Gentemsticks - advice wanted

Hey guys

I am looking at the famous Gentemsticks from japan and am keen to add one to my quiver. There lineup is quite extensive and i am not quite sure what would be suitable for me. Firstly im 180cm, 75kg. I own a 158cm Burton Barracuda and when i rode it in Japan last winter I found it floated very well but was a bit cumbersome (compared to what im used to with my go-to 157cm twin). I like the idea of the short fish type boards with swallow tales, however I think this might conflict with my style of riding and how I like to slash and hunt for face shots. Also I think I like having the flexibility to ride the board with style on groomers. Has anyone got some advise and recommend anything in particular in the Gentemstick lineup? Obviously they are expensive boards so If I am to commit I want to be happy with my purchase

Thanks
Willy

Gamblor should be able to help you. He used to own one, I think.

just heading out to the skatepark, zempheth so I’ll answer this tonight.

zempheth - 11 September 2015 07:07 PM

Hey guys

I am looking at the famous Gentemsticks from japan and am keen to add one to my quiver. There lineup is quite extensive and i am not quite sure what would be suitable for me. Firstly im 180cm, 75kg. I own a 158cm Burton Barracuda and when i rode it in Japan last winter I found it floated very well but was a bit cumbersome (compared to what im used to with my go-to 157cm twin). I like the idea of the short fish type boards with swallow tales, however I think this might conflict with my style of riding and how I like to slash and hunt for face shots. Also I think I like having the flexibility to ride the board with style on groomers. Has anyone got some advise and recommend anything in particular in the Gentemstick lineup? Obviously they are expensive boards so If I am to commit I want to be happy with my purchase

Thanks
Willy

Hi Willy,
It’s strange that you found your 58 Barracuda more cumbersome than your 57 twin. The s-rocker on the barracuda not only lets it float better but gives you a smaller effective edge on groomers (which makes it easier to handle on groomers). Maybe your 57 is rockered?
Next, short fish type boards with swallow tails are actually perfect for slashing and hunting for face shots - well, actually any board that’s properly sized for you is good at slashing and getting face shots. What you might find though is not having a decently sized tail will give you less leverage at the end of a slash.

So, after reading your words, I don’t really know what would be a good board for you. I would not recommend a Gentem until narrow down your preferences - unless you have the cash and don’t mind splashing out. The resale value will be quite high if you want to flip it at the end of next season, so there is that safety net too.
Another suggestion is to study the Gentem lineup and when you next go to Niseko, go to their Showroom and rent some boards to narrow down your top three.

http://gentemstick.com/showroom/

Make sure you check out the maximum stance sizes on the boards. I have a 60cm stance and the only boards that go that wide are the really big swallowtails. If you have a narrower stance you’ll have no problems.

Thanks for the feedback Gamblor much appreciated.

My 57 is the camber actually. The Barracuda felt very much like a Mal surfboard feels compared to a shortboard. like a boat through powder. I have a suspicion that moving from a twin to a setback powder boards (with a huge nose area) should be offset with an overall board length reduction.. thats where i might have made the mistake with the barracuda and gone with a 152 or shorter..

this leeds me to my second question, what would be the primary difference in the feel between a very short/wide board (like the Gentem Hornet http://gentemstick.com/productsDetail/id_69/ ) versus a normal length powder board like the Offshore Cabin Fever (https://www.boardworld.com.au/products/offshore-snow-shapes-cabin-fever-154-snowboard) ??  Ive never ridden a short board especially as short as146cm..

Also what tools do I have to determine whether or not the boards dimensions are the right size (ie. surface area or length) for me? Any online guides kickin about?

Cheers
Willy

Both Gentem & Offshore are passionate board makers that will happily reply to an email about size recommendations, for not only your weight but where you which to ride it!!!!!

Remember if you go the Offshore option, you’ll get a member discount through through the Boardworld Store if you buy it here!!!!!

I have a Giant Mantray 159 and a Bigfish 163, both boards are great and offer superior float on deep Japan days. in my mind I would look at a shorter Mantaray for all round performance or a Rocket Fish both boards will blow you away they really are a step above.
I have however been riding YES 420’s over the past two years and find they are so much looser and quicker than the Gentemstick in the trees and are better on the hip pocket. I have a YES 2020 ready for this year.
Good luck with your decision it’s a hard one.

PB has the big one, the Impossible.
It’s fabulous.
Unsurpassed for powder.