Snowboard Review: 09-10 GNU B-PRO C2 BTX
05 Mar, 2009
Location: Keystone, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Bluebird with hardpacked groomers.
Setup: I rode the GNU B-PRO C2 with Union Forces and my Rome Vamps size 8.
First Impression: I liked this ride a lot better than when I rode the dark with C2, I think the detuning improved it for me a lot more.
Size: 152cm
Weight: lighter than average
Flex: It felt like a stiffer board than last years, but just a tad stiffer and more torsionally. I still wouldn’t classify it as a stiff women’s board, it’s on the high end of medium flex. I found it still easy to press the tail of the board and with the stiffer nose it made it a really stable ride when going through chop and charging, never noticed the nose being unstable. Over the really bumpy, bad crud I noticed it wasn’t as stable but that was the only time I encountered that.
Turning: Despite it being the B-pro, Barrett Christy pro model it’s an easier ride than it seems especially when turning. Easy to initiate turns and it’s stable during long radius turns but you can still really carve it into shorter turns with no issues. The magne traction helps with the edge hold and I like mine detuned so it’s less grippy, less holding me into the turns when I ride.
Stable: The B-pro is already a really stable board for women and with the C2 it makes it more freeride focused and less freestyle but offers up better stability for charging the mountain.
Pop: I didn’t any problems with popping off small rollers on this board. It was still pressable on the nose and tail, definitely a little less pressable than when it was just BTX.
Switch: Didn’t have riding switch be an issue, easy to transition around into switch and no catching motions when riding.
Overall Impression: I think the C2 definitely makes this a better board, still very stable and a fun ride. It just charges which is great for women riders to have a board like this.
Shay’s Honesty Box: I love the B-pro, it’s one of my favorite women’s boards and a board I love riding at demo’s even when it’s a smaller size. I never feel like it’s that small and it still impresses me when I charge with it.
*This Review was done in February 2009, please be aware that products may change.
Ready to buy? Head over to evo for the 2011 version of the GNU B-PRO C2 BTX or shop their full line of GNU snowboards
About the author
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49 Comments
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March 06, 2009
Great review!
I demo’d the 147 version of this board and the 151 Ally BTX when Mervin Mfg was at Whistler a couple weeks ago.
I’ve been anxious to get a BTX board (have MTX right now), and the 2010 B-Pro is at the top of my wishlist! …actually, it’s the only one on my list.
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November 04, 2009
I’ve been told too scale down in size for this board. I really want it, but am concerned on the length.
I ride a 147 Rome now and it’s a bit too small. I’d like to go with the 149 BTX, but I don’t want to feel like it’s too long and I can’t control it, especially in the park, which I just got into. But I also have many trips this year that will involve backcountry powder and want to bring this board.
So is it best to go bigger with the 149, which is a good length for me, or will I feel like I am drowning on it in the park and therefore should go with the 146, which jut seems SO small!
Thanks!!!
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November 16, 2009
Hey!
Thanks for the advice.
I am 120, 5’3″, but I like to ride fast. I used to ski race, but am just getting into the park too. I think I’d like to go with the 149, but do you think it will feel funky in the park with the extra length and reverse camber?
Thanks! LOVE your blog!!!!!
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November 16, 2009
Cool! Thanks! I think I’ll go with the 149 then. I am a part-time park rider, free rider at heart! I am stoked for this board!!! I’ve never rode reverse camber, so it will be a true adventure here in Vermont this winter.
Are you going to the Dew Tour stop in Breckenridge? I work in the industry and would love to meet up if you go!
Cheers!
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November 23, 2009
Cool! Let me know if you end up going! Would love to meet up too!
Cheers! AND think snow!
ES
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January 19, 2010
Shay,
First off, you are awesome! I love your reviews – thanks so much for taking time to demo boards and do your write-ups. I started boarding last year on a super-flexy park board (Burton Blender). I’ve decided, however, that I really just like blazing down the mountain rather than riding the park. When I read your review I felt the GNU B-Pro C2BTX sounded like the perfect board for my interests. I’m also in the NW and my little park board slips like crazy on our cruddy, icy mountains, which is unnerving at rocket speed. I’ve been having a hard time deciding the length of the board to get and was wondering if you could give me some pointers. I’m 5’5″ and weigh 135 pounds. My current board is a 148. I was leaning towards the 149, but a few folks have told me I should size down due to the C2BTX (getting the 146). But others say, size up to the 152 for control at higher speeds. Since I just started last year, I’m not the most skilled boarder (not even close) but I like to ride hard. Any thoughts you have would be really appreciated!!
-G
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February 16, 2010
Shay,
Love your reviews, hard trying to do research when there isnt that much out there for the ladies.
I’m 5’5/110 lbs and have a ’08/09 147 Roxy Ally MTX which I love. Starting to look for a new board simply for a different feel. Ride mainly on the east coast so I’m gonna stick with Mervin’s MTX (love it). Havent ventured to the park yet, but am trying to make my way. Was thinking about the B-St to have something to mess around on, but the B Pro was another suggestion, what are your thoughts?
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February 22, 2010
Hi Shay,
I’ve been reading your reviews and your suggestions regarding this board and I am completely excited to try it. Thank you Thank you!!! However the only issue is the board is quite long for what I have been riding and what I imagine I would be used to. I am 5’3″/125lbs and currently ride a 144 board. Do you think it would be difficult to transition to a longer board? Lots of comments have been made to scale down… In terms of my skills, I’m able to ride fast & carve well but haven’t progressed to do much of the terrain park stuff – I mainly ride on the northeast (icey at times). Many Thanks!
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February 22, 2010
Hello,
Great review.
I’m a dude 5’11 170lbs shoe size 10. I have a burton custom X 164 as my freeride board and my wife has an traditional 10 year old ride timeless camber board 152 which I want to sell off and get a b-pro in 155 c2btx or btx regular. I’m also considering the gnu mens riders choice 154.5 and gnu park pickle 153 or 156.
I’m thinking of using the b-pro board for her when she comes out (rarely) and also serving as freestyle park board for me
. I dont own a “quiver” but would like to have one and this is my ticket for an excuse to have one. I hope its not too big for her and the banana rocker should help her turn initiate turns easier. She is a beginner. My wife is 5’8 around 130(?) pounds with woman shoe size 9. Her problem is that she picks up good moement and keeps heel side carving. I’m trying to get her to break that habit and start doing more toe side carves. Any advise you can provide regarding getting c2btx or just standard btx mervin boards in general?
Regards,
WeekendSurfer -
February 23, 2010
Hi Shay! Thanks for the review of this snowboard. I have been looking for a new board for a while, but have had trouble making a decision. I am currently riding a K2 Luna, and was looking at Mervin boards. At first I was leaning toward the Lib-Tech bananas, but they are not women specific. I am a little big for a woman, 5’4 and 145lbs, so I thought I could ride a men’s board but am not sure about that because I have always rode on women-specific boards (does weight matter when choosing between gender-specific snowboards or just height?). Then I looked at the Gnu boards and fell in love with the B-Pro series. However, I am confused on the difference between the B-Pro BTX and the B-Pro C2BTX. I understand that C2 is a camber system but am not sure what that would do for me as a rider. I currently am an intermediate/expert rider, and love tearing down the steep slopes and challenging mountain terrain. I ride in any conditions and generally stay away from the parks, although I want a board with room to learn that could play around a little on the jumps even though I don’t plan to become advanced in that area. Can you make a suggestion for me?
Thanks,
Britt -
March 06, 2010
Hi Shay, I stumbled across your site while I was searching out some info on the differences between B-Pro BTX and the B-Pro C2BTX and I found your review really helpful. There just isn’t enough good information out there for women’s boards!
So, this is my second season and I’ve been using a learner board lent to me from a friend. Its a Division 23 148 and I know for a fact that its pretty old even though its in good shape. It is rather rigid and definately too short for my height/weight seeing as I’m 5’9″ and roughly 160. I would say that I am past beginner in skill level and into the intermediate range. I love floating in the powder, into the chop, and just carving down the runs. I’m not too interested in the park, maybe I’ll explore it in the next season or two. After all that, I know I want to move up to a 152 and my question really is about which board to pick up. I’m set on either the B-Pro BTX or the B-Pro C2BTX, with a leaning toward the C2 because of the camber and its more a freeride board while the BTX is more freestyle board. Any advice or suggestions? Does the camber really matter for what I’ll be using it for?
Thanks,
Jess
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March 07, 2010
Hi Shay,
Did you get a chance to try the Roxy Eminence C2BTX? I’m trying to figure out how that board compares to the B-Pro C2BTX. I tried the B-Pro and loved it (except for the snake graphic), but Mervin didn’t have the Eminence available at our demo day.
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March 07, 2010
Thanks Shay! I’m really excited to take the C2 out on the mountain and progress my boarding skills. Now all I have to figure out is boots and bindings and I’m good to go!
Jess
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March 10, 2010
Hi Shay,
Can’t say enough great things about your site!!
I’ve been thinking about this board a lot for next year. I’m thinking I’ll purchase it on closeout over the summer, so I probably won’t get to demo by the end of this year. I’m 5’2″-125 and currently ride a 150 med-flex board. I’m torn between the 149 and 152 for next year. I’m an all mountain, backcountry, Pac. NW conditions, go fast girl who will only venture into the park on “forgiving” days. Any suggestions between the two sizes? THANKS SO MUCH!! -
April 02, 2010
Hi Shay,
Thanks for putting together the reviews. It really helps us girls out there deciding on the boards.
I’m an all mountain, haven’t stepped into the park. I really like the GNU BTX and MTX technologies. I’m 5’1 and 115 lb. The smallest size the B-Pro BTX and C2BTX is 146. Would they be too big for me? I looked at Roxy boards too, which have the same technology. The Roxy Envi is quite comparable to these two GNU boards on specs, but the smallest size is 147. The Eminence does have smaller sizes. How do you think the eminence compare to the two GNU boards?
Many thanks!
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April 04, 2010
Hi Shay,
This is my first year snowboarding. I really love it so have been out quite a bit this season. I’ve been all over the west coast but will likely be in the northwest most of the time in the future. I’ve been on groomers but got lucky to get on a couple of feet powder. I just like to go down the mountain as fast as I can =) I wear size 6 boots. I am trying to decide between the Eminence 143, GNU BTX 146 and the Envi 147. Any suggestions? Many thanks and happy Easter!
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April 06, 2010
hey shay, thanks for your blog, i love reading your reviews! i’m looking at buying a new board and i’m a little confused on which one to buy. i’m looking for a playful board that i can butter with and take into the park, but i also enjoy just cruising round the mountain, and im looking for something that ill be able to ride the powder with aswell. I’m 5’7 and 158 pounds. i was looking at the Gnu B-Pro but any other board suggestions? and, what size do you think i should go?
thanks
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April 06, 2010
Jumped in a got the GNU BTX 146. Can’t wait to take it out!!
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April 09, 2010
Boot size = womens 8
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May 12, 2010
Hey Shay
Love your reviews, very helpful. I think I have decided on buying the gnu b pro, but im not sure if I should get the c2 btx or just the btx. Im also not sure what size to get. I am an intermediate rider, love charging all over the mountain, and just beginning to get into jumps and rails – really keen to advance here, want to be able to jump off everything I find, so want something with lots of pop. I love the idea of the magne traction and the rocker, Im just not sure about the camber at the ends. I am happy to spend a lot on a board but only want to do this once, want a board that I wont outgrow anytime soon. Im about 5’5 and about 143 pounds with a size 9 boot. I have been riding a 151, wondering if I should go a bit shorter with the rocker or not. Any other boards you think I should look at? Thanks for your help Shay, you are awesome, and are helping so many riders around the world
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August 10, 2010
Hey Shay,
You just made choosing a board SOOO much easier, awesome site!! I really want to get the B-Pro but I live in Australia and everywhere seems to be out of it. We normally get most of our stuff alot cheaper off sierra or dogfunk websites but even they are out of it. Just wondering if you know of anywhere that I could get it sent from or that may have more in stock?
Cheers,
Crystal -
October 01, 2010
Hello Shay,
Looks like you are a good advisor, so l’d like to ask you a question:
I am a man, considering to buy a woman’s board because of my small weight and foot size: 148 lb / 7.5. I consider a woman’s board, because I want better edge to edge turning than I’ve experienced on the rentals untill now and better trickability due to lighter / shorter board, still being able to float in snow.
My riding style: only in the alps of Europe, allmountain freestyle; love doing turns, tricks and jumps, will hit the powder when ever it’s there, only occasionaly in the park but would like the board to perform reasonably there aswell. The board should also perform on groomers and be not to unstable on highspeeds, so I can follow my groom-bombing friends.
I want a twin-shape board for switch riding and it should be rockered or hybrid.
Oops, I guess I want a lot in one board

To summarize things: tricks and jumps, good turns all over the mountain, good in powder, not to bad on highspeed.You said you are riding men’s boards aswell because of your weight and foot size. So my questions are:
Would you recommend a women’s board, like the gnu c2btx?
What foot size and weight do you have?
Do you have any other boards for me in mind?Much obliged for steeling some of your time,
Sjaak -
October 31, 2010
Hi Shay,
Your site is the most helpful I have found for ages!
I have just bought a GNU BPro 2011 board, but it is still in the shop waiting for me to pick up…..I chose the 149, but I have been trying to reasearch and figure out if that is too short for me & should get a 152 instead.
Still a bit stuck though – I am nearly 6ft tall and weigh 139lbs. I have always ridden longer mens boards, (a 156 2007 Flow The team board and a 159 Flow infinite board before that)…. I have always just been into going fast both piste and powder, but now I want to learn some of the tricky springy things you guys do
on the piste and some small jumps/ollies etc so wanted to get a smaller board as my big boards are too stiff and I am not very strong really. Do you think the 149 will be too short and I will feel like I am going over the top of the nose – will it be relatively stable when going fast? Should I get the 152 instead….really bad at making decisions so any help you can offer would be awesome!
Ta,
Cat -
November 29, 2010
Hey Shay, thanks so much for your reviews, really helpful.
Having a bit of a board dilemma for this season and would love your opinion – Gnu B=Pro 149 or K2 Ecopop??? See you tested them both last year so thought you would be a good person to ask. Have you heard any reports about this years? like to ride fast, all mountain, lots of powder, like natural hits and a teeny little bit of park. Spent a few seasons in the mountains, happy pretty much anywhere on the hill – would love to improve my freestyle riding this season, but need a fast board cos don’t like not being able to keep up! Haven’t ridden a reverse camber board yet but willing to take the leap. Have narrowed it down to these two and now i’m stuck. What do you reckon? want something FUN to last me the season and help progress. loved my salomon ivy last year and rome blue before that, hated bataleon violenza outside of the park, slow and ittitating, but think the 145 was too small (5’2″ and 125 pounds). I know it’s such a personal thing, wish I could try them both out but I can’t so you’re the next best thing
Thanks!! -
December 05, 2010
Thank you! That’s kind of what I was leaning towards anyway so might just order one now… Too much snow around to not have a good board right now!
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February 04, 2011
Hey shay
I am currently looking into the 2011 gnu c2 btx bpro board, the 2011 envi, or the 2011 roxy eminence. I am 5’5 160lbs. I am looking for a board in the 151-153 range. I am an experienced all mountain rider, and have absolutely no interest in the park. I love cursing through trees, charging the double diamonds, and having a good time. these boarded all seem the same to me, so your held would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Also, my boot size is a 10.
Any bindings that you think are good/overthetop/ comfortable? Any boots? I’m open to any brand.
Finally, how do you feel about flow bindings. The ones where you can easily strap your foot in by releasing the back and then easily snapping the back on?
Thanks again
-Katie h -
February 22, 2011
Shay – awesome website! Would love your opinion on a board. I’m 5’10″ 165 int/adv girl rider with big ol size 11 feet. Been riding a hand-me-down 154 Luna for 6 years. I recently demoed a 152 BPro and loved it! Loved how FAST it was and felt super confident riding it anywhere (but didn’t get to take it in pow). Yesterday I demoed a 156 Skate Banana and saw how fun a flexy board is but I could never ride that every day…too squirrely for my taste, but I didn’t feel like it was too big for me. I ride groomers, trees, pow and whatever jumps I can find there…don’t hit park much but want to progress there. I really only want to buy one board and want something that will let me go fast like BPro and also be a little playful to mess around with. I will maybe demo one more board before I buy. My questions are – Should I lean towards men’s boards with my foot size or stick to women’s? What other boards would be worth trying? Should I size up for mostly arizona and colorado riding? I’m afraid if I did buy the BPro the 152 wouldn’t hold up for me in powder. Thanks and keep it up girl!
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February 28, 2011
Hi Shay – Your website has SO much info. I LOVE it! Anyhow, I am trying to figure out which board I should get… It’s between the 149 b-pro -or- the eminence. I love all mountain, and do love going fast. Also, love just playing around on little jumps here and there. Trying to get better at my park riding, but really just all mountain would suit me best. I rode the eminence yesterday, and liked it a lot. Just wondering if the b-pro would be better suited for me? I’m 5’3, 139lbs and have a 8.5 shoe size. Riding in west coast conditions. Thanks so much for any advice you can give me.
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March 01, 2011
With reference to Annette’s question: The 10/11 B-Pro in 149 is actually softer than the bigger sizes. Mervin rates it a 4.5. Where as the Eminence is listed as 5. So the Eminence might actually be stiffer. I only chimed in, ’cause my wife has a new 149 B-Pro that is surprisingly soft and pressable. She says the thing carves great though and it certainly looks that way when she rides it. Hope that helps.
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March 01, 2011
Well.. there was a gnu/libtech/roxy demo day at the resort I was at this past weekend. That’s where I got the opportunity to try out the eminence. Unfortunately didn’t try out the b-pro. The local shop here has both the eminence and b-pro on sale. So hard to decide without actually being able to test out the board. I feel like i’m leaning towards the b-pro just because of the graphics. Which I know shouldn’t factor in at all, right?!? Arrgghh, decisions, decisions. I think I will just go with the roxy. I rode it, I liked it. How do you feel about the eminence at higher speeds? Thanks SO much for your input. =)











