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
Price: $629
Style: Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating Score: 85.3/100
Compared to other Men’s Freeride Boards
Out of the 40 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: | $629 |
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 |
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+ |
* the 158W is a new size for the 2024 model
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 | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.3/100 |
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,
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
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