The Jones Stratos is a snowboard that likes to be given energy by its rider. When it receives that energy, it gives back in kind. And while a more casual input doesn't make this board a chore, it just doesn't make this board hum in the same way.
In this review, I will take a look at the Stratos as a freeride snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Stratos a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other freeride snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Jones Stratos 2026
Price: $669
Style: Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium (3/5)
Flex Feel on Snow: Mid-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating Score: 84.2/100
Compared to other Men’s Freeride Boards
Of the 27 current model freeride snowboards that we tested:
❄️ The Stratos ranked 21st= out of 27
Overview of the Stratos’ Specs
Check out the tables for the Stratos’s specs and available sizes.
STYLE:
FREERIDE
PRICE:
$669 - BUYING OPTIONS
Ability Level:
flex:
feel:
DAMPNESS:
SMOOTH /SNAPPY:
Playful /aggressive:
Edge-hold:
camber profile:
Directional Hybrid Camber
Directional HYBRID Camber - Jones' "Directional Camber Rocker" - with their "High 3D Contour Base".
SHAPE:
Tapered Directional - (10mm Taper)
setback stance:
Setback 20mm (0.8")
BASE:
Sintered - Jones' "Sintered 8000 Base"
weight:
Felt a little HEAVIER than normal
Camber Height:
4mm
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
149 | 242 | 110-160 | 49-73 |
153 | 248 | 120-170 | 54-77 |
154W | 261 | 130-180 | 59-82 |
156 | 254 | 120-170 | 54-77 |
158W | 263 | 140-190 | 64-86 |
159 | 256 | 140-190 | 64-86 |
161W | 264 | 150-200 | 67-91 |
162 | 258 | 150-200 | 67-91 |
164W | 265 | 160-210+ | 73-95+ |
Who is the Stratos Most Suited To?
The Stratos is best suited to those who like to seek powder and need a board that will float well in it and then when there's no fresh snow around, they want their board to be able to handle an aggressive input and good speeds, but something that still has some forgiveness and isn't too locked in, so they can still still slash the tail out without too much effort.
Better for physically stronger/fitter than average riders, IMO, as its not a board that's effortless to ride, in my experience. I also didn't find it super fatiguing or anything, so you don't have to be the worlds strongest/fittest rider, but this is the kind of board that gives back good energy but only when you're able to supply that energy in the first place.
Not for beginners or even most intermediate riders, IMO. Again, if you're a physically stronger intermediate, with at least solid technique, then it should be good.
Stratos DetailS
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Stratos is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Jones Stratos 2026, 159cm (256mm waist width)
Date: February 21, 2025
Carving
Really solid for carves. I wouldn't put it top tier for carving, but it's still really good and can handle carves at high speeds well too.
Turning
Ease of Turning/Slashing: I did find it a little easier to initiate turns and slash out the tail vs the last time I rode it, but still nothing super easy/slashy. It still feels better with at least moderately fast speeds under it.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Again, I found it a little more agile than the last time I rode it, but nothing lightning quick edge-to-edge or anything and takes a bit of effort to maneuver it at slower speeds.
Catchiness: Nothing super catchy or anything, but I did get some catch-feel in there.
Speed
Really decently fast and remains nice and stable at speed too - again, like with its carving, I wouldn't put it top tier, but still noticeably above average.
Uneven Terrain
Crud/Chunder: Remains nice and stable in messy snow, and takes quite a bit to throw it around. Doesn't feel too much chatter either, being a relatively damp board overall. When I was riding it, I felt like it was heavier than normal, which was helping it to feel more stable in rough snow, but when I weighed it it wasn't all that much heavier than average. I think the heavier feeling came from a combination of its stiffness and dampness - 2 things which I find can make a board feel heavier than it actually is.
Trees/Bumps: Pretty decent, but wasn't effortless getting it to weave between bumps. However, it did feel real good when riding in trees with fresh snow.
Powder
In what we had off-groomer, which was pretty decent but not super deep or anything, it felt really good. Powder is where this board feels at its best for me and it should handle deeper powder just as well, I would imagine.
It has Jones' "High 3D Contour Base", a setback stance, a nose longer and wider than its tail and a good amount of rocker in the profile, which all help it. And it passed the feel test with flying colors.
Jumps
Stiffer and damper than I prefer for jumps for sure, but nothing that felt terrible to jump with or anything. And stronger riders than me probably won't be as effected by the stiffer/damper feel - and having that did make for solid, smooth landings from bigger air.
Pop: Total pop was OK, without being epic and took some effort to get it to its potential - if I even got it there. So yeah, not super easy to extract. Fairly small amount of pop if you don't load it up with some energy.
Approach: Nice and stable for approaches that need more speed and holds pretty stable if the runway is a bit choppy. Can make adjustments to line and speed, but it prefers to hold its line.
Landing: Really nice and solid for bigger air, but not great for tail heavy landings - not terrible, but you do feel like having more tail at times. Not super forgiving of off-kilter landings from small jumps as it doesn't give much if you're not coming from a higher height - and while not terrible for after landing maneuvers, also not ideal.
Switch
It's pretty directional, so not surprisingly felt a bit off riding it switch. Transitions weren't catch-free feeling or anything and you had to focus with transitions, but not super catchy or anything either - likely at least to some degree, to do with that 3D shaping in the base, otherwise it might be more catchy.
Spins
Not really what this board is made for, and not something it excels at either, IMO. Certainly doable, but taking off and landing switch not ideal, feels a little heavy and with pop that you need to load up to get anything decent out of it. Just more work for it than I'd prefer. Maybe I'm just lazy!
Butters
You've got to give the tip and tail a good bit of force to get them pressing and you have to be pretty strong to get them to a place you can lock-in. If you like that stiffer feel in the tip/tail for presses, you might be OK with it, but it was stiffer than I'd prefer for presses. Rotations were OK, without being ideal and the very different feel between the nose and tail was off-putting, for me.
But again, this isn't the board you would get for doing butter tricks. Not its forte or design purpose, IMO.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Speed | 4 | 16/20 |
| Carving | 4 | 12/15 |
| Turns | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Crud | 4 | 8/10 |
| Trees | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Jumps | 3 | 3/5 |
| Switch | 2 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 84.2/100 |
I found the Stratos was at its best with at least moderately fast speeds under it. It wasn't too much of a chore at slow speeds or anything, and I found it was a little better in that respect than older models I've ridden, but still prefers to be ridden on the faster side and with a more aggressive input in general.
It's best attribute is how it feels in powder, IMO, but it's also very good at bombing and carving, feels stable in choppy snow and has enough forgiveness to still be fine for when you're riding more casual - just not its preferred state to be in, in my experience.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
To learn more about the Stratos, or if you're ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below
To check out some other freeride snowboard options, or to see how the Stratos compares to others, check out our top rated freeride snowboards by clicking the button below.
Hi Nate. 150lb, 9 boots. Jones website has me for 153, 154W, and 156. I am intend to replace my Burton Deep Thinker as a resort daily driver. No need for POW as I have Burton Powder Wrench/Offahore Cabin Fever/Offahore Snurfs Up already. I am using Nitro Alternator firmer condition. I prefer riding offpiste than groomers.
Hi Fred, thanks for your message.
Could also let me know your height. While weight and foot size are more important than height for sizing, IMO, I still like to take height into account, for the leverage factor.
But based on weight and boot size alone, I would say 153 is your best bet, particularly given that you don’t need it for powder.
Hey Nate,
really appreciate your help! I’m trying to figure out if I’m about to make a mistake.
I’m a woman and currently completely starstruck by the Ruiki Masuda limited edition Stratos, and wondering if I could pull off the 153.
I’m an intermediate to advanced rider (4 seasons, 30+ days per season), 5’7” and 137 lbs, with a boot size of 7.5 women’s (6 men’s). So far I’ve been riding the Burton Story Board in 147, which I love for its responsiveness, especially in the trees, but I sometimes wish for more stability at higher speeds and in choppy conditions.
Now I’m unsure if the 153 Stratos would suit me or feel too big, whether going for a men’s board is a bad idea with my boot size, and if the Stratos might be too demanding compared to what I’m used to …
Thanks in advance 🙂
Kathi
Hi Kathi, thanks for your message.
My take is that the 153 would likely feel too big, unfortunately. I would put your “typical all-mtn length” at around 149 and while 153 alone might be doable if you were really looking to go bigger, but the combination of that extra length AND the width is very likely to make it a board that’s hard work for you. The 149 on the other hand would likely be a good bet, but I’m not sure if the Ruiki Masuda model comes in the 149?
Hope this helps with your decision
Ahh okay, that’s so hard to hear …. I might just have to let this one go ….
But thanks a lot for the honest and helpful assessment, I really appreciate it. That definitely helps me make a more sensible decision.
Thanks again!
Kathi
You’re very welcome Kathi. I definitely get it can be hard to not go with something that has that visual/design appeal even when it’s not the right call functionally. I’ve made that mistake enough to know (with snowboard gear and other things too) and I always end up regretting it. Can definitely be hard to resist sometimes though!
Hey Nate! I tried reading through all the comments and I might’ve missed it. It’s a very in depth review. I’m an intermediate rider and just bought my first board (Stratos) I’m 5’9 and about 165lb, boot size 10. I already bought a 154W, (it was that or 162 I think. (That thing was a torpedo) will I need to return it? Am I cooked with the sizing? I haven’t really had the opportunity to try it and won’t be able to try it out until maybe summer if I fly down to South America. (Merc fase and photon boots)
Hi JJ, thanks for your message.
I would put your typical length at around 157, so I think the 154W should be fine. It’s on the shorter side for you, but it’s also on the wider side for you, so those things should balance each other out fairly well. I would say the 156 for this board is likely the most optimal for you, but the 154W is the next best size for you, IMO, and it should be fine.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I was hoping you might be able to give me a recommendation to pass onto my father in law who’s looking to change his board up from a Stratos. His current Stratos is a bit big for him and he has issues with the edge to edge transitioning, especially in the trees where he likes to ride the most. We’re on the east coast where conditions are mostly hard pack/icy so something with edge tech or better edge hold feels like a must and he doesn’t ride switch. He mostly likes riding in the trees, making shorter S-carves and some slashing. He’s also got a bad hip so he could probably benefit from something on the soft/medium flex range and more forgiving and easier to get from edge to edge.
Could you please provide me with a couple recommendations based on his ability and preferences?
Thanks,
Zach
Hey Zach, thanks for your message.
You’re father in law sounds like the ideal fit for our mellow freeride list (easier riding boards that are directional and well suited to trees/powder). Given your on the ice coast and given the rest of the information, I would look at:
– Rome Ravine
– Lib Tech T Rice Orca
– Never Summer Nokhu
– Jones Frontier 2.0
– Never Summer Swift
Sizing is also important. Happy to give my 2 cents on sizing, would just need your father in law’s height, weight and boot size. And the size of the Stratos he’s currently riding.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Looking to decide between the Stratos 156 and 159. I am 5’9″ and 165-172lbs without all the gear on. I am a pretty advanced rider and unsure which size will be best. I plan on using it for more powder and all mountain riding. Please let me know.
Thanks
Hi Nick, thanks for the message and apologies for the slow reply – really hectic right now and fell behind!
Bigger size will always mean easily float in powder, but you do have to weight that up with how it’s going to feel when there’s no powder around. I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 157/158, so I think you could go either way. Given that you’d be using it for powder a fair bit and your an advanced rider, I would be erring towards 159, if you won’t be needing it to be super maneuverable at slower speeds, but it might also depend on your boot size, particularly with the Stratos being quite wide. If you ride 9.5s and up and don’t really need that lower speed maneuverability, then I’d be leaning 159, so you can get the extra powder benefits. If 8.5 or below boots, then I’d be leaning 156. With 9s, it’s a bit of a toss up.
Hope this helps with your decision (if it didn’t come too late)
Hi Nate,
Greetings from Japan—and thanks for the awesome review!
I currently have the Jones Stratos Luuki Edition 159cm on reserve, since the 156cm was out of stock(the other option was 153c,). But I’m starting to second-guess whether the 159 might be too long for me and wondering if I should return it and go for a different size or model.
My stats:
Height: 174cm
Weight: 75kg
Boot size: 26.5cm (US 8.5–9)
Riding level: Intermediate–Advanced
Riding style: ~30% powder, 20% carving, 35% freeride, 15% kicker
I’m also debating between Step On and FASE bindings.
– For Step On: do you have any recommended boot/binding setups?
– For FASE: I’m deciding between the Rome Katana and Jones Mercury. Any preferences between the two? And would you recommend specific boots depending on the binding system?
Would really appreciate your thoughts—especially on the board sizing and binding direction. Thanks again!
Hi Ethan, thanks for your message, and apologies for the slow response. I had overseas visitors for a few days and then came down with something (random for summer, I know!), which hit me pretty hard and having been able to to do much the last couple of days.
I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 157. Because the Stratos is a board you can ride a little longer than the average all-mountain board, I would say the 159 would be a good bet for you, IF you had bigger feet. The Stratos is wider than typical and pretty wide for your foot size, IMO. Sizing it down would be a good bet because of that.
So with it being a board you can ride longer, due to its style (long story short, mostly because of the effective edge – essentially more of the overall length is outside the contact points vs the average board) but one you want to size down for because of its width in relation to your foot size, they cancel each other out really and I would say the 156 would be the most optimal size in this case. Not to say that the 159 is completely wrong or anything or that it would be unrideable or a chore to ride or anything, but the 156 is likely to be more optimal, IMO.
My personal preference between FASE and Step On is FASE. Maybe I’m old school or just too set in what I’m used to, but I like the feeling of straps. I like having straps – and I prefer not to have my boot locked into the high back. Now, the thing you want to optimize the most is carving, then you might want to go Step On, because they are sick for that and that locked into the highback thing really helps there. But personally I prefer FASE as they feel like two strap bindings.
If you did go Step On, I’d probably look at the Photon with the regular Step On bindings or the Genesis Step On. I found the Ion Step Ons super stiff, which is fine if that’s what you’re after but give how you describe your riding, I’m going to guess you want some flex in there.
I liked both the Katana and Mercury for the FASE options and I’d say you can’t really make a bad call between them, but if I had to choose, I would go Katana, mostly because I found they had better board feel.
In terms of boots, you’d have to get Step On boots if you’re using Step-On bindings, but with FASE, there aren’t any specific boots you have to get. I mean, if you wanted to play it safe, if you went Katana, you could go Rome boots, but I had no problem with my boots in them and that’s one of the pluses of FASE is that you don’t have to have special boots for them. I would wear the boots that fit your feet best and then just make sure you’re in the correct size range for the FASE bindings.
Hope this helps (if it didn’t come too late)
Hi Nate,
Really appreciated all the comments and reviews that you did. I got my first board, the Yes Airmaster, after looking at your top picks. Now I was wondering what size should I get for stratos between
1. 153
2. 154W
3. 156
My stat
– 5’6 ft tall
– 130 lbs weight
– Size 8 shoes
Just a bit more info about my style
– Intermediate
– 20% powder, 40% carving, 40% freeride
Hi Kevin, thanks for your message.
Based on your specs and riding style, I think the 153 would be the best size for you. I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 149, but with a board like this and your riding style you can up from that, but I wouldn’t go as long as 156 and you don’t need to go wide with your boot size, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your fantastic review! I have the Jones Stratos Women’s 22/23 in 146 cm. I’m an intermediate rider, 5’2 & 100-105 lbs, boot size of 6 WM. I primarily ride on-piste and enjoy tree runs. I truly love the board as I was searching for board that performs well in various conditions, and it definitely meets that need. I absolutely love riding it on pow day. However, sometimes I feel I lack control when the condition is sub-par, and I occasionally find myself going faster than I prefer. I do think 143 cm would be a better option for me but it was sold out at that time, so I went with 146 cm which put me on the lower end of the weight range. Based on your experience, do you think the 143 cm would suit me better?
Additionally, I’m also looking for a “calmer” board. The Twin Sister has caught my attention since it seems to be a versatile all-rounder, and I just love Jones boards. I don’t ride in parks and mostly ride in conditions that range from icy/hard-packed to powder in the West. I also want a board that can help me progress from an intermediate to an advanced rider. I’m not sure if the challenges I face with the Stratos could be eased by advancing my skill level and gaining better control even though I’m a lighter rider. Would you recommend the Twin Sister for me? If so, could you suggest the appropriate size?
Thanks!
Cha
Hi Cha, thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 140, so yeah, I think the 143 would have been better. But that’s not to say that the 143 would have been too big either. The Stratos is a board you can ride a little longer, because of its less than average effective edge to overall length ratio. So I think the 143 would be a good size for you in the Stratos.
The Twin Sister on the other hand, I would go for the 140. It has a much higher effective edge: overall length ratio. Some effective edge specs for reference below:
Twin Sister 140: 107.2cm
Stratos 143: 105.4cm
Twin Sister 143: 109.8cm
Stratos 146: 107.8cm
Twin Sister 146: 112.4cm
The Twin Sister should be well suited to what your looking for and easier to progress on and you should find it noticeably more agile for trees.
I would say yes, advancing your skill level would help with the challenges with the Stratos 146, for sure. But I’d still say the 143 would still be your most optimal size for the Stratos.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you for your response, Nate! Do you think the Twin Sister 140 is still a good choice for carving and floating (reasonably well) in powder? Will sizing up to 143 still doable or will it be too wide for me? While I’m likely to keep the Stratos, which will undoubtedly perform better in powder, I don’t see myself traveling with two boards. Since I’m on the East Coast and usually fly out to the West, I’m hoping to find one board that can handle everything effectively. Thanks again and I appreciate all the knowledge and advice you have been sharing!!
I forgot to mention that I demoed the Twin Sister 143, and it felt pretty good. Unfortunately they didn’t have the 140 available for me to try. I just can’t help but wonder if the 140 would actually feel better and be the optimal size for me to ride since I didn’t get to try it 😅
Hi Cha
I think you answered your own question on whether the 143 would be doable. I think the 140 is still more optimal. But the 143 doable and would of course give you better stability at speed and better float in powder vs the 140. But I would say that the advantages of the 140 outside of speed and powder would be more noticeable than the reduction in stability and float in powder, given your specs and how you describe your riding. And it should still give you reasonable float in powder – not to the extent than you’ve been used to with a 146 Stratos – the 143 TS would be a step down from that already, so you would be going a couple of steps down from that in terms of powder, so it’s likely to be quite noticeable, but should still be a little above average for powder for you, IMO. If you can accept that compromise, the 140 would be your best bet, IMO. But the 143 obviously sounds like it works for you and if you didn’t want to take too much of a hit in powder performance, it’s an option for sure.
Hi Nate,
I recently ordered a 159 Stratos, and I’m questioning if I should have went with the 162.
Height: 6ft
Weight: 190lbs (though I’m usually 180 or even less)
Boot size: 8
Level: Advanced
Style: All mountain, no park, < 10 days per year
I think my boot size is giving me confidence that the 159 is the right choice, even though my style is more suited for a longer board. I also rarely get out west for serious riding as I’m in the Midwest. The local hills do not demand a fast charging longer freeride board.
Would love to know your thoughts, thank you.
Hi Walter, thanks for your message.
You got it right with the 159, IMO. I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 160 and while you could go longer for a freeride board, you essentially already are with the 159, IMO, given its width compared to your boot size (especially with the Stratos, which is wider than the average regular width board in that length). For an all-mountain board, I would usually say to size down from that 160 at least 2cm, to compensate for the width vs your foot size. And as you say, where you ride most, it sounds like you don’t get too much opportunity to open out and charge fast. If you had a foot that fit a 10.5 boot, for example, and were riding more big mountain and/or powder, then there’d be a stronger argument for the 162, but in this case, I think you’d find it on the big side and the 159 is more optimal, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
I have 141 lbs, 5’8 and mens 8 us boots. I’m thinking in get a 153cm stratos and was wondering of the rome bindings which one feets better, cleaver or katana. I usually ride katanas on a much softer board so was thinking on cleaver.
I will try to see jones mercury has a huge footbed (7mm more than romes at medium), so I think it will overhang a lot…
Hi Felipe, thanks for your message.
I think the Cleaver would be the better match for this board – and a really good match for this board. The Katana would work, but it’s on the softer side for it, IMO. The only concern I’d have is that the Cleaver could feel a bit stiff for your weight, but if you don’t find the Katana’s too stiff and if you’re fairly strong/athletic, then that shouldn’t be an issue.
I got on the 2025 model of the Jones Mercury and they’ve shortened the footbed now, which I think was a good idea. It now measures 253mm on the Medium. The 153 Stratos looks like it measures 261mm at the front insert and 260mm at the back insert, assuming a 560mm (22″) stance width. It would be a little narrower with a narrower stance width, but still should be fine with either of those bindings.
Hope this helps
Thank you, Nate! Super valuable info about Jones bindings 🙂 I had bought a Rome Katana Pro for the Stratos, but thanks to the Canada Post strike, it didn’t arrive. So now I’m considering trying the Cleaver and Jones Mercury. I’ll take my boots and board to some shops to see what fits best.
I think you’re spot on about the Cleaver being a great choice, especially since they stiffened the board in 2024. I tested the flex, and wow, it’s super stiff—way more than a Burton Custom X, for example :O Can’t wait to get it on the snow and have it kick my ass! 😄
You’re very welcome Felipe. If you think of it at the time, let me know what you go with and how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Hope it’s a great season and it doesn’t kick your ass too much!
Hi Nate! This board has been awesome. I’ve ridden it in Whistler and Revelstoke, scored some powder days there, and also used it on icy days on the East Coast (where I live). It handled everything really well—groomers, ice, powder, and steep double-diamond terrain.
The Katana Pro bindings have been great—they’ve got plenty of power for hard carving. That said, I’ve never tried any other bindings (I’ve been snowboarding for about four years).
More recently, I started riding park—mostly straight airs on small and medium jumps—and I haven’t had any issues. The Stratos has been phenomenal, and the Katana Asym might be slightly forgiving on landings while still being firm enough, which is perfect. It pops well off kickers when I have enough speed, but I’ve never been able to ollie properly on flat—it’s just too stiff to learn on. I’d really like a bit more pop there.
I was considering getting the 2026 model since I saw they added bamboo stringers, which might help, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the investment. Maybe I’ll just go with a Lib Tech Off Ramp instead.
Hi Felipe, thanks for sharing. I would go for the Off Ramp. That gives you a couple of boards in your quiver that are quite different to each other. And even with the Bamboo stringers, I found the Stratos took a bit of effort to ollie with. The Katana should work well with the Off Ramp too, IMO, so you wouldn’t need to get a second pair of bindings.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
I’m looking to buy a new setup this year and I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent reading your content and how helpful it’s been to get me started. Thank you for doing what you do and for all your feedback to the community.
With that said, I’m looking for a little help narrowing down my selection and pulling the trigger…I have a trip to Utah coming up in a few weeks and would like to get everything before then.
A little about me:
– 6’2.5″, usually hover around 180-185 pounds, Mondo size is 28
– 40 years old, been riding for 24 seasons
– Living in Texas, I only get around 10-15 days a year on the snow
– I think realistically my ability is somewhere in the intermediate to advanced range (definitely not an expert)
– My time on snow right now is usually split between:
– trips with my kiddos who are age 12 down to 5 – cruising groomers, easy tree runs, etc. (although they are getting better every year)
– a guys trip every year – riding with several very experienced skiers looking for pow, riding the bowls and moderate to heavy trees, and bombing the mountain
– I never ride park or switch
– I can only afford one board, not a whole quiver so I’d like to find something that can handle powder and trees but also rip groomers (I do like to go fast)
– Whatever I buy, I am planning to ride it for the next 5-10 seasons
The boards I’m primarily looking at:
– Jones Flagship (161?)
– Jones Stratos (159?)
– Capita Mega Death or BSOD (161?)
Bindings:
– Jones Mercury
– Burton Step On (not sure which version would suit my style best)
Boots:
– I’m probably the most nervous about my boot selection since our one local shop only has Burton Rulers to try.
– Since I need a whole setup I’m open to the Step On system…just not sure which boots (Swath, Ion, or Judge) might be best
– If I don’t go with step ons I was thinking about the Nidecker Rift boot
I guess my big question is which of these combinations will work the best? I know there’s also a ton of other boards I could consider but at some point I just have to pick something and move forward and that’s where I’m at now. If there’s anything else you’d strongly recommend, I’m all ears!
Thank you in advance for reading through this LONG post…I’d greatly appreciate any input you have. Keep up the awesome work you do!
Hey Dax
Thanks for your message.
Any of those options would work for what you’re describing in terms of your guys trip, but some would work better when you’re riding with your kids or in general when riding slower/more casual. I actually just rode the Mega Death for the first time yesterday (and re-rode the BSOD) and while I think you’d really like it for bombing and should be good in powder too, I think it would be hard work riding it with your kids and in trees. With effort I was able to get through trees well, but not long in the trees and I was already feeling how it could feel fatiguing and I imagine a whole day riding it in trees or slower would be quite fatiguing, unless you’re really strong/fit. The BSOD on the other hand would be a good choice I think.
Between the Stratos and Flagship, I would go Flagship 9 times out of 10 personally. If you’re priority is bombing and powder, then I might lean more Stratos. But for a better balance between everything you’re describing, I think the Flagship would be the ticket.
Long story short, I would be weighing up between the Flagship and the BSOD.
Length-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 161. For the Flagship, I think the 161 would work well. The 164 is a possibility as well. It’s a board you can ride longer, but I would be erring 161.
For the BSOD, I think the 159 works as well. Again, you could go to the 162. But it’s got more effective edge compared to overall length than the Flagship and is also a little wider, so I would be more inclined to size down on that one. For reference the Flagship 161 has a 120cm effective edge and the 164 has a 122.6cm effective edge vs the BSOD 159 (122.1cm effective edge) and 162 (124.5cm effective edge). They are similar widths at the front insert and tip width, but the BSOD is wider in the tail/back insert. So, I would be leaning 159, but the 162 wouldn’t be wrong.
For bindings, the Mercury would work on both of those boards, IMO. I wouldn’t go softer than 7/10 flex but the Mercury is right on that and I think should work well with both of those boards and provide a good balance between your harder charging riding and your more mellow/tighter turn riding with kids.
For the Step On, I think the regular Step On would work best. I haven’t tested them, but from what I hear they are around the mid-stiff flex that would go well with either of those boards. The Step On X is supposed to be really stiff, so may be a bit much for when you’re with the kids. The Step On Genesis would work, but a little softer than optimal, IMO, for those boards. If you went Step On, then I would say the Swath would be too soft. The Photon would work and the Judge would work. The Ion might be a bit too stiff for riding with the kids. I recently tested the Ion Step Ons and they are quite stiff. After testing with the Ion liner, I swapped my liner into them and liked them a lot more, really helped to mellow them out, but yeah, I think would be a little too stiff, so I would go Photon or Judge.
The Rift, IMO, are a bit too soft for that setup. The Nidecker Kita probably a bit stiff for when riding with the kid’s. I haven’t tested the Altai yet, but they are supposed to be in between and would be a good match, on paper.
Boots-wise, I would try to look for something at least 6.5/10 flex and probably no more than 8/10 flex.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I got this board (the 2023 model) on sale to replace my Jone MT you talked me into in 2020.
I’m kind of worried about the more directional aspect of the board but we’ll see…
I’d like to ask you about binding recommandation. Among the ones I already own, which would suit the board better in your opinion :
– 2020 Union Atlas (before they stiffened it up)
– 2021 Cartel X
– 2021 Jones Apollo
– 2022 Flux DS (I think they changed it a bit since)
Thanks in advance for your advices.
Julien
Hi Julien
Good to hear from you again.
You could go as stiff as the Apollo on the Stratos. But it somewhat depends on your physical specs and how stiff you feel the Stratos. For me it felt quite stiff (7.5/10), so the Apollo are in range if you wanted to drive it really hard. If you’re a bigger guy, then going with the stiffer option might make sense here.
But I think the Cartel X would be a really good match here. I felt them at a 7/10 flex, which is a good flex match, I’d say the best of those. The Atlas 2020 I felt at a 6.5/10 flex, so would do the job well, IMO, but I’d be leaning more Cartel X. The DS is a bit too soft for it, IMO. But you’ll also have an idea of how each of those bindings feel to you. For easier reference, this is how I felt each of those bindings flex-wise:
– 2020 Union Atlas – 6.5/10 (now feel it more like 7/10, so stiffened up a bit but I don’t feel it’s as stiff as Union rate it still)
– 2021 Cartel X – 7/10
– 2021 Jones Apollo – 8.5/10
– 2022 Flux DS – 5/10 – I didn’t specifically ride the 2022 model, but I still felt the 2016 and 2018 models as 5/10, maybe 5.5/10 at a strech. The new (2024) DS has a softer highback than the older models, I found (like really soft) but the overall flex feels the same) – IMO, the baseplate flex has more influence on overall flex feel than the highback flex.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your answer.
I was secretly hoping that you would not give the Apollo the edge. I got them to go with an Ultracraft. I’m not ashamed to say that this is too much of a binding (and of a board for me). I only use them when it’s very deep and steep.
I think I will go with the Cartel X then.
I’m 1.75m and 80kg and they will be paired with Adidas Tactical ADV if that matters at all.
Again, thank you very much.
Julien
You’re very welcome Julien.
I’d say the same thing taking into account your physical specs and boots.
Hope you have a great season!
Hey Nate i can’t decide between the frontier and the stratos im 6”2” size 11.5 220pds I’m an intermediate rider mostly love powder and going through trees I hit little jumps here and there but nothing to crazy just hear the stratos is kinda stiff but im a big guy do you think it would affect me much? this is my first brand new board im coming off a 2013 ride machete with union contact pro bindings
Hi Justin
Thanks for your message.
As an intermediate rider I would be leaning Frontier. As a bigger guy you would just size differently and you could still find it quite stiff. If you were to ride the 159 same as I did you wouldn’t find it that stiff, but that size isn’t going to float well in powder for you (and is probably too narrow – though that would be another conversation, as the Strata is pretty wide in its regular sizes).
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 163/164. So if you went 164W, then I think you would still find it stiff. That would be a good size for you for powder float though. If you sized down to the 162 (which may or may not be wide enough depending on your stance width, make/model of boots, how deep you carve and your binding angles) or 161W, then it would feel a little less stiff for sure. At a rough guess I’d say you’d feel it more like a 6.5/10 or 7/10 vs the 7.5/10 I felt it at. But you’d still find it stiffer than going with a 164W or 165 Frontier. I would be leaning 165 Frontier for you. I think it’s wide enough for your boot size, particularly if you were to be using a 23.6″ (600mm) stance width, which you might be quite comfortable with, given your height.
So I still think going Frontier in something like the 165 would be an easier ride than the 162 Frontier and still, IMO, likely to be better in trees. And because of the size difference, the powder performance is likely to even out. So, I’d be leaning Frontier because of that. But the Stratos is doable for sure, but I would size down a little to mellow it out a bit.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
Thanks for the review! I am curious about your thoughts on the Stratos vs the new Mind Expander. I have ridden the surf rocker Mind Expander and love the board! However, I am looking for something that will handle speed and icy/uneven conditions better in a freeride scenario. So I am looking into camber boards from Jones. I have narrowed it down to either the Stratos or the Mind Expander since it is now a camber profile and is a little more set forward than the old model. My main question is will the Stratos be a better all-around mountain freeride board in comparison to the new Mind Expander?
Hi Noah
Thanks for your message.
I think it depends on how you ride. The Mind Expander, since it got the new camber profile, is certainly better than its predecessor for speed and carving and icy edge hold. But for all 3 of those things the Stratos is still better, IMO. But the Mind Expander is a much more fun board for slower speed riding. It’s more nimble/better in trees and when you want to get more playful, it’s more enjoyable. So, if you want to focus more on optimizing speed & carving, then the Stratos is the better bet, but if you want something that’s still decent enough for carving/speed (more so than the old Mind Expander) but more nimble at slower speeds and just as good in powder, then I would be leaning Mind Expander. I personally prefer the Mind Expander because I like to be able to play around and/or get lazy when I want to. Given you loved the previous Mind Expander, I suspect you’d prefer the Mind Expander, but wanted to lay it out, to help you decide which might work best for you. Also check out our Mind Expander review for more of a detailed comparison.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
I am 205 lb and 6’1 shoe size 15 , I have been using Burton custom for the past 3 years, do you think going for the Stratos 164w is a good idea ? + I used the burton step On. I really like them they are very responsive.
Hi Khaled
Thanks for your message.
If you’re looking for something that’s more freeride, stiffer, better in powder and more stable at speed than your Custom, then the Stratos would work for sure. Size-wise, I think that size would work well for you for that board. What size is your Custom, 162W or 166W?
Mine was 162W but i feel I wanted something bigger not 1662 but a 164W i feel is a perfect fit. Do you think the step ons binding will work well on the Stratos ?
Hey Khaled
Yeah, I think the 164W is a good bet. If you were on the 166W, then you might have felt the 164W a bit small from what you’re used to. But if you were on the 162W, I think the 164W should work well.
If you go with the Ion Step On boots, or at least the Photon Step On boots, then I think they will work. The other boots are going to be too soft for the Stratos, IMO. Ideally I’d go Ion, but I know they’re quite a bit more pricey. I think you’d be fine with the regular Step On bindings, as from what I hear (I’ve only tested the Step On Genesis) they’re a little stiffer than medium. The Step On Genesis are more medium, and are probably a little soft. The Step On X could work too, but I haven’t tested them either, so not sure. But they’re supposed to be quite stiff from what I’ve heard, so if you want stiff (and the Stratos can handle stiff bindings), then they would be worth thinking about.
Hi Nate,
Thinking of getting the Statos Split. I am 5’10”, 150lb, size 8.5 boot and have been riding the Solution 158 which I found to be too stiff and too big for my liking.
I ride a 156 Hometown Hero and love that board for on-mountain.
Do you think a Stratos split 156 would be a good size or would I feel that it would still be too big? I know its fairly wide.
Thanks!
Hey Nick
IMO the 156 Stratos will feel bigger than the Hometown Hero 156. The 156 Hometown hero does have a little more effective edge vs the 156 Stratos, but the Stratos is wider. Some width specs below:
Waist (Stratos first): 254mm vs 252mm
Insert width: 269mm front insert, 268mm back insert vs 263mm front insert, 262mm back insert
Tip/Tail: 303mm tip, 293mm tail vs 300mm tip, 288mm tail.
Which makes it quite a bit wider, particularly at the inserts. Those insert figures are assuming a 22″ (560mm) stance width. So overall, I would say the 156 Stratos will feel bigger. The Stratos, in my experience is also a little stiffer.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Thanks Nate.
Based on my height and weight, do you think its too big of a board for me?
Do you think the Hometown Hero split is any good?
Thanks!
Hi Nate,
Is the Stratos split the same dimensions as their regular board?
If you think the Stratos would be too big for me, any suggestions on a good split?
Thanks!
Hi Nick
The split is the same dimensions. My instinct is that you may find it a little big, given that you found the Solution felt a bit big/stiff. I feel like it will feel similar to the 158 Solution in terms of size/flex.
We don’t test splitboards, so couldn’t tell you how the Hometown Hero Split is. My impression is that splitboards are typically just split versions of the solid board equivalent, but I don’t know if they differ in some way. And not sure if different brands are better at doing splitboads than others or anything like that, given we don’t test them. But given that you like the Hometown Hero, it would be a pretty safe bet to get as a split, if you wanted that same feel.
Hi Nate – thanks for all the good feedback.
Looking at getting the 164W of the 2024 model.
I am 2m (6’7″) at 93kg. Is the Stratos long enough for me?
Cheers,
Matt
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message. I think it’s doable for sure. While I think you could go longer and it wouldn’t be an issue for you, that doesn’t necessarily make the 164W Stratos too small. I think a range of 163 to 166 would work well for your specs, so it’s certainly within range, IMO. Probably not going to make a huge amount of difference in this case, but I like to take everything into account – if you could let me know your boot size as well.
Also, if you could let me know your predominant riding style. E.g. like to ride fast? powder? trees? aggressive or more casual? any freestyle stuff? etc. Just anything about your riding style would be good, to further clarify the appropriateness of that size for you.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! Looking for some help sizing the Jones Stratos splitboard. I am 5’10, 157ish lbs, with size 9.5 boot. I was thinking of getting the 156cm, but due to the added weight from a backpack with gear and stuff I was considering getting the 159 but was worried it would feel big. Im not really sure if I would prefer the maneuverability of the 156 in backcountry or the better float of the 159.
What do you think? Thank you!
Hi Carlos
Thanks for your message. I would put your typical all-mountain length at around 156/157 for your specs. However, given you’ll be splitboarding and assumingly riding powder mostly when your splitboarding? Then you could err longer to get better float. The other thing to consider is that the Stratos is quite wide for a regular width – the 159 is as wide as some wide boards at the inserts. The 156 is still on the wider side for your boot size. That extra width will reduce maneuverability but increase powder float. So going 156, you would still be, IMO, going a little bigger, in terms of surface area, than your typical all-mountain length, so that’s an option, if you want to keep your splitboard still maneuverable. That doesn’t mean the 159 is wrong. If you were going to be predominantly hitting open terrain powder (not in trees that much) and needing extra stability – riding fast, big mountain etc, then the extra size from the 159 would be helpful, and in that case, I’d be leaning towards the 159. If you’re wanting more of a balance between maneuverability and stability, then I’d be leaning 156.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate
Thanks for your awesome reviews. I’m actually a 30yo women looking for a versatile do it all board. I’m currently considering libtech orca and jones Stratos women. I love riding powder, carving, loves the stability in speed, trees, seldom go to park but would also like to develop my skills on buttering but it’s not that important to me.
I like the orca because it seems to be easier to do tricks and it got the magnetraction that seems to grip ice better. But the orca seems to be a wider board, not sure if it’s easy to turn edge to edge. The Stratos also got some edge tractions but not as much as the orca. But I really like the look of the Stratos after all it’s a women’s board. Wondering if the Stratos still hold an edge on icy condition? What’s your opinion on which board to take?
Thanks so much in advance!!
Hi Freeride
Thanks for your message.
Whilst I would say the Orca is a little better in terms of icy edge hold, the Stratos is still really good there, in my experience. In terms of speed, I would go Stratos over Orca and for edge-to-edge quickness I’d also slightly favor the Stratos, depending on sizing. The Orca is easier to butter on though. If there’s a particular size that looks like it would suit you better, then that could also be a deciding factor. I would be happy to give my sizing opinion, if you wanted it. I would just need your height, weight and boot size, as I already have info on your riding style.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! Cheers From Europe!
Thank you so much for your site, which is full of super info.
I am about to buy a stratos but I can’t choose between the 159 and 162.
I am 176 Lbs, 5 feet 10 inches tall and shoe size 9,5. I have been riding a Burton deep
Thinker 157 for years and really love it but it’s about to die so I need to replace it. I was thinking of having a l longer and larger board as I ride more pow as I use to so. I was thinking of getting a Stratos 162 but I am afraid I would loose the supper playfull and light feeling I have with the Burton DT. What would you suggest?
Thanks so much of you can advice me!
Will
Hi Will
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning 159, given it’s going to be your only board. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 158/159 and whilst you can size up a little for a freeride board, with the width of this board being a little wider than normal, I wouldn’t in this case, unless you had 10.5 to 11 boot size. If it was going to be your dedicated open terrain powder board, then there would be a stronger argument for the 162 for sure, but as your only board, I would go 159.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi
I am currently riding a 157 Jones mountain twin from 2017 and looking for an upgrade.
I’m not riding switch or ever go to the park so I want something more on the freeride side of the spectrum, something stiffer, faster, better for carvings and for powder.
I got to try a brand new Burton flight attendant 159 for a couple of days, at the start I felt that it was a bit hard to steer at slow speeds (probably because it rides very different from my old mountain twin) but in a short time I got used to it, changed my riding style a bit and had a lot of fun with it.
I actually want to upgrade because while riding the flight attendant, I understood how much my board is not right for how I like to ride.
Unfortunately Burton is not easy to find where I live and very expensive compared to some other brands like Jones.
My height is 5’11 and weight is about 180lb, size 9 boots and I own union Force binding and Burton photon boots wich I can’t afford to replace right now.
Is the 159 stratos similar to the flight attendant? Does it sound right for what I’m looking for? Do you have any other recommendations?
Thank you!
Hi Itay
Thanks for your message.
I think the Stratos sounds like it’s more suited to how you ride – and if you preferred the Flight Attendant to the Mountain Twin, then you should prefer the Stratos to the Mountain Twin too.
I would say the FA and Stratos are more similar than they are different. They’re certainly not the same board, but they are the same type of board. Some differences to keep in mind:
– Similar flex, but I found the Stratos just a touch stiffer than FA
– Found the Stratos a touch better in icy conditions
– Found the Stratos to feel a touch heavier than the FA
– Found the FA to be just a touch better on a carve, the Statos a little better in powder and both to be as good at speed, though if I had to choose for speed, I’d say Stratos just over FA.
Some subtle flex differences:
– For the FA the camber goes back to the tail (no rocker) and just has the rocker in the nose. On the Stratos it has some subtle rocker before the tail and then more rocker in the nose. But the tail rocker is more subtle than the nose rocker.
– FA has more effective edge vs overall length (e.g. in the 159s, the FA has 121cm effective edge and the Stratos 118.6cm effective edge).
Certainly not exactly the same and both have a slightly different overall personality, but there are more similarities than differences, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Ciao Nate
Sto cercando una tavola versatile che mi permetta di fare di tutto ma che sia buona in neve fresca .
Guardavo la MT e la stratos e Amplid singular quale pensi che possa andare meglio ?
La paura e che la MT sia un doppione di una freestyle che ho già .
Qualche altro suggerimento ?
Attacchi Union force L o cartel M potrebbero andare ?
Dimensionamento
Sono alto 175 peso 72 kg scarpone 44 eu (10,5 usa).
MT 157 ?
Stratos 156 ?
Hi Davide
Thanks for your message.
I have translated your message in google translate. I think it did a good job, but I will repeat it here for anyone else reading this that are like me and can’t speak Italian.
“Hi Nate
I’m looking for a versatile board that allows me to do everything but is good in powder.
I was looking at the MT and the stratos and Amplid singular which one do you think could be better?
The fear is that the MT is a duplicate of a freestyle I already have.
Any other suggestions?
Could Union force L or Cartel M bindings work?
Sizing
I’m 175, weight 72 kg, boot 44 eu (10.5 usa).
MT 157 ?
Stratos 156?”
I haven’t ridden the Amplid Singular, so I can’t really say for that one. Based on specs, I think it could definitely work for what you’re describing and would be a good compliment to the more freestyle type of board in your quiver. But I can’t give any insight into how it rides.
The MT is really versatile and is decent in powder, but not as good in powder as the Stratos. I would say the Amplid Singular, based on looking at its specs, would also be better in powder than the MT.
The MT isn’t what I would call a strictly freestyle board, but it is a board that can ride freestyle well. I think it would depend on the particular freestyle board you have. If you have like a playful, soft flexing, true twin freestyle board, then I don’t think they would be too close. However, if it’s more of a mid-flexing all-mountain-freestyle type board, then it might be too similar to have in the same quiver.
If you can let me know what you’re freestyle board is that would help.
But it sounds like the Stratos would be a bigger contrast to what you already have in any case. It’s noticeably stiffer than the MT, but if you like the idea of a stiffer board, then that’s a good thing.
The Force and Cartel would work well on the MT. But I would go with stiffer bindings to pair with the Stratos.
Size-wise, for your specs, I think the 157 MT and 156 Stratos would both be good sizes for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate I just saw your reply now thanks for the great advice. I also used Google translate to answer you. The freestyle board I use is the k2 afterblack 154 2021 Flex 6 I think. Reading your reviews, I noticed that you ride directional boards with +15-15 bindings, I know it’s subjective. Do you recommend trying this setup as it’s my first directional board? I usually drive +12-12 but in an overcraft test or tried 0 +18 no problem going into switch.
Hi Davide
Whilst the Afterblack and MT certainly aren’t the same boards, I think the Stratos would be a better compliment to your quiver. The MT and Afterblack are similar enough that there would be quite a bit of overlap.
Ultimately I like to ride freeride boards with a more forward stance (e.g. +18/+3, but when I’m testing them, I keep my binding angles the same as my control board, to make for a more controlled test.
ok ordered the stratos 156 which angles do you recommend trying as a first approach on a freeride? I usually use stance 53.5 rest on that ? As bindings I will use union force team HB because I have already bought them and I don’t want to buy other bindings I hope they will go?
Hi Davide
The Force Team should work fine.
I would experiment with angles. First set it up with your usual +12/-12 to get a baseline. Then try something more extreme forward stance, like +21/+6 and see how that feels. Then try something a bit more moderate, like +18/-3. See which you think you like best after trying those – and then maybe tweak it a bit more, if you feel you need to.
For stance width, I would try 54cm to start with – it’s more what you’re used to. The Stratos 156 reference stance is 58cm, but that’s going quite wide compared to what you’re used to. After riding it with 54cm stance width, you could try it with something wider and see what you think, but it will be fine to ride it with a 54cm stance, if that’s what you prefer.
Hey Nate, gonna ask you to go back in your mental archive for this one. Remember the old Ride Timeless? How does the Stratos compare to that for carving and freeriding? I actually want to compare it to my my trusty but aging carver 2007 Ride Prophet, which is the stiffest board I’ve ever encountered but still apparently a hair softer than the Timeless, which I recall you might have experience with. So I’m reaching here to get a comparison, but hopefully you can help me connect the dots!
Basically I’m 46 now and the amount of energy needed to load up the 1.6cm of stiff-ass camber between turns is, well, a lot more for me to handle than is was 15 years ago. I still want something camber dominant and reasonably stiff for stability and edge hold on steeps, without being quite so unforgiving as the old school tip-to-tail camber designs. I also get a little toe drag on the Prophet when I really lay it over, even though I’m only a sz 9 boot at +15/-12 on the Prophet’s 250mm waist, so the slight added width plus taper on the Stratos would be helpful (btw I’m 5’8″ 150lbs and the Prophet is the 159). Thanks – always eager to hear your thoughts!
Hi AMac
Good to hear from you again.
I did ride the Timeless. It was a while ago (2018), but I do remember it well, because of how stiff it was.
I don’t have any experience with the Prophet, and the Timeless and Prophet are a little different of course, but in terms of stiffness, the Stratos is quite stiff but definitely not Timeless levels and I imagine softer than the Prophet too.
And yeah, it’s pretty wide for a regular width board not just at the waist but also wider at the inserts than you’d think (I measured the 159 at 271mm front insert and 270mm back insert). Some wide boards are a similar width. I don’t know the measurements for the Prophet, but I imagine it would be closer to 260mm at the inserts, with a 250mm waist (typical difference between waist and inserts is around 10mm, but hard to say for the Prophet specifically having not measured it). So you will be getting quite a bit of extra width, so you shouldn’t have any drag issues with it.
In terms of carving, the Timeless could lay over some big carves and hold them forever, but it required a lot of energy, as it sounds like you’re feeling with your prophet. The Stratos is a good carver but doesn’t require as much energy. Maybe not the same kind of epicness in carving, but for me was more enjoyable overall to carve/ride, because you didn’t have to give it as much input. You’ve still got to supply it with a decent amount of energy but not to the same level as something like the Timeless.
For what you’re describing, I think the Stratos would be a good bet. It’s still something that’s more aggressive than it is playful and well suited to freeriding, carving, powder etc. And still certainly stiff, but with enough forgiveness compared to something like the Timeless.
Size-wise, I would consider going to the 156. It’s still going to be wide enough and a good bit wider than your Prophet, but it’s a better match to your specs, IMO, compared to the 159. Given you’re used to a 159, it’s still doable for sure, but given that you’re going wider on the Stratos and wanting more forgiveness I would consider the 156 too.
Hope this helps
Epic answer! I’m thinking the 156 as well. I measured the Prophet and it’s 248 waist, 257 front inserts and 260 back inserts at the 21″ ref stance, so that extra ~10mm sounds pretty sweet.
While there’s nothing quite like that feeling of fully loading the Prophet and getting it back the the finish of the turn, I could just use a bit less of the intensity. The way you describe the Stratos sounds like the ticket. Not to mention these old school boards are so bowed with camber that they straight up submarine in pow, so the powder ability of the Stratos is a nice feature too.
Thanks and keep up the great work. It’s so helpful.
You’re very welcome AMac. If you think of at the time, let me know how you get on, if you end up going with the Stratos.
Hey Nate! Season’s over here but I thought I’d close the loop here since talking shop is always fun. You’ll think I’m nuts but I ended up going with the Ride MTNPig for a modern and more approachable freeride carver compared to my old unforgiving Prophet.
I strongly encourage you to take some turns on a MTNPig if you get a chance. It’s everything I loved about the Prophet’s carving capabilities but with softer tips, lots more pop, some rocker, some taper, that killer split tail, and generally way less feeling like it’s trying to kill me off-piste. Between this and the Harpoon for mellow freestyle/freeriding I’m set.
Thanks and I hope your season’s still going!
Hey AMac
Thanks for the update and insights. I have wanted to try a MTNPig for a while now, and now even more keen to get on one!
Hi Nate, love the review. I currently ride a GNU Billy Goat on Rome Katana Bindings. I’m deciding between the Jones Stratos and the Capita Mega Merc. Which would you recommend?
I love charging down the mountain hard and fast. I ride mostly groomers but want get into more back country riding. I’m looking for my next do it all board that will be keep me stable so that I can push my speed and control.
Hi David
Thanks of your message.
I think you’d be happy with either of those 2 options for what you’re describing. But if you were looking at doing more backcountry then I’d be leaning Stratos, because it’s better in powder, IMO. Again, you wouldn’t be disappointed with either, IMO, but it’s that backcountry aspect, assuming you’ll be seeing some powder out there, that would make me lean towards the Stratos.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
How do you think this board would be for an intermediate if I undersize it a bit? I’m 5’9″ 185 lbs and size 10 boot, 40 years old and athletic. I just hit “buy” on the 156 cm Stratos. Last year was my first season, and I rode a Yes Basic 155cm. But this review is having me second guessing the decision!
I’m comfortable linking heel & toeside turns on blue runs. I felt the Yes was holding me back a little because I was getting bucked around when the snow wasn’t great and I tried to pick up speed, so figured a stiffer board might be better.
Style wise I’d like to focus on the freeride/all mountain angle. I’ll stay out of the park. I’d like to carve and ollie of some mellow side hits. The directional, set back, all mountain shape of this board appeals to me.
The specs on this board are actually pretty similar to the mountain twin, which seems highly recommended for intermediates. Do you think this board is inappropriate, given my goals and experience? Still in the shrink wrap, so I could always exchange for something less “aggressive”.
Thanks!
Hey Kai
Yeah, it’s mostly the flex that makes it more of an advanced level board, as it’s quite stiff. However, sizing smaller than your typical size and sizing smaller than weight recommendations does lead to a softer flexing board. You will find the 156 softer flexing than I found the 159, so given that you went 156, it will be a more mellow ride than if you’d got it in the 159. So you probably get away with it. I don’t think it’s ideal for a 2nd year intermediate rider and will be a big change from the Basic, but given how you’ve sized it, I think it’s doable.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate, I am 5’11 170 pounds, I’m looking at the Jones Stratos as I do not do park or ride switch. I mostly ride groomers, pow, and uneven terrain PNW has some weird stuff sometimes. I bomb down hills with my friends and I like to go around in the trees as long as they are not to tight as that is something I’m not into. I’m more of a surfy style rider, I like a good flow. The size I am looking at is a 159 and I have the strata bindings that I just got so I’m not really wanting to change them. Would you recommend this board with that combo or another. I have been researching for weeks so that I can make a purchase on a new board. I have out grown my 159L Nideck the Merc. Boot size is a 9 and I have the 2023 Ride Lasso Pro to be specific.
Hey Brody
Thanks for your message.
I think the 159 would work well for your specs and how you describe your riding. It’s a little on the wide side for 9’s (note that that waist on the 159 is only 1mm wider than the 159L Merc but the width at the inserts is 5mm wider on the Stratos 159 vs Merc 159L) , so you could consider sizing down to the 156. However, if you’re not really doing a lot of tight turning at slower speeds, then I think the 159 will be fine – and it will give you more stability at speed.
In terms of bindings, ideally you’d want something a little stiffer on the Stratos. But the Strata will work for sure. I rode the Malavita (similar flex to the Strata) on the Stratos and they did fine. Would be more optimal to have stiffer bindings on it, IMO, but the Strata will work.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I have the Stratos 156, I love it!
I was thinking to add a pow specific board into my quiver. I have been looking at the Family Tree Pow Wrench 152. Do you think that would be a good addition to the quiver? Or do you have any recommendations?
Thank you
Hi Dalton
I think it would work well in your quiver. It’s a very different board to the Stratos, so there won’t be too much overlap there. The Stratos is really decent in powder already, so just to note that. But the Pow Wrench would still give you a step up in powder.
Hi nate!
I’m currently looking for a powder board for my quiver and i’m debating between the stratos and the kazu. I like weaving between trees and hitting jumps. if i do go with the stratos what size would you recommend? i’m 5’6, 174 lbs, size 9.5 boots.
Hi Joseph
Thanks for your message.
In my experience the Kazu is better for trees and jumps, so that’s what I’d be leaning towards based on what you’re describing. But if you do go Stratos, I would go 156. For the Kazu, would be a close call between the 154 and 157. Given that it would be for powder, I would lean 157, but 154 would be more maneuverable.
Hope this helps
How would you compare the Stratos to the Gnu Banked Country?
Hi Dave
Thanks for your message.
They’re similar in the sense of what you’d use them for – both relatively stiff, hard charging boards. But have a slightly different feel to their ride and subtly different strengths and weaknesses. Some of which:
– Banked Country a little better in icy conditions (but Stratos still good there)
– Banked Country a little better on a big carve (but again, both very good there and it’s a subtle difference)
– Stratos subtly better for powder
– Preferred the Banked Country in uneven terrain – again a small margin
I would say they are the same flex – both 7.5/10 by my feel. The Banked Country has a little more of a locked in feel, versus more of a “stable” feel on the Stratos. The Banked Country has the C3 camber and the rocker between the feet is pretty subtle – it’s more of a mostly camber feel.
Hope this helps
Thanks for taking the time to give me a detailed answer, I appreciate it.
You’re very welcome Dave. Happy riding!
Hey Nate, been on the frontier for 2 seasons now. No complaints at all except for it gets bucked around a bit. Other than that I like it’s speed and forgiveness as well as still do able for skidded turns. For my next board I’m looking at the Stratos and Flagship. Looking for stability at speed but also maneuverability at slower speeds. I never ride switch or park, just powder, trees, groomers and side hits. I ride with my kids a lot so want something I can slow down and not have to be on my A game all the time. Hopefully one of these boards is quicker edge to edge without being hooky. What would be your advice for my next board?
Hi DRC282
Thanks for your message.
Based on what you’re describing, I would go Flagship. For speed, I did find the Stratos a little better, but the Flagship is still good at speed – and for trees, and riding slower, I preferred the Flagship over the Stratos for sure. For what you’re describing, I think the Flagship should be just right – it’s something that does everything well, except really switch and freestyle, but given you’re not doing any of that, it should work really well – and you can definitely hit side hits with it – something else that I also felt the Flagship was a little better at versus the Stratos.
Hope this helps with your decision
Awesome! Thanks for the help! How does the Flagship ride in comparison to the frontier? Besides stiffness it seems to have very similar shape and comber profiles. Stiffness is something I’m not too worried about as I am pretty athletic so prefer something more damp than the frontier. Glad to hear it’s great in trees as I definitely want something nimble for that. What size would you recommend for a size 9 boot and 182 lbs?
Hi DRC282
Flagship versus Frontier.
– Flagship is more damp than the Frontier, in my experience, so you should get a better experience in that respect.
– Flagship more stable at speed, better in powder, better on uneven terrain with the Frontier better for riding switch.
Size-wise for the Flagship, I would say most likely 161, but if you could let me know your height as well. Whilst weight and boot size are more important for sizing than height, I still like to take height into account for sizing.
Nate,
I am 5’10…I currently ride the 159 in the frontier
Hi DRC282
You’re pretty similar specs to me (6’0″, 180lbs, size 10s) and I really like the Flagship in the 158, but I do have a preference to err shorter. If you like the size of your Frontier and want to maintain a similar size feel, then I’d go 158. But with the Flagship it’s certainly something you could ride at 161. I would put your “standard all-mountain” size at around 159, but with a freeride board you can size up a little if you want to – but you don’t have to, particularly if you’re looking for that maneuverability in trees (which I value a lot). Note also that the Frontier rides small – as in tends to feel smaller than it’s overall length – it’s the kind of board I would tend to size up for. So, IMO, the Flagship 158 will likely still feel marginally longer than the 159 Frontier.
Hey Nate!
I currently have a 2021 Jones Stratos which I am really enjoying, but am thinking of adding a 2022 Jones Flagship to the quiver to round it out.
I love the stratos in powder but looking for something that I can really get some tight turns in between tight trees and to have a really responsive ride along with being able to power over more of the microbumps and slop in the afternoon/end of day.
Looking how both have been reviewed they seem fairly similar and I am wondering if by having both would I just have 2 board that are two similar or for what I am looking for:
– Decent Float
– Quick turn between Trees
-Being able to power over micro bumps
If you have any suggestions if the Flagship isnt going to be enough of a deviation and you have another idea I would love to hear it.
I would also be interested in which size you recommend I am 5’7″ around 160 lbs currently have a 156 Stratos.
Thanks!
Hunter Sparks
Hi Hunter
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, they would be too quite similar boards to have in a quiver, IMO. And I’d suspect that you’d end up just riding the Flagship all the time, if you had both of them. I’d say the only area the Stratos outdoes the Flagship is in terms of stability at speed.
In terms of quick turns in the trees, the Flagship was noticeably better, in my experience.
If you were to get the Flagship, size-wise, it would be a debate between the 154 and 158. Given that you want it to be good for quick turns in trees – and particularly if you were going to use it alongside the Stratos, I would definitely go 154 (depending on your boot size). If you were looking to get more stability at speed and float in powder, then the 158 would be a good bet. But if you could also let me know your boot size, which is also important for sizing, that would be great.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi, Nate!
I’m 165 lbs 177 cm height. Currently have a frontier 162 – i like it very much for all mountain and freeride – it’s lively, floats good in big pow (not great by good), it’s really quite damp for high speeds, and still good for skid turns in freeride. Carves very well too. I’m looking for something like frontier, that 1) a little bit stiffer and more aggressive for really quick turns like an old good Arbor A-Frame 2013 but still floats in pow like frontier or better 2) better in basic jumps: more stable on jumps approaches and landings 3) still good for switch riding
Currently i’m choosing between Startos and UMT. What do you recommend between these two? Does UMT 2021 floats in pow the same as Frontier? Many thanks.
Hi Safari4
Thanks for your message.
Both Stratos and UMT are stiffer and more aggressive than the Frontier, so both tick that box.
The Stratos, IMO, is better in powder than the Frontier, but not as good for riding switch.
The UMT, IMO, is not quite as good in powder – not far off the Frontier, but just a half step down, but it’s better for riding switch. So with the Stratos you’re getting better powder but worse switch and UMT better switch but subtly worse powder. But still not bad in powder i.e. Frontier 4/5, UMT 3.5/5, Stratos 4.5/5.
For jumps both the Stratos and UMT will be more stable on approach and more solid on landings. Also less forgiving of errors on landings, but can stomp bigger jumps better – more stable when landing. UMT particularly, IMO better for jumps overall – with more pop/snap too. The Stratos doesn’t have heaps of pop and you’ve got to muscle it a bit to extract it.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi, Nate.
Thanks for the detailed answer! Wish u a good season and powpow! Your site is awsm, keep going!
You’re very welcome Safari4. Also hope you have an awesome season and pow a plenty!
Just picked up the 162 Stratos to replace last years Frontier, which I found too soft for a 230lb rider. Rode the Flagship 164 and Hovercraft 160 for 5 seasons and wanted a more playful but still freeride oriented board. Binding wise I was thinking the Union Atlas would be a great match, but curios as to you take on how the Strata or Falcor would match up. Keep up the good work!
Hi Brian
Thanks for your message.
I personally think the Strata will be too soft for the Stratos and for your specs. The Atlas would be a better match, IMO. I think the Falcor would be the best match of all 3, just in terms of being the best flex match. Between the Atlas and Falcor, I find the Falcor to have a bit more of an “explosive” kind of response, with the Atlas a smoother, more even response, if that makes sense. Also board feel on the Falcor is better, if that’s something that comes into for you. Not everyone prefers more board feel, and the Atlas doesn’t have bad board feel, but something else to consider.
So yeah, Atlas would work, Strata too soft (IMO), Falcor would be my personal choice, taking into account my personal preference for better board feel and the fact that I think it’s the best flex match.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate –
Thanks for the prompt and thorough feedback! With the Falcor being more “instant” response then the Atlas do you find that it can be twitchy at slower speeds? Is it overly sensitive when you hit those unexpected big dips or hits ie too easy to over correct and lose balance?
I follow you on the Strata, its a great binding for super surfy boards like the Mind Expander, but not a true all-mountain binding for heavier riders. I have used the 2020 Atlas on several boards now and it powerful enough for aggressive all mountain riding and responds in a consistent and predictable manner. I like the idea of the Falcor but never grabbed a pair because of the highback breakage issues, which seem to be rectified with the 2022 model.
Hi Brian
I would say that the Falcor is more twitchy at slower speeds than the Atlas, but I wouldn’t say that it’s too twitchy in general, but compared to the Atlas, you could say that. And same in terms of overcorrecting, I don’t think it’s a major thing, but more so than the Atlas.
I haven’t had breakage issues on the 2019 Falcor I own, but I have heard of them. The 2022 Falcor’s highback is a litle thicker and the connection of the “Y” on the highback is more solid. On previous models there was minimal connection there – which I’m guessing where breakage occurred, but certainly looks and felt like a much more solid connection on the 2022 model.
Hi Nate – thanks for all you do for the snowboard community – much appreciated! Would you consider the Stratos a natural progression up the freeride spectrum from the Jones Explorer? I’ve been on the Explorer for a few years and really like it’s overall ride. One area I’d like to improve on if possible is the dampness, which is why I’m looking at the Stratos. I’m an all mountain and no park rider and I rarely jump. Curious on your thoughts on the Stratos in comparison to the Explorer. Thanks in advance!
Hi dd
Yeah I think the Stratos is a natural progression up from the Explorer/Frontier. It’s a little more board, and I would say more damp than the Frontier for sure.
The Stratos is a little stiffer (7.5/10 versus 6.5/10 for the Frontier/Explorer, from my feel) and it’s a little more directional (tapered where the Frontier isn’t). Better overall in terms of stability at speed and float in powder. It also has more spoon bevel (7mm versus 2mm on the Frontier), which helps with powder too. You also get a slightly better base (Jones’ 9900 versus the 7000 on the Frontier).
Frontier/Explorer same board different name, so when I refer to Frontier, I mean both.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thank you Nate – that helps for sure!
Hi Nate,,
Wonderful review, very detailed and practical. I just purchased the Stratos 161 Wide. I’ll be giving it a go at Beaver Creek next week. I’m 6 feet 2 inches 205 lbs. and 49 years old. It will be fun getting speed on the groomers and with a little luck will have a chance for some powder between the trees. If conditions get washed out or too choppy I call it a day, grab a beverage and watch my kids do there thing so I may only get a little taste of the board in chunkier conditions.
Hi Martin
Thanks for your message. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow next week.
Hi Nate, I love your reviews! I currently own a Burton Custom that has served me well but I’m ready to try something that is slightly better in powder, small jumps etc. I’m not a speed freak and I don’t like parks. But I do everything from resorts blues to double diamonds. Love carving and turning and side hits, little jumps (maybe 2-3 feet). Looking to get into more trees. I love the Custom’s stability and forgiveness. I’m 75% east coast riding and that can be quite choppy.
In my research (and talking to my local pro shop) I have narrowed it down between the Jones Strattos and the Burton Hometown Hero…any thoughts?
Your input is greatly appreciated!
Hi Francisco
Thanks for your message.
For what you’re describing, I think both of those boards would work well for you. They are both certainly better for powder than the Custom. Some things to consider between the two:
– The Stratos, by my feel is a little stiffer than the Hometown Hero (7.5/10 for Stratos and 6.5/10 for home town hero)
– Stratos a little better in powder, but only subtly, and both a good bit above the Custom
– I found Hometown Hero a little better for jumps, but again subtly
– Stratos a little more stable for out and out speed
– Both as good as each other, IMO, for carves and in uneven terrain
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Nate,
Love your work. Pumped that this review is finally up. I’m quite surprised to see that the Stratos rode stiffer compared to the other freeride boards in Jones’ lineup.
After comparing your two board reviews, would you consider the Flagship to actually be better on jumps, as well as carving on groomers?
Thanks,
Ryan
Hi Ryan
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, the Stratos felt stiffer than what I was expecting. I think part of that might have been the weight. I think heavier boards tend to feel a little stiffer, and the Stratos is a little on the heavier side. With Jones rating it 7/10 and the Mountain Twin 7/10, but the Mountain Twin feels more like 6/10 and this more like 7.5/10 – but then looking at the weight of the MT versus this, it could be the weight that makes the difference there, at least in part. The other thing to consider is that flex ratings from manufacturers are typically reflective of the flex of the core, but don’t take into account the type of glass, laminates and those kinds of things. Whereas my ratings are purely on the feel of the board.
I found them both equally as good for carving on groomers, but the Flagship a little better for jumps. Again, I think part of that is probably down to weight as well.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Greeting from Indonesia,
I really enjoy your review
how you compare ?
Jones Stratos
YES Pyl
Rome Ravine Select
in terms of freeriding oriented (dampness, stabilty, speed, )
Thanks
Zakky Bagis
Hi Zakky
Thanks for your message.
I don’t currently test Rome gear, so I can’t say much about the Ravine.
But between the Stratos and PYL, I would say:
– The Stratos is a little damper
– The Pick your line is a better carver
– Both as good as each other in powder
– Both similar in terms of stability at speed
– I slightly preferred the PYL in uneven terrain
Hope this helps with your decision