Moving from resort freeriding to your first self-powered laps is the Frontier 2.0’s territory. Its directional shape and relatively accessible flex place the emphasis on discovering new terrain, with a touring concept that does not demand the stiffest board in the range.
Is the Jones Men's Frontier 2.0 Splitboard 26/27 right for you?
For us, the Frontier has long been more than an answer to the first-splitboard question. Our older assessment valued its approachable character and manoeuvrability. On many tours, an accessible board delivers more useful enjoyment than the stiffest possible flex, especially when the run involves repeated direction changes and your legs are tired after a long day.
The current Frontier 2.0 continues the directional all-round brief, but this generation needs to be considered independently. A longer nose and accessible flex describe the intention; your size, weight and setup also influence how it responds underfoot. Dismissing this kind of board as beginner-only can mean overlooking the very riding it was designed to make enjoyable.
How does it fit your approach, size and setup?
The relevant boundary is whether you deliberately want a more firmly tuned board for powerful turns. That is where the Solution becomes the useful comparison. Our Frontier 21/22 archive already drew that distinction. For a purchase, choose around your most frequent tours rather than only the hardest chute you might eventually ride. Then use the current 2.0 measurements to choose an appropriate length.
| Your decision | Our assessment |
|---|---|
| A good fit for | Varied tours with an accessible, straightforward board concept |
| Think more carefully about | A specific need for a very firmly tuned board for forceful riding |
| Compare directly | Jones Men’s Solution Splitboard and Nitro Nomad Splitboard |
What did our new test of the Frontier predecessor show?
The 26/27 test sheet includes fresh notes on the Frontier in 162 cm. For your buying decision, the distinction matters: the tested board is explicitly the predecessor, not the current Frontier 2.0. The impressions and scores below belong to that older board. They help when comparing the model family or buying used; they do not establish how the 2.0 changes perform on snow.
Some boards want to challenge you. The Frontier wants you to have fun. It sits in the middle of the flex range and rides playfully, forgivingly and with little effort. A lovely all-rounder for riders who don’t want to force every turn with muscle power.
Ascent: On the skin track the Frontier is solid, even on hard, less grippy snow. In powder it floats up well, like most boards. Heavier riders will notice the soft flex on the climb, though.
Downhill: The edges hold well, and the Frontier handles difficult, changing conditions with ease. Only at high speed does it lose a bit of smoothness compared to the Jones Solution. In powder it is surfy, and especially relaxed when ridden with your weight centered. Up to roughly 77 kg rider weight, you get a decidedly agile board.
| Test criterion | Test-sheet score |
|---|---|
| All-mountain | 80/100 |
| Freestyle | 80/100 |
| Powder | 70/100 |
| Speed | 70/100 |
| Agility | 75/100 |
| Downhill edge hold | 70/100 |
| Traversing | 70/100 |
| Weight | 70/100 |
| Finishing | 80/100 |
| Sustainability | 80/100 |
These scores come from the 26/27 test sheet and apply to the test board identified above. Overall riding and climbing scores are blank in the source; we have not calculated an overall rating.
The tested predecessor is recorded as 162 cm and 3.46 kg. The positive impression up to around 77 kg rider weight comes from this specific test; it is not a weight limit for the current 2.0 range.
For comparison in the archive: Jones Frontier Split 21-22.
What has changed since 25/26 and earlier models?
This model already appeared in our 25/26 gear guide. When comparing purchases, check the appropriate size, exact version and the dimensions below. The current manufacturer page does not provide a complete construction change log, so a fresh graphic alone is not a reason to promise a different ride.
A specific data comparison for 156 cm, using our archived 25/26 page and the current manufacturer data:
| Detail | Archived 25/26 | Current 26/27 |
|---|---|---|
| Board weight (manufacturer) | 3.1kg / 6.7lbs | 3,1kg / 6,7lbs |
| Waist width (cm) | 25.2 | 25.2 |
| Radius (m) | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| Taper (mm) | 5.0 | 5.0 |
These are manufacturer and archive figures, not differences measured by us. Matching dimensions alone do not establish identical construction.
FAQ: What should you know before your first tour?
Why choose the Frontier if I already ride well?
Riding ability and a preference for a stiff board are different things. Experienced riders who value relaxed turns and manoeuvrability can still enjoy an accessible Frontier. That was already a strength identified in our older coverage.
Which Jones Men's Frontier 2.0 Splitboard size should I choose?
Current listed lengths are 156, 158W, 159, 161W, 162, 164W cm. Start with the rider-weight range for each length, then check boot width and stance. Frequent kick turns favour manageable equipment; extra length purely for assumed flotation is not a universal solution. Reference points from the table: 156 cm: 120-170 lbs. / 54-77 kg., waist 25.2 cm; 159 cm: 140-190 lbs. / 64-86 kg., waist 25.5 cm. These are manufacturer recommendations, not weight limits established in our tests.
Which other boards should I compare?
Jones Men’s Solution Splitboard: One board for varied snow and active freeride touring. Nitro Nomad Splitboard: An affordable complete setup for first and mixed-condition tours. Choose around your usual tours and an appropriate size rather than favouring a model purely because of its position in the price list.
What original test experience do we have?
The 26/27 sheet includes a report on the Frontier 162, explicitly the predecessor. It is playful and easy on the legs, with less composure at speed than the Solution. The observation for riders up to roughly 77 kg belongs to the tested 162 and is not a general weight limit for the current Frontier 2.0.
What do I need in addition to the board?
You need a compatible splitboard-binding system, suitable boots and skins matched to the length and attachment points. Where Jones specifies a skin group in the table, use it when selecting skins. Compare complete offers: the board price alone does not tell you what a ready-to-tour setup will cost.
Is an earlier-season version worth considering?
Yes, when model, size and condition suit you. Compare the specific model-history information rather than only the year label. For a used board, inspect the base, edges, inserts and connectors. An earlier test score cannot replace a condition check.
Which sizes and specifications are available?
Sizes: 156, 158W, 159, 161W, 162, 164W cm. Profile: Freeride CamRock. Manufacturer flex: 5/10.
The table contains manufacturer figures for the specified lengths.
What are the measurements for each size?
| Board size (cm) | 156 | 158W | 159 | 161W | 162 | 164W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight range (lbs/kg) | 120-170 lbs. / 54-77 kg. | 140-190 lbs. / 64-86 kg. | 140-190 lbs. / 64-86 kg. | 150-200 lbs. / 67-91 kg. | 160-210 lbs. / 73-95 kg. | 170-220+ lbs. / 77-100+ kg. |
| Ideal boot size (US / EU) | US 8-10 / EU 40.5-43.5 | US 10 / EU 43 | US 9-11 / EU 41.5-44.5 | US 11 / EU 44.5 | US 9-11 / EU 41.5-44.5 | US 11 / EU 44.5 |
| Board waist width (cm) | 25.2 | 26.5 | 25.5 | 26.7 | 25.8 | 26.9 |
| Skins group | B | G | B | G | B | G |
| Board size (cm) | 156 | 158W | 159 | 161W | 162 | 164W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board weight | 3,1kg / 6,7lbs | 3,2kg / 7,1lbs | 3,2kg / 7,1lbs | 3,3kg / 7,3lbs | 3,3kg / 7,4lbs | 3,6kg / 7,9lbs |
| Surface area (dm2) | 40.65 | 43.11 | 41.9 | 44.29 | 43.17 | 45.48 |
| Contact length (cm) | 113.1 | 114.5 | 115.5 | 117.1 | 117.9 | 119.7 |
| Effective edge length (cm) | 119 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 126 |
| Tip length (cm) | 24.7 | 25.0 | 25.0 | 25.2 | 25.3 | 25.4 |
| Tail length (cm) | 18.2 | 18.5 | 18.5 | 18.7 | 18.8 | 18.9 |
| Waist width (cm) | 25.2 | 26.5 | 25.5 | 26.7 | 25.8 | 26.9 |
| Underfoot width - front foot (cm) | 26.4 | 27.8 | 26.8 | 27.9 | 27.0 | 28.1 |
| Underfoot width - back foot (cm) | 26.4 | 27.7 | 26.8 | 27.9 | 27.0 | 28.1 |
| Tip width (cm) | 29.8 | 31.1 | 30.2 | 31.4 | 30.5 | 31.7 |
| Tail width (cm) | 29.3 | 30.6 | 29.7 | 30.9 | 30.0 | 31.2 |
| Sidecut radius (m) | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.2 |
| Taper (mm) | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Reference stance (cm/in) | 56.0 / 22.0 | 58.0 / 22.8 | 58.0 / 22.8 | 58.0 / 22.8 | 58.0 / 22.8 | 58.0 / 22.8 |
| Centered stance (cm/in) | 56 / 22.0 | 58 / 22.8 | 58 / 22.8 | 58 / 22.8 | 58 / 22.8 | 58 / 22.8 |
| Stance setback (cm) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Where do the information and images come from?
Jones Snowboards: Jones Men’s Frontier 2.0 Splitboard, manufacturer information checked 15 October 2026. Product images: manufacturer. Earlier original coverage: Jones Frontier Split 21-22.
What does the board look like? (5 photos)
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