When the upper mountain shuts down and the trees keep filling in, the Storm Chaser comes into focus. Its very wide, short outline and swallowtail reflect Chris Christenson’s surf influence, with a clear brief of deep snow and tight powder turns.
Is the Jones Storm Chaser Splitboard 26/27 right for you?
If heavy snowfall makes you think of the trees before the summit, the Storm Chaser has a clear appeal. Its wide nose puts surface area forwards and the swallowtail removes it at the rear. A continuous surf-rocker profile completes the idea: reading the slope like a wave and changing direction in soft snow rather than chasing a conventional freeride outline.
That specialisation is both the attraction and the central buying decision. Alongside an all-round split, the Storm Chaser can be an interesting addition. As an only board for firm spring mornings, long traverses and uncertain conditions, its role needs more careful consideration. A short overall length does not make a wide powder fish behave like a narrow touring ski.
How does it fit your approach, size and setup?
Our older reports describe its pronounced powder character and rapid glide through deep snow. The current listing offers 152 cm; historic references to additional lengths should not be treated as current availability. Include the Hovercraft 2.0 in the comparison if you want a less narrowly focused powder option. The Solution provides a distinctly different brief for touring days with more variable conditions.
| Your decision | Our assessment |
|---|---|
| A good fit for | Deep days, trees and an additional powder split in the quiver |
| Think more carefully about | An only board focused on firm traverses and variable spring snow |
| Compare directly | Jones Hovercraft 2.0 Splitboard and 3D Fish Flat Top Splitboard |
What have we learned from earlier seasons?
Our 18/19 Storm Chaser entry describes rapid glide through powder and useful flotation despite the short overall length. Surf rocker, a broad nose and a swallowtail already defined its powder character. The archive records 75/100 for riding and 73/100 uphill; those scores remain attached to that older board. Sizing is a concrete present-day distinction: the old report mentions 152 and 157 cm, whereas the current manufacturer page lists 152 cm. The history explains the model idea, not the availability of extra current sizes.
Read the original report: Jones Storm Chaser 18-19.
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 152 cm, using our archived 25/26 page and the current manufacturer data:
| Detail | Archived 25/26 | Current 26/27 |
|---|---|---|
| Board weight (manufacturer) | 3.1kg / 6.8lbs | 3,1kg / 6,8lbs |
| Waist width (cm) | 27.5 | 27.5 |
| Radius (m) | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| Taper (mm) | 20.0 | 20.0 |
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?
Storm Chaser or Hovercraft: what is the difference?
The Storm Chaser uses surf rocker and a pronounced powder-fish concept. The Hovercraft 2.0 combines a powder outline with camber towards the rear. How often firm snow features in your tours is a useful deciding factor.
Which Jones Storm Chaser Splitboard size should I choose?
Current listed lengths are 152 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: 152 cm: 140-190 lbs. / 64-86 kg., waist 27.5 cm. These are manufacturer recommendations, not weight limits established in our tests.
Which other boards should I compare?
Jones Hovercraft 2.0 Splitboard: Powder, tree tours and compact directional turns. 3D Fish Flat Top Splitboard: Deep trees, short turns and a clear powder priority. 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?
There is historical evidence: Jones Storm Chaser 18-19. It concerns 18/19 and is discussed above. Even with the same model name, the tested generation and original conditions remain important.
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: 152 cm. Profile: Christenson Surf Rocker. Manufacturer flex: 6/10.
The table contains manufacturer figures for the specified lengths.
What are the measurements for each size?
| Board size (cm) | 152 |
|---|---|
| Weight range (lbs/kg) | 140-190 lbs. / 64-86 kg. |
| Ideal boot size (US / EU) | US 10 / EU 43.5 |
| Board waist width (cm) | 27.5 |
| Skins group | I |
| Board size (cm) | 152 |
|---|---|
| Board weight | 3,1kg / 6,8lbs |
| Surface area (dm2) | 41.0 |
| Contact length (cm) | 100.0 |
| Effective edge length (cm) | 107 |
| Tip length (cm) | 38.5 |
| Tail length (cm) | 13.5 |
| Waist width (cm) | 27.5 |
| Underfoot width - front foot (cm) | 29.4 |
| Underfoot width - back foot (cm) | 28.5 |
| Tip width (cm) | 32.2 |
| Tail width (cm) | 30.2 |
| Sidecut radius (m) | 6.9 |
| Taper (mm) | 20.0 |
| Reference stance (cm/in) | 58.0 / 22.8 |
| Centered stance (cm/in) | 58 / 22.8 |
| Stance setback (cm) | 2 |
Where do the information and images come from?
Jones Snowboards: Jones Storm Chaser Splitboard, manufacturer information checked 15 October 2026. Product images: manufacturer. Earlier original coverage: Jones Storm Chaser 18-19.
What does the board look like? (5 photos)
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