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Jones Aviator 2.0 2021-2022 Snowboard Review

Tested and selected for our top 100 snowboard products of the year: the Jones Aviator 2.0

  • Price: £499 / €550 / $550
  • Category: Freeride + Powder
  • Sizes: 154, 158, 159W, 162
  • Flex: 8/10
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Profile: Camber
  • 3D: Yes
  • Base: Sintered

Why we chose the Jones Aviator 2.0 Snowboard: With the latest in space-age tech packed into a purist-pleasing package, this one flies high above the competition.

CAMBER! We take it for granted these days, but it’s still just about the best invention since an unheralded caveman’s overzealous demonstration of Where Babies Come From caused the sticks he was using as props to set alight, thus changing the course of human history forever.

As examples of the unadulterated classic bend go, it’s hard to look past the thoroughbred that is the Jones Aviator. Even more so now that it’s been given a stunning upgrade – more on which later – that manages to retain what we loved about the original – including, of course, the camber profile.

“Only those with a decent riding pedigree need apply; this is not to be trifled with”

MORE INFO:
JONES.COM

Who Is The Jones Aviator 2.0 For?

Only those with a decent riding pedigree need apply; this is not to be trifled with. But if you’re up to the challenge, and keen to turn your weapon of choice to the whole mountain – including the park – then the Jones Aviator 2.0 fits the bill, and then some.

Shape, Profile and Sidecut

Did we mention it’s a camber? The Jones Aviator 2.0 is bursting with pop power and edge hold, with a nearly-twin shape that’ll sit well with freestyle fans (we’re talking the halfpipe and backcountry booter variety, rather than the jib line).

It’s still mildly directional through the flex, and the nose and tail are built quite differently (we’ll get to that – sit tight!) but essentially you’ll have zero trouble when riding switch. Thanks to the wavy ‘Traction Tech 3.0’ edges, you get even more grip on ice than what a camber bend provides (which is already plenty).

Given the Aviator 2.0’s stiffness, both from nose to tail and from edge to edge, you’ll want to have your wits about you with this one. That said, the 3D contouring of the new-look nose and tail will reduce the chance of a harsh scorp.

“Given the Aviator 2.0’s stiffness, both from nose to tail and from edge to edge, you’ll want to have your wits about you with this one”

Construction and Materials

We come now, at last, to that nose tech. There’s an insert made of ‘Koroyd’, a miracle aerospace-grade material found in some of the world’s leading protective equipment. Its impact-absorbing qualities help to cancel out chatter, giving your feet a break when you’re going full tilt. Better still, it’s feather-light, and works just as well even in temperatures colder than a Priti Patel glare.

One snazzy feature does not a quality board make, of course, but the Jones Aviator 2.0 is no slouch elsewhere. The boffins have been hard at work on this one; it’s still one of only a few boards to feature carbon Innegra (an extremely light, extremely resilient fibre), and also boasts basalt stringers for extra response. While the base is actually the lowest-spec in Jones’ range of sintered options, it’ll still match most offerings on the market for pace.

“While the base is actually the lowest-spec in Jones’ range of sintered options, it’ll still match most offerings on the market for pace”

Roundup

At the risk of stating the painfully obvious, if you already favoured the Aviator then you’ll be on to a winner with the new Aviator 2.0. For those who never had the pleasure of putting the original through its paces, but like the sound of a precision tool that gets the Victor De Le Rue seal of approval, you’re covered too.

Time will tell if Koroyd joins the ranks of space-age materials that have found a permanent home in the snowboard market, but on the strength of the Jones Aviator 2.0’s performance, we wouldn’t bet against it. Oh, and it’s got camber.

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