Gnu Upgrade 2026

The 2026 Gnu Upgrade is the brainchild of Mervin Kraftsmen Jeff 'Hando' Henderson and has been created to be a high tech resort killer of a snowboard. By combining the powerful C2x camber, a directional twin shape, and super light, poppy, and strong G Lite 2 core, you get a board that offers more and more every time you hop on it and is the perfect balance of playful and stable so you can upgrade your riding everyday you spend on the mountain. 

Board Type: All Mountain

All Mountain snowboards are versatile boards that excel across various terrains, from groomed runs to off-piste. These boards offer solid edge control and responsiveness, making them a great option for riders who want one board to do just about everything.

Flex: 6/10 (1=soft, 10=stiff)

Offering a balanced blend of flexibility and stiffness, mid-flex boards are versatile and suitable for all-mountain riding. They provide enough responsiveness for carving while maintaining some forgiveness for playful or casual riding.

Ability Level: Intermediate

Intermediate snowboards offer more responsiveness and stability at higher speeds, with a slightly stiffer flex for better control on varied terrain and more advanced manoeuvres.

Shape: Directional Twin

A directional twin snowboard has a symmetrical shape but with a slightly shifted stance, making it ideal for riders who want the versatility of a twin for freestyle, with the added stability of a directional design. It performs well both regular and switch but excels in one direction, offering improved control on varied terrain.

Camber Type: C2x

Shortened rocker between your feet with lengthened camber to the tip and tail gives you power and pop on groomers and in the park along with float and freedom to charge through powder. More loaded pressure in the tip and tail than regular C2 for a more aggressive and stable ride.

Width: Standard, Wide

Standard width boards deliver exceptional edge-to-edge quickness and responsiveness while providing enough platform space for riders with average boot sizes.

Wide boards are for those with large boot sizes and provide extra flotation, reduced drag, and never feel clunky or cumbersome underfoot.

Inserts: 2x4 Inserts

These offer a tighter hole pattern, allowing for more precise stance adjustments. They're common on modern boards and ideal for riders who want fine-tuned positioning and can be used with any binding with a standard or mini disk.

Board Construction

Topsheet: Eco Sublimated Poly Topsheet

This topsheet is made using an eco-friendly sublimation that is both strong and environmentally friendly.

Laminate: Tri-Ax/Bi-Ax + Carbon Power Bands

The Tri-Ax and Bi-Ax alloy glass offers a smooth ride while keeping weight low and added Carbon Power Bands add pop, response, and extend your board's lifespan.

Core: G Lite 2 Core

The G Lite 2 core is made of FSC certified Aspen and Paulownia wood. This creates an incredibly light core that is strong, low weight, and poppy.

Sidewall: UHMW Sidewalls

Made of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, this plastic is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and impact

Base: Eco Sublimated Sintered Base

This base is made of a fast and tough sintered material that holds more wax with a solid sublimated graphic.

Additional Features:

• Magne-Traction

Seven strategically placed serrations along the edges of the board grip onto the snow and hold a strong edge in any condition.