GNU GREMLIN SNOWBOARD – REVIEW AND PRODUCT GUIDE
Overview
The GNU Gremlin is a wild and powerful directional freeride party board that blends aggressive carving power, insane float in powder, and unexpected agility into a short, wide, and playful shape. It’s built for riders who want to rip groomers, slash pow, and charge the mountain with a mischievous grin.
Don’t be fooled by the name – the Gremlin is serious about performance, but it thrives on rowdy fun. With a short effective length and wide platform, it’s a quiver board that packs a lot of punch in a small package.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape | Directional |
| Profile | C3 Camber – aggressive camber with mild rocker between feet |
| Flex | Medium-Stiff (7/10) |
| Terrain | Freeride, Carving, Powder, All-Mountain |
| Rider Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Core | G Lite 2 (Aspen + Paulownia) – lightweight and strong |
| Base | Sintered Knife Cut – fast, tough, low-friction |
| Edges | Magne-Traction® – serrated edges for supreme grip on hardpack |
| Construction | Carbon Power Bands – pop and control without weight |
| Sizes Available | 144, 148, 152, 155, 158 |
| Made In | USA – Mervin MFG, Washington |
C3 Camber Profile: Serious Control
The C3 profile delivers camber underfoot for explosive power and control, with a slight rocker between the feet to keep things smooth and forgiving when needed.
This results in a ride that’s:
- Responsive and poppy
- Stable at speed
- Confident on edge
- Surprisingly floaty in pow
On-Snow Performance
Carving & Groomers
- The Gremlin rips trenches – it’s wide, stable, and grippy
- A shorter effective edge lets it turn quickly despite its width
- Camber and Magne-Traction® provide race-car-level edge hold
Powder
- Short tail and wide nose = natural float
- Performs like a mini pow surfer, slashing, popping, and staying afloat
All-Mountain Freeride
- Strong enough for steeps and crud
- Surprisingly maneuverable for its size
- A true “fun board” that can still handle serious terrain
Eco-Friendly Construction
Built at Mervin MFG in Washington, the Gremlin uses:
- Sustainable wood core
- Eco-sublimated graphics (non-toxic)
- Zero hazardous waste manufacturing
- Locally sourced materials where possible
Ideal Rider
The GNU Gremlin is best for:
- Advanced to intermediate riders who want a short, aggressive freeride board
- Carvers and powder chasers looking for a wide, surfy, and powerful ride
- Anyone who wants a fun, versatile “quiver killer” with loads of character
Not ideal for:
- Beginners
- Park-focused freestyle riders
- Riders looking for a super-soft, buttery ride
Tech Specs (Example: 155 cm)
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Edge | 117 cm |
| Waist Width | 26.3 cm |
| Sidecut Radius | 7.5 m |
| Stance Range | 19″–24.5″ |
| Recommended Weight | 130–210+ lbs |
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Rips carves like a race board
- Super floaty for its size in powder
- Lightweight and nimble with a stable platform
- Durable sintered base and eco construction
- Great for aggressive, fun-seeking freeriders
❌ Cons:
- Too wide/aggressive for beginners
- Not ideal for true freestyle or switch riding
- Shorter length can feel twitchy at very high speeds
Comparable Alternatives
1. Lib Tech Orca – Short, wide volume-shifted freeride board with insane float and carving power.
2. Jones Mind Expander – Surfy directional board built for pow and playful all-mountain fun.
3. YES Warca – A tight, carvy directional ride with volume-shifted shape and freestyle spark.
✅ Final Verdict
The GNU Gremlin is a freeride rebel — it’s powerful, nimble, and not afraid to go fast, slash deep, or blast through powder. Its compact, volume-shifted shape and C3 camber give it the perfect blend of control, float, and rowdy energy, making it a standout option for anyone who wants a playful yet hard-charging directional board.
If you like carving hard, riding fast, and slashing the mountain with style and aggression – the Gremlin is your spirit animal.
More info here – https://gbp.gnu.com/gremlin