-mountain option. If you are not quite ready for a true shred machine, this board will give you the ability to explore new areas of the mountain while improving your skills along the way.
It has a softer flex, which is more forgiving while still giving you enough power and control to push your limits and develop new skills. This is a solid choice for the beginner who has developed a love for the snow.
3. Ride Warpig
This is another one of my favorite all-mountain snowboards. It can handle anything you want to tackle and is well suited for riders who have more advanced-level abilities and want to get out there and get after it.
The Warpig has a short and stout shape that is unique and might take some getting used to. But if you give it a try and are ready for action, you won’t be disappointed.
My Verdict
The GNU Riders Choice is one of the top all-mountain snowboards you can get your hands on. If you want endless versatility and a board that will hold its own in any terrain or conditions, this is the way to go.
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