For hut trips that mix wind-packed entrances with deep turns in the trees, the Stratos pairs a directional powder outline with a lively character. It suits riders who work the terrain, link varied turns and look for natural take-offs along the way.
Is the Jones Men's Stratos Splitboard 26/27 right for you?
The Stratos makes sense when a touring descent refuses to fit a single category: open turns near the top, natural features halfway down and trees on the exit. It sits between a conventional freeride all-rounder and a dedicated powder shape. The longer nose provides area for soft snow, while camber underfoot supports an active riding style. This is an interpretation of the design rather than a fresh field-test result.
Its appeal is the freedom to change the plan halfway through a run. Riders who like using terrain and varying their turn shape have a reason to consider it, particularly when every tour is not centred on a steep summit face. The directional outline still matters, though. Different jobs for the nose and tail make this a different proposition from a nearly symmetrical freestyle board.
How does it fit your approach, size and setup?
For the approach, choose width deliberately. Wide sizes help when your boots require them; adding width purely for powder surface area can also increase the leverage needed on firm traverses. Compare it with the Solution if stronger support for committed freeride lines is the priority. If most days revolve around short, deep tree runs, put the Hovercraft on the same shortlist.
| Your decision | Our assessment |
|---|---|
| A good fit for | Varied tours and active, playful turns |
| Think more carefully about | Frequent switch riding, or a priority on a particularly firm freeride shape |
| Compare directly | Jones Men’s Solution Splitboard and Jones Men’s Howler Splitboard |
What have we learned from earlier seasons?
We checked existing model pages and test articles across all archived seasons. We found no earlier original ride test for this exact version. The assessment here explains what its shape and construction are intended for and which alternatives merit comparison. It does not invent days on snow or transfer scores from a neighbouring model.
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 / 6.8lbs | 3,1kg / 6,8lbs |
| Waist width (cm) | 25.4 | 25.4 |
| Radius (m) | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| Taper (mm) | 10.0 | 10.0 |
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?
Is the Stratos a freestyle or freeride split?
It is a directional freeride split that leaves room for playful riding. Riders prioritising switch landings and more balanced handling in both directions should also consider the Howler.
Which Jones Men's Stratos Splitboard size should I choose?
Current listed lengths are 156, 158W, 159, 161W 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 25.4 cm; 158W cm: 140-190 lbs. / 64-86 kg., waist 26.3 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. Jones Men’s Howler Splitboard: Natural take-offs, active turns and backcountry freestyle. 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?
We found no earlier original ride test for this exact version in the existing pages. We therefore explain its use and limitations from the construction. Older introductions and tests of other variants are not presented as an original test of this board.
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 cm. Profile: Freeride CamRock. Manufacturer flex: 7/10.
The table contains manufacturer figures for the specified lengths.
What are the measurements for each size?
| Board size (cm) | 156 | 158W | 159 | 161W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Ideal boot size (US / EU) | 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) | 25.4 | 26.3 | 25.6 | 26.4 |
| Skins group | C | G | D | G |
| Board size (cm) | 156 | 158W | 159 | 161W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board weight | 3,1kg / 6,8lbs | 3kg / 6,6lbs | 3kg / 6,6lbs | 3,2kg / 7lbs |
| Surface area (dm2) | 41.02 | 42.89 | 42.13 | 43.89 |
| Contact length (cm) | 109.0 | 110.6 | 111.6 | 113.4 |
| Effective edge length (cm) | 116 | 118 | 119 | 120 |
| Tip length (cm) | 27.0 | 27.2 | 27.2 | 27.3 |
| Tail length (cm) | 20.0 | 20.2 | 20.2 | 20.3 |
| Waist width (cm) | 25.4 | 26.3 | 25.6 | 26.4 |
| Underfoot width - front foot (cm) | 26.8 | 27.7 | 27.0 | 27.8 |
| Underfoot width - back foot (cm) | 26.6 | 27.6 | 26.9 | 27.6 |
| Tip width (cm) | 30.3 | 31.2 | 30.5 | 31.3 |
| Tail width (cm) | 29.3 | 30.2 | 29.5 | 30.3 |
| Sidecut radius (m) | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.7 |
| Taper (mm) | 10.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 |
| Reference stance (cm/in) | 56.0 / 22.0 | 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 |
| Insert pack | Splitboard Pack | Splitboard Pack | Splitboard Pack | Splitboard Pack |
| Stance setback (cm) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Where do the information and images come from?
Jones Snowboards: Jones Men’s Stratos Splitboard, manufacturer information checked 15 October 2026. Product images: manufacturer.
What does the board look like? (5 photos)
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