Hello and welcome to my Jones Stratos review.
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 2021
Price: $579
Style: Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating Score: 85.2/100
Compared to other Men’s Freeride Boards
Out of the 32 men’s freeride snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Stratos’ Specs
Check out the tables for the Stratos’ specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freeride |
Price: | $579 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Directional Hybrid Camber |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Setback 20mm |
Base: | Sintered 9900 |
Weight: | Felt slightly heavier than normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
153 | 248 | 120-170 | 54-77 |
156 | 254 | 120-170 | 54-77 |
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 looking for a freeride board that can carve, bomb and float effortlessly in powder. It's a carvy freeride board, that's relatively stiff, so if you like things a little stiffer (not ultra stiffer) and carvy, but want to be able to hit powder when it comes, then this is a great option.
Not for a beginner and even most intermediate riders probably aren't suited to this board.
The Stratos in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Stratos is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Jones Stratos 2021, 159cm (256mm waist width)
Date: March 4, 2020
Conditions: Sunny. Perfect vis.
On groomer really well groomed in parts and rutty and ice balls in others. Some medium spots and some hard and even icy spots.
Off groomer medium for the most part but with some harder spots. Relatively cold on hands and face but overall quite warm in sun.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″) - but note that the reference stance is 600mm (23.6")
Stance Setback: Setback 20mm
Width at Inserts: 271mm (10.7") at front insert and 270mm (10.6") at back insert
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 175lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Salomon Lo-Fi
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight: 3060grams (6lbs 12oz)
Weight per cm: 19.25 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.36 grams/cm*
*based on a small sample size of roughly 80 models that I've weighed in 2019, 2020 & 2021 models. So, a little heavier than average and felt a little heavier than average on snow too.
Flex
Jones rate this as 7/10. They rate the Flagship at 8/10 and the UMT at 9/10. This board felt subtly stiffer to me vs the UMT and Flagship - but that doesn't mean it's like a 9.5! The UMT to me felt closer to a 7 or pushing 7.5 and the Flagship more like and the Flagship about 7.5/10.
I felt the UMT stiffer in the past (an 8/10) but for the 2021 model more like a 7/10. I rode the UMT right before the Stratos, and the Stratos felt that little bit stiffer overall and certainly stiffer in the tip and tail, but overall flex closer to 7.5 by my feel - and more like 8 in the tip/tail.
Damp or Chattery?
Really quite damp - a fair way up the Damp side of the scale.
Smooth or Snappy?
Definitely more smooth than snappy - and again quite far up the smooth side of the scale
Powder
Feels really good in powder. Just nice effortless float. And the specs back that up too.
It's directional, has a setback stance, has taper, has rocker both at tip and tail, but more so in the tip and it has Jones' 3D Contour 3.0 base (the sides are spooned up).
Carving & Turning
Carving: Really nice on a carve. Has a carvy feeling and doesn't feel washy, even when carving at speed.
Turning: It's not an effortless turner - you've got to put some energy into it - but you do get it back from putting it in - and it's not something you've got to throw everything into or anything like that.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Not bad at slow speeds at all. Much better than I was expecting for sure. Making this a really decent option for powder days in the trees.
Skidded Turns: It's doable but not super easy to skid turns on. It prefers to be properly on edge - but it's not something that fights you to get it on edge - it gets on edge easily.
Speed
Nice and stable at speed. This board was fun to open out and bomb with.
And typical of Jones boards, particularly those with the Sintered 9900 bases, the glide on this thing is incredible. When it's this noticeable how good the board glides compared to the average board, it's impressive.
Uneven Terrain
Good maneuverability for it's flex - so getting through tight spaces was actually pretty good, and going over bumps was fine too.
And it feels really damp in crud and does a good job crashing through it.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
OK for straight air, but not really what this board is made for.
Pop: Nothing amazing but there's some there. It's not super easy to access though.
Approach: Nice and stable on faster approaches. Not super maneuverable for trickier approaches but not bad either.
Landing: Solid on landings.
Side-hits: OK but not amazing.
Small jumps/Big jumps: Large is what it's best at. Something where you just send it without thinking too much about popping or spinning. Medium and small fine too, though just not that much energy for popping as you might want on those small guys, side hits etc
Switch
Not the best!
Spins
Landing and setting up not ideal and getting the spin around wasn't ultra hard, but not easy either. Felt a little heavy for good spinning.
Butters
Quite hard to butter on. Tip and tail feel quite stiff.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.2/100 |
Overall, the Stratos is a really well rounded freeride board, that covers the cores of what a freeride board should excel at (Carving, Powder and Speed) really well.
It's a stick to the ground kind of board and is especially good when it comes to floating just above ground on soft fluffy pow and when you need to glide on straights, cat tracks, uphills etc to keep your speed up, it's, typical of Jones boards, one of the best in that respect.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Stratos, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other freeride snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Stratos compares to other freeride snowboards, then check out the next link.
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