Rossi One Magtek or Lib Tech Skate Banana or GNU Carbon Credit

Posted: 12 January 2012 03:50 AM

I’m on the market for a snowboard and came across this great site and thought of asking for advice from those that know more than me.

I’m your typical weekend warrior, who boards only a few days a year. Living in London doesn’t allow me to hit the slopes more. I’m past a beginner but probably not yet a confident intermediate. I tend to keep it on the piste (although enjoy light off-pisting). Haven’t really done any park riding, but would like a board that is relatively forgiving and easy to turn, not too stiff, but still handle some speed. And also I would like use to this board for a few years, so it must accomodate my (hopefully) improving abilities.

I’m 5’7, 145 lbs, 9.5 boot size

I’ve narrowed my selection down to:
Rossignol One Magtek 153
Lib Tech Skate Banana 152
GNU Carbon Credit 153

As you can see they all have Magne Traction. Have never ridden such a board, but I foresee some icy conditions in the future, so a serrated edge is important to me. Another board with similar tech (like a Yes board with Ultimate Grip for example) would also be an alternative, but haven’t found any extensive online reviews of the smaller brands. If my budget were unlimited I would probably go for a LB Attack Banana, but for a first learning board I don’t want to spend too much.

Seeing the review of the Rossi made it look like an awesome board, even though they describe it as an intermediate to advanced board. The only thing which is keeping me away is that it is Rossignol. All else equal, I would take one of the Mervin boards because I like the fact that they are made in the US from a (what it seems like at least) socially and environmentally responsible company. Not a big deal in my decision making, but all else equal that would be the tie breaker.

Lastly, in December I rode a 2011 Head Tribute R Rocka 155 in Chamonix with a lot of ungroomed fresh powder. I didn’t like it that much and I felt like it was a bit too long for me.

So what say you seasoned boarders?

Posted: 26 January 2012 01:21 PM

I say it’s down to the Gnu and the Rossi.  The Lib board is very park oriented but similar enough to the Gnu that you could rule it out as the Gnu has most of the tech covered in a WAY cheaper price tag.

If you want something with more balls, go for the Rossi.  It’s stiffer but the reward is a faster ride.

Posted: 26 January 2012 02:06 PM

Hi Mike

If you’re in London, can you get to the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead for a day? You can demo boards from Snow and Rock there, and they run with Gnu, Burton, K2, DC, Lib, and a few others. You can’t demo every board they have but the selection is decent and it’ll give you an idea of how the board will ride. You can always call ahead to check they’ve got what you want or something similar.

They do charge you for the priviledge but if you buy the board from them you get your money back…

I don’t work for the dome or S&R but just thought it might help you out! :-)