Board: Gnu SPAM
Size: 157
Camber Option: C3. Camber under foot with an ever so mild rocker between the feet.
Bindings: K2 Lien AT
Stance: 21.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy
Boots: K2 Thraxis Size 10
My Weight: 188lbs
Resort: Arapahoe Basin
Conditions: Fresh snow on the ground that was a mix of light and heavy, firm groomers, sunny skies with clouds rolling in and out, high winds at times, and above average temps.
Flex: The first thing you will notice with this board is that it’s middle of the road flex lends itself to being very playful. There’s an abundance of torsional give which really lets you drive the board under each foot independently. With the shape of the board the nose does have a bigger area and I found that it had a tad bit more play than the tail.
Stability: This board is very lively and as such you will feel the contours in the snow. I noticed when charging around in the trees and through some of the more chundery wide open bowls that the board would get bucked around. I found that this is one of those boards that once you figure out how to ride it and where its flex points are it’s not as loose as some might claim.
Ollies/Pop: This board has some great snap out of the tail. Having C3 really adds to the pop. I was able to load this board up with ease and just snap like there was no tomorrow. Then again it is the Super Progressive Air Machine, so it had better pop. I even took it in the park and hit a few jumps, it boosted!
Butterability: That wide blunted longer nose is a great platform for laying into a big ole pow butter or even one when on a groomer. This board has a decent amount of play in the tip and tail, so get weird.
Carving: Want to rip a deep hard carve? It’s got you. Want to do a tight quick turn or roll back and forth from edge to edge? Do it. This board rips turns with ease. The Magnetraction locks in but isn’t so overwhelming that you’re forced to stay locked into the carve.
Rider in Mind: The all mountain freestyle powder hound that wants a playful board that is a quiver of one.
Personal Thoughts: This board is one of the true all mountain freestyle do everything boards. I maybe have spent more time riding it in pow but I did manage to take it into the park. It excelled there. It’s a board you can rip carves, slash pow, and still slide a rail on. If you want something with solid tech, a great flex, and is a fun ride, but this. Seriously, buy it.
Comparable Boards: Dinosaurs Will Die Brewster, K2 Simple Pleasures, Lago Open Road
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28 Comments
Sounds like a fun board.
Understatement.
If you had to pick between this and the mind expander?
DWD Brewster.
This vs endeavor archetype? Sounds like this is a bit more all mountain/park, is that right?
They’re two entirely different board.
Hi from Russia! What is more all-mountin board, this or yes optimistic?
Spam.
Thanks, and the last question. What’s your choice, spam or flagship?
They’re not even in the same category.
But, if this is the last snowboard in your life, which one will you choose?)))
Well that wouldn’t happen.
Spam or Mindexpander?
For what?
Playful freestyle/pow board that can still lay trenches
Oops just saw your reply to Shreddy.
Then you want the Spam.
I’m 5’10, 180lbs, size 8 boots. Do you think the 157 would be too wide and/or a pain in the ass to turn with smaller boots? 151 seems like it might be too small, but the width seems like it might be better.. Thoughts on which size? thanks as always.
P.s.cant get enough randy the warranty guy.. hilarious. Boot fit month videos were super helpful also-
So Kevin our binding tester has a size 8 and he rides a 157 Spam on occasion and says that you might and we stress might feel it being a little slow edge to edge, but as you ride it regularly you’ll learn how to compensate for this and drive it just fine.
Awesome- thank you!
So I found last year’s women’s model for sale under $300. Do you think it’s too small for me. I am 175 lbs, 5’8″ and size 9.5 boot. Using it for free riding and Pow days in Tahoe.
Yeah it’s way too small.
Thanks for the reply Angry. I thought so so but I couldn’t pass up the deal without making sure first.
Any reports on the 2019 board? Looks like they changed up the shape a little, hopefully for the best!
Changed shape, same ride.
Great, been looking for a board that’s less toe draggy to get a bit lower on the carves, but still playful, poppy, powy. Hoping it’ll survive some small cliff drops too. This sounds like it might do the trick.
Great Review! I found 2018 Ladies model on sale and was thinking of grabbing it. I’m a guy and 5 foot 8 inches and weigh 155 pounds with a size 8 boot. I see the waist size on the board is 250 mm, so good for my boot size. I think my weight factors in more than my height (the board can’t feel how tall I am) but wasn’t sure if I’m getting a little too big for a 151. I’ve been riding for about 30 years but still hit the park, rails and half pipe a bit but most my time is floating off rollers, side cuts or cruising the resorts or short hikes to some powder lines. This board looks fun and the dayglo pink reminds me of my old Sims shredder.
Two questions for you: 1) Do you think the 151 ladies model is the right size for me? 2) I still like to hit the pipe, tables and rails a bit, sometimes I land switch or take off switch (straight airs maybe a 540 or so but not much else as I’m getting up there in age 🙂 Do you think the board is too directional for what I want?
You’ll be fine, snag it.