Thanks to asym tech that helps even very experienced riders get deeper into turns, the GNU Space Case makes riders turn more than they already do. GNU, and its sister-company Lib Tech, continuing to refine this tech. Hybrid camber keeps the deck playful and approachable for new riders, while providing plenty of pop. The board’s serrated edges, known as Magne-Traction, helps with edge hold on ice.  

Handling

Asym tech helps even the most experienced riders lay down better turns thanks to biomechanics. The heel-side edge of the Space Case snowboard is shorter than the toe-side edge to maximize the different biomechanics of a heel-side turn vs. toe-side turn. The hybrid camber is playful and the narrow waist helps transition from turn to turn quickly.

Pop & Energy

The Space Case features mellow camber underfoot, reverse at top and tail. Although it’s a hybrid, it leans closer to the camber dominant. This helps with pop as well as transferring energy from turn to turn.

Versatility

The Space Case lives between halfway between medium and stiff. One of the softer boards in the test, it’s a little more playful, making it more fun more mellow runs. But if you want to open it up, it handles speed well, but also asks the age-old question: why point it when you can go fast and turn.  

Edge Hold

Magne-Traction, the wavy edges designed to bite into snow and ice, do their job. Thanks to the camber profile, the Magne-Traction on the Space Case is less extreme than other GNU boards.

Sustainability & Craftsmanship

Gnu’s parent company, Mervin Manufacturing, is based Washington and all of their boards are made in the U.S. by, they joke, “snowboarders with jobs.” Handbuilt, Mervin decks have a strong track record of durability. And since they don’t have to be shipped from Europe or the Far East, their carbon footprint is lighter than the majority of snowboards on the market.

We tested these boards in the Eastern Sierra, in and around Mammoth and June Mountain. Testing began at a trade show in February, where we took about 15 boards. We rode each for about an hour. After that, we whittled the number down to the six tested riding all the way into August thanks to Mammoth record breaking season. They were open daily until August 6. We rode in all conditions from bulletproof hardpack to pow and everything in between.