[Fordy]

Current own a 154 Yes. Optimistic and the 159 Giant Mantaray. While I LOVE the Mantaray during a deep powder day, I found it wasn't nearly stiff enough to right hardpack or chop, especially when things get steep. However it's great in powder and groomers for a carve.

When the conditions are right, the Mantaray just feels different, it's hard to describe. You can see and feel the quality of the board, and this thing floats all across the mountain as long as there is powder. From steep bowls and trees down to like 20 degree runs at mellow speeds. On a good powder day, I find it's just amazing fun to ride.

If you're mostly riding Japan, you won't go wrong with a Mantaray. But I'd be pulling something else out if you end up somewhere with less powder and steep terrain. I have not ridden the Kurora, but know they have a good reputation and quality as well.

Current own a 154 Yes. Optimistic and the 159 Giant Mantaray. While I LOVE the Mantaray during a deep powder day, I found it wasn't nearly stiff enough to right hardpack or chop, especially when things get steep. However it's great in powder and groomers for a carve.

When the conditions are right, the Mantaray just feels different, it's hard to describe. You can see and feel the quality of the board, and this thing floats all across the mountain as long as there is powder. From steep bowls and trees down to like 20 degree runs at mellow speeds. On a good powder day, I find it's just amazing fun to ride.

If you're mostly riding Japan, you won't go wrong with a Mantaray. But I'd be pulling something else out if you end up somewhere with less powder and steep terrain. I have not ridden the Kurora, but know they have a good reputation and quality as well.

Thanks so much for your detailed reply mate!!
That’s really good to hear. My preference is the Mantaray over the Dart. For me it just sounds a little more playful.

As you said I’ll mostly by riding in Japan so it sounds like it could be a good one board quiver for there.

I really appreciate you taking the time to help me!

 

[chusnowpar]

Thanks so much for your detailed reply mate!!
That’s really good to hear. My preference is the Mantaray over the Dart. For me it just sounds a little more playful.

As you said I’ll mostly by riding in Japan so it sounds like it could be a good one board quiver for there.

I really appreciate you taking the time to help me!

No problem!

Also I'm pretty sure you can demo them if you're in Japan: GENTEMSTICK | DEMOCENTER

 

[Fordy]

Yes I literally went in there a few weeks ago but right as we were about to leave and head to another resort. We had two whinging kids in tow as well so didn’t get a chance. It looks like we have to pre order by mid to late Feb if we want one for November so not sure I have the patience to wait to test one next time we are in Japan to order the following year.
I’m pretty comfortable something like the Mantaray will be a fun board and help me take a slightly different approach to how I ride which is what I’m after.

 

[Fordy]

Chusnopar, can I ask why you decided to go the Giant Mantaray rather than say 156? I have size 10.5 boots and given I want to ride it in powder now thinking maybe the Giant might be a good option.

 

[chusnowpar]

Chusnopar, can I ask why you decided to go the Giant Mantaray rather than say 156? I have size 10.5 boots and given I want to ride it in powder now thinking maybe the Giant might be a good option.

Primarily weight. I'm around 200lbs with size 9 boots, but and didn't think the 156 and the soft flex would do it for me. After 2 years, I'm still happy with my choice.

 

[Fordy]

Primarily weight. I'm around 200lbs with size 9 boots, but and didn't think the 156 and the soft flex would do it for me. After 2 years, I'm still happy with my choice.

Thanks mate. I'm a bit lighter about 170 lbs but size 10.5 boots. I've heard people rave about the 156 but some say the giant isn't just a scaled up version and may not be as good but its good to hear you still like it 2 years after buying it.

 

[Sea2023]

Great thread! I ride gentems for the last 5yrs before that was riding libs and jones. the experience of riding gentems is so different that once i rode it, there was no going back. I enjoy the various shapes and sizes and ride TT, speedmaster and the impossible for super deep days.

Also fyi- The flat camber and big mountain series are all made in Japan while rest of line is chinese.

 

[Fordy]

Great thread! I ride gentems for the last 5yrs before that was riding libs and jones. the experience of riding gentems is so different that once i rode it, there was no going back. I enjoy the various shapes and sizes and ride TT, speedmaster and the impossible for super deep days.

Also fyi- The flat camber and big mountain series are all made in Japan while rest of line is chinese.

Oh that’s epic to hear mate!!
I did ask the question re where the big fish is made and was told china. However the standard coming out of that factory seems to be high.

But that’s really good to hear that the flat camber series is made in Japan - might look at one to add the the quiver next…

Any favourites in your quiver mate?

 

[Sea2023]

Oh that’s epic to hear mate!!
I did ask the question re where the big fish is made and was told china. However the standard coming out of that factory seems to be high.

But that’s really good to hear that the flat camber series is made in Japan - might look at one to add the the quiver next…

Any favourites in your quiver mate?

all my GS have are a joy to ride and are precise.. love the TT 160 for its accuracy and turning with speed and carving ability. it doesnt handle deep days as well as the bigger boards. speedmaster 172 is my favorite overall. it is so nimble and fun to ride carving grooms, trees, pow... and then the impossible 186 is the board of choice for real deep days, again it rides and carves like a much smaller board but has unlimited float in deep pow. only thing i'll say about these three boards/ (or all the made in japan gentems) is they are made for smaller sized ppl and maximum size 10 (US) boot size due to their narrow size, anything bigger you are going to drag.

ive never paid full price for any of them so keep an eye on ebay/ or local shops in japan for sale (pre covid, found a few but didnt see any this yr).

 

[kswissreject]

all my GS have are a joy to ride and are precise.. love the TT 160 for its accuracy and turning with speed and carving ability. it doesnt handle deep days as well as the bigger boards. speedmaster 172 is my favorite overall. it is so nimble and fun to ride carving grooms, trees, pow... and then the impossible 186 is the board of choice for real deep days, again it rides and carves like a much smaller board but has unlimited float in deep pow. only thing i'll say about these three boards/ (or all the made in japan gentems) is they are made for smaller sized ppl and maximum size 10 (US) boot size due to their narrow size, anything bigger you are going to drag.

ive never paid full price for any of them so keep an eye on ebay/ or local shops in japan for sale (pre covid, found a few but didnt see any this yr).

Big Fish/Chaser non HP/XY at least all are pretty wide so good for a bit larger boots (like me). But ya pretty limited compared to the entire Gentemstick line.

 

[jsil]

Just wanted to show how different the Moss back-seat camber profile (step back rocker) is from other brands. This is the Jellyfish.

View attachment 158147

You still on the forum? Is this your board? How did you like it compared to other Moss boards?

 

[SennaBlast]

Moss is 100% worth the money. I'd even pay full price.

 

[Fordy]

all my GS have are a joy to ride and are precise.. love the TT 160 for its accuracy and turning with speed and carving ability. it doesnt handle deep days as well as the bigger boards. speedmaster 172 is my favorite overall. it is so nimble and fun to ride carving grooms, trees, pow... and then the impossible 186 is the board of choice for real deep days, again it rides and carves like a much smaller board but has unlimited float in deep pow. only thing i'll say about these three boards/ (or all the made in japan gentems) is they are made for smaller sized ppl and maximum size 10 (US) boot size due to their narrow size, anything bigger you are going to drag. ive never paid full price for any of them so keep an eye on ebay/ or local shops in japan for sale (pre covid, found a few but didnt see any this yr).

Hey mate, I’m heading to Niseko for a week and I’m keen to demo some boards. I would really love your input as you’ve obviously ridden a lot of their boards. If it was you, what boards would be at the top of your list to demo. I’m trying to come up with a list of 3-4 boards!