Hello and welcome to my GNU Riders Choice review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Rider’s Choice as an all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Rider’s Choice a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: GNU Rider’s Choice
Price: $599 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex Rating: Medium (5-7/10 depending on the length)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (5/10)
Rating Score: 90.4/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mtn-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 24 men’s all-mtn-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Rider’s Choice Specs
Check out the tables for the Rider's Choice's specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freestyle |
Price: | $599 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
151.5 | 251 | 110-180 | 50-82 |
154.5 | 252 | 120-200 | 54-90 |
157.5 | 255 | 130-210 | 59-95 |
161.5 | 258 | 140-240 | 64-108 |
155W | 265 | 130-210 | 59-95 |
158W | 268 | 130-220 | 59-100 |
162W | 268 | 140-250 | 64-112 |
166W | 268 | 150-280 | 68-125 |
Who is the Rider's Choice Most Suited To?
The ideal rider of the Rider’s Choice likes to spend plenty of time in the park and favors the jumps line. They like to hit anything from extra small to extra-large jumps. They might like to hit the jib line on occasion but it’s not their preferred part of the park.
They also want to be able to leave the park and ride the groomers and be able to use natural hits and basically ride freestyle over the groomers. But you can also hit a reasonable carve on this board and ride at reasonable speed – though it’s not a bomber or a super-hard carver.
The Rider’s Choice also has great edge-hold in hard and icy snow conditions, so if you encounter those a lot, then this board is also a great choice.
Not the ideal board for a beginner but definitely suitable for anyone from Intermediate to Expert.
The Rider's Choice in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Riders Choice is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: GNU Rider’s Choice 2019, 157.5cm (255mm waist width)
Date: March 3, 2018
Conditions: The snow had a great medium feel to it. Relatively firm but certainly not hard and not overly soft. Off groomer was nice too and there were a few pockets of untracked powder from snow from a couple of days previous. Sunny and perfect visibility. Temperature was -7 with wind.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Width at Inserts: 260mm (10.2“)
Powder
The Rider’s Choice was OK in powder. Not amazing but not bad either. It wouldn’t be my powder choice for a powder day but if you encounter pockets it’s still fun.
The centered stance and true twin shape isn’t really what you want for powder but it does have rocker in the profile which helps it to float.
Carving and Turning
Carving isn’t this board’s strongest point – but you can still lay into a carve on it.
S turns were super easy and really forgiving and was easy to skid turns on. Edge-to-edge it’s really fast too.
Overall it’s really maneuverable, which is great for trees, and approaches to tricky side hits and jibs – not as good for wide arching carves though.
I really liked the feel of the asymmetry too, you could get really sharp on those heel side turns.
Speed
It’s not fast but it’s not slow. It’s got a nice base that makes it glide well through flats and you can ride it reasonably quickly before it starts to feel a bit wobbly – but it does get a bit wobbly when you really get up there. You can still ride pretty quickly and feel stable though – but not a bomber.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Uneven Terrain
Since it was a Saturday, there was a lot of messy resort snow and, as I always do, I had my demo runs mapped out specifically to test on variable terrain. Typically I find softer boards with plenty of rocker better in the messy snow. The Rider’s Choice isn’t soft but it’s certainly isn’t really stiff either – and also that maneuverability I was talking about also helps.
So overall it ended up being really good in messing snow and undulating terrain.
Jumps
Now we’re talking.
Like jumps?
Then you would love the Rider’s Choice for this reason alone. Whether it’s small jumps in the park, large jumps in the park, popping off lips, ollying off rollers – anything that involves leaving the ground (and returning safely!) on this thing is pure joy.
It has good pop and that pop is easily accessible (you don’t have to put too much effort in to extract the pop). Landings felt stable and the approach was stable and with that maneuverability, any hard to access side hits were made easier to get to.
Fun board for spins too.
Switch
In one word – perfection.
It’s a true twin shape and a centered stance – so automatically it’s easy to ride switch.
Then add to that the asymmetry (which makes the heel and toe sides feel more natural) and you’ve got yourself a board that can ride both directions and (assuming you’re at least OK at riding both directions) it’ll feel identical, especially if you’re in a mirror duck stance.
Jibbing
Whilst certainly not a jib specialist, it’s a relatively easy/good board to jib with. Not intimidating at all – it’s got the maneuverability on approach and maneuverability at slow speeds too – and then it’s got the pop to get on/off the jib.
Pipe
I didn’t ride this in the pipe but based on the specs and what others have said about this board in the pipe, I imagine that it would be just about ideal.
It’s got great edge hold (important for climbing those icy walls), it’s not too soft but not too stiff, it’s got a centered stance and a true twin shape. So yeah, feels like it would be pretty darn good in there.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SWITCH | 5.0 | 10/10 |
JIBBING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
POWDER | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
PIPE | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.4/100 |
Overall the Rider’s Choice is a great all-mtn-freestyle board, that could also be used as a more specialized freestyle board – it’s on the freestyle end of the spectrum, but it carves and rides at speed well enough to be one that you can take over the rest of the whole mountain.
It would also rate really well as a freestyle board and you could definitely ride it as a jump line/pipe specialist if that’s what you were after.
A king when it comes to jumps, pipe and riding switch, and no major weaknesses in any other area either. Also has great edge-hold in hard and icy conditions for anyone who encounters those a fair bit.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Rider’s Choice, 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 Rider’s Choice compares to other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hi Nate,
I search for an all mountain freestyle board : I liked the huck knife and loved the playful aspect of it, its flex for butters, and poppy aspect. But I want to be able to go a bit in the powder and carve.
I can’t decide between the Salomon Assassin, GNU riders choice and Twin mountain 2021.
Is the Twin mountain as playful, easy to butter and pop as the others? Is the GNU heel turn so much better?
Which one of the 3 do you advise for someone that really likes the freestyle/joyful part?
Hi Cedric
Thanks for your message.
I would say the Mountain Twin is as easy to butter as the other 2 and similarly playful. I’d say Rider’s Choice 1/2 step more playful than the other 2. It’s not quite as poppy and overall not quite as good for jumps, spins etc. The Mountain Twin is a little better in powder than the other 2 though. In terms of carving, like proper carving as opposed to turns, the MT and Assassin are about equals, IMO, with the Rider’s Choice 1/2 step down.
If you were going to keep the Huck Knife and sometimes use that for park etc, then I would go Mountain Twin – as it’s the best compliment to the Huck Knife – and you would get more out of it in terms of powder. But if you’re looking to replace the Huck Knife, then I would be leaning Assassin or Rider’s Choice, given that you’re leaning more freestyle by the sounds of it.
Hope this helps
Thank you so much!!
You’re so caring for your members. Keep up the good work.
I just bought the Assassin 🙂
PS: the seller who appeared to really know what he talked about, said exactly the same things as you!
You’re very welcome Cédric. 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!
Hi Nate. I am 5’8 and 160 pound, wearing burton 10. I think my size should be 154,5 but the store only have 151,7 and 157,5 left. I am intermediate advance rider who like to jump and butter but also riding groom and uneven terrain. I ride a Salomon time machine 156 now and find it a little long. Do you think I can go 151,5 or is it too small ?? I can also buy last year model at 154 but I would prefer this year model
Thanks
Hi Sebastien
Thanks for your message.
I think the 154.5 is the best size for your specs and how you describe your riding. If it was me, I would buy last year’s 154.5 rather than this years 151.5. If you were predominantly riding in the park and nothing too big in terms of jumps, then I would say 151.5 would be fine, but for what you’re describing, I would rather go 154.5 in last year’s than 151.5 in this years.
As far as I know the 2020 model is identical to the 2021 model, apart from the graphic, so you wouldn’t be loosing anything going with last year’s model. Note that some sites don’t add the .5 to sizing, so last year’s model that you’re looking at might say 154 on some sites, but it was the same 154.5 size as this years.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate, I just read your reviews of this board with c3 camber and wondering if it is a better choices for me. In order of importance for me :
1-jump in park and side hits
2-stability ( I’m in eastern Canada so hard snow )
3-uneven terrain, trees and groomers
4- buttery
Don’t really have the chance to ride powder
I would like to gain stability and more agility in trees compare to my Salomon time machine 2015
I also have a look on the niche crux in 153 or 156 ?
I will keep my burton Malavita with the new board
Thanks again for your help
Seb
Hi Sébastien
The RC C3 could certainly be an option. It’s a little more stable at speed, a little better for carving and more poppy. I found it a little less buttery than the Rider’s Choice and not as good in powder. So yeah, if you want something a little more stable and a little more aggressive, then it’s certainly an option. I slightly preferred the C2X version in uneven terrain as well. Since you’re not that concerned about powder, I think it’s down to whether you want to sacrifice a little in terms of uneven terrain and buttering to gain in pop, carving and stability.
The Crux is an option too. Again, you’re looking at dropping a little in terms of uneven terrain and butterability, but better for speed and carving. Size-wise, I think probably the 153. The 156 is certainly doable for you, but I think given your style of riding, I would be leaning 153. Note that the Crux only has subtle magnetraction. It’s still good in icy conditions, but not quite as good as the RC C3, IMO.
Malavita (assuming it’s the Re:Flex model) will be a good match, IMO to the Crux, RC C3 and Rider’s Choice.
Hi, i have a Signal OG flat/wide board 155 , and i am around 187lbs and 180cm tall. O feel kt a little stiff the board though might be is too new and has not brea-in yet. I would like to focus more on medium/ red jumps to get confidence and then also for jibbing or flat tricks … you think is a good boars or shifting to other would help me advance faster ? Thanks
Hi Tomas
I haven’t ridden the Signal OG, so I couldn’t say for sure. From what I’ve read there are mixed reviews about it being softer and some finding it stiffer. It’s true that boards do break in and tend to be stiffer when you first buy them. And different boards do this to varying degrees. It could be the case that the Signal OG breaks in quite a lot after a while which might explain the mixed takes on its stiffness. Perhaps those who have found it stiff reviewed it after riding a new model and those who found it softer rode a broken in version. But that’s all just guess work as I haven’t ridden it. Certainly for what you’re describing there, going with something a bit softer isn’t a bad idea. If you were looking to replace the Signal OG, you could check out the following:
>>My Top 10 Men’s Freestyle Snowboards
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Is there anything new or upgrades on the 2021 version over the older version?
Hi Dylan
Thanks for your message.
As far as I can tell the 2021 Rider’s Choice and the 2020 Rider’s Choice are exactly the same board, except for the graphic.
Hi Nate,
Currently lookin to buy my first board. Had a couple hand-me-downs, most recent of which is a 2014 GNU Carbon Credit for the last 3 seasons. I hit everything from the park to Jackson Hole powder-moguls and was pretty stoked with how it handled, actually. I’m in between the Rider’s Choice and the Niche Aether cuz I really loved hybrid camber and wanna stick with it, but I don’t want to compromise anywhere- park or around the mountain. Which board would you go with, and are both gonna be better everywhere than the Carbon Credit?
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
Since you really like the Carbon Credit, I would go Rider’s Choice. It will be the most similar feel to the Carbon Credit but a boost in performance. Doesn’t feel exactly the same for sure (it’s a little stiffer and has more camber – and different shape etc, but will feel more similar than the Aether. Though the Aether does have that Hybrid Rocker profile, it almost feels more like a hybrid camber, to me). And the Rider’s Choice, IMO, feels just that little bit better in powder.
Vs the Carbon Credit, the Rider’s Choice will give you a bit more stability at speed and be better for carving (still not an out and out bomber, but certainly more so than the Carbon Credit). It’s also going to give you more pop and a more stable landing platform. The Carbon Credit probably a little better for jibs, for me personally, but I like softer flexing for a jib board for sure, and the Carbon Credit just a little more buttery. But I would say the difference you would notice for speed, carving and jumps will be significantly more noticeable than the small decreases you might get in butterability and jibbing.
Similar for the Aether – the Aether better for speed, carving and jumps. But the difference not as big for jumps and bigger for carving/speed (as in the Aether a little better than Rider’s Choice for more aggressive carves and speed but not as good as RC for jumps). And the decrease in jibbing would be more noticeable too, IMO – i.e. the Aether not quite as good a jibber as the RC.
Hope this helps with your decision
100% does, thank you so much. Definitely gonna go with the RC proably with Union Falcors.
Thanks again-
Michael
You’re very welcome Michael. Happy riding on your new setup!
Nate —
Been reading all your info and advise on the site, really helpful stuff.
I’ve been riding for probably 15 years now once or twice a season, and believe it or not never owned a board. Most of my riding is on the east coast. Last season I did some test driving and got on a riders choice and really liked how it felt. Would like your advise on the right size and also whether you have another board that I should consider before pulling the trigger on a riders choice. I consider myself an intermediate/ advanced rider. I don’t hangout in the park much but do like hitting smaller jumps where I can find them. I’m 6’3, about 205 with a 11 boot. Thanks again!
Hi Travis
Thanks for your message.
I think the Rider’s Choice could work for you. It’s good in hard/icy conditions, which is always a good thing on the East Coast. A great option for riding the resort and finding natural hits (and going into the park if you want to but don’t have to). If you’re looking at doing more off piste, or if you see powder a bit, there could be better choices, but assuming you’re predominantly in the resort, I think it’s a good choice for you.
Size-wise, I would be weighing up the 161.5 and 162W for your specs. The decision between the 2 will depend on how aggressively you like to carve. If you like to really rail your carves, then I would go 162W. If you ride a little more chilled and don’t get that high on your edges, then you might appreciate the slightly better maneuverability you get from the narrower 161.5.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate. That’s super helpful. Last question… Any advise on a binding that would pair well with this board? I have the k2 Maysis boot.
Hi Travis
I would pair the Rider’s Choice with a 5/10 or 6/10 in terms of flex. And I would look at something with decent board feel too. Something from the following would be a good place to start:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings
That second list the bindings are mostly too soft, but the Malavita Re:Flex is an option from there.
Thanks man!
You’re very welcome Travis. Happy riding!
Hi Nate!
I am new on snowboard ( Ride 15 days this winter ) And I have rented many boards these days. But i really liked riding Capita Outerspace Living and GNU Riders Choice. But on hard snow in ice patches Outerspace failed and i looked for a board which has better edge hold and i found Yes Typo as similar specs but with a nice edge hold. But in our country no chance to rent Typo so if i decide on this i will buy from abroad.
And i had chance to rent Riders Choice (154.5 cm) only in fresh snow and found it is really great except on the steep slopes during skid turns it pops me a lot like a cha cha cha feeling. Dont like it but i dont have the knowledge yet to determine it is because of the flex or dimension of board or because of the messy fresh saturday snow or because of my ability :).
I really like to ride a bit fast and skid turns rather than carving and i am pushing myself hard on steep slopes gradually. Until now i also started to do some switches, 360s, and i want to do butters, jumps and sometimes enter into powder in future. Dont like carving too much and dont like the catchy feeling on flat surfaces.
I want to buy my own board now and i am between on these two board ( GNU Riders Choice and Yes Typo ) So which one you prefer to me or any other suggestions?
And i will really appreciate if you help for the size either. I am 5’10” (1.77cm) and 183 lbs(83kg)
GNU Riders Choice 154.5 or 157.5
Yes Typo 155 or 158
And also forgot to tell Yes Basic is one of the option that i am looking for. Actually i really liked the playfullness of Outerspace Living but looking for something with better edge hold in hard snow. Thanks a lot advance! Have a great day Nate! 🙂
Hi Memingo
Thanks for your messages.
I would say the Rider’s Choice, Typo and Basic are all around that playfullness of the OSL but with better edge hold. With the Basic probably being a little more playful and the Rider’s Choice perhaps slightly less playful, but pretty close, in my experience.
The Typo is a little more buttery than the Riders Choice (and the OSL) and just a little softer, though very close in terms of flex. They’re all, IMO, pretty easy to skid turns on. In terms of that cha cha cha feeling you got, I would say if you’re skidding on messy snow, that’s going to happen to some extent. Some boards might deal with it better than others, but it’s not something I noticed particularly with the Rider’s Choice.
I would say if you preferred the OSL, except for in harder conditions, then the Typo is potentially closer to it (but with better edge hold) vs the Rider’s Choice. But it’s certainly not the same. It has a different feel to it for sure. But you do get a more similar camber profile. The Typo, Rider’s Choice and OSL all pretty similar in powder, IMO, with the Basic being not quite as good. None of them really excel in powder, but are OK.
For switch the Rider’s Choice, then OSL & Basic followed by the Typo, but the Typo is still really good for riding switch. Just with that very subtle setback, it’s not quite exactly the same going either way.
Size-wise for the Rider’s Choice, I would say go 157.5 for your specs, and 158 for the Typo.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I’m looking to improve my spins and as I recently learned to a 360 on flat ground but never on a jump (big goal for this season). I’m an intermediate rider who can enjoys hitting jibs. I currently ride a 153cm 2017 GNU space case and I’m 5’10 165lbs and wear a size 9.5 boots (adidas tactical).
I’m looking to go for the Riders choice in the 151.5 size but worried it would be too small. Will the waist accommodate my boots?
I enjoy doing butters but the sharper radius on the space case feels weird to me. It looks like the Riders choice is slightly more rounded even though it’s an Asym, can you confirm this?
Thanks for taking the time to read this Nick!
Karl
Hi Karl
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, with 9.5 Tacticals, I don’t think you’ll have any issues on the 151.5cm Rider’s Choice in terms of width. In terms of length, it’s certainly sizing down quite a bit for your specs, IMO. Since you’re used to a 153, it’s not a big step (and has the same contact length as the 153 Space Case, so you probably won’t feel a whole lot of difference there). But yeah, in that size I would be wanting to use it predominantly for jumps, spins, jibbing – as going that short you are compromising on stability at speed and float in powder. But certainly if you were comfortable with the 153 Space Case and are predominantly riding freestyle, then that length can work.
I didn’t get a weird feel on the Space Case, and I found the Riders Choice to be relatively similar, in that sense, so if you get that from the Space Case, you may feel the same from the Rider’s Choice. The Sidecut is similar on both. Going from Space Case 153 to Rider’s Choice 151.5 isn’t a massive difference in boards, IMO. They are certainly a little different, but not a subtle difference.
Hope this helps with your decision
Ciao Nate,
I’m an intermediate rider who owns a Burton Uninc 2009 157cm..and for me it’s time to change. I am 175 for 70 Kg , Size 10 of boots.
One time I tried a 151cm board and it was super funny.
I’d like to buy an all mountain freestyle that can allow me to improve also in 180, jumps and some tricks. It happens that I go in the park but mainly I go on resorts and I like to jump whenever I can. I go a lot with friends that are skiers, so I need also some kind of speed.
I definitely want to try rocker or hybrid camber.
I was struggling about the following boards :
– Gnu Riders Choice (152)
– Never Summer Prototype 2 (152)
– LibTech Skate Banana (152)
Thanks a lot
Giacomo
Hi Giacomo
Thanks for your message.
I think sizing there looks pretty good for your specs, given that you’re looking to improve 180s, jumps and tricks. I would say typically around 155, assuming a relatively advanced level, but sizing down a bit is a good idea if those things are your main focus. And given that you enjoyed the 151 that you rode. You do sacrifice a little in terms of stability at speed when going faster, so that needs to be taken into account as well.
The Skate Banana is the most playful, softest flexing of the 3 there and then the Rider’s Choice, then the PT2, IMO. But the PT2 and Rider’s Choice are close in terms of playfulness/aggressiveness.
Because you want the board to handle some amount of speed, I would be leaning towards the PT2 or Rider’s Choice. The PT2 being a slight step above in terms of speed and the Skate Banana a step down from the Rider’s Choice. For spins and butters, the PT2 and Rider’s Choice are fairly similar, IMO, with the Rider’s Choice a little better for jumps, but both awesome jumping boards so very little in it there. If you sometimes hit powder, the Rider’s Choice is better there, IMO, vs the PT2.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks a lot for your help!
One more thing, if I’d buy a Gnu Rider’s choice, which kind of improvement I will see compared to my current Burton Uninc?
Hi Giacomo
I never rode the Un-inc, so I can’t give you much in terms of comparison, but based on what I could find out about it, I would say you’ll be getting something a little stiffer, but not by a massive amount (probably when you first ride the Rider’s Choice it will feel a good bit stiffer, but it will break in fairly quickly and feel just a touch stiffer, at a guess).
Because you’re sizing down and because the Rider’s Choice is a fast turner and nimble anyway, I would guess that you’re going to get a more nimble ride. Potentially snappier/poppier, but really hard to say having not ridden the Un-inc.
Stability at speed might be less for going shorter, but might be improved by being slightly stiffer – so might cancel out. But again, this is something that I would be more confident of predicting had I ridden the Un-inc.
I’m guessing the Rider’s Choice might be a bit more buttery, mostly because of the size difference, but offset somewhat by being a little stiffer. But overall flex doesn’t always translate into butterability, and again I don’t know how the Un-inc butters.
I would guess that it will be an improvement for 180s and jumps, just because it’s a great jumping/spinning board – and in that size will help too.
But yeah, for most things I would need to have ridden the Un-inc to really give you a proper comparison
Thanks Again Nate!
What I can say is that Uninc is mainly a park board, I bought the 157cm because it was on sale and the board itself is not so stiff, but it’s hard to bend it for me!
I’ll definitely go for a shorter board anyway..it will be more fun!
Ciao
You’re very welcome Giacomo.
Hope you have a great season! If you think of it at the time, let me know which you go with and how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it on snow.
Hi Nate!
I´m looking for an all mountain/all mountain freestyle board able to be used in powder, speed and carvings, but it might be a good option for some freestyle and jumps as well. I´m also looking for a board to help me improve my skills.
I was thinking about GNU Riders Choice or Endeavor Pioneer. What would you say about them?
I wear a size 11US and I’m 6.1 ft (188cm) and my weight is around 180 lbs. Which size would you recommend me?
Thank you in advance!
Thomas
Hi Thomas
Thanks for your message.
I think the Rider’s Choice would work, but it’s certainly more oriented to the freestyle side of things. It is a little better for powder than a lot of all-mountain freestyle decks (still not amazing but decent). It’s not really a bomber though – like for speed and carving. Again it’s decent but not outstanding.
For the Pioneer I’d say similar in terms of speed/carving – maybe a touch down from the Rider’s Choice in terms of powder though. Still OK, but not great, IMO.
Both good choices, but if you were looking for something with a little more in terms of speed/carving, but still wanted some decent powder float, whilst still being freestyle oriented, then I would check out the Salomon Assassin, Endeavor Clout, YES Standard & YES Jackpot.
Also check out:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
But yeah, those 2 would do a good job for sure, but just some other options, if you’re looking for more in terms of speed/carving.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
I´m a Brazilian intermediate rider who travel once or two a year for some resort.
I´m looking for an all mountain board able to be used in powder, speed and carvings, but it might be a good option for some freestyle and jumps as well. I´m also looking for a board to help me improve my skills.
I was thinking about GNU Riders Choice, Capita Mercury or Capita DOA. What would you say about them?
I wear a size 10US and I’m 5.9 ft (180cm) and my weight is around 176 lbs. Which size would you recommend me?
Thank you in advance!
Cassiano
Hi Cassiano
Thanks for your message.
I would say out of those 3 that the DOA is the least suitable for powder, and since you mentioned powder, I would cross that off the list. Not that you can’t ride it in powder, but it’s just going to be more effort in powder to keep that nose afloat.
Between the Rider’s Choice and the Mercury. The Mercury is a little better in powder, better for carving and speed too. It’s also a little more aggressive than the Rider’s Choice and a little more advanced, but still certainly suitable for a solid intermediate rider. So yeah for powder, carving & speed I’d go for that over the Rider’s Choice. The Rider’s Choice, however, is better for jumps/freestyle riding, better for riding switch, and a little more playful and a little more maneuverable at slower speeds.
Size-wise: I’m going to go off the 180cm figure that you gave me for height. 180cm is actually more like 5’11” but correct me if you’re actually 5’9″ (which would be around 175cm). Doesn’t make too much difference anyway, but just to clarify. at 180cm and 176lbs, as an intermediate and from what you’re describing, I would say to look at something around 158cm. For the Rider’s Choice, that would be the 157.5cm and for the Mercury that would be the 157.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
I’m almost sold on the GNU rider’s choice for this season. I’m an intermediate level rider that owns a 156 skatebanana (2016) and wants something a little bit different that provides more versatility. I ride mostly on resort but I like to hit every jump I see.
I wear a size 9US and I’m 5 ft 9.6″ (177cm) and my weight is around 188 lbs. Which size would you recommend me?
Thank you in advance, keep up the amazing work!
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
I think the 157.5 would be the best option for you. It’s a good length for your specs, taking into account how you describe your riding – and the width should work too. By waist width it sounds like it’s on the wide side for 9s, but it’s actually not that much wider at the inserts (260mm) than it is at the waist (255mm), so I think it should work well both length and width-wise for you.
Thank you for the reply Nate,
I’m also considering the yes standard in 156 size, but i’m a little bit worried about the width.
The capita mercury (157) is also a consideration.
Which board would you recommend me knowing that I come from a skate banana (a very forgiving board)?
Hi Alex
I really like the Standard in the 156. But my specs are different enough – 6’0″, 185lbs, US10 boots – that it might feel a little wide/big overall for you.
The Mercury 157 isn’t as wide as it sounds with that 257mm waist. I measured the 159 (which has a waist of 259mm) and it was 265mm at the inserts, so the 157 is likely to be around 263mm at the inserts. Still on the wider side for 9s, but not to the same extent as the Standard. For reference, width at inserts:
GUN Rider’s Choice 157.5: 260mm
YES Standard 156: 270mm
Capita Mercury 157: 263mm
With 9s, width-wise, the Rider’s Choice is the best option. After that I would go Mercury. I think the Standard is going to be too wide.
The Mercury is going to be the stiffest, most aggressive option from the 3 – it’s going to be, IMO, the biggest contrast vs the Skate Banana. The Rider’s Choice the closest to the Skate Banana (but still quite different) and the Standard in between. Flex-wise, I felt these boards at:
Rider’s Choice: 5/10
Standard: 6/10
Mercury: 6.5/10
Skate Banana: 4/10
If you’re looking for something that’s a really big contrast to what you have then that’s the Mercury. But if you want something that’s a bit more, and different enough, from the Skate Banana, but not going miles away from it, then the Rider’s Choice fits the bill better.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the answer! I’m totally sold on the rider’s choice since it’s a more realistic progression. Also width-wise seem to fit better for my 9 size.
I’ll let you know about the new board,
Thanks again, cheers from Spain!
You’re very welcome Alex. Hope you enjoy your new gear and have a great season! Look forward to hearing how it goes for you
hi nate , is it good for butter?
Hi Rico
Thanks for your message.
Yeah it’s good for butters, IMO. Not like a super-soft board is for buttering but I found it was a good board to butter with.
This board handles great in powder. One day in slush doesnt do its actual capabilities justice. I rode a riders choice for 2 years with over 130+ days on it at Mt. Baker Washington, one of the top 10 snowiest places in the lower 48 and it handles excellent in deep pow conditions.
Hi Travis
Thanks for your message. Appreciate your input on how this board rides in powder. I’ve since ridden it in more powder (2019 model) and I agree it can handle it fine. But I still wouldn’t compare it to something that’s more setup for powder – like something that’s setback with taper and a big nose. But I definitely agree it’s not garbage in powder (and to be honest almost any board can be fun in powder – it’s powder after all!) – but just compared to others that are more set up for it, it doesn’t ride float as effortlessly (in my experience). But certainly better than the average centered twin. But everyone gets a different feel and have different boards to compare their experiences with.
Hello Nate
I’m a 6’1 180 early intermediate rider and am having a tough time deciding on a first board. I think I like the versatility of the gnu riders choice or the capita outerspace living. I haven’t locked in on where I like to ride, but I know I want something that is solid in all condition because I like to explore. Between these 2 what would you choose? Also if you have a better suggestion other than these 2 please feel free to comment. Trying to stay at or below $450. Thanks man!
Hi Anthony
I think both of these would be good choices. The Outerspace Living probably ever so slightly more versatile, but not much in it, the Rider’s Choice is also a very versatile board. A couple of differences between them.
1. The Rider’s Choice is asym (heel edge is different to toe edge). I like how asym boards ride, but they’re not for everyone.
2. The Rider’s Choice has rocker between the feet, and camber to tip and tail whereas the OL has camber between the feet and rocker tip to tail. Overall the RC is a little looser feeling, but not super-loose. The OL is slightly more stable feeling.
3. RC is better in hard/icy conditions, IMO, if you ride those a lot.
There are of course other differences, but those are the main ones off the top of my head.
In terms of size, the 158 for Outerspace Living is probably a good size for you and the 157.5 for the Rider’s Choice – assuming you don’t need a wide (which will depend on your boot size and binding angles).
Hope this gives you more info for your decision
tks nate
hello nate ,are the differences between gnu riders choice 2017 and 2018 ???
Hi Rico
As far as I can tell there are no major difference between the 2017 and 2018 models for the Rider’s Choice. Maybe some tweaks, but nothing noticeable (apart from the Graphic of course!). They changed the name of the camber profile from C2 BTX to just C2 – but they changed most of the names of their camber profiles for the 2018 models – but the camber profile is still the same.