Hello and welcome to my GNU Banked Country snowboard review.
In this review I will take a look at the Banked Country as a Freeride snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Banked Country a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and also see how it compares with other Freeride snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: GNU Banked Country 2024
Price: $629 (USD recommended retail)
Style: Freeride
Flex Rating: Mid-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel: Mid-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 87.5/100
Compared to other Men’s Freeride Boards
Of the 35 current model freeride snowboards that we tested:
❄️ The Banked Country ranked 6th out of 35
Overview of the Banked Country’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Banked Country’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
STYLE:
FREERIDE
PRICE:
$629 - BUYING OPTIONS
$629 - BUYING OPTIONS
Ability Level:
flex:
feel:
DAMPNESS:
SMOOTH /SNAPPY:
Playful /aggressive:
Edge-hold:
camber profile:
HYBRID ROCKER
HYBRID ROCKer - Technically Hybrid Rocker, but looked and behaved more like traditional camber. GNU's "C3 Camber"
SHAPE:
setback stance:
SETBACK 1.5" (38mm)
BASE:
Sintered | Lib Tech's "Sintered Knife Cut"
weight:
Felt normal
Camber Height:
6mm
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
155 | 253 | 130-230 | 59-104 |
159 | 254 | 140-240 | 64-109 |
160W | 265 | 145-245 | 66-111 |
162 | 255 | 150-250 | 68-113 |
163W | 268 | 150-250 | 68-113 |
Who is the Banked Country Most Suited To?
The Banked Country is best suited to anyone who wants a board that can rip groomers on hard park and even icy days, but then when the snow falls, it can handle powder. Even better suited to someone who wants all that but also wants to hit jumps, side-hits, cliff drops etc.
It's versatile enough that you could quite easily classify this as an all-mountain board too. We felt it's directional enough to have in this category, but if you wanted to call it an all-mountain board, that wouldn't be wrong either.
Not for beginners and lower intermediate riders would likely find it a bit much board too, but solid intermediate riders (and up of course) should have no trouble with this board. It's mellowed out vs what it used to be.
THE Banked Country IN MORE DETAIL
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Banked Country is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: GNU Banked Country 2024, 159cm (254mm waist width)
Date: March 22, 2023
Conditions
Literally not a cloud in the sky. Sunny and, of course, perfect visibility.
Temperature was around 4°C (39°F) - and 3°C (37°F) with wind chill in morning and 5°C (41°F) (and 4°C (39°F) with wind) in the afternoon. So super warm.
SW winds morning and afternoon at 5kph (3 mph) morning and 10kph (6 mph) in the afternoon.
24 hour snow: 0" (0cm)
48 hour snow: 0" (0cm)
7 day snow: 0" (0cm)
On groomer: Hard and borderline icy in spots but soft borderline slushy in others. Got softer and more slushy as the day went on. But to start with had some icy patches.
Off groomer: Crunchy and icy in spots. Soft patches, which increased as the day went on.
Set Up
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 22″ (560mm)
Stance Setback: Setback 1.5" (38mm)
Width at Inserts: 10.4" (264mm) at front insert and 10.3" (262mm) at back insert.
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 180lbs
Rider Boot Size: US9.5 Adidas Response ADV
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita, M
Weight: 6lbs 8oz (2960grams)
Weight per cm: 18.62 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.71 grams/cm*
*based on a sample size of around 250 models that I’ve weighed in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 models. The Banked Country was pretty much bang on average weight on the scales and on snow it felt normal weight-wise.
Changes for the 2024 model
New shape (on visual inspection the tail is more blunted and less pointy, nose looks same). This appears to be the only change though as the specs don't seem to have changed at all - all dimensions still the same according to catalog.
However, after testing it, it felt like it had changed quite a bit compared to the old Banked Country. It felt a little softer flexing and a little more snappy. I really liked the change. If you're more into a stiffer damper board, you may not like the change as much, but I had a great time on this board - and I liked the old model, just like this one even more!
It doesn't quite have the same stability at speed, but I felt I could still carve just as hard, but when it came to slashed turns and maneuverability at slower speeds, it was much improved. On top of that riding switch felt a little better and felt better hitting jumps and side-hits too.
Powder
Nothing to test in on the day, but based on specs, past experience of the board in powder and feel, it should do well in powder.
It's tapered and has a healthy 1.5" setback. It also technically has rocker in the profile (between the feet) but it is really subtle.
Carving
This board can still rip a carve and it's really fun to lay carves on.
Turning
Ease of Turns/Slashing: Compared to older models, it felt really nice and easy to imitate turns on. It's not beginner level easy, but much easier than it used to be.
Maneuverability at slow speeds (nimbleness): Decently quick edge-to-edge at slower speeds.
Catchiness: Despite being predominantly camber, I didn't find the Banked Country catchy. Sure, probably a little more so than a soft rockered board, but for what it is, very little catchiness.
Speed
While not as stable as it used to be at speed, it's still really decent. I also rode the new Lib Tech E Jack Knife the same day, and it wasn't as stable as that at speed. In some ways it felt like the EJack Knife and Banked Country have swapped places compared to what they used to be.
Uneven Terrain
Crud: Not ultra damp, so there was some chatter when navigating crud/chunder, but still decent at smashing through it at remaining stable.
Trees/Bumps: Enjoyed taking this board through the trees. Real decent edge-to-edge and would be decent with powder in the trees too.
Jumps
This is one area where I feel the Banked Country got quite a bit better. It was good in older models too, but I felt it got that much better. And also important to note, got easier to jump with. And more fun for ollies, rollers side-hits etc.
Pop: Real easy to access the Banked Countries pop, and then you get more again, when you wind it up.
Approach: A good mix of stability but still good ease of adjustment and speed checking.
Landing: Solid on landings and quite forgiving of less-than-perfect landings too.
Side-hits: Really liked this board on side-hits. And definitely more so than the last model I rode.
Small jumps/Big jumps: Really good for anything. Can handle and does well at all size of jumps.
Switch
Felt decent riding switch. It's taper is quite subtle and whilst it's setback quite a long way, it still felt pretty good. Transitions were good too.
Butters
That softer feel also helped with making presses easier. It's not like a soft freestyle board or anything, but it doesn't take too much effort.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
I had a blast on the Banked Country and wanted more! This board rips carves and is stable at speed, but it's something that doesn't become a chore when you're cruising and riding slower or just looking to slash around.
It floats well in powder and is good on jumps too. You could classify this board as all-mountain, given it's versatility and you wouldn't be wrong. It excels at speed, powder an carving, but it doesn't really have any weaknesses outside of those areas either.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Banked Country, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other freeride snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Banked Country compares to other freeride snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hi Nate, I had great time on Yes Greats, want to thank you for that recommendation. Now I am looking for more directional, pow, carving option.
Would you say this board will be nice addition to the quiver and will I get different experience in that sense compared to Greats. Also, what is your opionion on my Genesis X bindings, seems they might also work with Banked Country?
Thanks!
Hi Vladimir, good to hear from you again.
I think the Banked Country and the Greats would compliment each other well in a quiver and you’ll certainly get a very noticeable different experience from both, at least I know I did. The Banked Country considerable better for powder, IMO and a little better for carving and stability at speed.
Yeah, I’d the Genesis X would go well with the BC, so if you wanted to use the same pair and swap between boards, you definitely could do that with the Genesis X, which would be a good match for both boards, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate, precious advices like always :). I found BC 162 on sale, current weight 93kg, 180 cm and boot 42. I guess that size should work ok for me, or you think i shouldnt go over 159? I checked the waist size and flex they are about the same between these two sizes. I am planing to use it primarly to carve on groomers and for pow days.
Do you find bc better carver in terms of spring after each turn compared to Greats?
Hi Vladimir, apologies for the slow reply. Got a bunch of ’26 gear to test all at once and had to prioritize getting that done before I had to return it!
I think the 162 would be OK for you for this board, given it would be part of a quiver. If it was your only board, then there might be a stronger argument towards the 159, but for the use and as a compliment to your Greats, I think it’s a good size to go with.
No problem, Nate! It’s a blessing that you’re taking the time to reply to all of us, even when we keep asking the same questions over and over.
I have one last question—I promise! At least until next season, hahaha.
I couldn’t resist, so I bought this year’s Falcors. I’ve heard great things about them. Would you recommend pairing them with the Yes Greats or the Banked Country? I’m not sure if my existing Genesis X would be a better match for the Banked Country, with the Falcors going on the Greats, or vice versa.
Hi Vladimir
That’s a close one. And a high quality problem to have. You wouldn’t go wrong with any combination for those bindings and boards, IMO. But if it was me, I would likely go Falcor on the Greats and Genesis X on the BC. Mostly just because of how much I like the Greats/Falcor combo and the Genesis X will go really well the BC. But again, either way around would work well for both boards, IMO.
Hi Nate,
Based on your review of the BC and after your answers to my questions, I bought it last November and last week I finally got to try the board in the Austrian Alps. Man, what a fantastic board this is. It matches your description exactly and it suits my riding style perfectly. It took some time getting used to the BC after having always been on twins, but as soon as you understand how the nose and tail work together, you really enjoy it.
I screwed on a pair of new Bataleon Astros in the colour Midnight Fade and they look good on it and fit perfectly.
Thanks for your review and help Nate!
Hi Kai, thanks for the update and your feedback and insights. Great to hear you’re getting on so well with the BC and really appreciate you sharing your experience. Hope you have a great rest of your season!
Hello and thanks for all the thorough reviews. I am wonderin about size recommendations. I am 6ft, 180lbs, size 12 boots. I thought I had decided for a 160w, but I see that hte weight recommendations you give for the 160w and 163w are alsmost the same I like it playful, and to take it in trees as well, but I do want float in powder. I woudl like to take it both to the resort and the back country. Thanks so much for any advice.
Hi Harald, thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 160. While you can typically upsize a little for freeride boards, particularly if you’re going to be riding regular powder and bombing a lot, the Banked Country is something that I would size more like an all-mountain board. For that reason, and the fact you still want to ride trees and still keep some playfuless, I would go with the 160W
Hope this helps with your decision (if it didn’t come too late, sorry really behind right now!)
Hi Nate,
I’ve read a lot of your reviews recently and just wanted to say thank you so much for all the detailed breakdowns of different gear. I just picked up a Gnu Banked Country 159. I’m 5’10, 165lb, size 10 boots (choosing between Burton Photons or Ions that I got on sale). Wondering what your binding recommendation(s) would be for me for this board? Looking to use the board for more or less what it is designed for, and definitely planning on charging as hard as I can in it and using it for powder/trees. My current setup is a Jones Mountain Twin 156W, with Union Strata’s (and a size 10.5 Photon that I’ve decided to go down in to the 10s above).
Currently have my eyes on Rome Katana, Bataleon Astro (asym vs full), Union Atlas, and Union Falcor. I feel like I perhaps can’t go wrong with any of these, but suspect the Atlas and Astro FW may be a significant step up for me in terms of overall stiffness compared to what I’m used to, but more so I guess my question is if you had to choose 1 binding to drive this board, what would you pick?
Thanks, Michael
Hi Michael
Yeah, can’t go wrong with any of those, like you say. All a good flex match, IMO. The Astro Fullwrap would be the biggest step up in stiffness, from my experience (8.5/10 flex by my feel). Both the Atlas and the Falcor come in at a 7/10 flex feel for me. Even though the Atlas has a 8/10 rating from Union, they’ve never felt that stiff to me. The Katana’s give me a feel of a 6.5/10 and the Strata 6/10.
If it was me, I would probably be weighing up the Falcor and the Astro Asymwrap. We haven’t tested the Asymwrap version, but based on my experience with other Bataleon and Rome Asymraps I think it would go really well with the Banked Country – but should come in a little stiffer than the Katana. While the Katana are a good flex match, I like to err just a little stiffer with bindings. Would be more than happy with the Katana on it though, but if you set out those 5 in front of me, I’d be reaching for the Falcor or Astro-AW. In reality I’d grab the Astra-AW, as I haven’t tried them (but that’s irrelevant to this, I know!).
But to give reference. I find the likes of the Falcor and Katana and other Rome/Bataleon AsymWraps, tend to give a more springy, almost more explosive kind of a response, in some ways almost like tightening the sidecut of the board, if that makes sense. This what I also feel from the Strata’s. The Atlas and FullWrap tend to give, to me, a more consistent, smoother response. I really like that more explosive feel to the smoother, more even feel but everyone has different preferences. And that more consistent feel can be better for holding on to long radius high speed carves, but tends not to be as good for shorter sharper stuff.
This is too simplified, but in some ways think of the feel of the Strata but a little stiffer for the Falcor/Astro-AW. If you like that feel, that’s what I’d go with. If you think you’d like the more even, smoother feel, then I’d go Atlas or Astro-FW – or if you didn’t want to go as stiff as the Astro-FW, you could look at the Blaster-FW or the Rome DOD. Full disclosure we haven’t tested either of those, but have tested the Baster-AW and the 390 Boss (which is a slightly softer flexing DOD, on paper).
tldr; I’d go Falcor or Astro-AW – haven’t tested the Astro-AW but I would be confident picking it for this board, based on the Astra-FW and other Bataleon AW bindings that we have tested. But if you want a smoother feel, then the Atlas, Astro-FW or something like the Rome DOD or Bataleon Blaster-FW.
Hope this helps
Could the banked country work occationally in park for jibbing? Looking for a fun all mountain board with camber that I also can take to the park for rails and jumps – and to freeride with. (I know it is alot to ask). I like magne-traction and mervin boards. Was thinking about the Lib Rig, but seems you feel the BC is more playful – I expected it was the other way around, that the Lib Rig was more playful.
Hi Knut
Probably not what I’d use for that, but you could get away with it – especially if you’re looking to try to do everything with a one-board quiver and want to go for something that’s predominantly camber. Yeah, I was surprised by the Banked Country – now, playful is not the first word I’d use to describe it – it’s still more aggressive than it is playful, but less aggressive than I found it’s previous models and a little less so than the Lib Rig. The Lib Rig is also not a board I would use the description aggressive with, as such. To clarify that – it’s more about how aggressive you need to be with a board – how precisely you need to ride it, in some ways too. The Lib Rig I found to be a really smooth, really damp board. It’s not something that has a lot of snap/energy to it (in my experience) – and some might think of snap being an aggressive characteristic, but I find if a board has snap, you tend to not have to be as aggressive with it – it will snap/spring for you (and there’s of course there are boards that have that snap/energy, but you have to be aggressive with it to extract it out of the board). The Lib Rig feels more like graceful, smooth whale that likes to amble it’s way through the water. It’s something that if you want to get it to switch edges quickly or execute an ollie or something like that, you have to be quite aggressive with it, to get it to ride like that. The Banked Country on the other hand is like more like a fish darting around, changing directions quickly snapping back and forth. Some boards are like that, but they are effortless at that, which I would rate as more playful – because you can play a lot faster without as much effort with it. The Banked Country requires rider energy input to get it to snap around, so it requires a bit of aggressiveness to get it to be playful (hope that makes sense) but not as much effort as something like the Lib Rig. Though, I certainly wouldn’t think of the BC as a board well suited to rails, I would definitely prefer it over the Lib Rig for rails, personally. And if you’re already a strong jibber and strong (physically and technically) rider in general, then I think you’ll be OK with it for rails.
tldr; I don’t even know how I’d condense that!
Hope this helps/makes sense
hehe, thanks for a really thorough reply. it makes sense!
You’re very welcome Knut. Hope you have a great season!
Hi Nate,
In January 2023, I asked your advice for a Capita Mega Merc. I was looking for the 160w at the time, but unfortunately could no longer find it in my size. Since then, a lot of time has passed and so has my opinion on the Mega Merc. I read that it is advised to ride the Mega Merc a bit longer than usual, especially if you are a heavier rider. Now, with gear on, I weigh 95 kg (210 lbs). The 160w is recommended by Capita up to 93-94 kg. I read online that people warn that the Mega Merc is quite fragile because it is such a light and thin board. Also, ultra-light boards are not recommended for heavier riders as they can chatter. How do you view that?
Also, I’m wondering if the Mega Merc is going to be such a difference from the Super DOA I currently have. Although both boards are not equal to each other, the difference is not very big either. Both boards have a hybrid camber profile with similar flex and base. You have ridden both boards. Is that an opinion you share?
I started looking further into boards that suit my riding style anyway. My riding style is mainly high-speed racing down groomers, carving, a jump in between and some powder here and there. Reading your review of the Banked Country, this board seems to be perfect.
In terms of size, 160w seems to be perfect for my height, weight and shoe size (6″28, 210 lbs and size 12). 163w could also fit, but I always prefer to ride a bit shorter for better manoeuvrability.
Finally, I am also curious which bindings you would recommend. I currently have a pair of Katanas. These seem like a good match. However, I am also keen on the new Katana Pro, Bataleon Astro Asymwrap or the Union Falcor. Are there any significant differences in these?
Thanks for your advice, as always much appreciated!
Hi Kai, good to hear from you again.
There is difference between the Super DOA and Mega Merc, but not really enough that I’d have them in the same quiver. The Mega Merc is better in powder (not the only difference, but one of the more significant differences) – so if was as a replacement for the Super DOA, that would be one of the bigger reasons to do so. But I think the Banked Country would suit what your describing really well.
Size-wise, I’d say the 163W is probably the more “pure” size for your specs, but the 160W is certainly in range, and if you have that preference to err on the shorter side, then I’d say go 160W.
The Katana’s should definitely work well with the Banked Country, if you didn’t want to buy new bindings. Unfortunately couldn’t get hold of a Katana Pro in the winter, so I’m not sure. It looks to be just a stiffer Katana, but how much stiffer is hard to say. Rome rate the Katana between 6/10 and 8/10 and rate the Katana Pro 7/10 to 9/10. I found the Katana a 6.5/10, so I’d be surprised if the Katana Pro was more than 8/10. So it should be a good flex match to the Banked Country. Between them, the Katana Pro is likely to drive it a little harder and hold up better to big carves and high speeds but not be as good for slower speed riding. The Astro Asym and Falcor should work really well in terms of flex match too.
They all have some subtle areas that they might stronger or weaker than each other, and there’s certainly a different feel between Union and Bataleon/Rome bindings, but in terms of their suitability to the Banked Country, they’re all suitable. Keeping in mind that the stiffer options are going to be slightly more optimal for speed/carving and the softer options slightly more optimal for slower riding, maneuverability butters etc.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your reply.
I also considered 163w. In terms of length, it could definitely work, but I find it on the wide side. The 160w is also already quite wide and my experience with such wide boards is that they become too bulky and turn too slowly. The 160w is already 5 mm wider than the 158w Super DOA I have.
In terms of weight, I fall nicely in the range given by GNU and when I enter their board finder, the 160w is the first board they recommend. Besides, it’s already a bit longer than the 158w of the Super DOA I’m currently riding and that’s works really well.
Can you elaborate a bit more on the difference in feel between Rome/Bataleon bindings on the one hand and Union bindings on the other? You did explain once that the Falcor is rather snappy (e.g. unlike an Atlas which feels rather smooth). How does the Falcor compare to the Katana/Astro?
Thanks again!
Hi kai
One thing to note is that while the 160W is 5mm wider at the waist vs the Super DOA 158W, it’s overall not quite as much wider as that makes it look. The Front insert will be around 5mm wider, but the back insert around 3mm wider with the nose being 3mm wider and the tail just 1mm wider. Still wider overall – and the waist width makes a difference for sure, but the other areas of width also make a difference. That said, based on your experience and preferences and the size of your Super DOA, I agree that the 160W is the way to go.
I would say that the Bataleon and Rome bindings have a feeling in between that of the Atlas and Falcor in terms of smooth vs snappy. The Katana and Astro, to me, feel like they have more snap/spring than the Atlas, but not as much as the Falcor. Right in between.
Thanks Nate!
I have purchased a 160W. Nice board, especially with that 3D GNU logo on it. I’ll let you know how I like it.
In terms of bindings, the Katanas I already have seem like the best choice then. So I’ll keep those for now.
Hope you have a good season and keep up the good work!
You’re very welcome Kai. Hope it treats you well and hope you have a great season too. Looking forward to hearing how you get on.
Hey Nate,
I have the chance to pick up the Banked Country on a sale, and with options for almost all sizes.
I’m 6’3, 195lbs, size 10 Trident. I was considering the 160w. I know it might be a little unnecessary in terms of boot size, but was hoping it would give some extra float on deep days while still remaining agile.
What do you think about sizing?
Cheers!
Hi Andrew, thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think the 160W could work. Certainly wide for your boots, but sizing down the length a bit. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 163, so you’d be bringing that length back a bit. I would typically say go for the 162, but the 160W would work and would give you a little more surface area. I think you’d probably still find the 162 more agile than the 160W, but probably not much in it, given your specs. Lighter people tend to have more trouble with wide boards, because there is less force to apply leverage to edges that aren’t right beneath their toes/heels. And also taller people can provide a bit more leverage as well, so I don’t think that extra width would give you too many issues.
tldr; 162 would be my typical recommendation, but the 160W, for you, should work well if you want to get a bit more float at the sacrifice of a little, but not too much maneuverability.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
I ended up going with the 160w, but I think you’re spot on about the 162 length in most cases. You helped me with a Flagship 164 purchase some years back, and at that time you were saying I was right on the edge with that 254mm waist. That has been a really agile board, and I do enjoy the ride it gives. Edge to edge, its the best I have. But when I look at all my other boards, which range in widths from 264 to 280mm, I can’t really say I wish they were quicker. But I sure do love their float… Probably a case of riding PNW and Interior mountains.
It’s my hope that with some good power transferring bindings (Now Drives) that I’ll be, like you said, sacrificing just a small amount of agility.
As always, appreciate the insights
Hey Andrew, thanks for the follow up. Hope it goes well for you and if you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Hi Nate
Great review! Sounds like a great board for me. I’m excited to get one. Struggling a little bit with sizing looking at the 155 or 159. I am 5 foot eight 155 pounds size 8 1/2 boot and would consider myself an advanced rider. I have traditionally been on longer boards (160), but have been on an Arbor Bryan Iguchi 156 the last few years. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve, thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” right on 155, so typically I would say go 155 for sure. With a freeride board you can often size up a bit *, because of longer tips/tails and less contact length/effective edge. The Banked Country is that way a little bit, but not to the extreme (based on contact length as GNU doesn’t publish effective edge) in that sense it’s more freeride bordering all-mountain, so I wouldn’t size it up too much. That said, since you’re used to longer boards, I don’t think you’d necessarily find the 159 too long.
* though for your boot size, I typically wouldn’t recommend it.
If you’ve found the 156 Iguchi to be a good size and that it doesn’t feel too small or anything, I’d be leaning 155. But if you’ve been thinking you might want to go back to something longer, then the 159 is probably the better bet. Overall I’d say 155, but given what you’ve ridden in the past and your experience level, the 159 is certainly doable for you, I’d say.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate! I’m a 5’8 140lbs US mens 7.5 boots mondo 25.5, and maybe this is too wide for me. Does GNU has a more narrow/women alternative to it?
I think this could be a great board for alpine terrain, with steep black/double black diamons and technical terrain. What do you think? I would like to see people evaluate boards for this kind of ride, one of this days I got a double black mogul 36 degress steep with a yes hell yes, and although feasible, wow, what a ride!
Hey Felipe, thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think the smallest Banked Country would be a little big overall, taking into account the combination of length and width. But yeah, would work really well for the terrain and type of riding you’re describing, IMO.
I wouldn’t say there’s a direct alternative to it, but the closest from GNU would be the GNU Barrett. I think that would be worth checking out.
Hey sir, currently trying to find an intermediate all mountain board mostly carving but messing around with getting into trees, jumps etc. I was recommended the banked country but I’ve also heard mixed review. I was riding a capita doa on my last trip 158 wasn’t a huge fan since I felt the board didn’t compliment my riding. Would I be able to handle the banked country if I was riding the capita fine or should I look to another board. I also was recommended the terrain wrecker but barely ride any switch. I’m 5’8 180 9.5US so I was looking at the 159 for the powder aspect as well. I really appreciate your time and help.
Hi Miles
Thanks for your message. Please see my reply to your comment on the GNU Hyper review.
Hi Nate!
I am 170lbs 5’5 and size 9.5 boot. I ride a 156 mins expander and 158 custom. I am thinking 159 for the banked country but would like your take on whether the 159 or 155 would be best.
Thanks for all your in depth reviews!
Hi Stephen
Thanks for your message.
I would put your typical all-mountain length at around 156, so typically I’d probably say the 155. But given you’re riding a 158 Custom and 156 Mind Expander, I think the 159 would be your best bet, assuming you want it to feel similar in length to the Custom. Neither would be wrong and if I didn’t know what you’re used to riding, I would probably be leaning 155, but given what you’re used to, I’d go 159, unless you’re thinking you want to try something that feels smaller.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate! That is really helpful and what I was thinking. I basically want something to take the place of my custom so something the feels similar is what I am looking for. The Banked Country seems similar but a real step up in terms of edge hold/tech and powder float.
You’re very welcome Stephen. Hope you have a great seaosn! If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had the chance to get it out on snow (assuming you get it of course).
Will do! One more question, what bindings would you recommend for this board? I currently have Cartels but am thinking I might need something a little stiffer.
Hi Stephen
Yeah, ideally I’d go with something a little stiffer. If you wanted to stay Burton, then the Cartel X would work well. If you wanted to explore other options, I would be looking at going for a binding flex of around 6.5/10 and up to 8/10 for this board. Some great options in that flex range here and here. Just to note that some from the second link there will be a little too stiff, IMO. So mostly that first link (if you didn’t want to go Cartel X – which is on that list anyway).
Hello! I´m an intermediate rider and I love getting into powder whenever I can. However there is not much pow where I usually ride, so I spend most of the time on groomers, carving and enjoying the steepest points in the resort.
I´m currently thinking about buying a good allmountain-freeride board. I´ve both checked the Banked Country and the Super 8 from Salomon. Which one would be easier to handle and improve my level? Would an intermediate rider as me notice the quality difference between this boards? Their different price is an important point…
Thank you very much!!
Hi Danel
Thanks for your message. I think you would notice the differences yeah. I would say that the Banked Country is the slightly easier board to handle and to help improve your level. But this is only talking about the 2024 model. If you were looking at prior models, they were stiffer and burlier, IMO, and harder to control – a more advanced-expert board then.
I get that the Super 8 is quite a bit cheaper, but I would say the Banked Country is the better bet for what you’re describing.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I’ve been riding full camber park boards for the last 20 years and its time to move on to something a little stiffer. I’m looking for something that will be good at pretty much everything (wont go in park with this board). I like doing slow-medium speed carves, slashing on greens & blues and once in a while go bomb some blacks with nice long carves. Also I ride in the east coast.
This seems like a good option for what I am looking for but so is the Jones Flagship.
Would you recommend one over the other for this type of riding? Or maybe another model? I also just purchased the new Union Force bindings paired with Vans Hi-Standard OG Pro boots if that changes anything.
boot size 9.5
height 5’10”
weight 165 lbs
Thanks!
Hi Jazz
Thanks for your message.
Given that you’re often slashing and riding at slow-medium speeds, I would go Banked Country, with one big Caveat – that it would have to be the 2024 model. Previous models weren’t as forgiving or as good for slower speed riding, IMO. The 2024 got quite a different feel/personality. I think it should work well for you, but the previous models are a bit burlier and not as good for riding slow, IMO. If it was an older model Banked Country you were looking at, then I’d probably lean more towards the Flagship.
Also to note that your boot/binding setup will go better with the (new) Banked Country, IMO.
Size-wise, for the Banked Country, I would be leaning 155, mostly because of how it is you’re going to be riding it. The 159 is in range too. Note, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 157, so you could go either way. If you were going to be more focused on bombing and powder, then I’d be leaning 159, but in this case I’d be leaning 155, but neither would necessarily be wrong.
If you went Flagship, I think the 158 would be your best bet.
Hope this helps with your decision
If I decided to go with the Flagship and swap the Forces with the Atlas, would the Vans boots still cause an issue with the flex being too soft? Thanks for the help!!
Hey Jazz
Yeah, ideally you’d want your boots stiffer. I mean it’s not like you couldn’t ride it with the Hi Standard Pros or anything, but ideally you’d want stiffer boots as well as stiffer bindings. You could always see how it went with the Hi Standard and when it was time to replace your boots anyway, you could move to something stiffer.
Hi I am a 48 year old 5’10” 215lbs intermediate. Ride east coast groomers. Currently ride a 161 Cold Brew. Want to step up but nothing crazy. Looking at Banked 160W or Dynamo 159W. Need it agile for the barrier some times crowded east coast runs.
Hi
Thanks for your message. Please see my response to message on the Lib Tech Dynamo review.
Hi Nate,
Could you please recommend me which board would be better for carving:
GNU Banked Country – 160W
Nidecker Thruster – 162W
I’m 185cm tall, at 6’1″, 209 lbs, my feet size is US 12.
Any other suggestions are also welcomed 🙂
Hi Stanislaw
Thanks for your message.
Both very good carvers, imo. But id be leaning Thruster 162W, because I think the size is better suited to your specs and in that size it will likely have the edge over the banked country 160W for carving, imo.
Hope this helps with your decision
Do you think the 159 would fit 10.5 boots? My back foot is normally -3 degrees, thanks
Hi Dave
It’s in that borderline territory for 10.5s, IMO. So it’s a close call. I measured the 159 at 26.3cm at the back insert. With a regular footprint 10.5 boot, you’re looking at around 31.5cm on the outersole. So around 5.2cm of overhang straight across the board at the inserts (assuming a 22″ stance width). With a 3 degree angle, it’s not too much different to straight across. With that level of overhang, it’s pushing it and I wouldn’t be super confident, but you’d probably get away with it. Certainly some risk though. If you have lower profile boots. then I would be more confident. E.g. some boots have as little as 1.7cm difference between the mondo of the boot and the outersole length. So in the case of a 10.5, that would mean an outsole length of around 30.2cm – in which case that would be a total overhang of 3.9cm – less than 2cm per edge. That I would be very confident with.
The last thing to think about is how deep you like to carve. If you like to carve deep and have an average footprint boot, then I think having that 5.2cm overhang would be risky and I’d probably only do it, if you had low profile boots. If you carve moderately deeply, you’ll possibly get away with that overhang.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the detailed answer again. I’ve been looking at a fair number of sites that review snowboards and you give the best information by far. Thanks Dave
You’re very welcome Dave. And thanks for the kind words and for visiting the site. Happy riding!
Hey Nate,
i’m on the same topic. I ordered the Banked Country 160W couse i couldn’t find measurement between the feet- even GNU Livechaz couldn’t help me – wtf really!!!!
I’m 183cm tall and my weight is 74 kg atm goin up to 80 kg again hopefully. my boots are 10.5 US Burton SLX (reduced footprint)
hope i did the right pick or would you recommend 159?
I’m in riding high speeds, sidehits/natural features jumping and carving. i’m on improving my carves to deeper than deep atm. riding stance atm + 18/21 // – 3/0 thinking about trying +3.
hope i can help me or i need to order the 159 too and measure that aswell…
greets from germany
Max
Hi Max
Thanks for your message.
Assuming a stance width of around 22″ (560mm), I would predict the 160W should be around 27.3cm at the back insert and 275mm at the front insert.
We haven’t tested the Burton SLX, so haven’t measured that one specifically, but assuming it’s a typical Burton length, then it’s likely around 2.2-2.3cm longer than mondopoint – so with your 10.5s, it should be around 30.7 to 30.8cm long (note that we measure at the sole, not from the very back of the boot to very front (so we have a way to measure at the sole, we don’t measure by placing the boot against a wall and measuring the length that way).
So you’re looking at around 3.5cm of total overhang (or 1.75cm per edge). Given your back binding angle it will remain about this in overhang. Given you’re looking to carve as deep as possible, I think this is probably good – it gives you a bit more leeway to get really deep – and it’s not super wide for your feet or boots, IMO. The front foot, at that angle, will have probably closer to 1cm per edge overhang, so you”’ be getting less leverage there, but given how you’re looking to carve deep, I think you’ll be OK.
The 159 on the other hand, you’re looking at around 26.2cm at the back insert and 26.4cm at the front insert. Front insert should be fine, because of that binding angle – probably around 1.5cm of overhang per edge. At the back you’d be looking at around 4.5-4.6cm of total overhang – or 2.3cm per edge, assuming perfect boot centering. I would be pretty confident with this personally, and I’ve not experienced boot drag with that kind of overhang before. But if you’re going to be really eurocarving, then there’s some potential for boot drag there, I would say.
So, it’s a close call. The 159 would make it easier to engage the edge in a carve and transition between edges more efficiently – and be a little less fatiguing overall, IMO. The back foot would be borderline, if you’re looking to get really deep in carves. I would personally be comfortable with it and you may be fine, but there is some risk there, if you were to go 159. From what I’ve heard (and it makes sense too) is that the heavier the ride, the less it bothers them if the width is a little too wide and the lighter the rider, the more they notice it. This makes sense as, if you are heavier, then it’s easier to get pressure to the edges, even if it’s wide for your feet, whereas a lighter person will find it harder to apply that pressure, so getting more leverage by being closer to the edges really helps with efficiency when riding. I would say strength also plays a part here. I am 80kg myself, and personally don’t like wide boards (with US9.5 to US10 boots). But I think some at 80kg wouldn’t have issues, if they’re particularly strong.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Erik,
great review. I’m thinking of buying this board. I have another GNU (old Carbon Credit) and I think this one totally fits my style: 80-90% Carving + 20-10% freeride/pow. In my country, Spain, We usually have hard snow and few pow days but I like to take advantage of them.
I have two doubt to see if you can solve it for me:
I’m 6′-6’1″ and 190-210lbs and my boot size is US10.5 (in some brand US10). My carve style is pretty aggressive. What size do you see as more suitable? I think the safest is 160W.
The other question: I have is whether Gnu Gremlin or Gnu Essential Service are better suited to my environment and me. What do you think?
Thank you very much!!! Best regards from Madrid.
Hi Oscar
Thanks for your message.
I think the Gremlin and Essential Service would work for what you’re describing, but given you like to carve aggressively and bomb, then I would go Banked Country over Essential Service (which can bomb and carve well, but just not quite as well as the Banked Country, IMO) – and given that you don’t see too many powder days, I would take Banked Country over Gremlin. Gremlin is still good for carving as well as powder, but it’s best in powder. So yeah, I would be leaning Banked Country. One more thing to take into account, is that going from Carbon Credit to Banked Country is a big difference. Carbon Credit quite soft flexing and loose, with it’s almost all rocker profile. The Essential Service is certainly stiffer than it, and the camber profile has more camber, but it’s less of a difference to the Carbon Credit compared to the difference between the Banked Country and the Carbon Credit. Just something else to take into account.
Size-wise, I would be leaning 160W as well. The 162 would be doable length-wise, and is probably OK width-wise, but it’s pushing it width-wise if you like to carve aggressively – especially if you have that back binding angle quite flat (e.g. if it’s something like +21/+3 or something. It could be pushing it in terms of being too narrow. If you were in 10s, then I’d be more comfortable recommending the 162. With 10.5s, I think 160W. It’s going to be on the wider side, but it’s also a little shorter, so I think that works out.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you very much for your help. I will consider your advice.
I know that the difference between the Carbon Credit and any other is so big. But if I carve with the Carbon Credit, I hope to improve with a more specific board for that use. I feel like it’s what I need. Always looking to improve my ride!!!
Regarding the angle of the back binding, it has been totally successful. At the moment I’m pretty flat and I’m slowly adding degrees. I will take it very much into account for the width of the board. Thanks for the information.
Right now I am also looking at the Korua boards: Cafe Racer, Pencil and Pin Tail…
Blessed problem having so many good boards to choose!!!
You’re very welcome Oscar
Yes, it’s a high quality problem having so many options for sure!
Hi Nate,
How are you? I finally found a great offer for the Banked Country (329€, $370 to change, 160W).
I was able to use it last weekend. WOW, this thing is a beast. This requires always going on the attack mentality with it, when you relax it reminds you that it does not forgive. It really is unforgiving.
At first we had freezing snow and I had a hard time finding the edge. But when I have been improving my feeling with it, it’s really powerful, it asks for more and more speed. Zero vibrations, totally driven.
In wet and destroyed snow (15pm), it destroys the trash.
I was surprised that it allows skidding as long as you have control, but this is not friendly, always ask for your effort.
One day it snowed lightly on us, but unfortunately, the off groomer tracks were in poor condition and I couldn’t enjoy them.
My previous board was heavier and I’m relatively strong, so the weight was not an issue. But it’s true that at low speed or short turns it demands physical and technical work.
I’m really happy with the purchase and I want to try it in powder.
In March I will return to a resort in France, I hope to continue improving my feeling with it. I feel like this thing is beyond me at the moment!!!
I feel like this thing is beyond me at the moment!!!
Happy riding!!!
Hi Oscar
Thanks for your update. Always great to hear how others experience boards. Hope you get some powder in March!
With a fresh hot wax every week on this beast I am bombing past everyone at the resort, such a fun carving board. I agree with your size assessment as well. I also rode switch all day on this last week (groomers only, it’s so dry in WA) and it holds up surprisingly well for a directional IMO.
Thanks for the update Erik. Glad to hear it. Happy riding!
Really appreciated your review! I got this board for 2022 and i’m stoked to charge on it. I was in the market for essentially the fastest board I could find, I don’t expect this one to let me down. 🙂
Happy shredding
Hi Erik
Thanks for your message. Hope it treats you well. If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Got to put in a couple amazing days on this beast over Christmas weekend and here is my review: The Banked Country is extremely well built board that absolutely eats steeps, uneven terrain, powder, and groomers. It is very fast and seemingly gains stability at higher speeds. Very floaty in powder and absolutely rips on groomers, which makes it an excellent all around board. Only negatives are it is quite heavy and very stiff, which makes it not very playful. This board did not want to naturally pop off the ground compared to other boards I own, and it was a little more difficult to navigate the board at slower speeds. That being said I had no issues getting pop on this board at higher speeds, but its just not meant to be used in the park. Board rides switch decently well for a directional board, although that’s not the primary use of this beast. I would not rec this board to anyone who is not advanced as this board requires a lot of physicality to handle and control, and its most fun on steep terrain.
Hi Erik
Thanks for the update and your insights. Much appreciated. Your comments are exactly what I felt from the board. Certainly one that’s better at high speeds, steeps, powder etc, versus park/slow speeds.
I’m almost wondering if I should have gotten this board in a smaller size? I’m on the 155cm at 5’8″ 180lbs but I think the 151cm might have actually worked for me with how stiff this board is and how much float it has in the nose. Just thinking out loud.
Hi Erik
I think you’ve got the best size for your specs, IMO. I think the 151 would be too small for you. This board is designed to be fast, floaty and stiff. Of course going smaller would make it feel less stiff, less stable and less floaty, a little more playful, but if that’s what you’re going for, I think you’d be better to get a different board, in a more appropriate size. So yeah, I think you’re fine with the size you got.