GNU Gremlin Review: The Ultimate One-Board Quiver Killer?

Is the volume-shifted GNU Gremlin the only snowboard you need for powder, groomers, and side hits? We tested its C3 camber and wide waist to find out.

The concept of the “one-board quiver” is the holy grail of snowboarding. Riders are constantly searching for that single deck that floats in deep powder like a fish but carves on ice like a race board. For years, volume-shifted boards (short and fat) have been dominating this conversation. Enter the GNU Gremlin.

With a graphic that looks like it came straight out of a mischievous fantasy and a shape designed to terrorize every part of the mountain, the Gremlin makes a bold claim: it wants to take over your entire snowboard collection. Unlike its rocker-dominant cousins, the Gremlin sticks to its guns with an aggressive C3 Camber profile, catering to riders who want power and pop.

If you’ve been wondering why snowboarding is fun, it’s usually because of boards like this—decks that allow you to express your style regardless of the terrain. But is it too wide for the average rider? Is it too stiff? In this comprehensive review, we break down the tech, the ride, and the sizing to see if you should adopt a Gremlin this winter.

At A Glance: GNU Gremlin

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The “Gremlin” Philosophy: Volume Shifted & Wide

The first thing you notice about the Gremlin is its width. It is a chunky board. The waist width on the 155cm model is a massive 26.4cm. For context, a standard wide board usually starts around 26cm. This design philosophy is called “Volume Shift.”

By making the board wider, GNU allows you to ride it shorter without losing surface area. This means you get the float of a 160cm board in a 155cm package, making it incredibly agile in trees and lower in swing weight for spins. It also means that for riders with size 11+ boots, toe drag is virtually eliminated. You can lay deep carves without “booting out,” which is a common reason why snowboarding is dangerous on icy steeps.

Aesthetics

GNU is known for wild art, and the Gremlin usually features neon, chaotic, or fantasy-driven graphics. It stands out in the lift line. But beyond the look, the build quality is solid, featuring Mervin Manufacturing’s eco-friendly bio-beans topsheet.

Tech Breakdown: C3 vs. The World

While many volume-shifted boards (like the Burton Pow Wrench or Lib Tech Orca) use rocker-dominant profiles for easy float, the Gremlin goes the other way.

C3 Camber Profile

The Gremlin features GNU’s C3 profile. This is essentially traditional camber with a mild “rocker” zone between the feet.

• The Benefit: Massive pop, stability at high speed, and energy out of turns.
• The Trade-off: It is less forgiving than rocker. You have to be on your game. It behaves much like the GNU Banked Country but in a shorter, wider package.

Magne-Traction®

Because the board is short, effective edge length is reduced. To counter this, GNU utilizes Magne-Traction—serrated edges that create 7 points of contact with the snow (like a bread knife). This provides insane grip on ice and hardpack. It’s a lifesaver on East Coast days.

Performance on the Mountain

Powder Float

Thanks to the massive waist width and the large, spoon-like nose, the Gremlin floats exceptionally well. Even with the camber profile pushing the nose down slightly, the sheer surface area keeps you on top. It’s perfect for backcountry snowboarding where variable snow conditions are common.

Carving & Groomers

This is where the Gremlin surprises everyone. Usually, wide boards are slow edge-to-edge. While the Gremlin isn’t instantaneous, once it is on edge, it digs a trench. The C3 camber drives power through the tail, allowing you to rocket out of turns. If you want to learn how to carve on a snowboard with your elbows in the snow, this board enables it.

Freestyle & Park

Can you take it in the park? Yes. The wide platform makes for a stable landing gear on jumps. The pop is explosive for ollies (read how to ollie if you’re struggling). However, it is stiff and wide, making it difficult for jibbing or rails. It’s more of a “side hit” machine than a rail slayer.

Uneven Terrain (Chunder)

The Gremlin is damp. The G3 Eco Core absorbs vibration well. It blasts through chopped-up snow without bucking you off, unlike lighter, flimsier boards.

See It In Action

Watch the Gremlin devour the resort in this comprehensive video review.

Comparison: GNU Gremlin vs. The Competition

The volume-shifted category is crowded. Here is how the Gremlin stacks up.

GNU Gremlin vs. Lib Tech Orca

This is the most common question.

• The Orca: Uses C2X profile (Rocker dominant). It is surfier, looser, and easier to pivot in tight trees. Better for pure powder.
• The Gremlin: Uses C3 profile (Camber dominant). It is more stable at speed, has more pop, and holds a better edge on ice. Better for all-mountain charging.

GNU Gremlin vs. Ride Superpig

Both are stiff, wide, and camber-heavy. The Superpig is a tapered directional board that is very aggressive. The Gremlin feels slightly more lively due to the Mervin core, whereas the Superpig feels damper and “deader” (in a good way for charging). The Gremlin’s Magne-Traction gives it the edge on icy days.

GNU Gremlin vs. Arbor Element Rocker

There is no comparison here. As noted in our Arbor Element Rocker review, the Arbor is soft, forgiving, and great for intermediates. The Gremlin is a beast that demands an attentive rider.

Sizing Guide: Do Not Buy Your Normal Size

We cannot stress this enough: Size Down.

• If you normally ride a 159-161, get the Gremlin 155.
• If you normally ride a 156-158, get the Gremlin 152.
• If you ride a 153-155, get the Gremlin 148.

The width provides the stability. If you buy your normal length, it will feel like a boat anchor. Ensure your boots fit well; check are Vans snowboard boots true to size if you are buying new kicks for this wide deck.

Recommended Setup

This is a powerful board. Don’t put noodle bindings on it.

Bindings

You need stiffness to leverage that wide waist width.

• Top Pick: Burton Cartel X. The stiffness and response match the C3 camber perfectly.
• Alternative: Union Atlas or Bent Metal Axtion.

Boots

Stiff boots are a must. Soft boots will fold when you try to initiate a carve on such a wide board. Look for boots with double BOA or stiff laces (check how long are snowboard boot laces if you need replacements). See our guide to best snowboard boots.

Pros & Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GNU Gremlin good for beginners?

No. The wide waist width combined with aggressive camber makes it catchy and hard to turn if your technique isn’t dialed. Beginners should look at resorts for beginners and rent softer boards first.

Is it a park board?

It is an all-mountain board that can handle jumps (freestyle). It is great for kickers and pipe, but it is too stiff and wide for technical rail riding. If you want to learn a list of snowboarding tricks like 50-50s or presses, get a softer twin.

Can I ride switch on it?

Yes. While it is directional and has a setback stance, the tail is substantial enough to land switch and ride away. It’s not a true twin, but it’s not a pure directional fishtail either.

How does it handle ice?

Exceptionally well. The Magne-Traction acts like serrated teeth, biting into hardpack. It inspires confidence in terrible conditions.

Do I need wide bindings?

Not necessarily, but you should check your binding size chart. The board is wide, so standard bindings fit fine without overhang. Just ensure you center them correctly.

Is it good for splitboarding?

The standard Gremlin is a solid board. GNU makes a split version called the Gorp, which shares similar DNA. Read about what is a split snowboard to learn more.

When is the best time to buy?

To snag a deal, check when is the best time to buy snowboarding gear—usually late March or pre-season sales.

Does it come with a bag?

No, you’ll need to buy one separately. Since the board is shorter, you can buy a smaller bag! Check out the best snowboard bags.

Final Verdict

The GNU Gremlin lives up to its name—it is a mischievous, powerful little creature that eats everything in its path. It successfully bridges the gap between a powder floater and a hard-charging groomer board.

If you are an intermediate-to-advanced rider with size 10+ boots looking to simplify your quiver to just one board, this is a top contender. It offers the grip of the Banked Country with the float of a dedicated pow board, all wrapped in a durable, eco-friendly package.

Don’t forget to grab your helmet and goggles, size down your board, and unleash the Gremlin this season.