UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2017/2018 Gnu Gnuru here

The Details:

When it comes to catering for female snowboarders, Gnu’s credentials are second to none; slopestyle dominatrix Jamie Anderson rides their boards, and legend of long standing Barrett Christy oversees their production. While Jamie rides the freestyle-focused Ladies’ Choice, the Gnu Velvet Gnuru is aimed at the rider looking for one board to do it all.

The hybrid profile has rocker between the feet that makes it easier to keep the leading end up in powder, and mellow camber sections under the inserts for when you want to engage the sidecut. Extra purchase comes from the Magne-traction edges, that work like a serrated knife-edge to grip firmer snow and give you more confidence when things get slick.

Like all Gnus, efforts have been made with the Velvet Gnuru to limit the impact on the environment. The topsheet (designed by another stalwart of the company, Pika Burtner) is sublimated rather than screen-printed, and all the wood in the core comes from certifiably sustainable sources.

Nothing has been compromised for the sake of green points, however, making this a top all-round board for almost any standard of rider.