The GNU Barrett delivers in just about any conditions you throw it in – we’re huge fans of the design. Photo: Heather Hendricks//The Inertia
I’ve got ninety-nine problems, but knowing which snowboard to ride isn’t one. Regardless of the resort, snow conditions, weather, or terrain, the GNU Barrett ($600) is my all-mountain quiver killer that’s proven to deliver day after day, storm after storm. The long-standing pro model of renowned Olympian and cheerleader for women’s snowboarding Barrett Christy, the GNU Barrett has been in Mervin Manufacturing’s lineup since the early 1990s. Since then, it has gone through several different iterations, and the current version (the board we tested) has remained the same since 2023.
Bottom line: I never imagined I would quip something as definitive as this, but the Barrett has proven itself as my favorite snowboard I’ve ridden in the last 30-plus years. If it’s the last deck I ever ride, I’d be happy. Its directional shape with large, scoopy nose, tiny tail, and perfect amount of hybrid camber make it fun in all terrain— so much so that it continues to push my progression. Even as I age, I’m compelled to ride harder, faster, and better, knowing I have a deck that can do it all. While not for park rats, or those who desire a true twin shape, the Barrett holds its own on basically any terrain, and it’s made in America with eco-friendly materials by fellow snowboarders.
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Strapping in for last season’s Snowboard Test in Aspen. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia
My Experience With GNU
I am very familiar with GNU’s boards and have a personal and professional relationship with Barrett Christy herself (hello boss lady mentor!). Back in 2015 at Baldface Lodge, I got to know Christy and ride with her while helping document behind the scenes of her all-female Full Moon Snowboard Film. Near the end of the trip, Barrett gave me a Pendelton-collab Barrett pro-model lovingly named Beauty, based on Pendleton’s Glacier National Park anniversary blanket design.
To say I was honored would be an understatement. The board even transformed how I currently snowboard and approach testing. The hybrid camber Beauty (boasting the same hybrid camber as 24-25 Barrett) pushed me to progress and take my riding more seriously. I rode the Beauty for several seasons until I re-gifted it to another lady shredder in need of a deck. Jayla, a longtime Aspen homie and shredder, said that the board also changed her riding style and helped her step up to terrain she previously wouldn’t have touched.
Now, ten years later, I’ve been reunited with an updated Barrett board, which not only has been a top performer in Mervin’s women’s line since 2022, but also came out on top as our best women’s all-mountain board of 2024-2025.
Trees, powder, groomers, crud – the Barrett handles it all with style and ease. Photo: Heather Hendricks//The Inertia
GNU Barrett ($600)
Sizing: 146, 149, 152, 155
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: Hybrid Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 7/10
Pros: Excels at everything
Cons: Rides short; larger gals should size up
Best For Riders Who: Want a deck that can do it all, go both ways, and help push their own progression
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Pros
Versatility: This board, indeed, does it all. From carving groomers to slashing powder to hitting jumps, the Barrett consistently rises to the occasion.
Powerful and Predictable: The stiff flex provides a stable and predictable ride, inspiring confidence at high speeds. I feel in control, even when pushing my limits.
Playful Pop: The board is surprisingly playful for its stiffness. I can easily pop off jumps and land smoothly while still maintaining control and stability.
Edge Hold: Magne-Traction lived up to the hype. The board holds an edge and has an incredible grip on ice and hardpack, making it a confident ride in any condition. I felt secure on steep slopes and had a hard time washing out.
Sustainable Construction: Made in the USA with eco-conscious materials, Mervin supports responsible manufacturing. Knowing that Barrett is a board built with sustainability in mind adds an extra layer of satisfaction.
Cons
Rides Short: I tested a 149, and it felt a bit short for my riding style and size. I wished for a slightly longer board for increased stability at higher speeds and bigger jumps. Larger riders may want to size up to ensure stability and control. The 152 or 155 size might be better suited to my height and size; however, the 149 is still manageable.
Pricey: The Barrett comes with a premium price tag, which may be a barrier for some riders. However, the price is justified considering the high-quality construction, performance, and sustainability.
Not for beginners or park rats: This board is too stiff and directional for beginners or riders who want to ride a noodle in the park.
Getting it done in soft conditions – the Barrett proved to be well up to the task. Photo: Heather Hendricks//The Inertia
Testing The GNU Barrett Snowboard
The 2024/2025 Barrett arrived at our spring snowboard test hosted in Aspen, Colorado, last April. I was eager to see if this short, 149 cm board would rip as hard as I hoped. The directional shape and hybrid camber profile were indeed an update in size and style to the 154 Beauty I was gifted 10 years ago.
At 149cm, the Barrett was one of the shortest boards in our test. The directional shape, with a long, scooped nose and its mini moon-shaped tail, made for an interesting shape – far different from the twin Burton FeelGood Camber board I had previously been riding on repeat. I set up the board, scooted over to the lift, and rode off. Straight off the lift, I could tell this board was special—so much so that it felt like I could do anything on the mountain. No matter what I wanted to jump, spin, or grab off of, this deck wanted to do it.
The low-profile base graphics belie the board’s hard-charging nature. Photo: Heather Hendricks//The Inertia
Thanks to the confidence-boosting grippy mange-traction edges, I let ‘er rip on steep cords and felt super secure in and out of turns. The Barrett locked into carves and was easy to initiate edge to edge. Despite its super directional shape, it can be ridden switch, though I wouldn’t recommend it for long steep descents, as the tail is tiny.
When asked directly about the Magne-traction placements, Barrett said, “The Mag bumps are progressive, so the nose of the board doesn’t have any, and they progressively get more pronounced from the middle of the board to the tail,” she revealed. “It’s exactly where I need the edge grip—not at the turn initiation, but at the exit with a little Mag help at the tail for not sliding out of power turns.”
When I finally had the chance to test this rig in deep powder, I could feel the edge control on the tiny moon-shaped tail that Barrett herself talked about. With slight edge pressure on my heel or toe side, I felt locked in and secure, able to lay down hard charging carves.
We’re huge fans of the updated colorway for the Barrett this season, giving it some lady-shredder flair. Photo: Heather Hendricks//The Inertia
Testing the GNU Barrett all across Colorado
For the last five months, I’ve been on snow (March-April, November-January), and I’ve continued to put the Barrett through the paces at many resorts across Colorado. I first tested this board during our ultra springy board test that kicked off at Aspen Mountain, then kicked it over to Snowmass and its park before closing down all Aspen Snowmass resorts for the season.
I kept the spring riding alive at Breckenridge and Copper before finally putting this deck away for the summer. Then, as an early winter hit Aspen this fall, we were back on snow by November, and out came the Barrett, ready to charge early-season pow. From perfectly groomed corduroy right off the gondola, to mini park laps, up the Palma towbar and over to Horseshoe Bowl, laps down the face of Ajax, and a couple trips through the famed Highlands Bowl, I’ve had ample opportunity to explore Barrett’s capabilities in various conditions.
Excellent Stability
From that first run last spring to the tasty turns I took yesterday, I’m still impressed by Barrett’s stability. It has yet to disappoint. It provides confidence at speed, inspiring me to push harder on the groomers and in questionable snow conditions. I’ve found myself effortlessly linking turns on any terrain as the Barrett responds quickly and maneuvers easily.
Hybrid Camber
The hybrid camber profile delivers a smooth and predictable ride while maintaining a playful pop. I could feel the power transfer through the board, making it easy to drive into turns and carve with authority. It also snaps on side hits and quickly initiates butters and ground tricks. It launches with little force to load things up and is so lightweight that it doesn’t cause leg fatigue.
Powder Chops
While not designed as a dedicated powder board, the Barrett handles deep snow surprisingly well. The directional shape and moderate rocker provide float and easy navigation through trees. It truly delivers as a do-it-all deck, and my only wish is to try it one size up. Sometimes, while riding, I look at my tiny tail and think that there’s no way it can hold up, but then it does, time and again.
The small but mighty moon-shaped tail holds up in just about any conditions you could throw its way. Photo: Heather Hendricks//The Inertia
Gnu Barrett Alternatives
Jones Women’s Rally Cat: This is a more playful and forgiving option than the Barrett. It is better suited for riders who prioritize freestyle riding and park jibbing. The Rally Cat offers a more playful flex and a slightly more surfy feel.
Salomon Bellevue: A more aggressive and assertive option for advanced riders prioritizing high-speed carving and demanding terrain. The Salomon Bellevue is known for its powerful performance and aggressive edge hold, and it comes in several more extended sizes than the Barrett.
The GNU Barrett is like an old Ford truck – truly timeless. Photo: Heather Hendricks//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The GNU Barrett is a true all-mountain dominator. Its versatility, power, and playfulness make it a standout choice for lady shredders who demand a board that can handle anything at any resort and on any terrain. While the price tag is a bit high and the short tail can wash out occasionally, the overall performance and craftsmanship justify the investment.
The Barrett is a quiver killer. The one board I’ve grabbed day after day to ride throughout this entire season. From perfect powder days on Highlands Peak in Aspen to the icy hardpack we experienced at Tamarack in Idaho, the Barrett shreds it all. And it’s so fun to ride that it continually helps you progress, no matter the conditions.
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Editor’s Note: To see how the GNU Barrett stacks up against the competition, check out our guide to The Best Women’s Snowboards. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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