GNU BANKED COUNTRY SNOWBOARD – REVIEW AND PRODUCT GUIDE
Overview
The GNU Banked Country is a high-performance, directional freeride snowboard built to charge groomers, powder, and steep technical terrain with confidence and speed. Designed in collaboration with pro rider Blake Paul, it reflects his smooth, aggressive style in Jackson Hole’s big-mountain terrain.
This board is a refined machine for carving hard, floating deep, and holding steady at speed, making it a top pick for advanced all-mountain and freeride riders.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape | Directional |
| Profile | C3 Camber – aggressive camber with a mild rocker between feet |
| Flex | Medium-Stiff (7/10) |
| Terrain | All-Mountain, Freeride, Powder, Groomers |
| Rider Level | Intermediate to Expert |
| Core | G Lite 2 (Paulownia + Aspen) – light, strong, responsive |
| Base | Eco Sublimated Sintered – fast, durable, and low-friction |
| Edges | Magne-Traction® – enhanced edge grip on icy and hardpack terrain |
| Construction | Carbon Power Bands – added pop and edge stability |
| Sizes Available | 155, 158, 159W, 162, 162W |
| Made In | USA – Mervin MFG, Washington |
C3 Camber Profile: Precision Meets Float
The C3 camber profile features:
- Camber under both feet for grip and power
- Subtle rocker between feet for forgiveness and float
This delivers a stable, aggressive ride that holds edges through long carves and inspires confidence in technical terrain — while staying nimble enough for pow days.
On-Snow Performance
Carving & Groomers
- Rips edge-to-edge with incredible precision
- Feels stable at high speed with locked-in edge control
- Magne-Traction® adds grip on icy or variable snow
Powder & Off-Piste
- Directional shape and moderate taper give it natural float
- Plenty of nose lift without sacrificing control in steeps
All-Mountain Flow
- Blake Paul designed it to be fast, fluid, and versatile
- Great for riders who mix between powder hunting, resort laps, and sidecountry stashes
Eco-Friendly Construction
GNU’s commitment to sustainability includes:
- Zero hazardous waste manufacturing in the USA
- Eco-sublimated top and base
- Water-based inks and bio-plastic materials
- Sustainably harvested wood cores
Ideal Rider
The GNU Banked Country is perfect for:
- Advanced riders looking to charge big terrain with speed and style
- Resort riders who crave a freeride feel without going full big-mountain
- Fans of directional boards that can still handle switch occasionally
- Riders who value precision, speed, and float
Not ideal for:
- Beginners or freestyle-focused riders
- Riders looking for a buttery soft or playful board
Tech Specs (Example: 158 cm)
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Edge | 120 cm |
| Waist Width | 25.2 cm |
| Sidecut Radius | 8.1 m |
| Stance Range | 20″–25″ |
| Recommended Weight | 130–210+ lbs |
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Responsive and confident in steep, fast terrain
- Excellent carving ability and edge hold
- Floats in powder without sacrificing power
- Lightweight but rugged construction
- Made in the USA, eco-friendly materials
❌ Cons:
- Not designed for freestyle or park riding
- May be too aggressive for casual or beginner riders
- Directional shape limits switch performance
Comparable Alternatives
1. Lib Tech Ejack Knife – Freeride-focused directional board with C3 camber and high-speed stability.
2. Jones Frontier – All-mountain directional board that balances freeride performance with accessibility.
3. K2 Manifest – Versatile all-mountain freeride board with camber precision and a smooth flex profile.
Final Verdict
The GNU Banked Country is a finely tuned freeride board for aggressive riders who want control, float, and speed across the entire mountain. Built with C3 camber, Magne-Traction®, and Blake Paul’s signature design DNA, it blends old-school carving power with new-school fluidity and forgiveness.
If your days are spent chasing powder, railing groomers, or hunting natural lines – this board delivers the power and confidence you need, all in a sustainable, USA-made package.
More info here – https://gbp.gnu.com/banked-country