Gilson Snowboards Review
Even before we saw Gilson Boards line up at SIA, we were curious how a board company could exist in PENNSYLVANIA!!! So, we checked out their site and were intrigued by the technology of a 3-D base, soft edge, and pow channel. How could this possibly work? What would it look like in person? How this would transition to park riding (soft edge without the pow channel)? And finally, how would the pow channel float in powder? A lot of questions!
We were so curious, we went one step further and looked up the designer and proprietor, Nick Gilson. At first glance, he’s a young entrepreneur, smart, educated, with a background in craftsmanship passed down from his dad; he took this knowledge and transferred it to boardsports. He’s in this for the right reasons: he’s passionate and loves what he does — something we respect.
Once we met Nick at SIA, we could tell he was the genuine article. He truly stands behind his product because it is his life, and you can feel that when he talks about Gilson. The entire team at SIA (Hannah, Danny, Nate, and Pat) share this passion; that takes something special to create, especially when you’re building boards in Pennsylvania, remember?!
The boards are beautifully made, with tasteful topsheets, and the 3D base, soft edge, and pow channel technology delivered in person. It truly was a sight to see.
But we know seeing is one thing, hearing how they ride and how the tech works is another, and we weren’t buying the hype until we got on a Gilson. Nick offered, and we accepted!
Chris’ Gilson Snowboard Review:
Board Tested: Gilson Pioneer “Superflex” 155
Rider Height and Weight: 5’9″ 180lbs
Conditions tested” powder, chop, and somewhat groomed snow; small drops
We did question the base waxing/grinding method, as it won’t work with traditional waxing tools very well from what we saw; Gilson will be putting out a tutorial soon on these topics.
Dave’s Gilson Snowboard Review:
Boards tested: Bacon “Smoothflex” 160, Pioneer “Superflex” 155
Rider Height and Weight: 6’0″ 195lbs
Conditions tested: powder, chop, and somewhat groomed snow; small drops
The Gilson crew also put my 11-year-old son on a Pioneer 140. It was a bigger board than he was used to, but he kept up with us all day with no problem. He adapted to the Gilson board very quickly and had a blast.
For more on Gilson Boards 216-2017 line up check out our Day 2 Snowboard Preview