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Gnu Müllair 2017-2018 Snowboard Review

  • Price: £540 / €600
  • Sizes: 154, 157, 159, 159W
  • Flex: 7
  • Profile: Hybrid Camber
  • Shape: Directional
  • gnu.com

As if Nicolas Müller’s pro model was going to be anything less than a perfectly balanced backcountry freestyle machine…

The Gnu Müllair was a hit when it first appeared, and made Nico’s move to Gnu look like a perfect fit. It’s got all the eco trimmings the man loves (sustainable wood core, recycled sidewalls, bio bean topsheet), as well as a laser focus on the kind of riding for which he’s so admired.

“While it’s slightly set back and even a little tapered, the tail will let you get away with switch landings”

It’s been built from the ground up to drop cliffs, blast through pillows and fly off spines, with no compromise on shape-throwing at every stage. While it’s slightly set back and even a little tapered, the wide, rounded tail will let you get away with switch landings even on the deepest of deep days.

The profile of the Gnu Müllair is, for all intents and purposes, fully cambered, and that means power and precision. Whether in the powder or on the piste, the directional shape works well with the profile to deliver a confident, responsive ride that lets you flow from edge to edge with ease. On firmer snow, the Magne-Traction edges give you added grip, thanks to a wavy design that offers extra contact points when you need them most.

The lightweight construction lends itself to osteopath-bothering methods, but is still strong enough to be given a good razzing. A combination of biax and triax fibreglass layers provides the right balance of response and playfulness, and the sintered base will fairly ping you along if you let it.

“If you feel like attempting some Nico-esque powder butters (or standard ones on the piste), then that option is there”

Despite being suitable for high-speed descents, the Gnu Müllair isn’t mega stiff. It follows that if you feel like attempting some Nico-esque powder butters (or standard ones on the piste), then that option is there too.

Anyone looking for a powder board that also lets them scratch their freestyle itch should definitely have a gander at this one in 2017/18 – especially now that it’s even prettier than before, with an illustrated topsheet by Danny Larsen depicting just the kind of place we’d expect to find Nicolas and his Gnu Müllair.

Tester’s Verdict

Jon Birdldmountaincentre.com

“The Gnu Müllair is a directional all-mountain snowboard, made for the rider who likes to spend their time on steep powder faces in the big mountains.

“The wide, tapered nose of the Müllair can be felt in the deep stuff, giving you effortless float and a smile on your face”

The wide, tapered nose of the Müllair can be felt in the deep stuff, giving you effortless float and a smile on your face. Then when things get a bit gnarly and you need that edge to grip, this board has you covered.

If you’re an aggressive rider who has ridden for a while, with skills to boot, the Gnu Müllair is the board for you.”

Trade Secrets

Trevor Phillips – Director, Gnu

Nicolas Müller, ever heard of him? He’s like what Vincent Van Gogh is to painting, but he snowboards.

Anyway… Calculated,responsive, understated, iconic, UNREAL are words that describe Nicolas, his riding style, and the newest rendition of his choice board. The C3 directional Müllair continues to evolve as Nicolas’ choice brush for the mountain masterpieces he continues to create.

Art by Danny Larsen, hand-built at Mervin Manufacturing.

The Gnu Müllair features wavy edges aka Magne-Traction, for excellent grip on hardpack snow and ice.

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