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Gear Reviews, Snowboard Reviews 43

2018 Gnu SPAM Snowboard Review

By Angrysnowboarder @angrysnowboard · On March 8, 2018

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

Support your local snowboard shop buy locally. Find a shop here.

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Angrysnowboarder

More than likely he has pissed you off, shocked, amazed, or mortified you at some point with his ramblings. Yet, you still continue to read what he writes.

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43 Comments

  • Max says: March 10, 2018 at 2:06 am

    Sounds like a fun board.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 10, 2018 at 11:52 am

      Understatement.

      Reply
  • Shreddy says: March 12, 2018 at 11:07 pm

    If you had to pick between this and the mind expander?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 13, 2018 at 9:13 am

      DWD Brewster.

      Reply
  • Rudiger says: March 13, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    This vs endeavor archetype? Sounds like this is a bit more all mountain/park, is that right?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 14, 2018 at 11:55 am

      They’re two entirely different board.

      Reply
  • Kirill says: May 10, 2018 at 2:41 am

    Hi from Russia! What is more all-mountin board, this or yes optimistic?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: May 10, 2018 at 8:45 am

      Spam.

      Reply
  • Kirill says: May 10, 2018 at 10:25 am

    Thanks, and the last question. What’s your choice, spam or flagship?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: May 10, 2018 at 11:54 am

      They’re not even in the same category.

      Reply
  • Kirill says: May 10, 2018 at 12:36 pm

    But, if this is the last snowboard in your life, which one will you choose?)))

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: May 10, 2018 at 12:43 pm

      Well that wouldn’t happen.

      Reply
  • Allen Bao says: May 31, 2018 at 7:46 pm

    Spam or Mindexpander?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: May 31, 2018 at 10:36 pm

      For what?

      Reply
  • Allen says: June 1, 2018 at 11:46 am

    Playful freestyle/pow board that can still lay trenches

    Reply
  • Allen says: June 1, 2018 at 11:47 am

    Oops just saw your reply to Shreddy.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: June 1, 2018 at 11:57 am

      Then you want the Spam.

      Reply
  • Nick L. says: September 30, 2018 at 7:42 pm

    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-

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 1, 2018 at 8:59 am

      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.

      Reply
  • Nick L. says: October 1, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    Awesome- thank you!

    Reply
  • Chong Vang says: January 10, 2019 at 9:05 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 10, 2019 at 9:46 am

      Yeah it’s way too small.

      Reply
  • Chong Vang says: January 10, 2019 at 2:21 pm

    Thanks for the reply Angry. I thought so so but I couldn’t pass up the deal without making sure first.

    Reply
  • Andy Walker says: January 11, 2019 at 12:31 am

    Any reports on the 2019 board? Looks like they changed up the shape a little, hopefully for the best!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 11, 2019 at 8:56 am

      Changed shape, same ride.

      Reply
  • Andy Walker says: January 12, 2019 at 2:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
  • JJ Grey says: March 26, 2019 at 11:26 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 26, 2019 at 2:59 pm

      You’ll be fine, snag it.

      Reply
  • CJ says: September 10, 2019 at 9:28 pm

    Is this board being discontinued for 2020? Is Gnu replacing it in its lineup with anything comparable and better?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: September 10, 2019 at 10:43 pm

      It was discontinued. It’s basically morphed into the Antigravity.

      Reply
  • DavidF says: October 26, 2019 at 7:26 am

    Avran,
    I’ve found a 2019 SPAM with a healthy discount. Was about to pull the trigger on an Orca as a do it all (except jibs), quiver of one, semi-rad dad board. Would you recommend the SPAM over the Orca to up the fun/party quota, or pony up the extra $150 for the Lib Tech?

    As always, any advice much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 26, 2019 at 9:27 am

      Fuck no get that SPAM!

      Reply
      • David F says: October 27, 2019 at 6:15 am

        Snagged that SPAM!

        Reply
        • Brian says: December 29, 2019 at 10:01 pm

          Have both ride the spam more lol!!!! Save the orca for deeper snow

          Reply
  • Liam says: October 26, 2019 at 3:46 pm

    Hey angry, im a 5’9 160lb dude with size 10 1/2 boota. Should i get the 151 or 157?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 27, 2019 at 8:20 am

      Your boots will fit better on the 57.

      Reply
      • Liam says: October 28, 2019 at 12:01 am

        That’s what I was thinking. Thanks Angry.

        Reply
  • David F says: November 1, 2019 at 8:36 am

    So, I’ve got my SPAM, now for a beginner/progression park/butter board.

    Have a 2013 Yes Greats 156 that I’m over the weight recommendation on. Do I keep this and make do, bearing in mind I can trash it, or get something more suitable?

    If the latter, any low end/cheap/last years recommendations?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 1, 2019 at 7:08 pm

      You’re fine go ride and stop over thinking it.

      Reply
  • Li-Sheng Wang says: November 1, 2019 at 9:24 am

    Hi, thank you for doing reviews and providing suggestions.
    It really helps me a lot when buying boards.
    I want to get the SPAM for this season.
    I am 5’10” and 145 lbs, boot size 9.5
    Hard to decide which to get, 151 or 157.
    Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 1, 2019 at 7:09 pm

      51

      Reply
  • MJP says: November 12, 2019 at 6:53 pm

    2018 GNU Spam or 2019 K2 SP for general cruising/carving/side hits/freeride? Just mucking about with the boys? Apparently my shop has a new SPAM still.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 15, 2019 at 10:31 am

      SPAM all day.

      Reply

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