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Jones Solution 2020-2021 Splitboard Review

  • Price: £785 / €900 / $900
  • Category: Splitboard
  • Ability Level: Intermediate, Advanced
  • Size: 154, 158,159W, 161, 162W, 164, 165W, 167, 169W
  • Flex: 8/10
  • Shape: Directional
  • Profile: Directional Rocker
  • Base: Sintered
  • BUY DIRECT FROM JONES

Why we chose the Jones Solution Splitboard: The best just got better. Way better.

Well, Jeremy and the gang have only gone and bloody done it. The completely reworked 2021 Jones Solution marks a major checkpoint in the ever-evolving standards of splitboard construction. This time last year we were raving about the Jones split collection but noted that the one drawback compared to their solid counterparts the lack of the 3D Contour Base. Naively, we assumed that “the logistics of ‘spooning’ the nose and tail in a splitboard is probably beyond even the brains of the backcountry boffins at Jones”. How wrong we were.

The evolution of the Solution has been subtle since its debut ten years ago. A little tweak to its shape here, a sustainable upgrade there, that kind of thing. But the 3D Contour Base 3.0 marks a paradigm shift. An idea that has been in the making for some years now, both the nose and tail have a subtle spoon-like shape to their profile. The idea originated from and mimicking surfboard construction and Its benefits work in much the same way.

“The 3D Contour Base 3.0 marks a paradigm shift in the construction of splitboards”

The advantages are threefold: glide, flow and float. By reducing friction at the contact points, the Solution is far less prone to snags, catches or any twitchiness in variable conditions. When you initiate a turn, the sensation is smooth and progressive, while your time spent in the deep stuff is enhanced from the way the nose profile helps to displace snow from underneath the board.

The shape has also been redesigned this year. There’s a slight increase to the Solution’s taper that allows the tail to sink in a little more and keeps the nose above the surface to sniff out the next pocket of powder. It also makes this season’s iteration more manoeuvrable than ever before, capable of weaving tighter lines through forests or high alpine couloirs.

Powder performance is just one string to the Solution’s pretty stacked bow. Compared to the likes of the Mind Expander Split of Storm Chaser Split, which thrive in early season conditions – namely deep, low angle, tree runs – the Solution is a truly all condition splitboard. The setback camber, inner/outer Traction 3.0 Edges and mid-stiffness flex make the Solution primed for bigger lines, variable conditions and the highly changeable nature of splitboarding in peak season. Once you’re on this one, there’s really no reason to get off again.

Not that you’d expect anything less from Jones and co. but the Solution’s construction practices continue to set the benchmark in eco-friendly snowboard production. Jeremy’s the first to put his hands up and say that any form of snowboard manufacturing requires material resource but, if you’re going to do it, do it to the best of your abilities. Without reading off a list of the initiatives, organisations and sustainable practices that the brand either supports or Jeremey has established himself, it’s worth noting that this year, the SWS factory in Dubai (where their boards are made) has switched to 100% solar energy.

“This is a near-perfect split that truly suits every type of backcountry exploration”

No surprises, then, that the Solution is made with their premium FSC Certified Ultrawood Core, a combination of flax and basalt Power Stringers, and an ECO-plastic top sheet. This keeps the response lively, the dampening to a minimum and adds a layer of durability to the top sheet that ensures multiple return trips to the backcountry on the Solution. New for this year is Karakorum’s Tip-Lock Tip Clips, which guarantee your clips will never open on the descent and give a little more torsional rigidity to the split.

Jeremy describes the process of finding the right kind of light, and the same goes for the Solution’s green construction. Anyone can make a superlight or sustainably constructed snowboard, but to create something that can do so while still nailing durability, power, response and performance at the same time is a whole different skillset. Very, very few do it as well as here.

In the opening pages of this year’s catalogue, Jones openly admits that “not every board in here is for you, or for me.” But there’s one that definitely holds a special place in his heart. “I’m in love with the new Solution” he says. To be honest, so are we. And, frankly, so should you be, too. This is a near-perfect split that truly suits every type of backcountry exploration. There’s never been a better time to get away from the crowds than this season, and there has arguably never been a better split to do it on.

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