Spenser wrote: ↑Mon Dec 18, 2023 2:08 pm
The misconceptions of TNT, and thus probably sintruded in general, never seem to die. No, it's not sintered, and yes, I definitely prefer sintered, but they aren't simply extruded. I can't say specifically for "sintruded" on other brands, but Mervin's TNT is a multi layer base that essentially has both, and has teflon built in. It's easier to maintain compared to sintered, but tougher, faster, and still likes wax compared to extruded. A lot of people hate on them, and maybe they don't like them which is fine - but it's not the same material. Personally I've never had problems with it, and can definitely tell the difference compared to extruded. I'm not super picky, but if there's a problem with their bases, it's in the finishing process. We've all seen the common fuzzy Mervin base. The sintered GNUs I've had have only been marginally better than TNT. None of their bases hold a candle to what I've had on boards like nitro, US, stranda… but they still work fine for me
Fuzzy Mervin bases...
I've definitely got a new Mervin board and wondered if I actually got a used board with a fresh base grind.
I’ve had mixed results with TNT bases in the past, some have been horrifically bad and some good. That was close to a decade ago, no experience with a current deck.
I've only ridden a handful of Libs, my one TNT base experience was... not great. But in full fairness that was 15 years ago on a first gen banana TRS.
SprockingCrail wrote: ↑Mon Dec 18, 2023 8:01 pm
I’ve had mixed results with TNT bases in the past, some have been horrifically bad and some good. That was close to a decade ago, no experience with a current deck.
This falls and the fuzzy bases thing is in line with the stories and impression I get on Mervin's QC. Sometimes, maybe even most times you get a good one and don't have to worry about it, but they seem to have a higher rate of "Friday afternoon" boards.
Rode some demo boards this weekend in Avoriaz. Some pow, lots of chopped up pow, hard groomers, Baby park jibs.
Surprise hit: GNU Banked Country 155. Stable, solid but not too stiff, turns incredibly well in all kinds of snow. More pop than I expected but so smooth and comfortable to ride at speed. Minimal input for maximal output. It can absolutely rail carves and I didn't need to do a bunch of hand jive to make it work. Very very enjoyable board and I’m basically a magne-hater. The base looked pretty dry but was easily the fastest of the three boards I tried. I even liked the Bent Metal bindings that were on it. I’d get one immediately (maybe 159) if they weren’t so expensive. Why ARE Mervin boards so costly btw?
Nitro Alternator 160: Poppy and predictable
but not very exciting. Flappy nose. I could feel that it was designed for backcountry freestyle. Nitro label it “True Camber” but it’s not full camber. It has the same profile as the Fusion I had where it goes flat outside the inserts (“Cam-out”). It felt a touch softer than the Fusion overall. Not a bad board but felt a bit meh after the GNU.
United Shapes Cadet 154:
This felt similar to the US horizon I’ve been riding this week after buying it cheap in an off season frustration froth. Very crisp and precise feeling once on edge. The side cut felt too tight but it was at least one size too small for me I guess. It felt a bit of a chore to get it on edge which was a surprise. It might’ve been the Now Select bindings I had on it. The bushings were pink so maybe medium or soft? Overall it felt like a board that would be nice to ride in nice snow but there was no nice snow left by the time I got on it.
Kevington wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2023 1:47 pm
Surprise hit: GNU Banked Country 155. [...] I’d get one immediately (maybe 159) if they weren’t so expensive. Why ARE Mervin boards so costly btw?
US labor costs + US environmental standards + shite Euro-USD conversion.
Banked Country's been on my demo list for a while. I enjoyed the Billy Goat, and progressive mag sounds like just the ticket for my style (I also don't like mag). Main thing keeping me from hunting one down is standard is a little narrow and the wide is a little wide wide for my tastes. Split the difference on a 260 mm waist on the 162-ish, and I would have at least have tried it.
Kevington wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2023 1:47 pm
Minimal input for maximal output.
Love this quote. That's how I feel about the Aeronaut. Long as I have decent technique, I get a lot out of that board without working too hard.
