Hello and welcome to my GNU Space case review – the latest in my series of Freestyle snowboard reviews.
As per tradition at Snowboarding Profiles, The Space Case will be given a rating out of 100, based on a number of different performance factors to see how well it performs as a freestyle snowboard.
NOTE: The 2019 model was the last model of the Space Case. The GUN Finest is a close but not exact replacement for it.
Overall Rating
Board: GNU Space Case ASYM C2X
Price: $579 (USD recommended retail)
Style: Freestyle
Flex Rating: Medium (6-7/10 depending on length)
Flex Feel: Medium (5/10)
Rating Score: 90.7/100
Compared to other Men’s Freestyle Boards
Out of the 36 Men’s Freestyle snowboards that I rated:
- The average score was 80.6/100
- The highest score was 90.7/100
- The lowest score was 68.1/100
- The average price was $435
- The Space Case ranked 1st out of 36!
Overview of the Space Case’s Specs
Check out the Space Case’s specs and available sizes in the tables below.
Specs
| Style | Freestyle | Flex | Medium (5/10) |
| Ability Level | Intermediate to Expert | Feel | Semi-Stable |
| Weight | Normal | Turn Initiation | Easy/Medium-Fast |
| Camber Profile | Hybrid Rocker (C2X) | Shape | True Twin (asymmetrical) |
| Stance Setback | Centered | Edge-hold | Hard Snow |
| Price | $579 (USD) | Base | Sintered |
Sizing
2018 & 2019
The flex stiffened for the 2018 model.
| Size (Length) | 147 | 150 | 153 | 156 | 159 |
| Waist Width (mm) | 247 | 250 | 251 | 255 | 255 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 36 – 68 | 45 – 82 | 54 – 91 | 60 – 95 | 64 – 113 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 80 – 150 | 100 – 180 | 120 – 200 | 130 – 210 | 140 – 250 |
| Flex Ratings | 6 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7 |
GNUs flex ratings tend to change as the size increases.
2017
| Size (Length) | 147 | 150 | 153 | 156 | 159 |
| Waist Width (mm) | 247 | 250 | 251 | 255 | 255 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 36 – 68 | 45 – 82 | 54 – 91 | 60 – 95 | 64 – 113 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 80 – 150 | 100 – 180 | 120 – 200 | 130 – 210 | 140 – 250 |
| Flex Ratings | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6 |
Who is the Space Case Most Suited to?
The Space Case is for anyone who loves to ride freestyle – whether that be laps of the park or performing tricks, jumps etc off natural hits.
It’s also great for anyone who likes to ride the pipe and doesn’t want to have to change boards to do so – often park boards aren’t that suited to the pipe. The Space Case nails it for both the park and the pipe.
Generally speaking the case is for:
- Anyone who loves to do laps in the park but would also like to perform freestyle in other areas of terrain
- Anyone looking for a freestyle deck that also has great edge-hold
- Anyone with a budget around $550
The Space Case in More Detail
Demo Info
Board: GNU Space Case 2017, 156cm (255mm waist width)
Date: February 27th, 2016
Conditions: Slushy and choppy on the groomers. Some rare pockets of powder off. Some rain later in the afternoon briefly but mostly dry with high cloud outside of that. Visibility good all day.
Bindings angles: +18/-6
The biggest surprise with the Space Case was how well it handled itself as an all-mountain ride too. That said, it’s in the jumps and switch that it really excels.
Switch
The Space Case has a true twin shape which is of course the shape you want for riding switch. But the Space Case is a little bit different from your average true twin. It has an asymmetrical aspect about it that helps to make it feel more symmetrical! What the!?
The asymmetry in this board has been described as “weird tech” but that weirdness actually makes it feel more natural.
The heelside has a shorter contact edge than the toe side, a softer flex than the toe side and a deeper side cut radius. What all this does is makes the heel-side turn more intuitive. In addition to this there is also a difference in the shape of the tail and the nose – which serves to make it feel more natural riding switch.
Asymmetry is becoming more and more popular but the Space Case was one of the pioneers.
Check out more details and see the Space Case in action below
Jumps
I loved this board on jumps. It was pretty near perfection – great on the approach, really stable on landings and really pop off the lip. Also a board that’s great to spin.
Suitable for all types of jumps from small to x-large.
Jibbing
The Space Case has a medium flex (differs per length but ranges from 4.5 to 6 out of 10). That medium flex has other benefits but does mean that it sacrifices a little bit in the jibbing stakes, compared to if it was a little softer.
That said it’s still pretty darn good for hitting the jibs.
Pipe
This board seems to do it all! If you are a pipe rider and have access to one then the Space Case won’t disappoint.
Outside the Park
The Space Case performs surprisingly well outside the park as mentioned.
It’s pretty good in powder – never going to be amazing given the true twin shape and centered stance – but still ok despite that. It’s not quite as good in powder as the 2016 model and prior – this is because of the new XC2BTX (renamed C2X for the 2019 model but essentially the same thing) – which is more camber dominant than the old EX2 BTX was.
But that extra camber has improved this board’s carving abilities – so you get that trade off.
Changes from Past Models
The 2019 model is virtually the same as the 2018 model, as far as I can tell, except for the graphic and the change in name from XC2 BTX to C2X. Gotta say, I like how GNU has simplified their camber profile naming.
2018 Model
The 2018 model has been stiffened up from the 2017 model. Not by heaps but where the Space Case was 4.5-6 for the flex it now ranges from 6 to 7 (see sizing tables above).
2017 Model
The 2016 model was called the GNU Forest Bailey Space Case ASS EC2 BTX. For the 2017 model it changed to the GNU Space Case XC2 BTX.
What does that mean?
Basically it means that the Camber profile has changed it was GNUs EC2 profile – not it’s the XC2 profile. This new profile makes the new model slightly more aggressive. It’s still a Hyrbrid Rocker profile (rocker between the feet and camber to tip and tail) but the camber is more pronounced on the XC2 than on the EC2 (it’s radial camber as opposed to elliptical camber). The camber section is also a bit longer and the rocker between the feet a bit shorter.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Switch: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Jumps: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Jibbing: | 3.5 | 14/20 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Powder: | 3.0 | 3/5 |
| Carving/Turns: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Speed: | 3.0 | 3/5 |
| Pipe: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
The Space Scores an impressive 90.7 points! That is the highest I have seen for any freestyle snowboard. It’s not the cheapest board around but you get what you pay for that’s for sure.
No wonder that it topped my list of the Top 10 Freestyle Snowboards
If you are looking for a board that feels intuitive, rides switch naturally and comfortably, has plenty of pop for ollies and jumps and will stomp landings with authority, whilst at the same time can perform on the rest of the mountain with distinction, for those times you want to ride the trails with mates or use the mountain as a park, plus perform with jibs and in the pipe, then this is definitely a board worth considering, if it’s within your budget.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you are interested in the Space Case and want to learn more, are ready to buy or want check out current prices or availability, check out the links below.
Thanks for reading and I hope this has helped in your snowboard search. For more info on the Space Case check out the links above. If you’re looking for more freestyle snowboard options check out my top 10 freestyle snowboards list at the link below.
>>Top 10 Freestyle Snowboards
This review is for the GNU Space Case 2017 model.
Hey Nate,
I’m an older rider, and I want to add more freestyle to my game. Butters, spins, small jumps inside and outside park, beginner jibs. I will use the board for allmountain as well.
My stats are 5’7”, 157 lbs, size 9 US.
I’am an advanced rider and a snowboard instructor as well. (Austria)
The most shops in the Netherlands advise an 159cm, is that size okay for me?
I used to ride an Evil Twin 154cm, but it lacks on edge hold on icy snow. And it feels a kind of small.
My second board will be an gnu headspace or an libtech Box Knife, will 157/158 cm fit my stats?
Greets,
Andre
170 lbs, not 157
Nate,
What would you say about the lib-tech trs 157 as alternative for the gnu spacecase?
Hi Andre
The TRS and Space Case are quite similar, but certainly not exact. The TRS is perhaps a slightly better size, if you were to end up going with a smaller option with the Headspace or Box Knife. That would give you a slightly greater distinction between the boards. And you get just that little bit more effective edge (and a little more than your Evil Twin too). The TRS is overall a little narrower too, which might better suit your boot size – whilst still being a little wider than the Evil Twin.
So yeah both boards quite similar with the TRS possibly being the better size, given the other board your looking to get in your quiver and given that you feel the Evil Twin is a little small for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Andre
Thanks for your message.
I would personally be looking at more like 157 for you, as an all-mountain size. You could go 159 if you were more looking to just do freeride/big mountain stuff. But for your specs, I’d say more like 157 – if you’re going to be doing more freestyle than anything else, then you could even go a little shorter. Certainly for the Space Case, I would go 156, rather then 159. You would be looking at a similar effective edge to your 154 Evil Twin – but you would be getting a bit more length overall – and importantly a bit more width too. I would only go 159 if you were going to be going predominantly freeride, but then I would also recommend a different board. For you, for this board and what you’re describing definitely 156, IMO.
If you’re second board is going to be Box Knife or Headspace, then I would actually look at 154/155 for your specs – assuming these are going to be predominantly used for riding park/freestyle.
Also, if you go Box Knife or Headspace, you could even look into a more all-mountain kind of board as your second board – just for a bit of difference (if you don’t already have something that’s a little more freeride oriented – not necessarily full on freeride but more in that kind of direction). Like these:
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
But yeah, from what you’re describing, I would personally go for the 156 with your specs and from what you’re describing.
Hi Nate,
I have seen gnu Space Case 159 & Capita Mercury 159 or 161 for the same on sale price – hard to resist.
Looking for all mountain Daily driver that’s playful on and off piste with basic freestyle 180 spins, ollying natural features. Don’t want too stiff a board.
I’m 5ft 10, weigh 102kg(224Ibs), Size 10 (UK) Thirty Two Tm 2’s boot.
If going for capita mercury would 159 work for me or suggest 161?
or
If going for gnu space case 159 the waist width 255 should work with my size 10 boots set to either 15/15 or 18/12 at binding reference or just 1 inserts outside of reference point?
I have in my quiver Capita OSL 160 & (recently purchased with great guidance from you 🙂 slash Happy Place 159.
Burton dump truck 163 for deep pow / big mountain resorts.
**I’m a a board hoard! just love reading and seeing what snowboards released year after year & replacing my quiver!**
You do the snowboard community/industry great objective justice – addictive reading
Thanks again in advance
Regards
Jason
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
I would say that the Space Case is the softer flexing option overall (5/10 flex, once broken in) and probably the more playful option.
The Mercury on the other hand would be the best compliment to your quiver, sitting nicely between the OSL & Dump Truck. The Space Case would be between the Happy Place and OSL, I would say – in terms of freestyle/all-mountain. But quite close to the OSL. Certainly a different feeling board to the OSL for sure, but as part of a quiver, it would fill a similar role, IMO. If you were looking to replace the OSL, then I think the Space Case would be a good option.
Size-wise, if going Mercury, I think the 161 would be your best bet.
If going Space Case, then 159 would be the only option. But it might be too narrow for 11s. I haven’t measured the Space Case specifically, so I couldn’t say for sure, but based on other similar GNU boards, it’s prob not much wider than 260mm at the inserts. I think that would be risky on 11s, personally.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate.
Have you tested the new Burton Step-Ons? With the ‘Ruler’ boots (the less-stiff boot option), would they affect the choice of a board like the Space Case? (or Proto Type Two, say)
i.e. If you were going to get a Space Case, would you change your mind if you got the step-ons?
thanks
Hi Ess
Unfortunately I haven’t tried Burton’s new step-ons. Hopefully will get a chance to this season.
But it looks like the bindings are supposed to be medium flexing – so if that’s the case and if the Rulers are the same kind of flex as the non-step-on Ruler’s (which I think they’re supposed to be) then they would likely work with the Space Case – they’d be a match flex-wise anyway. But without having tested them, I couldn’t say for sure how they would go, but in theory they’d work well with the Space Case or the Proto Type 2.
If you do go with step-ons, I would be very interested to hear what you think of them.
Sure, but it’s gonna be a little while waiting for snow.
Hopefully you get to try ’em soon…
Thanks.
I’m an older rider, and I want to add more freestyle to my game. Butters, spins, boxes, small jumps inside and outside park, beginner jibs.
My stats are 5’10”, 157 lbs, size 10 US Burtons. The charts say probably go with 156cm? Since Space Case is already a freestyle board, should I still drop that to 153cm? (Butters & spins more than jibs.)
How much will I notice a smaller board out on the hard-packed groomers, or moguled-out groomers? (Following the family, but not hard charging.) Would smaller be better in trees?
Should I look at NS Proto Type2 instead?
Too much spinning in my head, hopefully you’ll set me straight! Thanks
Hi Ess
I think for this particular board and for your specs and what you want to be learning that the 153cm would be the best option.
You’ll loose a bit of stability at speed and float in powder compared with going for the 156cm but it will be easier to butter, easier to spin and easier to jib on the 153cm. Also I much prefer shorter boards in the trees so if you spend a bit of time in there, then that’s also a bonus. Shorter boards also tend to be better for riding slowly and playing around. If you were going to be laying low carves and bombing down the mountain, then extra length is a good thing to have but if you’ll be riding slower, like with your kids, then you don’t need that extra length.
Also if you’re just getting into freestyle riding the 153cm will feel a little more playfull/softer flexing which will make things a little easier to learn.
But that’s not to say that the 156cm is a bad size for you. Both those sizes work for your stats – it’s just that there are advantages and disadvantages that you’ll get depending on if you go 153cm or 156cm – note that these difference will only be subtle but definitely noticeable.
The only other consideration will be whether this will be your only board? If you already have a board that’s longer, then I would say definitely go 153cm – then you can always ride your other board for days when you think you’ll want to ride a bit faster or if you get a big powder dump. If it will be your only board then it’s a tougher call and the 156cm might be a better balanced size for doing everything – though from what you’re describing I’d still be leaning towards the 153cm for you.
I hope this gives you something to go off for your decision. Oh yeah and the Proto Type 2 is certainly an option too – you’d loose a little for jibs but you’d gain a bit in terms of carving and speed. For the Prototype 2 I’d say 154cm
Nate, this might be a stretch, but …
My current board is the 2014 Burton Easy Livin’ Restricted (Flying V) 155cm.
To give me a frame of reference, could you possibly compare to that? It’s not an aggressive board, so would the 153 Space Case carve similar to that?
At my stage, jibbing means boxes, so that doesn’t seem demanding for board choice is it? I’m really working on ground tricks (eg. 360 nose roll) and small jumps. I want to have fun around the hill. Carving just needs to be stable and predictable.
(p.s. Wow, thanks for the thoughtful response.)
Hi Ess
You’re very welcome.
I can’t compare directly to the 2014 Easy Livin but in general I would say that the Space Case is probably a little better carving-wise. It’s a freestyle board but it’s a slightly more aggressive freestyle board than some. I’d say more aggressive than the easy living overall. But it’s still not what I’d call an aggressive board – just more so than the Easy Livin.
Certainly for boxes you don’t need to be as fussy for jibbing.
So yeah, I’d say that the Space Case is a hair above the Easy Livin for carving and probably has a similar feel in terms of stability – just on the loose side of stable – the space case probably a touch more stable, just being the slight bit stiffer. The Proto Type Two probably similar stability-wise but a step up in terms of carving. And a little down on the jibbing, like I said but not bad – and if you’re only going to be on boxes it will do the job fine.
Hope this helps
OK, I’m confident the Space Case 153 is it then. Awesome.
Would Burton Cartels work here? Any suggestions?
btw, have you tried the Burton strapless? I here they’re ready for sale this fall. Stiff price, though.
Hey Ess
Yeah I think the Cartels would work well.
Check out the following links if you want some more options. I think anything from those 2 lists would work with the Space Case.
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings
Hi Nate,
First of all, thank you for all the info you have posted on this website. Investing in snow gear is not easy, and it’s websites like yours that really help people like myself (hobbyist snowboarders) make informed decisions on purchases.
Anywho, I’m 168cm tall and weigh about 68kgs. My boot size is 8.5 US. I was looking at either the 150cm or 153cm space case. Generally, I spend my mornings on the mountain but always looking for natural kickers and jumps. The rest of the day, I’m at the park. What would you recommend, in terms of size?
Thanks Nate!
Hi Nolan
You’re very welcome – and thanks for visiting the site.
I think you’ve done a great job so far to narrow down to a board that would suit your purposes and the 2 sizes that would suit you best. I think either would be fine for you. But I would be just leaning towards the 150cm for you. The main reason is that it sounds like you spend more time riding freestyle – even when you’re not in the park – than anything else, so going with the slightly shorter option, I think, will be more advantageous for you.
Pros of going shorter include being easier for spins, adding a bit more maneuverability, a bit easier to butter, more jib friendly, better in trees.
Pros of going longer include more stability and speed, better float in powder and better in terms of carving.
Of course the difference between 3cm on the same board will be subtle (which is why either size would work for you) but it’s still noticeable. It always amazes me when I test the same board in two different sizes, that are only 2-3cm different, and how you can really feel the difference.
So, whilst I think both sizes would work for you, the 150cm would be my pick.
Hope this helps
That’s really really helpful Nate. Thanks a lot for the quick reply and useful info.
You’re very welcome Nolan.
Hi Nate
How would you rate the Space Case vs the NS Proto Type Two?
Hi Peter
As you know ,I classify the Type Two as an all-mountain-freestyle board and the Space Case as a freestyle board – so different categories. But I was close to categorizing the Space Case as all-mountain freestyle – so they’re not worlds apart.
But since they’re in different categories you can’t really compare the scores that I give them, because the rating systems are different.
But after putting the Space Case through my all-mountain-freestyle rating system and the Type Two through my freestyle rating system these are the scores that they get.
~ Space Case as all-mountain-freestyle: 91/100 (Type Two 94.4/100)
~ Type Two as Freestyle: 92.9/100 (Space Case 93.4/100)
So, as you can see, both boards do very well in each other’s categories. Whilst this scoring system is far from an exact science, it gives some perspective.
I think the main difference between the 2 is that the Space Case falls behind the Type Two when it comes to carving and speed (whilst the Space is good in these areas for a freestyle board, this is largely why I have categorized it as Freestyle and not All-Mountain-Freestyle). The Space Case is a little easier to jib with.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Hi again Nate
Thank you once again for taking time to answer all these questions.
I’m sorry though for asking again, I realised after posting my question that you had already given a comparison in an earlier comment.
I really appreciate that you put the boards through a secondary scoring run.
I have been set on the Type Two, however since the 2017/2018 board won’t hit the shelves until August I’m finding myself looking at more boards (which of course is a sure way of second guessing myself).
I was for a long while deciding between the Funslinger and the Type Two (where you helped me with some input in the board length article). During that process I was wishing that there would be a board right in between the FS and the TT.
Now of course the Space Case does fit in-between these two, but my conclusion is that its so close to the TT that I won’t deviate from my plan (there are small details with the Never Summers that in the end will keep me there, and specifically the Type Two, for this purchase).
For next season I will have a completely new gear setup, which I’m really stoked about.
Board to be upgraded from a 155cm 2006 Ride DH, to a 2017/2018 157cm Never Summer Proto Type Two.
Bindings already upgraded from the 2006 Ride LX, to 2016/2017 Flow Fuse Fusion (I changed during last season as I wanted speed during strapping up as toy wife and son are skiers).
Boots upgraded after season end from 2006 Ride Ful, to 2016/2017 Northwave Decade (so still not used them yet).
As you can imagine that since my gear lasted 10 years I didn’t get that many days on the slopes during that time, but both kids are now hitting the slopes and thus I’m getting more mountain time. For next winter my 6yo son is going to try snowboarding (with his lack of patience I’m not completely sure that I’m looking forward to it). 😉
Once again a big thank you for your support.
//Pete
Hi Peter
You’re very welcome. Hope you enjoy your new setup and have an awesome season next winter!
Hey Nate,
After much considerations… I decided to go with the space case!! Do you think i should get a 150? Or i might be able to get away with the 147? The difference in contact length is only 1cm… Do u think i might suffer some performance when carving?
Weight: 140 lbs
Height: 5’7
Stance: +21/-9
Skill level: intermediate. Mostly going to use it as a all mountain deck.
Thanks again for looking through it.
Hi Jerome
I wouldn’t say that the 147cm is too short for you but on balance I would say the 150cm. The main reason i say this is because you mention that you are going to be using it mostly as an all-mountain deck. If you said you were going to use it mostly in the park, then I’d probably say 147cm.
You would probably loose a little bit in terms of carving going down to the 147cm – but you would gain a little bit in terms of spins and butterability and being slightly more agile.
But you also gain a bit more stability at speed and stability at speed on the 150cm and will get a little more float in powder.
All this differences will be subtle but definitely noticeable, in my opinion.
So, 147cm wouldn’t be completely wrong, would definitely be doable for you, but I think the 150cm is probably the best size for you.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate for your prompt reply. Have you tried pairing it with Genesis or even genesis x? Any feed back on that?
You’re welcome Jerome. I haven’t ridden the Space Case with the Genesis or Genesis X but I’m confident that the Genesis would be a great match for the Space Case (just make sure you get the Re:Flex version of the Genesis as the EST version only fits on Burton boards with the channel system). The Genesis X is a stiffer binding. It would likely still be OK on the Space Case, because they have great board feel but I think the Genesis would be the better match.
Hi Nate,
I have been reading your reviews and wanna get some advice from u.
I am currently riding a NS Proto HD (152) and find it slightly too stiff for presses and Ollies(i can press and Ollie but takes alot of energy to do it). I love to carve on it as it’s very stable at speed.
I have a K2 Party platter and use it mainly for pow days. Edge to edge can be pretty slow due to the wide waist (260)
I am looking at getting the space case 147 or the NS Funslinger. Going to kinda use it as an all mountain freestyle use. What attracts me is the asym sidecut for both boards and the magnatraction (space case) and Vario side cut (FS).
My concerns are whether the space case would be as stiff as the Proto HD(both medium flex indicated by the manufacturer)? And also whether it is a light weight board easy for spins?
I am open to other suggestions too. Was thinking about prototype 2 but was afraid it might be too stiff as well.
Weight: 140 lbs
Height: 5’7
Stance: +21/-9
Skill level: intermediate. Loves to carve and ride side hits and small jumps. Not into park riding.
Hope that with the info above u can point me to the right direction.
Thanks!
Hi Jerome
Thanks for your message.
I would say that the Space Case would be a very similar stiffness to the Proto HD or Proto Type 2 in my experience. But if you were looking to go for the 147cm it would feel softer than the Proto HD. Smaller boards do feel softer and are easier to press. That said, the Funslinger would definitely a softer board, in my opinion, compared to both the Space Case and the Proto HD. I would class it as a 3 or 4 out of 10, where as the Space Case and Proto HD are more 5/10. Like I said, the Space Case 147 will likely feel a little softer than the 152 Proto HD.
The Funslinger has great pop – it’s a great board for ollying and I think it would press the best out of the 3.
If you go for the Funslinger, I would say that the 149cm would be my recommendation for you – but you could also go 146cm if you wanted it a bit more buttery/easy to spin.
If I had to choose I would say Funslinger just because I think it will be a little easier to olly and press, which it sounds like are the main things you’re looking for – and also because it will slightly more of a contrast to your Proto HD.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the advice. I shall go for the FS then. Now that i have to decide to go for more stability (149) or more buttery (146) board.
I am wearing a US8.5 32 Lashed. I should be able to fit on both boards without toe or heel drags right?
Thanks
Hi Jerome
I think you should be fine in terms of width. The 146 has a 245mm waist width and the 149 has a 247mm waist width. Anything down to a 244mm waist width should be fine for US8.5s. If you were really getting low on carves you might want to go closer to that 247mm range but I think you’ll be fine on either.
The other thing that makes me pretty confident that either would be fine is that the Proto HD 152cm has a 244mm waist width. So, if you’ve been having no problems with heel or toe drag on that you will be fine – as long as you don’t like drastically alter your binding angles or stance width. The Funslinger 146 actually has a slightly deeper sidecut than the Proto HD and so should be even slightly wider than the Proto HD at the inserts.
Long story short – I think you should be fine!
Thanks for all the advice Nate!
You’re very welcome Jerome – hope you enjoy your new board!
I decided to go with the space case as my next board. At the moment they have great sales on them so it isn’t going to break the bank. My question is should I go with the 150cm or the 147cm? I’m 5’7 weighting in at 145-155lb. I was thinking the 150 should be a good fit but would love your thought on this. After all it was your review that has helped my decision the most. Also what would be some great bindings to match with it?
Thanx man.
Hey John
Thanks for your message.
I agree with your thinking on the 150cm. I think that would be the best size for you for the space case.
In terms of bindings, I think anything from the following links would be a good fit for the space case. The first list if you wanted something a little more flexy/loose feeling and the second list if you want a bit more response.
~ Top 5 Freestyle Snowboard Bindings
~ Top 5 All Mountain Freestyle Snowboard Bindings
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
I’m quite confused and can’t make up my mind… I ride predominantly on groomers and off-piste (trails, uneven terrain etc), hit the park sometimes, and backcountry as well. I’ve narrowed my decision down to Gnu models, because I want to take advantage of their edge hold as it gets icy sometimes where I go. I’m looking for a neutral board that simply does it all: playful, but not too loose; relatively stable on speeds; decent float in powder; not too grippy in soft snow; maneuverable; good switch and jumps performance.
I’m torn between the Space Case and the Eco Choice/Riders Choice. Is there any difference between the Eco Choice and RC, or the former is just an environmental marketing trick mixed with Nicolas Muller hype? Out of these which one would you recommend?
I stay at 5’9″ and was wondering which size to pick – 153 or 156. The local salesman told me that there will be little to no difference in the difficulty in rotation, but the longer one will provide me more float in the powder and stability when speeding. The latter is legit, but not sure about the rotation statement.
I’d massively appreciate your input!
Cheers
Hi Tyl
The Eco Choice and the Rider’s Choice are, for all intents and purposes the same as the Eco Choice. The Eco Choice just has a couple of things that make it more environmentally friendly production wise but I doubt you’d notice any real difference between them in terms of performance.
I think for what you’re describing that i’d be leaning slightly towards the Rider’s Choice/Eco Choice. It is slightly better in icy conditions and maybe slightly quicker edge-to-edge and just a little bit more oriented to being an all-mountain-freestyle type board whereas the Rider’s Choice is more of a freestyle/park board that can ride the rest of the mountain well. Though both boards are relatively similar – just some subtle differences. You can check out my Riders Choice review at the link below.
~ GNU Riders Choice Review
In terms of size, that extra length will effect rotation. It’s just the trade-off between going longer and shorter. The longer board will have better stability at speed and float in powder – but will also be more difficult to spin – but it will be only subtly and you’ll get used to it pretty quickly – but it’s unrealistic to say that there would be no difference at all. In terms of which size is best for you, if you can let me know your weight, I could give you my opinion as to the best size for you – size is probably more dependent on weight than height.
I think either of those boards would do for you what you’re after but if you want other options you could also check out my top 5 all-mountain-freestyle snowboards at the link below (you’ll see the Eco Choice there).
~ My Top 5 All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Of those the Lib Tech TRS and the YES Basic will be similarly good in icy conditions to the Rider’s Choice/Eco Choice and the YES Greats and NS Proto Type 2 will be similar to the Space Case in icy conditions.
Hope this helps
Spot on Nate! Thanks for the response. I weigh about 160lbs. If it’s gonna be RC/Eco Choice I’d be opting for 154.5 then? Whereas for the Space Case I thought that this deck being freestyle oriented, I should be going for the larger size, hence 156, or should I stay away from this deck considering my needs? Last year I was leaning towards the TRS, but from the reviews I’ve read so far I concluded that as it is a true twin with centered stance, it will not float well in powder. I do several entire powder days a season, therefore is there any Mervin deck that is simply the closest to do-it-all as possible?
Thanks
Hi Tyl
Yeah I’d say the 154.5 is your best size. You could go 157.5 but I think the 154.5 is the better size for you. I rode the 157.5 and that felt just right for me for that board (I’m 185lbs and 6’0″) so I think the 154.5 is the better bet for you.
For the Space Case you could go 156. It would all depend. The 156 would give you more stability at speed and better float in powder. The 153 would be more agile and better for jibs and for spins.
The Space Case and Rider’s Choice are also true twin (asymmetrical true twin but the asymmetry doesn’t affect float in powder) and centered and also are going to be only average in powder. You can still ride them in powder but because of their stance and shape, you need to put in more effort to keep the nose above the snow. A bit more effort to get the weight on that back leg.
Ideally you would have a separate board for those powder days but I know it can be hard to have 2 boards, especially for cost reasons.
In my experience GNU and Lib Tech tend to have boards that are either freestyle or freeride focused. Not a lot in between – not in terms of being a little bit setback and a balance between powder and riding switch. The Lib Tech Swiss Knife is probably the closest thing to that. But even that’s more freeride focused and not great for riding switch.
If you’re looking for that balance between freestyle and freeride and also something with great edge-hold in icy conditions, then the Rossignol One Magtek, and maybe the YES Typo are worth looking at.
I think that the Rider’s Choice and Space Case could still work for you – with the Rider’s Choice probably being the better option of the two – it’s just that they won’t be as suitable for those powder days.
Yes Typo looks like the perfect fit, pretty much ticks all the boxes I need and it’s still on the playful side. The only downside is that it isn’t for sale where I live in and have to order it from an overseas seller, in addition it’s practically out of stock. Anyway, the more I read the harder it gets to decide… Eco Choice/RC or Typo are the options for now until something else pops up and kicks off the confusion in my mind all over again 🙂
Thanks again!
You’re very welcome.
It can get confusing at times! I think you’ve narrowed it down to some good options anyway. All the best
Hi Nate!
I bought a 153cm 2017 Gnu space case and absolutely loved it, but I want a bit more stability out of the board. I am 5’8 and 170 lbs with a size 10 boot. I had the option to return my board for another size and wanted to know if you think the 156 would be more stable, better in pow, yet still be playful and fun? Also, do you believe that size is a good fit for my height and weight? I mostly ride freestyle but love to carve and mix some all mountain speed with my runs. I just felt that the 153 might be small for my weight and riding style. Thank you so much, you’re review helped me get my dream board 🙂
Cheers
Hi Niam
The 156 would definitely offer you more stability and more float – that extra surface area would help. That said, I don’t think that the 153cm is completely the wrong size. 153cm would be the best size if you weren’t really into hitting the pow or riding at speed. i.e. it would be the best size if you were predominantly in the park and only really rode casually on the groomers. But the 156 would just add that bit more for outside of the park. The trade off is that it will make spins more difficult but certainly still doable.
If you wanted something that was a bit more stable to begin with but still go with the shorter length you could look at the Never Summer Proto Type 2 – and go with the 154. If that board has everything else that you want. But i think that the 156cm Space Case is still a good option and will likely, overall, suit you better than the 153cm.
If you are interested in the Proto Type Two, you can check out my review of it at the link below.
~ Never Summer Type 2 Review
Hope this helps
Hey Niam!
Which size did you buy in the end? I am thinking about the same problem now if 156 will be too difficult to rotate than 153. But I want to enjoy the pow too.. I have same height and weight as you so your reply would be really useful for me.
Thanks
Have you tried the 2017 model yet?
Hey Mark
Yeah I rode the 2017 model in the spring. Still the same awesome board but with one major difference. The 2017 model has an XC2 BTX camber profile, whereas the 2016 model had the EC2 BTX. This basically makes the new model slightly more aggressive. It’s still Hyrbrid Rocker (rocker between the feet and camber to tip and tail) but the camber is more pronounced than on the EC2.
This review is no the list to be updated for the 2017 model (there’s a big list at the moment!)
I tried it too and that’s why I was seeing if you had ridden it yet. It’s an absolute beast.
I really want to buy the 2017 space case but i’m also keen on the proto type 2, have you ridden that one yet?
Yeah I rode the Proto Type 2 at Whistler in April. Also a sick board! Hard call between them.
They are similar in many ways – both assymmetrical twins, both awesome with switch, jumps, both have similar camber profiles. I’ll be putting out a review for the Proto Type 2 soon hopefully. You can’t go wrong with either. Though I’ve got the GNU Space Case under freestyle here I am thinking of switching it to all-mountain-freestyle (which is what the Proto Type 2 is) but either way the Space Case is awesome as either a freestyle or freestyle all mountain.
Though I didn’t ride them side by side on the same day, I’d say they are quite similar and both are sick decks! The only differences are that the Space Case has a slightly looser feel, but it’s certainly not really loose, as you know. I’d say that the Type Two is slightly more stable – whether that’s a good thing or bad thing all depends on what you like the feel of better. Also, I’d say, just because of that slightly more stable feel, that the Proto Type two is also a slightly better carver. The Space Case probably a marginally better jibber – but really not much in it.
If you can’t decide, then go with the Space Case, since you know you like it. I think you’d love either one though.
I know, I know.
I think I will go with the space case. If you jump on a board and instantly feel comfortable I think it’s a must buy……..Just one more question though, haha.
You’d say that the funslinger is more freestyle orientated hey? More parky, jibbable, less stable etc.
In terms of scale you’d say that slinger is the least all mountain and the type two is the most all mountain?
Very kind and warm regards,
🙂
Yeah definitely out of those 3 the Funslinger is the most freestyle (least all-mountain) and the Space Case is in the middle and the Type Two is more all mountain than the other two – but only very slightly so compared with Space Case. The Funslinger is also slightly softer flexing – it’s a better jibber than the other two but the other two would be better over the rest of the mountain – in my opinion. Switch and jumps pretty similar – although I’d still go with the Space Case or Proto for jumps just because they feel a bit more stable on landings from bigger jumps – just that little bit of extra stiffness – but Funslinger definitely awesome for ollies etc. and ground tricks and smaller jumps.
I bought the board in about December.
Love it
Nice! I’m looking forward to riding this deck again when the new demos come out next spring.
Thank you Nate, i fond very comprehensive review regarding the GNU space case, which i was looking for my online shop!
Hey longboardlover – glad you liked the GNU Space Case review and found it helpful for your shop.
Thanks for visiting,
Nate