Hello and welcome to my GNU RC C3 review.
In this review, I will take a look at the RC C3 as an all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the RC C3 a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: GNU RC C3
Price: $659
Style: All-Mountain-Freestyle (semi aggressive)
Flex Rating: Medium-Firm
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 88.2/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 27 men’s all-mountain-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the RC C3’s Specs
Check out the tables for the RC C3’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freestyle (semi aggressive) |
Price: | $659 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Rocker - Mostly Camber - GNUs C3 Camber |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Mildly heavier than normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
154.5 | 252 | 130-200 | 59-91 |
157.5 | 255 | 135-220 | 61-100 |
159.5 | 256 | 145-250 | 66-113 |
158W | 268 | 140-240 | 64-109 |
162W | 268 | 145-250 | 66-113 |
* note that the 159.5 is new as of the 2023 model
Who is the RC C3 Most Suited To?
The RC C3 is great option as a daily driver for anyone not seeing a lot of powder or for those that have a separate board for powder days. It's ideally suited to those that like having a predominantly camber feel and a ride that's relatively aggressive without being super aggressive.
It's great for riding the mountain like a park, especially if you like to just lay down some carves or turns or get a bit of speed at times too - and also good in the park, if you favor the jump line over the jib line.
Definitely not for a beginner, but good for solid intermediate riders and up. Not so technical/aggressive that a good intermediate rider would have trouble with it, IMO.
The RC C3 in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the RC C3 is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: GNU RC C3 2021, 157.5cm (255mm waist width)
Date: February 19, 2020
Conditions: Perfectly sunny day (as you'll be able to tell from the pic!) with perfect visibility.
A bit crunchy off groomer but quite nice on groomer. Hard packed but not icy underneath, with some soft on top.
Relatively cold, especially first thing, but got warmer and nothing crazy cold.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 555mm (21.9″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 263mm (10.35")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 175lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Salomon Lo-Fi
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight: 2980grams (6lb 9oz)
Weight per cm: 18.92 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.36 grams/cm*
*based on a small sample size of around 80 boards that I've weighed in 2019, 2020 & 2021 models. So, heavier than average, but didn't feel like a heavy board on snow.
Powder
This is the RC C3's biggest weakness and is always going to be the case with a predominantly cambered profile on a true twin with a centered stance. Of course you can ride anything in powder, just that the RC C3 is going to be a back leg burner if you're in deeper powder for any length of time.
Carving & Turning
Carving: Really fun on a carve. It's not that stiff, but that good bit of camber and lively personality make it a fun little carver.
Turning: On regular turns it's a fun board to ride. There's a good bit of snap there and turning doesn't take much effort.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Pretty manevuerable at slow speeds. Not ultra maneuverable but pretty good. I'd say just that little bit less nimble at slow speeds vs the Rider's Choice (CX2 version).
Skidded Turns: Not the easiest/most forgiving for skidded turns - as expected with that C3 camber
Speed
Pretty good at speed. Felt decently stable at higher speeds. Not an out and out bomber, but pretty good.
Uneven Terrain
Good in crud and good for weaving through bumps or going over bumpy terrain.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
This board is epic for jumps! So much fun.
Pop: Really good pop and at the same time that pop is really easy to access.
Approach: A good balance between being stable and nimble - the best of both worlds.
Landing: Super solid, with just the right amount of forgiveness. You can really stomp landings on this thing.
Side-hits: Super fun. Nimble enough, poppy enough, nice to spin, easy to pop. Felt so natural hitting natural features.
Small jumps/Big jumps: Great for every size/type of jump, IMO.
Switch
As good as it gets. The only thing I like better than a true twin for switch is an asym twin, and the RC C3 doesn't disappoint here.
Spins
Overall really fun board to spin. Setting up felt good, landing felt good, whether switch or not. And it was easy to get the spin around - light enough and with good pop.
Jibbing
Not it's forte. Definitely doable and if you're strong jibber it's fine, but I definitely preferred it for jumps over jibs.
Butters
You've got to put a bit in to press that nose and tail, but it's not something that's super hard either. Just a little easier than average to butter.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 5.0 | 20/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 5.0 | 10/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JIBBING | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.2/100 |
Overall, the RC C3 felt pretty much how I expected it (which is a good thing, because I had high expectations).
It's a more aggressive version of the Rider's Choice and differed from the Rider's Choice in the ways I expected - i.e. better for carving, better for speed, not as good in powder or for jibs and just that little bit less buttery.
All round a super fun board that you can ride aggressively, but doesn't feel like you have to give you're all every second of the day. Doesn't feel so aggressive that you feel like you have to ride it hard all the time. You can get casual on it too, when you feel the need.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the RC C3, 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 all-mountain-freestyle snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the RC C3 compares to other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hi Nate. First of all, love your site! So helpful, and so on point. I have a size question for you if you have time. I’m 5’9, 170-175 lbs, and wear 8.5 boots. I’ve been riding a 158 Burton Custom X, riding out west on trips. But I moved to NC last year, so I’ll be riding a lot more frequently and at places like Sugar and Beech, so icier conditions. I would say I’m an intermediate all-mountain rider who rides some in the park and would like do more in the park. I think I would like to pick up the RC C3, and I’m thinking I’ll get the 154.5, given I have the 158 Custom X. I’ve never ridden a board that short, but from the Gnu sizing chart it looks like that would be a good fit for me. But I’ve been riding 158, so I’m kinda leaning to the 157.5 just because of my comfort zone. Any thoughts on which would be better? Sidenote: I’m thinking of also getting a 156 Yes Standard now that I’ll be riding every week, and the Standard seems like a nice add for the icy conditions.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Hi Blake
Thanks for your message.
I think both the 154.5 and 157.5 would work. The 157.5 is probably a more pure size for your weight/height, and you’re used to a stiffer, burlier, Custom X 158, so I don’t think you’d have any problems with the 157.5 feeling too big.
But there’s an argument to be made for the 154.5. Firstly, the 157.5 is quite wide for 8.5s, IMO, and even the 154.5 is on the wider side for 8.5s (certainly not too wide, but on the wider end of a good range). So sizing down for width makes some sense. For reference: If your Custom X is a 2017 or earlier model, then it’s overall a narrower board, but if it’s 2018 or older, then it’s going to be a similar width to the RC C3.
Another reason to consider the 154.5 RC is for freestyle purposes, since you plan on getting more into that side of things. Also if you’re riding smaller hills, then it can be better to have a smaller board, as you won’t be opening out and bombing as much – and you’ll want to make the most of smaller runs, which often means doing more side hits, trees etc, where a smaller board can also be better. And finally, if you’re still planning on using the Custom X for bombing days or more big mountain excursions, then having that size difference in your quiver is also a good thing to have.
So, in short, both sizes could work for you, depending on how you wanted it to work for you.
The Standard is a rather wide board. IMO, the 156 is probably too big overall, just because of how wide it is. The length would be all good if it was narrower. If you did go Standard, I’d be leaning 153. I know that probably sounds short – and if you didn’t want to drop that much effective edge it might not work, but with 8.5s, I wouldn’t personally go 156.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks so much Nate! That is super helpful. I think I have not been paying enough attention to board width. You’ve given me a lot to think about. Thanks again for your time, and keep up the great work! We all appreciate it.
You’re very welcome Blake. Thanks for visiting the site!
Hi Nate, would you mind expanding a bit on what makes this board not so good on jibs? You’re not the only one stating that it’s not a star jib board and I’m wondering if it has more to do with the flex pattern and C3 camber or just the general assumption that magnetraction isn’t as good on rails/boxes (which isn’t necessarily the case IME).
My main all-mtn freestyle board is an Assassin (which jibs quite well for my needs) and I’m wondering if there would be a lot of overlap with this board performance-wise. I know it’s a very different board (magnetraction, asym, etc) but I’m quite curious about it.
I’m mostly a big-air guy but I’m on a smaller mountain and I do a lot of rails and boxes nonetheless.
Thanks for your input, it’s highly appreciated.
Hi Philon
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, largely the flex and camber. I prefer a more playful, softer board to hit jibs on personally. I don’t think magnetraction stops a board from being good on jibs necessarily – mostly the flex and more aggressive nature of this board – it’s not hyper aggressive by any means, but personally I prefer something really easy to setup and throw around and something that just flexes really easily on rails etc. Personally I found the Assassin a little easier to jib with than this – not hugely but by a little bit.
I wouldn’t say it was un-jibbable or anything though – it’s not something that had me in cold sweats approaching a jib or anything.
I would say there’s a fair bit of overlap between this and the Assassin, but they’re certainly not the same board.
Hope this helps
Thank you very much for your insight. I rode 3 days on a Headspace last season. I would’ve liked it but it was too soft for me so I sold it. I quite enjoyed the asym aspect of it though. Since the HS and the RCC3 seem to be close relative except for the flex (as far as I can tell) I’m quite intrigued. I’ve always been a fan of camber boards for jibs/rails if that means anything (yes, I’m old).
I just wouldn’t want to end-up with two boards that fill the exact same niche on my small hill.
Decisions decisions… thanks again.
You’re very welcome Philon
Whilst there certainly are some other differences, I wouldn’t say it’s too far off to describe the RC C3 as a stiffer Headspace. Not exactly, but it’s a pretty close description.
Thanks again. I’m starting to think that it might have been a great board for the “old me” who was riding bigger mountains (and a lot of pipe). Your assistance is highly appreciated. Cheers!
Hi Nate,
Was hoping you might be able to help me choose between the GNU RC C3 and the Yes Greats.
Both boards scored great in your write up but I can’t decide which one to go for.
I only get to ride for a week a year usually in Italy. Snow is normally fairly hard packed, not much powder sadly. I love to ride all the mountain and look for little side hits. I like to try and press and butter too. Friends I go with ski so I also enjoy charging down the groomers. I can’t ride switched but am fairly decent going regular, comfortable on most black runs.
So I guess I’m looking for an all mountain playful board that is still good at speed. I do also like to hit the beginner features in the park but I do have a Lib Tech box scratcher for that.
Hi James
I did reply to your comment previously, but it might have been harder to see, as you had replied to Stanley’s comment below. I have copied and pasted my previous response below:
So yeah, if you could let me know your specs, that would help to see if we can use sizing as a tie breaker. And the other thing to consider (as you hadn’t mentioned the Box Scratcher in your other comment) is whether you want something more different to the Box Scratcher (YES Greats) or quite different but not quite as different (RC C3). The RC C3 is a really different board to the Box Scratcher of course, but has some personality traits in common, just being from the same brand. It is definitely different enough to have the 2 boards in the same quiver, for sure, and some people like to have that somewhat constant in any otherwise different board and some like to have something completely different.
Hi Nate,
Sorry, yes I missed your first reply so really appreciate you taking the time to reply again.
So I’m 5’11”, a size 10 (US) Adidas response boot and around 210lbs.
At the moment I’m leaning towards the Greats as I think it might be easier to butter?
However the hesitation is mainly down to wanting / needing something that will really hold its edge well on firm/icy snow and I love how the magna traction seems to do that on my box scratcher….
Hi James
All good!
Yeah I would say the Greats is marginally easier to butter. Not much in it though, they’re fairly close in that respect.
In terms of edge hold in hard/icy conditions, I wouldn’t be too concerned about the Greats. In my experience with the Greats, I have found it to hold an edge in hard/icy conditions as well as magnetraction boards, in some cases better. So in that respect I wouldn’t have any issues going with Greats over RC C3. I would say both hold an edge just as well in those conditions, in my experience.
Size-wise, for your specs, I would typically say around 162 for an all-mountain board, but you can certainly go a little shorter for all-mountain-freestyle boards like these – particularly with the Greats which is quite wide. For the RC C3, it would be 157.5, as that’s the longest regular width they have, but it’s borderline too small, given that you want to also be able to charge. The equivalent to that size in the Greats would be the 156, IMO. But 156 is getting quite short for your specs, particularly if you’re wanting to also bomb with it. So I would be leaning 159 for the Greats. That would be quite wide for your boot size, but you would be sizing down a little from what I would consider your all-mountain size. There is quite a difference in overall size from the 159 Greats to the 157.5 RC C3 though.
Going with the smaller size (157.5 RC C3 or 156 Greats) would give a more playful, easier to butter/press, easier to seek out side-hits, but it will lack in terms of stability at speed compared to something like the 159 Greats. So, I guess it’s what you want to maximize the most. Also, it somewhat depends on what you’re used to. If you’re used to riding a certain size, that should be taken into account too. Also, what size is your Box Scratcher? Getting some contrast to your existing board is often a good idea, to balance your quiver too.
Thanks for the response Nate.
Good to know the Yes boards edge hold is comparable to the GNU.
My Box Scratcher is a 154 and has been my one board quiver since 2016.
I think I would go for either 156 yes or 157.5 C3 as hitting side hits and trying to butter definitely still take priority over speed an I am guessing both these boards even in the shorter sizes will be much better at speed than my box scratcher.
So currently still leaning towards the Greats 🙂
Hi James
Yeah definitely both boards in those sizes will be better at speed versus 154 Box Scratcher, for sure.
Hi Nate,
Def considering getting this knowing that 2022 58 wide is far too wide.
Is it definitely 263 at reference point compared to the Rc c2 you have at 260?
Sorry to ask but I can get a good deal online for the Rc3 and an extra 3mm would be nice 🙂
Cheers
Tim
Hi Tim
This is the more accurate measurement. When I last rode the Rider’s Choice (C2X) it was at a demo day and I had a less accurate tape measure. I think they are the same width at inserts, but I would say that this is the more accurate measurement – as I was able to measure it at home and with a more accurate tape measure. So I would go off the 263mm of this one. I hope to get a Rider’s Choice 2022 to test soon and I am pretty confident it will be 263mm at the inserts, assuming they haven’t changed any dimensions.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate, squeezed trigger. Have a few boards to try out this season! Looking forward to this, the hometown hero 56w, basic rdm 56w, dancehaul 52, kazu 57 and finally the capita indoor survival 56 2022. Probably getting a bit out of hand!
You’re very welcome Tim.
Your obsession sounds like it rivals my own!
Gnu RC C3, Gnu RC, or Capita Mercury. Which is generally better for being quick and nimble through trees, hitting jumps, stomping landings, and riding fast? Thanks in advance, idk where else to find an answer to this.
Hi Louis
Thanks for your message.
I would say the Mercury is the better option for riding fast, followed by the RC C3, then the RC.
For nimbleness in trees, I would go RC, then RC C3, then Mercury.
For jumps I would go RC C3, then RC, then Mercury.
So I think the best balance of all those things for you would be RC C3.
Hope this helps
Nate, thanks for your response. I commented again under the name Lou before seeing your response so just ignore that.
Do you think a 10.5 boot would be too much for this board? I’m 5’8″ 175 so I’d buy a 154.5.
Also, I’ve been looking at the DOA, Lib Tech TRS, Mercury, and Ride Algorithm. Do you think any of these boards could out do the RC C3 in what I want/ need?
thanks, Lou
Hi Lou
I’d say it’s borderline. The 154.5 is likely around 260mm at the inserts. I am typically comfortable with anything down to 260mm with 10s. But with 10.5s, that would be more like 265mm. I haven’t ridden boards as narrow as 256mm at the waist, and didn’t notice any issues, but haven’t ridden anything narrower than that. So, I think it’s somewhat risky in terms of width. The 157.5 would give you that little bit more leeway width-wise. Still borderline at 263mm at the inserts, but I would be more confident on that one with 10.5s.
I haven’t ridden the Algorhythm yet, but the TRS (particularly the 2021 model which is now C3 camber) and the DOA would be suitable. IMO they wouldn’t outdo the RC C3, though the TRS C3 is close. The 157W would give you more leeway width-wise (whilst still not being ultra wide – I’d say around 267mm at the inserts, which would be a very good width for 10.5s, IMO. The 157 and 154 are around 260mm at the inserts, the same as the RC C3 154.5. For the DOA, you’ve got a 155W option which would be good width and length-wise. Again not ultra wide for a wide board.
you’re the man, thank you!
You’re very welcome Lou. Happy Riding!
Great review. I’m 6’2, 160lbs, size 11. Would the 157.5 be too short and narrow? In the past I’ve ridden 160-161 cm boards. Not sure if I should wait for a longer version of the rc c3…. I ride a duck stance +/- 12 and love riding switch and carving. Usually your best option for fun on the east coast…
Hi DK
Thanks for your message.
Length-wise, I think the only thing would be getting used to it, given that you’re used to riding longer boards. For your specs, though, I think the 157.5 is a really good size.
Width is the biggest concern. It’s pretty narrow for 11s, running at 263mm at the inserts, even with +12/-12 angles and even if you had low profile boots. If you’re boots are low profile and you don’t carve super deep, then I think you get away with it width-wise, but if you like to really lean into your carves, then probably best to go with something a little wider.
Hopefully, they do more sizes for the 2022 model.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
Nice site! Good job, really!
My level is about intermediate and I am pretty light guy. I usually ride on resorts, so it mostly groomed (often icy, hard packed) terrain. I prefer carving, catch the sidehits and riding switch. I am looking for the board to progress in these technics.
Is, in your opinion, RC C3 is perfect choice for me or there is something better alternatives.
Could you also recommend some bindings for my case. I am currently thinking about Union Atlas but not sure that is perfect flex for my goals.
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
If you’re a solid intermediate rider, then I think the RC C3 would be a great choice for what you’re describing. It’s good in hard/icy conditions, good for carving and awesome for side hits and riding switch. Get it in the right size and I think it’s a board that could suit you really well.
If you wanted more options, check out:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
>>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
I think the Atlas would work really well with this board – as would the Strata, if you’re looking at Union. If you want any other recommendations let me know, but I’d have no problem pairing this with the Atlas. The reason I mention the Strata, is that it provides a little better board feel, which is nice if you’re doing freestyle stuff, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thanks!
The priority for me is carving. If I understand you correct, the Strata is softer and serves better for freestyle but if I prefer carving, the Atlas would be little bit better for me?
Size-wise: I would take 154.5 board and I have 10s boots ( hope it will feet well)
Could you help me with the union binding size. on the official site I can see that M(7-10) and L (10+).
I will try to find local shop with the Union binding but not sure that we have one… I know that you also have 10 US boot size, probably you could help me, M or L?
Hi Alex
Yeah, the Atlas gives just that little bit more on a deep/hard carve vs the Strata and just a fraction stiffer. But the Strata is still good on a carve and still a good match for the RC C3, but yeah if you wanted to just get that little bit more out of a carve – it’s a subtle difference but there is a slight difference there.
I think you should be fine on the 154.5 in terms of width. It should be around 260mm at the inserts, which is a width I am always comfortable with. Assuming you’re riding with binding angles something like +15/-15 (which is usually recommended for an asym board like this) and you’re boots aren’t too bulky, then should be all good.
In terms of binding sizing, you should be able to get into a medium on most 10s. I found with the Salomon Lo-Fi size 10, that I maxed out the toe strap (but a good fit when I did have it on the longest setting) but that’s quite a bulky boot. My old test boots were Vans Aura size 10 and they were nowhere near maxing out the straps (think I could have got an Aura 11 into the mediums!) but they’re more low profile. But even if your boots are quite bulky, I think you’ll be fine with the medium. If you’re going Strata particularly I wouldn’t go large, because the base plate could be too long for the board at that width. It’s a longer base plate. You might get away with the Atlas Large, but I would still go medium, in this case – and the Atlas has an extendable gas pedal, so you can dial it out to fit your boot/board better.
Hey Nate,
im looking to get a new all mountain board and might need help choosing. My priorities: Edge Hold for ice, fun carver, and wide enough at the inserts (preferably about 270 mm or more, i like my eurocarves) and since you measure the insert width youre probably the best to ask:)
Im willing to sacrifice some butter and switch capabilities for these priorities (but should still be somewhat doable, as i like to do 180s)
In the park id only do 50/50 or jumps.
And powder isnt too important either.
Im 185 lbs, have 10.5 boots (about 32.5 cm in length id say) and am advenced ( but intermediate freestyle)
Im sorry thats quite a lot to take in, but are there any good options that come to mind?
Hi Adrian
Since you like to Eurocarve, I would be going for a board that really likes to carve. The RC C3 is decent there for sure, but I would look at:
– Niche Crux
– YES Ghost
– Salomon Assassin Pro
– Nitro Team (Camber)
You could also go for some stiffer options, but since you still want some butterability, these are what I’d look at. They’re also good for riding switch (not great in powder, but that sounds like a low priority for you) and good edge hold in icy conditions. But let me know if you’re not against going stiff, and I can suggest some others.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the reply!
Those seem like good options. The ghost seems like a great option, but i dont really dig the graphics haha (maybe 2022 will be better)
Out of curiosity, what would you recommend if i was willling to go a bit stiffer?
Hi Adrian
Don’t know for sure, but looks like YES are dropping (according to their catalog) the Ghost for 2022 (which is a real shame as it is a great board).
Some good options for stiffer options, if you’re willing to sacrifice some butterability:
Never Summer Ripsaw 7.5/10 flex
Ride Helix 6.5/10 flex
Ride Burnout 7/10 flex
Burton Freethinker 7/10 flex
Never Summer Proto Ultra 7.5/10 flex
Salomon Huck Knife Pro 6.5/10 flex
Hey Nate- Thanks for the reviews. Would size 11, 32 tm2s work with the 157.5? I’ve got the c2x version in wide and it’s plenty wide. This board in c3 sounds rad. I ride 15 & 15 binding angles.
Hi John
Thanks for your message.
With 11s, it’s getting pretty narrow. I measured the 157.5 as 263mm at the inserts. With 10s, that’s perfectly comfortable for me, but for 11s, you’ve got to add on roughly 1cm, depending on the boot profile. So that would be the equivalent of me on a 253mm width at inserts board. I haven’t ridden anything that narrow, so I don’t know for sure if that would be too narrow for me. I have ridden a board as narrow as 256mm at the inserts and I didn’t experience any drag, but it would also depend on how aggressively you carve. I’m not someone who gets super aggressive on carves – also not super casual, but moderately aggressive – no euro carving or anything.
For perspective, the 32 TM2s that I measured (in a size 10) were 2.6cm longer than the mondo. If the 11s are similar, then I would guess you’re boots are roughly 31.6cm long. That would mean a total 5.3cm of overhand, if you were to have your boots straight across – that might reduce to around 5cm, or maybe slightly less with 15/15 angles. So roughly 2.5cm overhang on both heel and toe edge. That’s about the maximum I would go for overhang (and if I could I would probably actually set that up 3cm on heel and 2cm on toe). But that’s all assuming your boots are that length.
So, I would say it’s doable, but no guarantees, of course. It’s on the very limit. And would also largely depend on how low you like to carve.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate. I measured my boots and they’re 32cm on the total footprint so I will probably be looking for something wider. Much appreciated.
You’re very welcome John. Let me know if you want to bounce off ideas on any other options
Hey Nate,
How would you compare this to the Mercury? I know the Mercury is a directional board and isn’t asym, and of course no magnetraction, but it’s continuously at the top of everyone’s list for all-mountain freestyle boards. I was leaning towards going Mercury but with the Riders Choice having a C3 option, it may be too good to pass up. I’m on the East Coast and am a solid intermediate rider, spending my time on groomers and side hits. Thanks!
Hi Justin
Thanks for your message.
Quite different feeling boards. The RC C3 is a snappier feeling ride, the Mercury smoother feeling. The RC C3 is a little softer flexing in feel. They’re not worlds apart in that department, but a little bit so. And like you say, the Mercury is more directional. Not ultra directional, but a little directional. Better for riding powder vs the RC C3 for sure, and overall a smoother feel and a little better at speed and on big carves, IMO. But for jumps/spins/sidehits, riding switch I would take the RC C3 over the Mercury. So, I’d say it depends on what you want out of your board. The Mercury is a board that’s first and foremost carve, bomb, and decent in powder, with some freestyle aftertaste. Vs the RC C3, which is more freestyle first and foremost, with a penchant for being able to take that freestyle over the whole mountain and still good when you just want to bomb and carve, but not great in powder.
So yeah, very different boards – both really good in their own right, IMO, but which is best for you really depends, IMO, on the subtleties of your own style.
Hope this helps
Great review Nate, took your advice and brought the Burton Skeleton key and I love it.
I’m considering replacing my beginner board so I can end up with a 2-board quiver. SK for power days and maybe GNU RC for other days. I’m basically looking for a board that is good for all mountain while I can also make progress on switch, buttering and jumps, not a huge fan of pure park but maybe someday in the future. I slightly prefer the C3 version since I just want a board with different top sheet color than my SK (shamelessly). Do you think this would the right board for me or is there any other board that you would recommend?
I’m 6’2, around 188lb, size US9.5-US10. Do you think the 157.5 might be a little smaller for me?
Thanks!
Hi Stanley
Thanks for your message and glad to hear the SK is going well.
I think the RC C3 could work for what you’re describing for sure and a good compliment to the SK in the quiver. Not great in powder, but of course that’s what you’ve got the SK for.
I know you want that different top sheet, but I would certainly consider the Rider’s Choice (C2X) as well. And other similar boards, depending on what you’re looking for. The main reason, I’m thinking that, is that you mention buttering. The C2X RC is a little more buttery and a little better for jibbing – not that you’ll be jibbing that much by the sounds of it, but for buttering it’s worth considering. Or something similar. But if you want that something a little more aggressive, that carves a little better and can handle a little more speed, just down a little in terms of butterability and jibbing, but just as sick for jumps and riding switch, then I think the RC C3 is a great choice to compliment the SK. Certainly if you like the camber feel of the SK, then that’s another thing that might point to the RC C3.
Size-wise, I think the 157.5 would be a good size. That’s on the smaller size for you (the SK is wider, so going a little shorter to 158 is a good match, IMO). The RC C3 is narrower (a good width for your boots), so if it was going to be your do-it-all board, then you could go a little longer with your specs, but given the type of board it is (all-mountain-freestyle) and the type of riding you’ll be doing on it, I think that size is just right – same thing if you were to go RC C2X.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the reply. Yeah I can definitely see how C2X RC could be a nice fit for my purpose. So my priority for this board would be all mountain riding > freestyle > powder since I have SK for pow days. I don’t ride switch most of the time but I want one of my board to be capable of when I want to progress my switch and other tricks. Sometime I even think a directional board like Capita Mercury would suit my needs. What do you think would be a better fit for my 2-board quiver? I’m open to any other suggestions too given that I’m only familiar to a few snowboards.
Good to know that the 157.5 size is good for me too!
Hi Stanley
I think going All-Mountain-Freestyle is a good way to go for your purposes, since you have the SK. Not like you can’t ride powder with them at all, just they are little harder work, but I think with the SK and having a 2 board quiver, and given that you want to ride all-mountain with your second board, then something all-mountain-freestyle is definitely a good way to go. If you were thinking of doing more freestyle/park with your second board, then you could go with a more specialized freestyle/park board, but for what you’re describing, I think all-mountain-freestyle is the right match with your SK.
I would check out the following, depending on how aggressive you want to be with your second board:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
>>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Hi Nate,
Great site mate, very informative.
So I’m stuck between 2 boards…. the GNU RC C3 or the Yes Greats Uninc. I only get to the mountains, France or Italy, for 1 week a year so need a good do everything board. I like to ride the mountain runs looking for side hits and also enjoy trying to butter and press. I am not good at riding switch but would like to try and improve. I am very comfortable laying down some speed on the groomers and enjoy racing friends who ski to the bottom of a black. Which of these 2 boards would you go for?
Hi James
Thanks for your message.
That’s a really really tough choice! Both are awesome boards and suit what you’re describing really well. So for starters, I don’t think there’s a wrong choice there at all. It might be that sizing is the best way to decide between them. I would be happy to give a sizing opinion if you wanted – would just need your height, weight and boot size. Sometimes there’s a size that makes more sense in one board or the other that can help to use as a tiebreaker.
Really excited about this board and this is the first review I know of. Thanks, Nate.
I’ve been thinking about this or the rocker version to ride instead of my Never Summer Proto Type 2 this coming season.
I’m really struggling to decide between the two versions though. On one hand I like the sound of something more jump focused, even though they both get a 5 it sounds like this is the case, and better at carving but on the other hand having the extra versatility to butter, jib, or ride powder sounds good, ie, more all mountain.
My other boards are a Yes PYL 159 and Capita Scott Stevens 155…writing that makes me think I should go more focused [camber] but when I’m doubtful about the conditions or want to ride everything it’s nice to be able to grab something more versatile…I’m stuck. Any advice?
Also what size would you recommend? I’m 178 cm, 82/3 kg, and size 9 US Adidas. I measured my feet from heel to longest toe and I think they’re 265 mm and I ride 15:15 on a twin. Saw your new charts, just want to make sure I’ve understood them correctly.
Hi Rick
Thanks for your message.
In terms of complementing your current quiver, I think both versions of the Rider’s Choice would be a nice in between between both those boards, but I would be leaning C3 in terms of the best balance for the quiver overall. Mostly because the Scott Steven Pro is a really buttery, jib focused board and the PYL already really good for powder. Those are the 3 main benefits of going for the C2X model over the C3, IMO, and you have those covered in your other 2 boards. And whilst you do have speed and carving covered in the PYL, those aren’t the best qualities in the Scott Stevens, IMO, so you would be getting a decent increase in those on the C3 vs C2X.
The C2X is a little more forgiving in uneven terrain, which might be the most compelling argument to go with that model, but in saying that, the C3 isn’t horrible in that kind of terrain by any means. The C2X is more versatile in a lot of ways, as you say, but overall for your quiver I think the C3 would be the slightly better compliment. I don’t think you could go wrong with either – and both offer a board that’s different to both of the other boards in your quiver – and like you say, both give you a more capable jumping board. Both get 5/5 because they are both really awesome to jumps with, but they have some different qualities for jumping. The C3 model just has a touch more pop and for landings it’s more of a really stomp it kind of landing. The C2X is a little more forgiving of errors on landings and you can still stomp the landing for sure (and still great pop) but just not quite to the same extent. So, if you’re a confident jumper already, then I’d probably be just leaning towards the C3 and if you’re still getting your confidence/working on jumps, then the C2X is the better bet for jumps. But these are subtle differences as both, IMO are so fun to jump with.
Size-wise, I would say to go for the 157.5cm, for your specs, for this kind of board, irrespective of the other boards in your quiver. And a nice bonus that that happens to fall right between your other boards, in terms of size.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks, Nate. Think you’re right, especially because I realised I don’t ride my Scott Stevens enough because the PT2 is such a good all-rounder.
What would you recommend binding-wise from Union? Need one pair to cover the PYL and RC.
Hi Rick
To cover those two boards, I would be looking at either the Falcor, Atlas or Strata. Or if you wanted to save some cash, even the Force would work. The Falcor would be better on the PYL and the Strata better on the RC, IMO. So it depends what you want to maximize (the Atlas in the middle of those two, but without the mini-disc, so board feel not quite as good). The Falcor would definitely still work on the RC, but would just drive it a little harder and the Strata still works with the PYL, just wouldn’t drive it quite as hard as the Strata. I would be leaning towards the Falcor personally, but if you want things feeling a little softer, then the Strata would definitely work. If you’re not too concerned about the board feel, the Atlas is a very solid choice between those 2 (and the board feel is still fine, just not quite as good as the other 2). The advantage of the Atlas as well is that it’s more adjustable than the other 2.