This is going to be a quick overview of all the 2020 GNU snowboards.
First I will highlight any new boards for the 2019-20 season, and any old 2019 boards that are dropping out.
Then I'll take a look at each board and put them into the categories where I see them fitting.
New 2020 GNU Snowboards
The new boards for 2019-20 are:
Outgoing 2019 GNU Snowboards
The 2019 boards that aren't returning with a 2020 model:
All 2020 GNU Snowboards by Category
GNU's 2019-20 boards have been categorized below. This is according to the categories here at SnowboardingProfiles.com and not necessarily labelled the same as what GNU themselves labels them as.
Of course these are only broad categories as every board is different, but this is a rough guide.
GNU BEGINNER SNOWBOARDS
Men's
Women's
GNU PARK/FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS
Men's
Women's
GNU ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS
Men's
Women's
GNU AGGRESSIVE ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS
Women's
GNU ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARDS
*No GNU boards match my definition for this category
GNU AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARDS
Men's
GNU FREERIDE SNOWBOARDS
Men's
Women's
GNU POWDER & SHORT/WIDE SNOWBOARDS
Women's
GNU YOUTH SNOWBOARDS
Summary
So there you have the 2020 GNU snowboards.
One shift in the GNU line is the move to a more camber (C3 camber) dominant line. This is the trend for a few snowboard brands at the moment.
Although this is actually more subtle than it looks. Even though 4 of the new boards to come in are C3 camber, 3 of those to drop out were also C3 camber. So there is only essentially a difference of 1. A slightly higher ratio of C3 camber.
Are any GNU boards on your radar? Any of the new offerings? Feel free to leave a comment or question in the comments section below.
Qaesar Elhaj says
Hi Nate, I’m trying to make a decision on a new board and I was going you could help. The boards I was considering were the Jones hovercraft 156, the fun guy, the Gremlin or the pyl 159
I’m 87 kg and currently wear a very tight 8US ride lasso boot. (Usually wear 9.5 in Burton boots)
I’m looking to add a freeride/powder board to the quiver and am looking for something that will float well for Japan pow but be fun to carve. Nimble in trees and handle uneven firm to icy, messy snow rutted out snow and something stable at speed for the bigger bowls…I know I’m asking a lot:)
I currently have the box knife 154 and enjoy the C3 and the edge hold and have a Lumberjack 151 to play around on. The Lumberjack would have suited my needs except for not having a good enough edge hold on firm to icy snow and not being stable enough at speed.
What are your thoughts Nate, what would you recommend?
Cheers for all the advice!
Nate says
Hi Qaesar
Thanks for your message.
You’ve managed to pick 3 boards, that I haven’t ridden! (Fun Guy, Gremlin and Hovercraft) That doesn’t happen very often. I think the PYL would definitely do the job you’re describing well, and would be a good compliment to the rest of your quiver too. Definitely good edge hold, good at speed, carving and powder. And it’s quite nimble too. More nimble than you’d think, so I would be pretty confident of that. And I think in the 159, you’d have something that’s on the smaller side for your weight, so that would certainly help in terms of being nimble, not that it really needs it. But if you could also let me know your height. Weight/foot size definitely main thing for sizing, but I like to take height into account as well.
From what I know of the Hovercraft, I think it would also fit what you’re describing. My biggest concern would be the width. It’s quite wide for your boot size – and whilst 156 is sizing down a little for your weight, I would still be concerned that it was a bit sluggish turning in tight spots in trees. Similar concerns for the Gremlin and Fun Guy, just based on specs. The Fun Guy you’re getting to a good length, in terms of sizing down for width, but then it’s wider than both the Gremlin and Hovercraft, so it’s whether you’d want to size down even further or not? But like I say I haven’t ridden those, but just based on sizing, I’d have some concerns there. Based on other GNU and Jones boards I’ve ridden, I don’t think you’d have any edge hold issues on those 3 though.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Qaesar Elhaj says
Thank you so much for the response Nate! I really appreciate your input.
I’m 183cm tall, to answer your question. Regarding the width issue, my Lumberjack is a very wide board and i kinda like that for laying a deeper carve. I certainly like to be able to size down on my boards. But that board is flat/rocker with lifted edges, I’m not sure how a short, stiff and aggressively cambered board would handle… but based on my C3 box knife which I slightly sized down on, I’m hoping the fun guy would work out.
I’ve been reading about some issues with Yes boards delimiting and one of the board shops I checked out won’t stock them because of quality issues… did you come across any reliability issues with the pyl?
Finally what is your opinion on buying something like the pyl second hand? Are there any concerns there?
Thanks again for the reply
Nate says
Hi Qaesar
Firstly, yeah, I think the 159 PYL would be the right size for that board.
For something like the Fun Guy, it’s particularly wide. The Box Knife is a normal width, so going with a similar size in the Fun Guy at that same length is going to be a different story. But I haven’t ridden it so I’m not sure on feel. The Lumberjack looks to be a similar width to the Fun Guy, but sounds like you’re riding that in a 151, so the Fun Guy is most likely going to feel bigger in the 154. Not saying it’s not doable, but that would be my biggest concern there.
I don’t get boards for long enough on a demo to be able to tell of any of those kinds of issues, so I couldn’t really say in terms of delaminating on the PYL. I have owned the YES Greats for 2 years now with no issues. But I couldn’t say in general because I typically get a board for no more than a week. That said, the boards I’m demoing have usually been ridden before I get on them and I haven’t seen issues with the demo models.
Buying used can be hit and miss. But if it’s in good condition, it’s definitely an option, if you can find the board in the right size. And I would just watch out to make sure it’s not too many seasons old. If you’re looking at reviews for a 2020 model and you end up buying a 2014 model, it could be a completely different feeling board. So, I would only buy second hand if it’s not not too many season’s old and is in good condition. The other thing with buying a board that’s really old is that it may have lost some of it’s flex and in some cases, depending on how a board has been stored, can also have a reduction camber, which can effect pop/spring and that kind of thing. So, I think the safe bet is to go with something that’s only a couple of season’s old at most, if you’re buying used. The more recent it is the less risk, IMO.
Qaesar Elhaj says
Cheers Nate! Really helpful advice and yes I hadn’t considered how much board I was considering in the fun guy…
There is a 2018 pyl in 160W that I found. The dimensions on the wide doesn’t seem too different to the regular width boards, an i correct in assuming it would work for me?
Nate says
Hi Qaesar
The 160W isn’t that wide for a wide board, for sure. But I think the combination of the width and length would be getting too big to be ideal for what you’re looking for/your specs. The length is fine on its own – and the width would work fine in a shorter length, but it’s the combination of the width and length that would put me off that size for you.
Louis says
Hi Nate,
Tapping onto the comments for the GNU Money mentioned by Jostein.
I think I am also a strong beginner and entering early intermediate maybe? (not sure how to rate – I’ve ridden in only Australia and can link my turns on a 2nd-hand 2013-2015 YES Basic, not sure of the year, have not learnt how to turn and carve with in thin line, mostly just traversing and S-turning well. Did a couple of black runs but definitely not steady. Also CAN’T do long-drawn-out S turns in Cat-Tracks yet, always catching an edge and smack on the ground). Total rode about 10 days worth last season with 7-8 days of lessons.
I’m thinking of this board because of the magnetraction + C2e profile. However I’m not really into park (at least for this moment). Prefer more groomers and learning to enter into slightly more pow areas and want to learn backcountry/tree-riding once I can link do super small long-drawn S turns to stay on edge all the time and also want to enter into learning how to carve slowly…
I’m not sure if i should buy this board? Or drop down to buying Burton Ripcord/Salomon Sight/or even a Jones MT (but double the price) which the flex seems fine and also the new MT has a spoon shape, similar to the ripcord with the slight curved edge.
Could you please advise, as I’m looking at a board that I can progress on quickly and not ‘slowly but surely’ kind of board, but still be able to learn how to charge and not get that full chatter that hurts my knees, and also be a good investment that will last me at least for the next 3-5 seasons.
I’m 5’9 (or 5’8) ranging 175-180lbs with US9 foot, please do recommend the size too for whichever board you advise! Cheers! 🙂
Thanks Nate and thanks for your awesome blog and time!
Nate says
Hi Louis
Thanks for your message.
Given that you’re looking for something for the next 3-5 seasons, I would probably skip the Ripcord and the Sight. So, I would be weighing up between the Money and the MT.
Between the 2, I think the money would be the faster progression, but the MT will be the one that lasts the longest in terms of progression, if that makes sense. The MT is a little more all-mountain too – as in more suited to the style that you’re describing. The Money is what I would call an all-mountain-freestyle board. But still fairly versatile and would do the job for sure. Given the style that you seem to be gravitating to mostly, I would say that the Money would be fine for 3 seasons, but if you wanted to extend to 5 seasons and beyond, then the MT would be the better option.
The Money though will, IMO, get you to a higher level faster, but then will be something that you’d need to upgrade from to continue progressing if you’re going to be bombing, riding powder etc. The 2021 MT is an easier to ride board vs previous years. The new spoon base on it does make turn initiation easier and overall an easier ride. So I think it’s definitely doable. If it was between the old MT and the Money, I would say to go Money for sure. But the MT is a smaller step up from the Money than it used to be, and something that, IMO, will last longer in your progression. Of course everyone progresses at a different rate, so it’s only a rough prediction of course, but I’d say 3 seasons out of the Money and 5+ out of the MT (depending on how your style develops it could potentially be something you stick with until you’ve destroyed it!).
Size-wise, I would be looking at 156 if you go with the Money.
For the MT, I would be weighing up between the 154 and 157. Probably leaning towards the 157, just because of how you describe your developing style. If you had more freestyle stuff in there, then I’d probably lean more towards the 154. The 154 would be an easier board to start out, but the 157 should be fine to start with and then will become the best size for you as you progress, IMO.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Louis says
P.s to add on… Or do you think remaining on my Old (somehow laying on the floor, I can’t really see the camber between and under foot) YES Basic is better (or sufficient) than getting a brand new GNU Money?
Another question would be choosing the MT vs. YES Decade (though I know you have not rode it from your other posts, and I managed to find a good deal on this).
Thank you again!
Nate says
Hi Louis
The Basic doesn’t have a big bow of camber, but it should be somewhat noticeable. Though there’s a fit bit of rocker too. Not sure about the older models. The 2015 model changed quite a bit from the 2014 as far as I’m aware and the 2014 also quite different from 2013, so I’m not really sure how that would compare to more recent models. I haven’t ridden an earlier than 2016 model. So, I couldn’t really say how that older Basic compares to a newer Money. If we were talking current Basic vs current Money, then yeah I think the Basic would certainly be sufficient.
Like you say, I haven’t ridden the YES Decade. However, from what I know of it, it’s relatively stiff – so depending on how stiff it feels in real life, that would be my biggest question. Too stiff would make it more difficult to progress on. So, I would say MT vs YES Decade just based on that – but again, I haven’t ridden the decade, so I couldn’t say for sure.
Louis says
Hi Nate,
Understood. I’ll have to figure out what my YES Basic Year’s model is. I have a serial number on it and checked with a distributor who have access to YES’ system and somehow the serial should have an ‘SKU’ but my board only stated numbers and manufactured by Nidecker. Oh wells.
Thanks for your quick response. I actually had another message to you before the other one above but somehow got lost.
At my currently Solid Beginner/Entry Intermediate level – Can link turns well with skid turns, can go down green runs comfortably, blue runs are not too bad, tried couple of black runs but constantly stopping and have yet to learn carving/riding on edge and want to learn off-piste riding/powder riding etc… besides the BASIC/Money/MT. Do you have any other boards that you would recommend that would be best for my stage and progression (not factoring $$$) and if I can only ride 7-14 days a season. What board would be best and great for progression and longevity in your opinion.
Lastly, would like to check what binding would you recommend me with your recommended board and what about NOW bindings tech (and specifically Pilot) for versatility vs. Union Strata. Am thinking because the Pros of mini disc can be found in the skate tech and the cons on mini disc is it cannot mount into 4×4 set back stance which makes the Skate Tech + regular disc more superior while having the same similar Pros.
Thanks again Nate!
Nate says
Hi Louis
In terms of getting a good balance between progression and longevity and versatility, something like the MT would be the best of those 3 and a really good option overall. Outside of the MT, something like the Never Summer Snowtrooper, Rossignol Templar, Rossignol One, YES Typo, Capita Outerspace Living or Slash Brainstorm are also really solid choices. Also check out the following list, which was created specifically for that high-end beginner/low intermediate level.
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
The Skate Tech isn’t, IMO, like a mini disc. It gives you movement forward and back – as in pivoting from heel to toe – which does an amazing job in terms of absorbing shock and chatter. But it doesn’t help with buttering or board feel in terms of side to side movement – so doesn’t do anything to help you feel the longitudinal flex of the board. So, it’s a very different concept.
So, yeah if you want really top end, better than anything I’ve ridden in terms of shock and chatter absorption, and want that ability to mount 4 x 4, then something from NOW is a good bet. For the above options, I think the PilotPilot, X YESX YES or Select would be good matches, if you went with NOWs. I haven’t ridden the Select but I’ve linked to my reviews for the other 2.
The StrataStrata is also a good match for any of those boards, and I binding I really like.
For more options that would be a great fit for those boards, check out:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Zachary says
Yo thanks for all the advice already, I’m an advanced beginner I think lol looking to grow in buttering and jibbing but still have fun all over the mountain with ease. I’ve been leaning toward the gnu finest but what do you think of the yes jackpot or Solomon Assassin?
Nate says
Hi Zachary
Thanks for your message.
As an advanced beginner all of those options are close, but just a touch above in terms of ability level. Certainly all intermediate suitable boards, it would just be whether they’re a touch advanced at this stage. If you feel like you can handle the steeper learning curve, without it negatively affecting your technique too much, then they are possibilities. They’re not boards that are ultra advanced, but I would say intermediate and up.
In terms of buttering/jibbing, but still being able to ride faster/for carving etc over the rest of the mountain, they are certainly good options. I would say out of the Assassin and the Jackpot that the Jackpot is the slightly better jibber and both as good for buttering.
Unfortunately I haven’t ridden the Finest yet, but based on other similar GNU boards, I imagine it would butter and jib pretty well, but I couldn’t say for sure, having not ridden it.
If you haven’t already, check out the following and look at the score breakdowns, to see if anything else catches your eye. I am also including a “intermediate” list, which are great boards for high-end beginners looking to advance, IMO. But yeah, if you’re willing to take on a board slightly more advanced than your current level, then the Jackpot, Assassin and (probably) the Finest would suit the style of riding your looking to do.
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
>>My Top 10 Men’s Freestyle Snowboards
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
Hope this helps with your decision
Tadeusz says
Hi Nate,
please help me chose my new snowboard.
Im 5.6 150 lbs.
I have 150 head rush and i think its a litle to small for me.
I live in Poland europ and i ride groomers only no park no pow.
I can carve and ride at fairly decent speed learning swith than some tricks.
I want a board for carvin and some tricks.
Was thinking on gnu riders choice, gnu finest, capita mercury but if u have any other boards in minde please help.
Nate says
Hi Tadeusz
Thanks for your message.
Length-wise, I would say something around 153, as a standard, all-mountain kind of length, assuming a relatively advanced level. If you consider yourself more intermediate, then looking around 150-152 is a good idea. The Head Rush isn’t something that I’ve ridden but given it’s specs (camber profile, effective edge) it probably rides smaller than the overall size suggests. The likes of the Rider’s Choice, Finest and Mercury will feel longer at the same size, so I wouldn’t be looking to size up too much, but up to 153 should be good for you. Given that you want to be riding some tricks and aren’t riding pow, then going down a couple of cms from 153 isn’t a bad idea either.
Because you’re not riding pow and you will be riding switch, I would be leaning towards the Rider’s Choice and Finest out of those 3.
Boot size is also important though. The Head Rush looks to be quite a narrow board. Depending on your boot size, I wouldn’t go too wide either. If you can let me know your boot size, I can give a more accurate recommendation.
For the boards you’ve mentioned I would go 151 for the Rider’s Choice and Finest and 153 for the Mercury. I’d probably say shorter in the Mercury, especially if it’s wide for your boot size, but that’s the smallest it comes.
In general I think an all-mountain-freestyle is best, given that you don’t ride pow – so I would also check out the following:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Hope this helps with your decision
Tadeusz says
Thx for the response.
I use 28 size boots.
My ability level using your chart is 5.
Can u suggest board mainly for carving. But good for my ability level.
I was leaning towards riders choice but u gave it 3 out of 5 for carving, and for capita mercury u suggest that its for better raiders.
Nate says
Hi Tadeusz
Assuming you mean Mondo 28 for your boot size (US10 equivalent) then non of those options are too wide.
Just to clarify carving – as sometimes the meaning differs – carving is different from turning. Carving is when you essentially lean right up on the edge of the board and it’s the sidecut of the board that essentially makes the turn for you. It is different to regular S turns or the like. If by carving you just mean turning (which some people mistake it for), then the Rider’s Choice is very good. It’s a fun, quick edge-to-edge turner. But when it comes to aggressive carves and really laying out a deep, long carve it’s not as good. If you mean carving, in the proper sense, then you might want to look at something like the Yes Greats (151), Never Summer Proto Type 2 (152), Salomon Assassin (150 or 153) or Lib Tech TRS (154 – although this might be getting a bit too long), to give you a bit more in that sense. Not that the Rider’s Choice can’t carve, but those other boards are better options, IMO.
Peter says
Hi Nate,
I’m very close to biting the bullet on a Hyper Kyarve (154 or 157 – I’m 170lb, 5’9″).
I’m intermediate. Not familiar with the park but looking for somehting to run arround on the piste, venture off-piste between runs when the powder is good. I’m not a speed freek, I just want somthing to play, butter, cruise around, pop of hips and lips, and carve hard when I feel like it. Just a tool for fun.
I’d really appreciate your thoughts. Is the Hyper Kyarve the one to go for? How is the Fun Guy?And if the Hyper Kyarve, 154 or 157?
Thank you so much!
Peter says
My further research seems to suggest the Fun Guy is much more powder-oriented, but that the Hyper Kyarve is perfectly capable in the pow, but more playful on the groomers and in the afternoon crud, so I think the Kyarve is the one to go for.
The main uncertainty is the size, at 170 lb I’m bang in the middle of the weight range of the 154 and to the lighter end for the 157. My instinct is that the 157 will need riding harder considering my my relatively light weight, and the 154 may cruise better and be more all-round versatile (as it’ll be easier for me to load it up), even on the odd occasions I fancy getting euro-carvy.
(US 9 Adidas Response ADV boot)
Nate says
Hi Peter
Thanks. Yeah more powder in most ways – more setback, more taper and short/wide, but it does have less rocker in the profile. But certainly, as per my last response, looks to be a more aggressive ride. I would be leaning towards the Hyper Kyarve too (see my last response for more). Also size-wise, I would say sizing down more than 154, because of the width of it, would make sense, but I think it only comes in 154.
Thanks for the boot size. I asked for it in my last message, but you can ignore that now! I think both the 157 and 154 would work for 9s, but I think the 154 is a slightly better width, so that makes me lean even more so towards 154. And given that you have low profile boots, I don’t think you’ll have issues with being too narrow, even when you get euro-carvy. I don’t think you would anyway, but with low profile boots it gives you more leeway in that respect.
Peter says
Thank you so much for your advice Guru Nate.
You have backed up my asumptions very clearly. My instinct was the 154 all things considered and sometimes it’s good just to bounce ideas of others to thanks for that!
So that makes the final setup the Hyper Kyarve 154, Union Strata, Adidas Response… I can’t wait to get out there with them. It’ll be a big change from my 20 year old gear!!!
Peter says
Hmm, now I’m considering swapping the Adidas Response for the Tactical. Having second thoughts on whether to BOA or not to BOA, that is the question.
Would you say the Tactical may be too stiff for the board/binding combo?
(I promise to stop pestering you after this!)
Nate says
Hi Peter
The Response and Tactical are the same flex, IMO. I think both would work in terms of flex match to the board and bindings. A very good match in fact. I would say 6/10 flex for both Tactical ADV & Response and that same 6/10 flex for the Strata. And I would predict about that for the Hyper Kyarve too, without knowing for sure. So yeah, either one would match very well, IMO. Just depends on if you want to go for BOA or Traditional Lacing. There are a couple of other differences too. But both very good boots, IMO, so that would be the main thing to think about.
Nate says
Hi Peter
For what you’re describing, and for an intermediate level, I would say that the Hyprekyarve would suit you, based on specs, as I haven’t ridden it, like I said. On paper, looking at the specs and everything else I could find out about it, and the feel I have from other GNU/Lib boards with the C2X profile and other similar specs, I would say it would be a suitable choice for what you’re describing.
In terms of sizing, it’s a tough choice between the 154 and 157. The 154 on one hand would give you a more playful ride, that would be better for your buttering and other freestyle oriented things, in addition to being more maneuverable. The 157 would give you a little more float in powder and more stability at speed. And better for big aggressive carves. Because it’s going to be good in powder anyway, even in the shorter size and because you mention that you’re not that big on speed, and balancing everything you’re describing, I would be just leaning towards the 154, but it’s a close call. It would also depend on boot size too. What’s your boot size?
I haven’t ridden the Fun Guy either, but I’d say it’s a stiffer ride and more aggressive (both from being stiffer and having a more camber dominant profile). Probably not as good for buttering or playing around. Would give you a bit more for carves and stability at speed. But it’s also quite a wide board (a short/wide) – designed to be ridden in a shorter size. Depending on your boot size it might be the case that you’d want to go even shorter than 154 to compensate for that extra width. From what you’re describing I would say Hyper Kyarve over the Fun Guy – but again this is based on specs and what I know of other GNU/Lib boards with similar specs.
Kyler says
Hi I’m looking to get the gnu finest. I’m 180 pounds and wear a size 10 boot and like things to be more park oriented. Should I go with the 157 or 154?
Nate says
Hi Kyler
Thanks for your message.
Can you let me know your height as well. Weight and boot size are the most important factors, but I like to take height into account as well.
Jostein says
Hi!
I’m a Beginner to intermediate looking to buy my first snowboard. Is the gnu money a good buy that suits someone exploring different parts of the mountain and generally looking to have fun and mess around?
Nate says
Hi Jostein
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think the Money fits what you’re describing pretty well. It’s just that little step up the learning curve vs something like the Carbon Credit, but if you’ve got some riding under your belt already, it’s certainly not out of range for a beginner. But yeah definitely an easy going board that you can explore different part of the mountain on for sure. Make sure you get the size right and I think it’s a good option. Let me know if you want any sizing recommendation – I would just need your height, weight and boot size.
Hope this helps