Tight kick turns, exposed traverses and bootpacks put the approach firmly in focus. The Butterfly combines a compact outline with a long effective edge. Its carbon construction and full camber make it a specialist option for experienced tourers who value precise edge placement.
Is the Jones Ultralight Butterfly Splitboard 26/27 right for you?
The Butterfly starts with the approach rather than the drop-in. It combines a relatively short overall length with a substantial usable edge, an interesting arrangement for repeated kick turns, long approaches and sections with the board on your pack. Short does not mean soft or beginner-oriented here. The pronounced camber places a different set of demands on the rider.
Think of the descent as a sequence of deliberately placed turns. Carbon construction and a firmer flex target riders who know how to load a board. Someone mainly seeking playful turns in deep trees may find a powder-specific outline more helpful. The price does not decide which design makes the most sense for the terrain you actually enjoy riding.
How does it fit your approach, size and setup?
Before choosing, compare the effective edge of your preferred length, the width your boots need and the weight of the complete setup. A light board only solves part of that equation if everything attached to it is heavy. Against the Ultralight Solution, the Butterfly’s compact touring layout is the central reason to look closer. These are different approaches to a demanding mountain day, not cosmetic variations.
| Your decision | Our assessment |
|---|---|
| A good fit for | Long approaches, repeated kick turns and experienced riders |
| Think more carefully about | First tours, a small budget or a primary interest in relaxed powder surfing |
| Compare directly | Jones Men’s [ULTRALIGHT] Solution Splitboard and Jones Ultralight Hovercraft 2.0 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 150 cm, using our archived 25/26 page and the current manufacturer data:
| Detail | Archived 25/26 | Current 26/27 |
|---|---|---|
| Board weight (manufacturer) | 2.5kg / 5.6lbs | 2,5kg / 5,6lbs |
| Waist width (cm) | 25.3 | 25.3 |
| Radius (m) | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Taper (mm) | 8.0 | 8.0 |
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?
Can I size the Butterfly like a conventional freeride board?
Overall length alone is not enough. Its compact shape changes the relationship between total length and effective edge. Use the rider-weight and boot-size information, then compare those dimensions with your current board.
Which Jones Ultralight Butterfly Splitboard size should I choose?
Current listed lengths are 150, 154, 158 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: 150 cm: 110-160 lbs. / 49-73 kg., waist 25.3 cm; 154 cm: 130-180 lbs. / 59-82 kg., waist 25.6 cm. These are manufacturer recommendations, not weight limits established in our tests.
Which other boards should I compare?
Jones Men’s [ULTRALIGHT] Solution Splitboard: Experienced tourers, long approaches and active all-round descents. Jones Ultralight Hovercraft 2.0 Splitboard: Distant powder objectives and deliberate setup-weight planning. 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: 150, 154, 158 cm. Profile: True High Camber. Manufacturer flex: 8/10.
The table contains manufacturer figures for the specified lengths.
What are the measurements for each size?
| Board size (cm) | 150 | 154 | 158 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight range (lbs/kg) | 110-160 lbs. / 49-73 kg. | 130-180 lbs. / 59-82 kg. | 160-210 lbs. / 73-95 kg. |
| Ideal boot size (US / EU) | US 7-9 / EU 39.5-41.5 | US 8-10 / EU 40.5-43.5 | US 9.5-11.5 / EU 42.5-45.5 |
| Board waist width (cm) | 25.3 | 25.6 | 25.9 |
| Skins group | D | D | C |
| Board size (cm) | 150 | 154 | 158 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board weight | 2,5kg / 5,6lbs | 2,7kg / 5,9lbs | 2,8kg / 6,1lbs |
| Surface area (dm2) | 40.05 | 41.62 | 43.22 |
| Contact length (cm) | 116.6 | 120.0 | 123.4 |
| Effective edge length (cm) | 124 | 127 | 130 |
| Tip length (cm) | 20.2 | 20.5 | 20.8 |
| Tail length (cm) | 13.2 | 13.5 | 13.8 |
| Waist width (cm) | 25.3 | 25.6 | 25.9 |
| Underfoot width - front foot (cm) | 26.2 | 26.6 | 27.0 |
| Underfoot width - back foot (cm) | 26.3 | 26.6 | 27.0 |
| Tip width (cm) | 29.9 | 30.3 | 30.7 |
| Tail width (cm) | 29.1 | 29.5 | 29.9 |
| Sidecut radius (m) | 8.5 | 8.8 | 9.1 |
| Taper (mm) | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Reference stance (cm/in) | 52.0 / 20.5 | 54.0 / 21.3 | 58.0 / 22.8 |
| Centered stance (cm/in) | 52 / 20.5 | 54 / 21.3 | 58 / 22.8 |
| Insert pack | Splitboard Pack | Splitboard Pack | Splitboard Pack |
| Stance setback (cm) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Where do the information and images come from?
Jones Snowboards: Jones Ultralight Butterfly Splitboard, manufacturer information checked 15 October 2026. Product images: manufacturer.
What does the board look like? (5 photos)
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