About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2022.

My take

The 2023 GNU Riders Choice (RC) is a fantastic example of a board that can do it all. The RC is truly an all-mountain, one-board quiver. The RC is meant for intermediate and advanced riders who do not want to feel restricted to one specific resort area.

About the board I own

• Model: 2023 GNU Riders Choice C2
• Size: 158W

About me

• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 185lbs
• Experience: 15+ years of snowboarding/skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: November 2022
• Days tested: 3
• Mount position: Middle screws, with bindings set to -9*/9*
• Boots: 2020 ThirtyTwo JP Lights
• Boot Size: 13
• Bindings: 2022 Bent Metal Transfers
• Where I’ve used it: Vermont
• Terrain: Groomers, side hits, park

How it performs

What I was looking for

When purchasing this board, I searched for a board that could do it all. I was tired of picking between multiple boards each time I would ride, resulting in specialized boards that would excel in one area of the mountain but lack in others. I wanted a one-board quiver that would adapt and hold up with my daily riding, no matter the terrain.

Why I chose this gear

I bought this board for its versatility. I wanted Magne-traction to help with East Coast ice, and this board seemed as if it could handle all aspects of the mountain. I was torn between the 2023 GNU Riders Choice and the 2023 Lib Tech Box Knife. I picked the RC because it seemed more versatile than the Box Knife.

What I love about it

• Speed: This board is very fast. I can definitely feel the difference between the sintered base and the added speed. It is worth the trade-off of needing it waxed more frequently.
• Edge hold: The Magne-traction on this board excels greatly. I ride on a lot of ice and never feel like my board will give out on me. It has a fantastic edge hold.
• Turns: I can execute smooth, seamless carves. The asymmetrical share definitely helps out with buttery heelside carves and sharp toeside carves. I can get low on turns as well when wanted.
• Groomers: The RC rips on groomers. I can go fast, pop off rollers, and execute flawless turns. I never feel out of control or as if the board will give out on me.
• Powder: I did not ride in actual powder but did get to experience some looser snow on the side of the trails, and it floated through that easily. It has a really surfy feel with loose snow, and it never felt like the nose would sink on me.
• Trees: Although I did not ride the glades yet, I can tell this board will handle like a dream. It can make very sharp turns, which will help out when the trees get tight.
• Park: The pop of the RC really helps with air-off jumps, and the flex allows easy jibbing and pressing. A lot of fun for tricks.
• Durability: The board shows signs of normal wear and tear: some topsheet scuffs and bottom sheet scratching.
• Weight: The board is average weight, and I do not feel any impact on my riding.
• Switch riding: This board is a twin shape, and switch riding is a breeze. My bindings are mounted in true twin fashion, and I have no issues riding switch.
• Stability: The RC is very stable at higher speeds, and I do not feel any speed wobbles or uneasiness.
• Carving: The RC can hold an edge in the snow very well, which allows me to execute smooth, precise carves. I can get very low to the snow without the RC giving out.
• Floatation: The RC is the perfect flex to float without losing stability. The rocker in the middle of the board really helps to keep the nose up, allowing me to float on snow rather than sink.
• Versatility: The RC is truly a one-board quiver. It can handle anything a resort will throw my way. This board rips on groomers due to the camber underfoot, will execute tight turns in the glades with added grip from the Magne-traction, and can butter and jib in the park with ease thanks to its medium flex.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Moguls: The flex of this board is not ideal for moguls, as it bends around the bumps too much to navigate them easily. The RCC3 may be better suited.
• Backcountry: I would not ride this board in the backcountry. I would ride a stiffer, directional board for very deep powder. Although the RC can handle a resort storm, I would use something different for a dedicated backcountry excursion.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite moment with this gear was really opening it up on a groomer. I was able to attain speeds my other all-mountain boards have not been able to unlock. It brought back some joy I haven't experienced in a while on a board, and I'm excited to see how the RC will allow me to continue to improve as a rider.

Value for the money vs. other options

This board is definitely a top-end board, but it's truly worth the price tag. This board will allow one to narrow their quiver and help decide which board to ride a lot easier. If this board is too expensive, the Box Knife is another similar option at a slightly lower price point.

Final verdict

The 2023 Riders Choice C2 is truly a one-board quiver. It rips on groomers and is playful enough to enjoy the park yet sturdy enough to enjoy resort powder days. This is a fantastic all-mountain board for those riders looking for one board to handle anything the mountain will throw their way.