First time I have watched one of reviews. It was better than great. Love the actual riding footage that accompanies the description and review. Lots of reviewers could take a leaf out of your book rather than just sit their and talk (or shout) about the product. Thank you.
Freakishly good review - I felt like you were reviewing the board specifically for me when you said “if you’re that type of rider”. I have the flagship and hovercraft and never thought I’d ‘need’ another board but this is going in the quiver for 2021/2022.
It'd be awesome if you could say a little about your interpretations of those three boards. I have a Stratos, but was thinking of adding the flagship or hovercraft to the quiver. Cheers!
@@Ryan-td3td I never got the stratos, when I felt it it was too flexible for me. I thought it was pretty flexy. I could be wrong though. If you under 170 lbs then it would be fine.
@@Ryan-td3td but I would do flagship first then hovercraft. Hovercraft is an acquired taste for Jones fans IMO whereas flagship just rips everywhere and has wide appeal.
Same question: other than powder performance, how does the stratos compare to the aviator 2.0 for carving, edge hold, dampness, maneuverability etc? Thx.
I bought this board for the late release in January of 2020 and it was a massive upgrade from my Jones Explorer (now the Frontier). The Explorer is a perfect beginner board to intermediate, but when you want more grip in the turns the Stratos delivers and does not lock you in as much as some heavier camber boards. The Stratos turns so fast edge to edge, yet has grip that feels like you are more locked it. In decent and above conditions this board inspires confidence and makes me a better rider. I have never felt comfortable during hard icy days, but the Stratos still gets a decent edge, thought I washed out on my backside a few times, but I am sure most of that is me. I do think I may get a stiffer board for choppy days, but this too may be my technique because on an choppy day where I was less comfortable my friend on a Jones Explorer was very comfortable. So unless the Explorer (a less stiff board) is better in chop, then it is one of those areas I need to work on.
Hey there, I know its been a year since this video but I am shopping around for a new board and this one caught my eye. I am currently on a Jones Frontier and fit right into the intermediate category. I stick mainly to groomers/side hits with occasional tree runs. Not interested in park. I am wondering if you have any more thoughts on the Stratos as it relates to the Frontier. Still agree with your statement about the stratos being a step up? what about in less ideal conditions? Would appreciate any thoughts you have on the 2 boards. Thanks
@@xPh03N1Xxx The Stratos has been an eyes opener and the way it grips and yet transfers edges so fast with little effort makes me feel like I am a better snowboarder than I am. My only issues have been in really icy conditions that I am not sure many boards can handle and in a chop or rough snow. I read a review that said if you are over 160 lbs then it can buck a bit in rough snow. I am just over 160, and I hav experienced it. To be honest though those conditions were not really worth riding in. I just didn’t wan to stop lol. I say if you like the Frontier and you want more grip but not be super locked in then the Stratos is a must buy. On anything above rough conditions it is by the best board I have ridden. I saw this from the perspective of a guy who would try four of five boards a trip to find what I liked. I have the Jones Mercury Bindings and they match up well. I hope this helps.
I grabbed a 156 Stratos on sale in the spring. Haven't ridden it yet but looking forward to it. Great review. Your carving & buttering is on point and boosting some huge ollies too.
My bf loves this board, he found it more stable than the Frontier, but not as hard work as the Flagship, perfect do-it-all board (if you're not park focused). And the Jones combo of spoon and mellow mag is just awesome.
I love my stratos. I just wish they made the 53 a little wider. I'm on the 56, at 160lbs and she's a bit overpowering at times! I really only pull it out when I'm feeling aggressive. 😂🤣
Love the reviews! I don't ride park, rarely switch, all mtn rider and want a 1 board quiver. Solid intermediate rider and maybe only get 6 days in a year. Have been and own several NS boards, but looking at Stratos and Mercury. What'd be your choice for 1 board to do everything?
im an intermediate rider 160-165Lbs size 9 boot I ordered the 156 but was torn between that and the 153 I hope its not too much board for me I like to charge pow, bomb hills, send side hits and jumps. it looks like a sick board tho I like the shape and the contoured base can't wait to ride it!
Jay it won't be too big. I'm 5'4" 170lbs size 8.5-9 boot and ride the 156. This board rides like a smaller board. It's super nimble and lightning quick with turns in trees. It's also stable at high speeds. Don't be afraid to play with the bindings. Set them back! It rides even better. For DEEP snow, use the Pow stance. Set the front on the pow Insert and measure out your normal stance width. This board is just a dream to ride.
Going out to Vermont tomorrow and was thinking about picking one of these up at one of the local shops out there at Stowe. I do more freestyle riding, but I am getting a bit older so I do want something to start focusing on more free ride and future powder riding when I can get out west. I live in Michigan so I don't get much riding in great conditions unless I get a trip in out west. Was wondering if this might be one of the better options to pick up?
Is it a noticeable amount, that you feel, you have to lean that 3D profile to hold your edge hard? Or does it feel almost just like a conventional without 3D shape, but without that catchy edge feel?
Thank you TJ! I think that I have found the board I want to buy through your video. My riding style exactly matches the type of riding style you sketched in the video. I was just questioning; what type of bindings and boots would you pair this board with? And is the Burton Deep Thinker a similar board to this? I have heard some good things about that board as well but I believe that the Stratos, especially the 2022 model will be my next board!
Hi I was wondering but if you remember, what angles did you have the bindings set at for this board? And also would you recommend a stiffer binding for this board?
Hi from Russia, TJ! I have a question. I own Salomon FirstCall 162. Is there any reason to change it for Stratos? Watching your review, I made an opinion, that they are quite similar. Salomon may be a bit softer, but over all... What do you think?
Great review man ! Im looking for buy this board here in Italy .. Just a doubt for the size, i m 183 cm tall and 78 kilos ( 45 boot size ). Do you think 161 wide could be too big ?
I’m about your size (6’1”, 170 before gear, & 10.5 boot). I ride a 164W. I bought a rarely used demo late this last spring. I’ve got 2 days on it at the end of the year. I found it to be very grippy and fast in limited spring conditions. Dragging a toe on firm snow sucks. With your boot size, you might consider that. I loved it and can’t wait to get it in some fresh snow.
@@ericking9263 ok thanks , finally i bought the ultra mind 158... After a lot of doubts about the size. They Say you can choose 3-4 cm less than your standard board. Lookin forward for some Pow!
i got the board the same length as my regular board and I wouldn’t get larger (187cm, 75kg, 10.5 boot, got the 159 stratos). It was superb for powder, groomers, carving high speed but i did lack manoverability in moguls/tight icy tracks. maybe im just too weak, but same tracks killed the legs much more vs my 159 bataleon bynd mdls
If you ride park or ride switch, I’d definitely go with the Dancehaul. If you don’t ride park or switch, I’d say the Stratos is the more aggressive board. The Dancehaul is definitely fairly aggressive too but it can’t lay down carves quite as well as the Stratos. Slightly more forgiving and a more “fun” board
I think you would enjoy the Stratos, the camber dominant profile will definitely have a better feel for carving. You have to decide if you would prefer the profile of the orca or stratos better for your riding style
Hi, great review. I am going to buy the jones stratos splitboard for the upcoming season, and im having a hard time deciding if i want the 156 og the 159. My weight is about 155 pounds, and my height is 5,9. which leinght would you recommend?
I've always tended to size up on my splitboards for more surface area and float, and more grip/power for the hike up. The extra stability can come in handy as well. The biggest downside is that the board is less maneuverable on the ride down. with that said, I think you would be just fine on the 156. that is going to be a really fun split setup
I weight 152lb. You are riding the 156 is that a good size should I go on 153? Looking for all Mountain fun side jumps exploring carving end going fast not so much pow.
I'm about 145lb so a shade lighter. I'm debating between the same two sizes of course. However, I am looking for it to be more dedicated to pow,riding fast,trees, and side hits (doesnt need to be great though, this would be my second board and I have a true twin park board already. at 152) - Currently, I am leaning towards a 156 for what I plan to use it for but i am not positive. If my thoughts are correct, I would actually recommend the 153 for you. If i didnt need this thing to be my main (only) pow board I probably would go 153 though. Curious if you purchased this yet and can speak to it?
Anyone have any idea how this will compare to the Jones Mountain Twin 2021 (last year’s model)? What would be the pros and cons of riding the Stratos v MT21?
Does this board have enough free ride capabilities to be my dedicated pow board, or should I just wait for a hovercraft? Any opinion is appreciated. Looking for a pow board 156-159cm with 3d shaping.
Do you know if the taper is before or after the contact points? I think the hovercraft if twin from contact point to contact point which is good for carving (personal preference).
Taper is measured at the contact points. The hovercraft has a 12mm taper, so the tail contact points are 12mm narrower than the nose contact points. Reducing the surface area in the tail and changing the feel of the sidecut a little bit
@@BoardArchive that’s good to know that taper implies that it’s measured at the contact points. I really don’t notice any taper while carving in the HC. Maybe I don’t hate tapers as much as I thought 🤷♂️
@@jonbrown9490 I’ve just got the mountain twin but originally had the party wave ( felt like I needed the extra forgiveness of 3bt). I’m loving the MT and wondering whether to keep the party wave as a pow board or go stratos, knowing the stratos will also work well as a bit more of a hard charger
Checking in from Michigan. So ready for the 21-22 season.
likewise! thanks for checking in
Me too.
Mitten bois
Yee
Thanks. The Stratos sounds like what ive been looking for for steep hard couloirs and powered Cliff jumps.
The best snowboard reviews around!! I’ve been waiting for this one for awhile🙌🏻 definitely want to demo one of these this season!
First time I have watched one of reviews. It was better than great. Love the actual riding footage that accompanies the description and review. Lots of reviewers could take a leaf out of your book rather than just sit their and talk (or shout) about the product. Thank you.
Freakishly good review - I felt like you were reviewing the board specifically for me when you said “if you’re that type of rider”. I have the flagship and hovercraft and never thought I’d ‘need’ another board but this is going in the quiver for 2021/2022.
It'd be awesome if you could say a little about your interpretations of those three boards. I have a Stratos, but was thinking of adding the flagship or hovercraft to the quiver. Cheers!
@@Ryan-td3td I never got the stratos, when I felt it it was too flexible for me. I thought it was pretty flexy. I could be wrong though. If you under 170 lbs then it would be fine.
@@Ryan-td3td but I would do flagship first then hovercraft. Hovercraft is an acquired taste for Jones fans IMO whereas flagship just rips everywhere and has wide appeal.
Have you ever rode the aviator 2.0? I’m thinking of getting that with the Orion bindings
Same question: other than powder performance, how does the stratos compare to the aviator 2.0 for carving, edge hold, dampness, maneuverability etc? Thx.
I bought this board for the late release in January of 2020 and it was a massive upgrade from my Jones Explorer (now the Frontier). The Explorer is a perfect beginner board to intermediate, but when you want more grip in the turns the Stratos delivers and does not lock you in as much as some heavier camber boards. The Stratos turns so fast edge to edge, yet has grip that feels like you are more locked it. In decent and above conditions this board inspires confidence and makes me a better rider. I have never felt comfortable during hard icy days, but the Stratos still gets a decent edge, thought I washed out on my backside a few times, but I am sure most of that is me. I do think I may get a stiffer board for choppy days, but this too may be my technique because on an choppy day where I was less comfortable my friend on a Jones Explorer was very comfortable. So unless the Explorer (a less stiff board) is better in chop, then it is one of those areas I need to work on.
Hey there, I know its been a year since this video but I am shopping around for a new board and this one caught my eye. I am currently on a Jones Frontier and fit right into the intermediate category. I stick mainly to groomers/side hits with occasional tree runs. Not interested in park. I am wondering if you have any more thoughts on the Stratos as it relates to the Frontier. Still agree with your statement about the stratos being a step up? what about in less ideal conditions? Would appreciate any thoughts you have on the 2 boards. Thanks
@@xPh03N1Xxx The Stratos has been an eyes opener and the way it grips and yet transfers edges so fast with little effort makes me feel like I am a better snowboarder than I am. My only issues have been in really icy conditions that I am not sure many boards can handle and in a chop or rough snow. I read a review that said if you are over 160 lbs then it can buck a bit in rough snow. I am just over 160, and I hav experienced it. To be honest though those conditions were not really worth riding in. I just didn’t wan to stop lol. I say if you like the Frontier and you want more grip but not be super locked in then the Stratos is a must buy. On anything above rough conditions it is by the best board I have ridden. I saw this from the perspective of a guy who would try four of five boards a trip to find what I liked. I have the Jones Mercury Bindings and they match up well. I hope this helps.
Seriously thinking of getting this board. It is a toss up between Stratos and the Capita Navigator
Love the graphics showing the spec details, good work TJ! Thanks for posting, seems like an awesome board.
I grabbed a 156 Stratos on sale in the spring. Haven't ridden it yet but looking forward to it. Great review. Your carving & buttering is on point and boosting some huge ollies too.
Love the Stratos, great to see the ladies get a women's specific Stratos now too
Thanks for a mid summer treat TJ!
Always here to support you bro!! Fire as always 🔥
getting me stoked for the next season my guy!
This season will be my first with Stratos, and I'm so excited :) I spend one day on this board, and it was love from the firs carve :P
One of the best reviews in general I’ve heard
My bf loves this board, he found it more stable than the Frontier, but not as hard work as the Flagship, perfect do-it-all board (if you're not park focused). And the Jones combo of spoon and mellow mag is just awesome.
Thanks for that, this is what I am looking for!
Great review TJ. Love the look of this board, might pick it up for the upcoming season!
Awesome from the first shot to last and worth seeing as always 👏👏👏
Great review on the Stratos TJ! Have you had a chance to ride the Aviator 2.0? If not hopefully you will get a chance, looking forward to a review.
Another fire review TJ man. I’ll be there Friday riding the bike park. 🤙🏼
Great review, beautiful board! I would consider it, but I picked up the Iguchi Pro last year.
Great review, sold me for sure
Pretty sick board
Another mega-quality video. Board Archive -- best resource!
Wish I was ready for this board, ot sounds perfect. I need to get another season or two under my belt on my current nitro first though.
Yeewww, so stoked for the next season. Hopefully canada is open by then. Let's meet up somewhere ANYWHERE lol
They are fun and great to see if the kids are interested in more serious stuff.
Hey man. Trust your opinion. Bataleon Camel 2 or Party wave + ? Pls 🙏🏻. Love your videos ! Nice to see a new video
I love my stratos. I just wish they made the 53 a little wider. I'm on the 56, at 160lbs and she's a bit overpowering at times! I really only pull it out when I'm feeling aggressive. 😂🤣
Those kazu bindings 🔥🔥🔥
Awesome video as usual TJ! Can this one be a fair comparison to the Orca? Any thoughts on that?! I'd think of these two for a future upgrade :)
Great review thanks , ? compare to Custom camber
Love the reviews! I don't ride park, rarely switch, all mtn rider and want a 1 board quiver. Solid intermediate rider and maybe only get 6 days in a year. Have been and own several NS boards, but looking at Stratos and Mercury. What'd be your choice for 1 board to do everything?
How does the Stratos compare to the Capita Kazu Pro?
Hi TJ. Great video. How would you compare Stratos to capita megadeath?
Any plans to review the Korua Pencil? Not many reviews on RUclips at the moment!
Thanks for the video!
im an intermediate rider 160-165Lbs size 9 boot I ordered the 156 but was torn between that and the 153 I hope its not too much board for me I like to charge pow, bomb hills, send side hits and jumps. it looks like a sick board tho I like the shape and the contoured base can't wait to ride it!
Jay it won't be too big. I'm 5'4" 170lbs size 8.5-9 boot and ride the 156. This board rides like a smaller board. It's super nimble and lightning quick with turns in trees. It's also stable at high speeds. Don't be afraid to play with the bindings. Set them back! It rides even better. For DEEP snow, use the Pow stance. Set the front on the pow Insert and measure out your normal stance width. This board is just a dream to ride.
Sprayed a slow sign and got real close to a couple of skiers standing there like road cones.....good work😂
😂
Gracias 🙏🏾
Going out to Vermont tomorrow and was thinking about picking one of these up at one of the local shops out there at Stowe. I do more freestyle riding, but I am getting a bit older so I do want something to start focusing on more free ride and future powder riding when I can get out west. I live in Michigan so I don't get much riding in great conditions unless I get a trip in out west. Was wondering if this might be one of the better options to pick up?
Very good review! Between that one and the ride superpig, what are your thoughts? Thanks 👍
Love your reviews! How would you compare this one to the stormwolf?
I want to know this too, is it similar in width?
Nice board.
This board is an actual rocket 🚀 ship
you are ripping in this vid my dude
Seems like Burtons Deep Thinker with added spoon.
Definitely has a different feel, more aggressive. Similar shape though
@@BoardArchive Yeah, i tough that to. Definitely looks something more pow and freeride oriented ride than DT IMO.
Would you recommend the stratos over the salomon dancehaul for an intermediate?
How would you compare the Stratos to the Bataleon Party Wave??
im a pretty good casual snowboarder 19 5'8 68 kg mainly riding piste carving and some park would you recommend this board for me?
Beefier version of the skeleton key?
Is it a noticeable amount, that you feel, you have to lean that 3D profile to hold your edge hard? Or does it feel almost just like a conventional without 3D shape, but without that catchy edge feel?
Thank you TJ! I think that I have found the board I want to buy through your video. My riding style exactly matches the type of riding style you sketched in the video. I was just questioning; what type of bindings and boots would you pair this board with? And is the Burton Deep Thinker a similar board to this? I have heard some good things about that board as well but I believe that the Stratos, especially the 2022 model will be my next board!
Hi I was wondering but if you remember, what angles did you have the bindings set at for this board? And also would you recommend a stiffer binding for this board?
hello .. I bought this board a little while ago .. I wanted to ask you how to put the bindings exactly? thanks for the help
HOW do you push through this thick forest so fast??
What’s your stance angle ?
What size did you take?
Hi from Russia, TJ! I have a question. I own Salomon FirstCall 162. Is there any reason to change it for Stratos? Watching your review, I made an opinion, that they are quite similar. Salomon may be a bit softer, but over all... What do you think?
winter cant come soon enough
Great review man ! Im looking for buy this board here in Italy .. Just a doubt for the size, i m 183 cm tall and 78 kilos ( 45 boot size ). Do you think 161 wide could be too big ?
I’m about your size (6’1”, 170 before gear, & 10.5 boot). I ride a 164W. I bought a rarely used demo late this last spring. I’ve got 2 days on it at the end of the year. I found it to be very grippy and fast in limited spring conditions. Dragging a toe on firm snow sucks. With your boot size, you might consider that. I loved it and can’t wait to get it in some fresh snow.
@@ericking9263 ok thanks , finally i bought the ultra mind 158... After a lot of doubts about the size. They Say you can choose 3-4 cm less than your standard board. Lookin forward for some Pow!
i got the board the same length as my regular board and I wouldn’t get larger (187cm, 75kg, 10.5 boot, got the 159 stratos). It was superb for powder, groomers, carving high speed but i did lack manoverability in moguls/tight icy tracks. maybe im just too weak, but same tracks killed the legs much more vs my 159 bataleon bynd mdls
Stratos or Orca…I’m so torn on which should be the next board!
Same question for me... may i ask which one did you finally get, and how do you like it?
I bought and rode both. Sold the Orca and kept the stratos.
@@Chaugar i got a good discounted offer and bought the stratos last week. had a first ride in fresh snow, it is a great board, i like it a lot👍
How does it compare to Dance haul?
How does it compare to the K2 Party Platter?
Is it possible to position the bindings so that the board rides like a twin board on groomers?
It is Thomas but it rides better set back. Play with it and see what you like.
How is the stratos contour spoon compare to bataleon 3bt? Thanks
hello, whats your binding angle setting up
how does it compare to Salomon Dance haul? Almost pull the trigger last winter, but the lockdown holds my hands back.
If you ride park or ride switch, I’d definitely go with the Dancehaul. If you don’t ride park or switch, I’d say the Stratos is the more aggressive board. The Dancehaul is definitely fairly aggressive too but it can’t lay down carves quite as well as the Stratos. Slightly more forgiving and a more “fun” board
@@Joe-nu2sz Thanks, looks like the dancehaul is the way to go for me. Hope they don't change the color scheme next season.
Would you choose Stratos over Orca? Looking for something good in pow / trees that also holds solid carves
I think you would enjoy the Stratos, the camber dominant profile will definitely have a better feel for carving. You have to decide if you would prefer the profile of the orca or stratos better for your riding style
Hi, great review. I am going to buy the jones stratos splitboard for the upcoming season, and im having a hard time deciding if i want the 156 og the 159. My weight is about 155 pounds, and my height is 5,9. which leinght would you recommend?
I've always tended to size up on my splitboards for more surface area and float, and more grip/power for the hike up. The extra stability can come in handy as well. The biggest downside is that the board is less maneuverable on the ride down.
with that said, I think you would be just fine on the 156. that is going to be a really fun split setup
for 150 pounds, 160 cm guy and 39 EU shoe? 153 or 156cm?
Is this board like Nitro Dropout?
I weight 152lb. You are riding the 156 is that a good size should I go on 153?
Looking for all Mountain fun side jumps exploring carving end going fast not so much pow.
I'm about 145lb so a shade lighter. I'm debating between the same two sizes of course. However, I am looking for it to be more dedicated to pow,riding fast,trees, and side hits (doesnt need to be great though, this would be my second board and I have a true twin park board already. at 152) - Currently, I am leaning towards a 156 for what I plan to use it for but i am not positive. If my thoughts are correct, I would actually recommend the 153 for you. If i didnt need this thing to be my main (only) pow board I probably would go 153 though.
Curious if you purchased this yet and can speak to it?
When you say wax regularly, how often would you say?
I'd say somewhere around every 3-5 times you ride or if you start to feel the base not glide as well as it used to. love your YT handle!
@@BoardArchive thank you!!
Anyone have any idea how this will compare to the Jones Mountain Twin 2021 (last year’s model)? What would be the pros and cons of riding the Stratos v MT21?
You can ride pow better with the stratos
Does this board have enough free ride capabilities to be my dedicated pow board, or should I just wait for a hovercraft? Any opinion is appreciated. Looking for a pow board 156-159cm with 3d shaping.
Yes it can be your dedicated pow board. Just set your stance backnas far as it'll go. It rides deep pow really well. It's very surfy.
This or k2 Alchemist? )
Do you know if the taper is before or after the contact points? I think the hovercraft if twin from contact point to contact point which is good for carving (personal preference).
Taper is measured at the contact points. The hovercraft has a 12mm taper, so the tail contact points are 12mm narrower than the nose contact points. Reducing the surface area in the tail and changing the feel of the sidecut a little bit
@@BoardArchive that’s good to know that taper implies that it’s measured at the contact points. I really don’t notice any taper while carving in the HC. Maybe I don’t hate tapers as much as I thought 🤷♂️
Have you reviewed the mind expander twin
I haven't released a comprehensive review yet but I do mention it in top 5 power twins if you want some quick info
Is it very different from Party Wave?
Yes
@@jonbrown9490 better or worse ?
@@jimsdrivingschool for what? They are two totally different boards.
@@jonbrown9490 I’ve just got the mountain twin but originally had the party wave ( felt like I needed the extra forgiveness of 3bt). I’m loving the MT and wondering whether to keep the party wave as a pow board or go stratos, knowing the stratos will also work well as a bit more of a hard charger
@@jimsdrivingschool the stratos and MT are very similar. I'd keep the PW as a pow/party board and go with what you've got.
Bold claim with the mind expander twin…
The ME Twin is too soft to hold up in the high speed and high impact situations
@@BoardArchive any idea when the ME twin will be available. Want to sell my Frontier and replace with the ME twin before the season starts
Very nice but I am a bit disappointed of camber decks so probably won't get it.
I dont think I could butter that thing.