GNU Banked Country Review: The Precision Missile
Is the GNU Banked Country the best carving board on the market? We tested Temple Cummins’ masterclass in geometry to see if it lives up to the hype for aggressive all-mountain riders.
In the snowboarding world, there are boards built for fun, boards built for float, and then there are boards built for pure, unadulterated speed. The GNU Banked Country falls squarely into the latter category. Designed by the legendary father-son duo, Temple and Cannon Cummins, this board is a love letter to the art of the turn.
Temple Cummins has spent decades refining what makes a snowboard hold an edge in the most treacherous conditions (think Mt. Baker banked slaloms). The result is the Banked Country—a directional, camber-dominant powerhouse designed to grip ice, blast through chop, and float in powder.
If you have ever asked yourself why snowboarding is fun, and your answer involves G-forces and laying trenches, this might be your next deck. However, it is not a tame beast. In this comprehensive review, we will dissect the tech, the ride feel, and determine if you have the legs to handle this machine.
At A Glance: GNU Banked Country
| Profile | C3 Camber (Aggressive) |
|---|---|
| Shape | Directional |
| Flex | Medium-Stiff (7/10) |
| Edge Tech | Progressive Magne-Traction® |
| Core | G3 Eco Core (Aspen/Paulownia) |
| Best For | Carving, Freeride, Banked Slalom |
| Skill Level | Advanced to Expert |
The Tech: Why It Grips Like Glue
The magic of the Banked Country lies in its specific combination of profile and edge technology. It deviates from the standard “hybrid rocker” trend, opting for power instead.
C3 Camber Profile
GNU calls it C3, but in reality, it is mostly traditional camber. There is a very mild “rocker” between the feet, but the dominant profile is camber under the bindings extending to the contact points. This provides immense pop, stability, and energy return. When discussing camber snowboard vs rocker, C3 is the choice for riders who want precision.
Progressive Magne-Traction®
You may know Magne-Traction as the “serrated steak knife” edge that grips ice. The Banked Country features a “Progressive” version. The serrations are mellower near the nose (for smooth turn initiation) and significantly more aggressive near the tail. This allows you to drive hard off your back foot without washing out, even on bulletproof ice. It’s a lifesaver if you are lazy about removing rust from snowboard edges and keeping them sharp.
Directional Geometry
With a set-back stance and a large, floaty nose, this board is directional. It wants to go forward. Fast. While you can ride switch, the geometry rewards driving from the front seat and finishing turns with power.
Performance on the Mountain
Carving & Groomers
This is the board’s bread and butter. The C3 camber loads up energy in the turn, and the Progressive Magne-Traction locks you into the snow. You can lay this board over until your armpits drag. It feels like it is on rails. If you are learning how to carve on a snowboard, this board will teach you proper technique, but it won’t forgive sloppy skidded turns.
Powder & Float
Despite being a camber-dominant board, it floats surprisingly well. The large nose and set-back stance do the heavy lifting. In deep snow, it feels surfy but powerful. It’s perfect for backcountry snowboarding lines where you need to navigate tight chutes and then open up on big aprons. It doesn’t have the effortless, loose float of a rocker board, but it planes efficiently at speed.
Uneven Terrain & Chunder
Because the board is damp and stiff, it blasts through chop. It doesn’t get bucked around. However, because it is stiff, you will feel the terrain if you aren’t active with your legs. We highly recommend wearing impact shorts when pushing speeds on this board, as catching an edge at 40mph is no joke.
Freestyle & Park
This is not a jib board. Do not buy this to slide rails. However, for big jumps and pipe riding, it excels. The pop from the C3 camber sends you to the moon. Just be ready for the landing; it requires precision. If you want to learn a list of snowboarding tricks like butters and presses, look elsewhere.
See It In Action
Watch the Banked Country tear up the resort and see how that Progressive Magne-Traction engages in real-time.
Comparisons: Banked Country vs. The Competition
How does it stack up against other big-mountain chargers?
GNU Banked Country vs. Lib Tech Orca
Both are made by Mervin Manufacturing, but they are very different animals.
- The Orca: A volume-shifted, hybrid rocker (C2X) board. It is surfy, pivots easily, and is better for tight trees and slow-speed powder.
- The Banked Country: Standard length, camber dominant. It is faster, more stable on ice, and better for carving.
- Verdict: Get the Orca for powder playfulness. Get the Banked Country for high-speed precision.
GNU Banked Country vs. Burton Custom X
The Custom X is the benchmark for stiff camber boards. The Custom X is a true twin (mostly), making it better for pipe and switch riding. The Banked Country is more directional and features Magne-Traction, giving it the edge on icy days. Both require an aggressive rider.
GNU Banked Country vs. Burton Pow Wrench
Comparing these two shows opposite ends of the spectrum. As noted in our Burton Pow Wrench review, the Pow Wrench is flat, short, and wide—made for low-angle float. The Banked Country is for steep, fast, technical lines.
Recommended Setup
A high-performance board needs high-performance components. Do not put soft park bindings on this deck.
Bindings
You need stiffness to transfer energy to those edges.
- Top Pick: Burton Cartel X. The stiffness perfectly complements the C3 camber.
- Alternative: Union Atlas or Bent Metal Transfer (for brand synergy).
Boots
Soft boots will lead to foot pain and lack of control. You need a stiff, responsive boot. Check out best snowboard boots for freeride options. Ensure you lace them tight—read how long are snowboard boot laces if you need replacements to get that cranked-down feel.
Safety Gear
This board makes you want to go fast. Speed increases risk. Read up on why snowboarding is dangerous and always wear a helmet and high-quality goggles to spot ice patches before you hit them.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Edge Hold: Progressive Magne-Traction is a game-changer on ice.
- Stability: C3 Camber provides suspension and pop at high speeds.
- Carving: Initiates turns smoothly and locks into the exit.
- Build Quality: Mervin boards are eco-friendly and built tough in the USA.
- Versatility: Surprisingly good in powder for a camber board.
❌ Cons
- Not Beginner Friendly: It will catch edges if you have poor technique.
- Stiffness: Can be fatiguing to ride all day if you aren’t fit (see our fitness guide).
- Not a Jib Board: Too stiff for rails and boxes.
Do you have the skills to tame the Banked Country?
Check Availability on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Is the GNU Banked Country good for beginners?
No. It is an aggressive, camber-dominant board. Beginners should look for a softer, rocker-hybrid board like the Arbor Element Rocker or check out resorts for beginners that offer rental gear suited for learning.
Does Magne-Traction really work?
Yes. The wavy edge creates multiple contact points (7 total) compared to the standard 2 on a regular board. This increases friction on hard surfaces, giving you grip on ice. It is widely considered the best tech for East Coast riding.
How should I size this board?
Ride it at your normal size. Unlike volume-shifted boards (like the Pow Wrench), the Banked Country is true to size. If you have large feet (US 11+), look for the “Wide” version to avoid toe drag.
Is it a “Dad Board”?
It is often jokingly called a dad board because Temple Cummins designed it, and it excels at “old school” carving. But don’t let the name fool you—it is a high-performance missile, not a lazy cruiser.
Can I use it for splitboarding?
GNU does make a splitboard version of the Banked Country. If you are into split snowboarding, it is an excellent choice for efficient uphill travel and powerful downhill riding.
How often should I wax it?
The board features a Sintered Knife Cut base. It is fast but porous. You should wax it every 3-5 days of riding. Learn how to wax a snowboard at home to keep it running fast.
When is the best time to buy?
High-end boards like this hold their value, but you can find deals in the spring. Check our guide on when to buy snowboarding gear.
Final Verdict
The GNU Banked Country is a masterpiece of snowboard engineering. It brings the power and pop of traditional camber into the modern era with the added safety net of Magne-Traction. It is a board for the rider who wakes up early to catch the fresh corduroy, who chases storms, and who treats the mountain like a race course.
It is not for the faint of heart, and it is certainly not for the park rat. But if you want to feel the G-force in every turn and trust your edge on the sketchiest ice, there is no better companion. It is, quite possibly, the ultimate all-mountain carving tool.
Prepare your legs, grab your gear bag, and get ready to ride faster than you ever have before.
