Sounds like they made the board stiffer. This was probably the most important thing they could have done. I have a 21/22 Stratos and I wouldn't recommend it for anything other than surfy low angle powder.
Hi, just had chance to demo the stratos at an indoor slope near me and absolutely loved it, rode a 159. I’m around 180lbs and have size 42 (eu) boots. Was able to fully charge the board the full length of the run. Would you suggest I steer clear of the stratos still? And if so what would you suggest?
Indoor is very different from Outdoor. If it was soft and smooth indoor then no. If it was really uneven and messy/bumpy then yes. You will find in hard to soft uneven snow at a real mountain is a lot different. I absolutely loved this board in clean conditions. It just fell apart for me when it got uneven.
Yo beastie, I’m 5’11 215 with a 10.5/11 foot, already have a 162 bsod with L union atlas pros.. debating on picking up ultras/indoor survival. You think a 160 or a 158w? Thanks for all you do my dude!
Are you in the process, in the near future, of airing a review of the new Jones Project X 23-24? Is it okay to say that the 23-24 Stratos is similar to the Project X 23-24, but one is just lighter than the other? Should i just be patient? Ty. Interesting reviews. There’s a significant difference in the 22-23 and 23-24 stratos.
Sorry but no. They didn't have a 159 for demo and didn't want to ride the 156 again. Too small for me so no need to re-do the same review. It hasn't seemed to change like the Stratos did and yeah it should be a lighter poppier ride than the Stratos. Yeah only difference with the Stratos is the new top sheet but it did make the ride a little more stiff and a touch better in uneven snow.
I own the 2023 Project X in a size 159. I previously had the 156 and it was way too chattery (5’11”, size 9.5W/10, 185-200lbs - my stats are almost the same as James’), the 159 handles my 185-200 lbs better than the 156 project X, but it’s still not great in uneven snow, and it’s my least favourite board (of the 18 I’ve owned) in icy conditions. You feel everything on the snow. It’s a chatter monster. Yes, it’s ultralight, and it’s a fantastic powder performer, and the sidecut and carving is great in soft snow conditions. However, with the performance (or lack thereof) in anything but perfect snow, I can’t deny that I’m disappointed with the Project X, especially given the price. It doesn’t seem as though they’ve changed much, if anything at all, between 2023 and 2024 for the Project X. As an additional data point, I’ve tried the 2022 159 Stratos and I think it was more damp than the 2023 159 Project X.
@@timlims i was going to buy that board last year, but instead, i opted for the Burton Con Artist 159. Basically it is a straight chutter with a methalon base. Love the board, but i think a sintered 9000 base is just as good or better. I waxed it with Swix wax, but my Nidecker 162 Apx Alpha and Mega Merc 159 was just as good or better. Well the reason why I brought this up, i have been watching Angrysnowboarder and the Goodride since 2021. So i have seen most or all reviews from both, but recently, Angry has been making comparison that didn’t make sense. It didn’t make sense when he compared the new 2024 Jones Project X to the Capita Mega Deth, and just recently, he compared the Libtech Golden Apex Orca to the Nidecker APX Alpha. So I been meaning to look for a second opinion about it. I am pretty sure he (Angrysnowboarder) is making these comparisons to sell snowboards. He makes comparisons when he talks about premium boards to make it seem like specific boards are similar with other boards. He hasn’t given an explanation and he never will. So can either of you two explain why these boards are similar? I am waiting on the reviews on the Golden Apex Orca (Golden Orca with a ton of Carbon ), but i think my next board will be the Burton Power Wagon 166 and than the 174 Nidecker the Gun.
Hey @timlims I think I accidentally deleted your response to @Anukulous trying to delete a "Make $750 Per Day" spammer on my phone. Sorry! If you cold respond to Anukulous again that would be greatly appreciated.
Great review! Great channel! I’m unsure on getting the stratos 162 or mind expander 162. I board once a year in France usually, mainly groomers and as much off piste as I can! The occasional small jump in the park . Intermediate rider who only rides goofy, pos/pos on bindings. 10.5 us size boots, 6,2” and around 200lbs. Which would you advise? Tia Legend.
Many thanks. The 162 Mind Expander will be a better call for you of the two just because it handles 200lbs much better. Hit me up here if you want to get into it more and get proper help. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
@@thegoodridesnow Yes, I was thinking about the bigger disc actually that's my dilemma, in the Union there is a biggger disc and in the bataleon there are slightly more adjust options like the ankle strap angle and more highback rotation.. Anyway now im with really soft and freestyle bindings and i just want to get better with hard carve and comfortable at high speed..
I am looking to buy a 2nd board for my quiver. Currently I own a Jones Flagship 161 (2016 model, last one without spoon tech I believe). I ride Now Drive bindings. What would the Stratos add to what I can already do with the Flagship? My main interests a powder, carving and just playing around across the whole mountain. I barely ever touch the park. I'm torn between the Stratos or the Bataleon Camel Two.
Based on what I know about you it's hard to say. So you might like the 2024 Flagship better than the Stratos if you like a board that can handle uneven snow. Don't know your specs so hard to say but the Strato's doesn't like heavier riders. It is more turny though and has set back/pow inserts vs. your old flagship so it will do better there. Didn't ride the Camel Two but did ride the Camel Toe. If it's like the Toe then it would better compliment your quiver as there is some overlap between the Stratos and Flagship.
@@thegoodridesnow Thanks! Didn't provide specs because I was mainly interested in potential overlap issues, so your answer helps tremendously. I weigh 81kg and wear size 11 boots so I think the Stratos would be a good fit spec wise, but I think the Camel Two is better for a quiver :)
Yeah. 10 years ago I was 22.75", 5yrs ago 22" and the last 5 or so I've been 21.5". Best change I've ever made. My taint is less free but I use the stronger parts of my legs to turn and it doesn't hurt my hip's and knees as much.
Hi, thank’s for your video! I really want to buy a stratos after this but I don’t if I have to buy the 53 or 56. I’m 150lb, 8.5/9 (boot size) and I love powder and carving. Can you help me?
Sure. What is your height? What make/model and size do you ride now? or hit me up here if you want to do this correctly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
@@thegoodridesnow I’m 168cm (5,5ft I think 😅). Actually I ride a quiver treehugger 149 and a Salomon twin tip regular width 155 (but it is probably to long for me). I want to buy the 153 stratos but, when I don’t want to take two boards with me, can the 153 float in powder with my weight? I can’t decide. Probably the 156 is the better choice for powder but on the slope can I handle it?
I'd go with another board. The 156 will feel a little too big and the 153 a little too small. Both will buck and bounce you around in moderately uneven snow but the 153 will be worse.
I demo'ed this a few days ago and felt it was a terrible board, mainly because of its unnecessarily stif flex. I have not ridden the previous year's versions and I have heard that this year's model is much stiffer, so my opinion pertains only to this model. I hated it, and I am someone who owns a Flagship and a Hovercraft. I just cannot relate to all the good reviews about this board. Am I missing something? I think not.
No. I think the same about this board but not so much about the stiff flex but the lack of dampening. The minute the conditions change the board get's so cranky, bucky and bouncy. If they made this board with the Flagship's or Hovercraft's construction I would be absolutely in love with this ride. As it stands now it's only a perfect conditions kind of ride or a board for much lighter riders than the suggested weight range.
Perfect timing. I was just looking for a review on stratos for my pow surfing quiver. Thank you
Thanks!
Sounds like they made the board stiffer. This was probably the most important thing they could have done. I have a 21/22 Stratos and I wouldn't recommend it for anything other than surfy low angle powder.
Thanks for your take.
One of my most favourites, love it!
Glad it works for ya.
Hi, just had chance to demo the stratos at an indoor slope near me and absolutely loved it, rode a 159. I’m around 180lbs and have size 42 (eu) boots. Was able to fully charge the board the full length of the run. Would you suggest I steer clear of the stratos still? And if so what would you suggest?
Indoor is very different from Outdoor. If it was soft and smooth indoor then no. If it was really uneven and messy/bumpy then yes. You will find in hard to soft uneven snow at a real mountain is a lot different. I absolutely loved this board in clean conditions. It just fell apart for me when it got uneven.
Would you say this is more of a daily driver and the mind expander is more powder orientated ?
Many thanks
No. Mind expander is a more directional/tapered daily driver that is better in uneven snow.
Yo beastie, I’m 5’11 215 with a 10.5/11 foot, already have a 162 bsod with L union atlas pros.. debating on picking up ultras/indoor survival. You think a 160 or a 158w? Thanks for all you do my dude!
Thanks man! 158w would be a better call for the Indoor Survival.
Are you in the process, in the near future, of airing a review of the new Jones Project X 23-24? Is it okay to say that the 23-24 Stratos is similar to the Project X 23-24, but one is just lighter than the other? Should i just be patient?
Ty.
Interesting reviews. There’s a significant difference in the 22-23 and 23-24 stratos.
Sorry but no. They didn't have a 159 for demo and didn't want to ride the 156 again. Too small for me so no need to re-do the same review. It hasn't seemed to change like the Stratos did and yeah it should be a lighter poppier ride than the Stratos. Yeah only difference with the Stratos is the new top sheet but it did make the ride a little more stiff and a touch better in uneven snow.
I own the 2023 Project X in a size 159. I previously had the 156 and it was way too chattery (5’11”, size 9.5W/10, 185-200lbs - my stats are almost the same as James’), the 159 handles my 185-200 lbs better than the 156 project X, but it’s still not great in uneven snow, and it’s my least favourite board (of the 18 I’ve owned) in icy conditions. You feel everything on the snow. It’s a chatter monster. Yes, it’s ultralight, and it’s a fantastic powder performer, and the sidecut and carving is great in soft snow conditions. However, with the performance (or lack thereof) in anything but perfect snow, I can’t deny that I’m disappointed with the Project X, especially given the price.
It doesn’t seem as though they’ve changed much, if anything at all, between 2023 and 2024 for the Project X. As an additional data point, I’ve tried the 2022 159 Stratos and I think it was more damp than the 2023 159 Project X.
@@timlims i was going to buy that board last year, but instead, i opted for the Burton Con Artist 159. Basically it is a straight chutter with a methalon base. Love the board, but i think a sintered 9000 base is just as good or better. I waxed it with Swix wax, but my Nidecker 162 Apx Alpha and Mega Merc 159 was just as good or better.
Well the reason why I brought this up, i have been watching Angrysnowboarder and the Goodride since 2021. So i have seen most or all reviews from both, but recently, Angry has been making comparison that didn’t make sense. It didn’t make sense when he compared the new 2024 Jones Project X to the Capita Mega Deth, and just recently, he compared the Libtech Golden Apex Orca to the Nidecker APX Alpha. So I been meaning to look for a second opinion about it. I am pretty sure he (Angrysnowboarder) is making these comparisons to sell snowboards. He makes comparisons when he talks about premium boards to make it seem like specific boards are similar with other boards. He hasn’t given an explanation and he never will. So can either of you two explain why these boards are similar?
I am waiting on the reviews on the Golden Apex Orca (Golden Orca with a ton of Carbon ), but i think my next board will be the Burton Power Wagon 166 and than the 174 Nidecker the Gun.
Hey @timlims I think I accidentally deleted your response to @Anukulous trying to delete a "Make $750 Per Day" spammer on my phone. Sorry! If you cold respond to Anukulous again that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for giving a real take from riding and a good amount of experience.
How do the edges work during mid day on slopes? Do the edge technology works similarly to magne traction boards?
I explained it here. 3:54 - Edge Hold. Yes it works like MTX but only in good conditions.
Great review! Great channel!
I’m unsure on getting the stratos 162 or mind expander 162. I board once a year in France usually, mainly groomers and as much off piste as I can! The occasional small jump in the park . Intermediate rider who only rides goofy, pos/pos on bindings. 10.5 us size boots, 6,2” and around 200lbs. Which would you advise?
Tia Legend.
Edit. It’ll be my go to everyday board! Can’t afford to be buying multiple 😢😅
Many thanks. The 162 Mind Expander will be a better call for you of the two just because it handles 200lbs much better. Hit me up here if you want to get into it more and get proper help. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Which bindings is better to match with the Stratos, union atlas or bataleon astro fullwrap?
Atlas or Force so you have stance width adjustability with the pow/setback inserts. Bataleon will none.
@@thegoodridesnow Yes, I was thinking about the bigger disc actually that's my dilemma, in the Union there is a biggger disc and in the bataleon there are slightly more adjust options like the ankle strap angle and more highback rotation..
Anyway now im with really soft and freestyle bindings and i just want to get better with hard carve and comfortable at high speed..
I'd give the new Forces a go then. Thats a great fit with what you are coming from.
I am looking to buy a 2nd board for my quiver. Currently I own a Jones Flagship 161 (2016 model, last one without spoon tech I believe). I ride Now Drive bindings. What would the Stratos add to what I can already do with the Flagship? My main interests a powder, carving and just playing around across the whole mountain. I barely ever touch the park. I'm torn between the Stratos or the Bataleon Camel Two.
Based on what I know about you it's hard to say. So you might like the 2024 Flagship better than the Stratos if you like a board that can handle uneven snow. Don't know your specs so hard to say but the Strato's doesn't like heavier riders. It is more turny though and has set back/pow inserts vs. your old flagship so it will do better there. Didn't ride the Camel Two but did ride the Camel Toe. If it's like the Toe then it would better compliment your quiver as there is some overlap between the Stratos and Flagship.
@@thegoodridesnow Thanks! Didn't provide specs because I was mainly interested in potential overlap issues, so your answer helps tremendously. I weigh 81kg and wear size 11 boots so I think the Stratos would be a good fit spec wise, but I think the Camel Two is better for a quiver :)
Cool cool.
You used to have really wide stance I remember. Wasn’t 23 several years back?
Yeah. 10 years ago I was 22.75", 5yrs ago 22" and the last 5 or so I've been 21.5". Best change I've ever made. My taint is less free but I use the stronger parts of my legs to turn and it doesn't hurt my hip's and knees as much.
Hi, thank’s for your video! I really want to buy a stratos after this but I don’t if I have to buy the 53 or 56. I’m 150lb, 8.5/9 (boot size) and I love powder and carving. Can you help me?
Sure. What is your height? What make/model and size do you ride now? or hit me up here if you want to do this correctly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
@@thegoodridesnow I’m 168cm (5,5ft I think 😅). Actually I ride a quiver treehugger 149 and a Salomon twin tip regular width 155 (but it is probably to long for me). I want to buy the 153 stratos but, when I don’t want to take two boards with me, can the 153 float in powder with my weight? I can’t decide. Probably the 156 is the better choice for powder but on the slope can I handle it?
I'd go with another board. The 156 will feel a little too big and the 153 a little too small. Both will buck and bounce you around in moderately uneven snow but the 153 will be worse.
@@thegoodridesnow thanks man🤙🏻
I demo'ed this a few days ago and felt it was a terrible board, mainly because of its unnecessarily stif flex. I have not ridden the previous year's versions and I have heard that this year's model is much stiffer, so my opinion pertains only to this model. I hated it, and I am someone who owns a Flagship and a Hovercraft. I just cannot relate to all the good reviews about this board. Am I missing something? I think not.
Thanks for your take.
If you think I'm missing something, please do tell. I just couldn't undersatnd the hype@@thegoodridesnow
No. I think the same about this board but not so much about the stiff flex but the lack of dampening. The minute the conditions change the board get's so cranky, bucky and bouncy. If they made this board with the Flagship's or Hovercraft's construction I would be absolutely in love with this ride. As it stands now it's only a perfect conditions kind of ride or a board for much lighter riders than the suggested weight range.
OMG those empty groomers
It comes with a long walk back to the chair though.