Skinny J's Quiver: GNU Headspace, Burton Step Ons, and a Jacket That Holds a Case of PBR
The short version: My name is Jacob, but people call me Skinny J. I ride a GNU Headspace with Burton Step On bindings and Photon boots. It's a setup that handles everything from icy Ohio mornings to Big Sky tram laps to lapping the park in the afternoon.
The Board: GNU Headspace
My main board is the GNU Headspace. I love it because it's fun, flexible, and has explosive pop.
It uses Mervin's C3 camber profile, meaning it has primarily strong camber with mild rocker between the feet. That combination is what makes the board ideal for control in tight situations while still giving you freestyle freedom.
The Headspace also has Magne-Traction, which is 7 points of contact along the edge of the board on both the heel and toe edge. That extra edge hold is huge for boarding in Ohio and on the ice coast in general. Even after testing a bunch of boards at Boyne Mountain this year, the Headspace is still my top pick. A lot of the GNU and Lib boards have a similar feel with that C3 profile if you want to try something in the same family.
Boots and Bindings: Burton Step Ons + Photon Boots
Step Ons have changed the game for me, especially when I'm running with skiers. No sitting down to strap in while everyone waits. I can keep up.
Here's the bigger story though. Before I worked at Aspen, I was gifted my boots and they were not properly fitted. Shortly after I started at the shop, I got properly fitted boots (my Burton Photons), sized down a full size, and added footbeds. The difference in control was insane. That experience is exactly why I love working with people at the shop. I want to give other riders that same kind of upgrade when they come in.
The Rest of the Kit
For outerwear I like to rock my 686 and Oakley apparel. My jacket is a 686 PBR collab that holds a case of PBR in the back pocket, which is super fun. My pants are Oakley, and they keep me warm and dry even when I'm trying dumb stuff and falling on my ass.
For protection, my helmet is the Oakley MOD1 MIPS. Good fit, good protection, both matter. My goggles are Treviso with a quick-change magnetic lens, which is awesome for swapping lenses mid-day when the weather changes.
Shop Trip 2026, Big Sky MT
This year we took our shop trip to Big Sky. I was the only snowboarder with a group of skiers, and thanks to my Step Ons, I was never left behind.
The weather was all over the place. Slushy some days, icy in the mornings. The Headspace did everything I needed it to. The tram runs were super intense, but the right gear got me through them. Later in the day I was lapping the park on the same board with no issues. That versatility is exactly why it's my favorite.
FAQ
What snowboard does Skinny J ride?
A GNU Headspace. It uses Mervin's C3 camber profile (mostly camber with mild rocker between the feet) and Magne-Traction edges for extra grip.
Why Burton Step On bindings?
Speed and convenience, especially when riding with skiers. You step in and go instead of sitting down to strap in at the top of every run.
Is the GNU Headspace good for icy conditions?
Yes. The Magne-Traction edges give 7 points of contact on each side of the board, which makes a real difference on icy Ohio mornings and East Coast conditions.
Can the Headspace handle the park?
Definitely. I've taken it through aggressive tram terrain at Big Sky and lapped the park the same day. The C3 profile gives you control plus freestyle freedom.
What's the most important advice for new snowboarders shopping for gear?
Get your boots professionally fitted. I rode in unfitted gifted boots before working at Aspen and didn't realize what I was missing until I got sized properly and added footbeds. It's the single biggest upgrade you can make.
Come see me at the shop and I'll help you find a setup that works for how you ride!
