I actually just switched from the natural to the gonzalez (at least till I get a decade) and it has been a fairly easy transistion. The gonzalez feels lighter, has less swing weight, is looser, and has a bit more vertical pop. All of this sounds great, but the edging is a bit slower and because of the thickness of the rail it sits higher in the water on edge. This kind of messed with my toeside edge (usually very strong) so that has taken me a few rides to get down. The release is solid, but not at predictable as the natural. Landing in the flats is comparable, but I like the way the natural lands and holds a little better. This is all my opinion based on my riding style. Personally from all the reviews I am waiting to try a decade. It is supposed to be the best of both worlds and I think it will fit my riding style perfectly... now if I could just find on for less than $500 online...
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