While we’re ecstatic about all four boards in the 10/11 Jones lineup, there is no denying that we’re absolutely obsessed with our new splitboard – ‘The Solution’. Guess we’re not alone in our feelings as the proto Solution that was ripped off from our SIA tradeshow booth was the ONLY board reported stolen during the show. We didn’t need any criminal flattery to tell us our splitboard design is smokin’ hot but we’ll take the bummer compliment as a sign that we’re on to something truly unique…

What makes us so excited about the Solution is that we feel we have found the blueprint for the ultimate freeride splitboard – a board of unmatched versatility that will rail on windboard just as well as chest deep blower. The blunt, directionally rockered nose is the Solution’s secret to the soft stuff as the tip is optimally positioned to slice through the snow with the maximum float-able surface area. Testing in mixed bag conditions clued us into the right stiffness for the nose as it’s a fine line between float and flap when it comes to rocker on firm snow. Kinda like an ‘Al Dente’ thing, the Solution’s nose is supple but no wet noodle.

A few trips into wind-whipped High Sierra cirques reminded us how thrilled we are to offer the first ever Magne-traction splitboard. Whether you’ve had good experiences, bad experiences, or no experience with Magne-traction, please let us re-introduce this innovative edge design as a concept that cannot be denied. Multiple sidecuts equals better edge grip. Period. Magne-traction is especially beneficially with rockered boards as you lose effective edge with an early-rise tip or tail. It’s also great if you damage an edge as the multiple sidecuts allow the edge some grip even when rounded.

But like many of the best things in life, we feel Magne-traction is best applied in moderation, hence ‘Mellow Mag’. Unlike most Magne-traction boards, Jones snowboards will feature a few large radius edge bumps instead of several short radius bumps. The ‘Mellow’ bumps noticeable improve the edge hold over a straight sidecut but don’t hook-up nearly as aggressively as traditional Magne-traction. The Solution will take our ‘Mellow Mag’ design one step further as the inner and outer edges will have unique bump patterns. The inner edge bumps will be mellower than the outer edge but defined enough to give you added gripping power on icy traverses and switchbacks. Up until this point we’ve all been skinning and sidehilling on a perfectly straight edge without the benefit of any sidecut so the inner Mellow Mag will undoubtedly provide a significant new climbing advantage.

After much debate we decided the initial two sizes for the Solution will be a 164 cm and a 168 cm wide. These two lengths seemed ideal to begin with as we wanted to offer a nimble but surfy board for the majority of backcountry rippers out there. Plans are in the works to offer several more sizes once we get production dialed so don’t worry if you didn’t see the size you were looking for. Be patient and we’ll get you the perfect sized Solution as soon as we can.

So beyond the sweet ride and the design details, the Solution has us smiling ear to ear because it also represents our first step into a world that feels ripe for revolution. More snowboarders than ever before are exploring terrain outside the resort boundaries while the selection and performance of available backcountry snowboarding gear has remained relatively stagnant for arguably a decade. Backcountry snowboarders deserve a dedicated commitment from the industry towards progressive design improvements. Jones Snowboards is poised to lead this movement one innovation at a time. The Solution is but our opening move.