Gnu Riders Choice BTX Snowboard - 2009 BCS

OK so I bought the carbon credit 153 and when it arrived it was pretty flexy. I also wasn't sure about the base holding up well so I didn't ride it. I went to a shop in tahoe and they gave me credit towards a Riders choice 154.5. Very cool of them. OK so the first thing I must say is that the RC is not near as stiff as others on here have said. I'd say it's stiffer than the carbon credit but not as much as the trice or even the trs.

Now about the btx stuff:
Magna traction: I rode in mostly packed and normal tahoe conditions the first 5 days. I'd say that you can semi feel the magna traction cut into the packed runs, but nothing like "omg this is life changing" I did detune the board a bit, and really didn't notice it just carving outstandingly. Yes it was better than my last years model burton custom, but nothing 550.00 worth life changing. It's not hard to get used to and something you should not worry about when making your purchase.

Now the Banana part: This is what I could feel the most. It took me a good 3 days to get used to it. It's very hard to explain how it works, but it's def. a bit different. For example, when turning toe side, I would notice the back end starting to drift out a bit, almost like it was sliding. I also noticed that when i hit little jumps/kickers that it's kind of different when it comes to popping off the lift.

Now , I did get to ride last thursday out in mott canyon and what not after the 12" dump over night. We were in such a rush to get out there that I didn't set my stance back so I was riding 50/50 split. It handled the powder the same as any other board I have had. Lean back and just ride. IT again is not just like life changing when it comes to powder. I kept reading about people saying it just floats this & that in powder, but if you know how to ride pow you should be floating in it anyways.

pros:
1. I love the flex on it. It's a perfect all mountain board
2. magnatraction seems a tad better than a normal cut but not ground breaking
3. it's not burton

cons:
1. heavy. This board is pretty heavy
2. price (I think you can find many boards that will perform this good for 350-400)
3. durabitliy. I see my nose already dinking up and I didn't hit anything at all
4. banana. I am not sold on it
5. hype behind it

last thing, I don't think you should bump down 3cm like a lot of people say you can with the btx. Ride your normal length.

also, have you ever noticed that anyone reviewing something they bought on here instantly think whatever they bought is the best? Well here's an honest review for once.

I am an intermediate to advanced rider. I mostly free ride and hit the green/chill parks from time to time. I do some small kickers but not those crazy 25' ones. I am a great powder rider and can handle any terrain. I am 5'9" @145lbs

Hope this helps you guys

Two nights at Brighton riding the RC and I am stoked. The board is a bit softer than I expected, the flex seems to come mostly in the middle of the board between your feet so the tail and nose still provide good pop. The Banana (as always) keeps the edges from catching even while the board is getting loose underneath you or while screwing up a landing. Magnetraction makes up for the soft-ish ride when it gets steep and the board is still predictable when pinning through the bumps on the fast sintered base.

The RC is a great compromise between a mach-10 groomer-ripper and a loosey-goosey jib board. I learned two or three new tricks already, so how can I be anything but stoked?

I am 6' tall, 170lbs and I bought the 157.5mm.