GNU FINEST SNOWBOARD – REVIEW AND PRODUCT GUIDE
Overview
The GNU Finest is a freestyle-focused, all-mountain twin snowboard designed for precision riding, bold park performance, and powerful edge control. Featuring GNU’s aggressive C3 camber profile, it’s a high-energy ride built for confident park laps, big jumps, and creative all-terrain riding.
Designed in collaboration with Forest Bailey, the Finest blends artistic personality with serious performance — it’s one of GNU’s most responsive twin boards, ideal for riders who like high-speed freestyle with control and pop.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape | True Twin |
| Profile | C3 Camber – powerful camber underfoot with a mild rocker between feet |
| Flex | Medium (6–7/10) |
| Terrain | All-Mountain, Park, Freestyle, Groomers |
| Rider Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Core | G Lite 2 (Aspen + Paulownia) – lightweight, poppy, strong |
| Base | Sintered Knife Cut – ultra-fast and durable |
| Edges | Magne-Traction® – serrated edges for enhanced grip on hardpack and ice |
| Construction | Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax glass + Carbon Power Bands for response |
| Sizes Available | 152, 155, 157W, 158, 159W, 162 |
| Made In | USA – Mervin MFG, Washington |
C3 Camber Profile: Freestyle Powerhouse
The C3 profile delivers:
- Camber zones underfoot for pop, stability, and control
- Light rocker between bindings for smoother turn initiation and a touch of forgiveness
This is GNU’s most aggressive camber setup, designed for powerful freestyle riders who want maximum energy return without losing flow or freestyle feel.
On-Snow Performance
Freestyle / Park
- Built for jump lines, pipe, and creative freestyle riding
- True twin shape means it’s perfect for switch tricks and symmetry
- Stiff enough for stability on big features, responsive for technical tricks
Groomers & Hardpack
- C3 camber + Magne-Traction® make carving fast and stable
- Holds edges extremely well in icy or firm conditions
All-Mountain
- While freestyle-first, it has enough backbone to rip the rest of the mountain
- Floats OK in light powder, but not built for deep backcountry conditions
Design & Graphics
The GNU Finest features original Forest Bailey artwork , super earthy with a wood bark grain base and abstract forest scene deck. if you want a board that stands out from all the sleek minimalism of the bulk of todays boards, this is your one. one word of warning, if you ever drop it in a forest you’re screwed.
Eco-Friendly Construction
Like all GNU boards, the Finest is:
- Handcrafted in the USA at Mervin MFG with zero hazardous waste
- Made using eco-sublimated topsheets & bases
- Constructed with sustainable wood cores and non-toxic materials
Ride confidently knowing your board was made responsibly.
Ideal Rider
The GNU Finest is a great choice for:
- Park-focused riders who love powerful freestyle performance
- All-mountain shredders who ride hard and fast, switch or regular
- Intermediate to advanced snowboarders looking for camber-driven control and pop
Not ideal for:
- Beginners or those who prefer a mellow flex
- Riders who spend most days in powder or want a directional ride
Tech Specs (Example: 158 cm)
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Edge | 120 cm |
| Waist Width | 25.5 cm |
| Sidecut Radius | 8.2 m |
| Stance Range | 19″–24.5″ |
| Recommended Weight | 140–210+ lbs |
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Extremely responsive and poppy for freestyle performance
- C3 profile offers top-tier control and edge grip
- Durable, fast sintered base
- Switch-friendly true twin shape
- Forest Bailey’s creative influence in shape and artwork
❌ Cons:
- Too aggressive for most beginners
- Not ideal for deep powder days
- Requires rider commitment to unlock its performance
Comparable Alternatives
1. Capita DOA – Legendary true twin park/all-mountain board with hybrid camber and huge pop.
2. Ride Zero – Camber twin built for freestyle dominance with a smooth feel and solid control.
3. Salomon Huck Knife – Aggressive freestyle twin with park precision and big jump capability.
Final Verdict
The GNU Finest is a freestyle specialist that doesn’t flinch at speed, big jumps, or creative all-mountain lines. With C3 camber, a true twin shape, and Forest Bailey’s signature style, it’s made for riders who want precision, pop, and edge hold in a freestyle chassis.
If your snowboarding is about progression, power, and playful aggression, the Finest will take you there — with control, style, and USA-made quality.
Links
More info here – https://gbp.gnu.com