Jones Snowboards offers a diverse range of splitboards, each designed for specific riding styles and backcountry conditions. This guide aims to provide you with the information you need to select the perfect Jones splitboard for your next adventure.
A splitboard is a snowboard that separates into two skis for climbing uphill with skins, then reconnects into a snowboard for the descent. Modern splitboards ride very similarly to solid snowboards.
Jones was founded by Jeremy Jones, one of the world’s most influential splitboarders and a pioneer of modern human-powered freeriding. Since 2019, they’ve pushed splitboard design forward through constant on-snow testing and purposeful innovation.
Designed and tested in real backcountry terrain, Jones men’s splitboards are shaped and refined through the same backcountry testing that began with Jeremy Jones’ Deeper, Further, Higher missions. Riders like Jeremy, Victor de Le Rue and Harry Kearney help fine-tune every model for efficient touring, stable climbing, and confident descents.
Every splitboard features technologies like 3D Base Contour, Traction Tech and the Bolt-less Bridge to improve skinning efficiency, edge grip and downhill handling. All models also include a notched tail for a perfect fit with Jones Quick Tension Tail Clip splitboard skins.
Read also: Jones Solution Splitboard: Full Review
Let's delve into the key factors that differentiate these boards and help you make the right choice.
Choosing the Right Splitboard Length
Understanding Splitboard Shape
The shape of a splitboard significantly influences its performance in various conditions. Key aspects of shape include sidecut radius, taper, and waist width.
Sidecut Radius: Imagine tracing a giant circle on the ground using the edge of your splitboard as a template. The radius of that circle is the sidecut radius. A longer sidecut radius (e.g., big-mountain freeride boards like the Solution) is ideal for arcing huge turns and provides stability at speed. A shorter sidecut radius (e.g., Mind Expander Split and Stratos Split) makes it easier to initiate turns and keeps the board nimble at low speeds.
Sidecut Radius, Ranked (using 156-ish boards as reference):
Read also: Surf-Inspired Snowboard Review
- More Radius = More Radical
- Less radius = more playful.
- Our most playful boards are the Mind Expander Split and Stratos Split.
- Our most aggressive boards are the Solution Split and Ultralight Butterfly.
Taper: Taper refers to the difference in width between the widest part of the tip and the widest part of the tail. All Jones boards are tapered, with a narrower tail for quick pivoting and a wider nose for float in powder. A large taper allows for shifting volume and stiffness to the front of the board without making it cumbersome.
Waist Width: Waist width is the measurement of the narrowest part of the board. A wider waist contributes to overall volume, which is crucial for floatation in powder. The Jones Hovercraft 2.0, for example, has a wide waist width (26.3cm on the 156 model), allowing you to ride it shorter than a traditional snowboard.
Choosing the Right Splitboard for Your Riding Style
Pick your splitboard based on the terrain you ride and how you tour. Long approaches benefit from lighter, more efficient shapes, while steep lines call for stiffer flex and camber for added control on the descent.
Here's a breakdown of some popular Jones splitboard models and their ideal uses:
- Solution Splitboard, Frontier Split or Stratos Split: For the most versatile performance across mixed snow and terrain.
- Hovercraft Splitboard or the Storm Chaser Splitboard: For deep days.
Stratos Split: The Stratos is made to pop, jib, play, and stomp with confidence. The board is really happy making tight corners and even hop turns. This is an excellent board to daily drive in Tahoe pow while being capable enough for bigger missions in the Eastern Sierra.
Read also: Jones Rally Cat Snowboard
Hovercraft 2.0: The Jones Hovercraft 2.0 is the widest board we carry.This additional width makes deep powder days SO easy. Not only do you not sink as far when breaking trail, you can ride pow on your front foot! It holds an edge incredibly well in steep, firm terrain and floats like a dream in pow. That makes it an excellent tool for both High Sierra technical ascents and Tahoe snorkel fests.
Storm Chaser: The new Storm Chaser is a really unique blend of rocker and camber that results in a powder board that doesn't loose it's edge in hardpack. The Storm Chaser is our widest and most tapered shape which leads to great float and easy turn initiation even at low speeds in deep pow.
Mind Expander: The Mind Expander features a TON of taper (2cm) and a short turn radius (6.9m) which makes it a snappy, quick-turning sports car.
Ultralight Butterfly Split: The Ultralight Carbon Construction is designed for riders tackling long tours, big vert and technical objectives where every gram counts. It delivers a powerful, stable and confidence-inspiring ride on the descent.
Splitboard Sizing
Most snowboards that you've ridden have been at "Freeride length." This is your point of comparison when sizing Jones boards. For example, if you usually run 159 boards, you should consider the 156 Stratos and Hovercraft 2.0 as they're recommended to be run shorter than your freeride length.
To learn more about snowboard + splitboard sizing and see the full size chart, check out Jones Snowboard Size Chart & Guide: Find Your Perfect Board.
Not sure which splitboard model or size is right for you? Start with Jones blog How to Choose the Best Snowboard for You, featuring a built-in board + binding finder that gives you a personalized recommendation in seconds.
Additional Gear Considerations
Splitboard Bindings: Splitboard bindings are built to transition between tour mode and ride mode and to interface with splitboard hardware. Learn how to choose a Jones binding and how to set up the binding highback, straps and bushings to best match your boot size and riding style.
Climbing Skins: Climbing skin performance can make or break your day in the backcountry. If your skins do not fit your splitboard, or they are not properly maintained, you are asking for trouble. At best a skin issue will waste your time and energy, and at worst, a skin issue can be down right dangerous if the problem slows you down too much. All Jones splitboards feature a notched tail for a perfect fit with Quick Tension Tail Clip skins.
Collapsible Poles: Collapsible poles are the four-wheel drive of your backcountry ascent gear. They keep you from slipping and sliding as you shuffle up the skintrack and give you balance in the bootpack. For best pole performance it’s important to set your poles to the proper length for your height.
Pole Length Sizing Chart
Check the pole length to height chart below for a sizing guideline. For easy and secure size adjustment also make sure the Powerlocks are set to the proper tension using the instructions below.
| Height range | Recommended pole length | |
|---|---|---|
| CM | IN | |
| 145-155 cm | 4'1" - 5'1 | 105 cm |
| 156-164 cm | 5'1" - 5'3" | 110 cm |
| 165-169 cm | 5'4" - 5'5" | 115 cm |
| 170-175 cm | 5'6" - 5'7" | 120 cm |
| 176-180 cm | 5'8" - 5'9" | 125 cm |
| 181-190 cm | 6' - 6'2" | 130 cm |
| 191 cm + | 6'2" + | 135 cm |
How to adjust the strap
- Loosen the strap loop: pull on the upper end of the strap loop.
- Tighten the strap loop: pull on the lower tail of the strap.
- Secure the strap length: pull on both ends of the strap loop at the same time to secure the desired length.
How does the Powerlock system function?
- Open the Powerlock latch closest to the pole tip.
- Extend the bottom pole section to the marking that says “Extend to here”.
- Close the latch to tighten the Powerlock mechanism.
- Open the Powerlock latch closest to the pole grip.
- Extend the middle section of the pole to the desired length and close the latch.
- Push on the pole while planted on the ground to ensure the locking system is tight.
If pole slips, readjust strength of Powerlock mechanism.
- Open the latch to release the Powerlock
- Adjust the screw in the Powerlock using a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Close the latch on the Powerlock and test its locking strength.
How to change the basket
- Push the hooklets inwards.
- Take off the basket and the ring.
- Attach the new basket: squeeze the hooklets through the 3 holes until they snap into place.
How to store your poles
- Always store them with the latchs open.
- Never store them with the latches closed.
Taking care of skins
Skin glue performs best when clean and dry. Avoid getting snow, dirt, pine needles, gravel or wax on the glue side of your skins. When you wax your splitboard be sure to scrape off excess wax before touring.
Some snow build up on your skin glue is inevitable, so it’s crucial to stay on top of cleaning it off before it becomes an issue. Inspect your skins during transitions and clear off any built up snow before you pack away your skins for the descent.
One of the best ways to clean off snow is to scrape the glue side of the skin against the edge of your split ski. Stand ski upright in snow, hold one end of skin in each hand, and pull it across ski edge like a saw.
If the skin glue becomes frozen or iced up to the point of failure, scrape all the snow off with the ’saw technique’ described above, then stash your skins inside your jacket for the next descent to help melt any remaining snow or ice.
If your skin glue fails on the way up, scrape all the snow off, then use a few wraps of duct tape, athletic tape or a ski strap to help stick the skin to your ski. The tape or strap is best placed just behind the heel of your split ski binding.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select a Jones splitboard that will enhance your backcountry experience and allow you to explore the mountains with confidence.