Jones 2022 Mountain Twin: Review & Expert Analysis

by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Jones 2022 Mountain Twin, a board that’s been generating a lot of buzz in the snowboarding community. If you're looking for a versatile, high-performance twin that can handle everything from park laps to backcountry kickers, you've come to the right place. Let's break down what makes this board tick and whether it deserves a spot in your quiver.

Overview of the Jones 2022 Mountain Twin

The Jones Mountain Twin is designed as a true twin snowboard, meaning it's symmetrical in shape, flex, and sidecut. This makes it ideal for riders who love to switch things up and ride both regular and goofy with equal prowess. But don't let the 'twin' moniker fool you; this board is much more than just a park performer. It’s built to handle the entire mountain, from groomed runs to powder stashes.

The 2022 model boasts several key features that contribute to its all-mountain versatility. The CamRock profile, combining rocker in the tip and tail with camber underfoot, provides a playful feel while maintaining edge hold and pop. The Directional Twin shape subtly enhances its performance in varied conditions without sacrificing its twin characteristics. Materials like the FSCâ„¢ certified wood core and Basalt Stringers add to its responsiveness and sustainability.

Who is this board for?

This board is perfect for intermediate to advanced riders who want a playful yet powerful board that can handle a variety of terrain. If you enjoy hitting jumps, carving groomers, and exploring off-piste, the Mountain Twin could be your ideal match. It’s also a great choice for riders who want to progress their freestyle skills without being limited to the park.

Key Features and Technologies

Let's get into the nitty-gritty details of what makes the Jones 2022 Mountain Twin stand out:

  • CamRock Profile: The CamRock profile is a game-changer. The rocker in the tip and tail lifts the contact points off the snow, making the board more forgiving and easier to turn. It also enhances float in powder, preventing the nose from diving. The camber underfoot provides the stability and edge hold needed for carving and landing jumps. This combination ensures a balanced ride that’s both playful and responsive.
  • Directional Twin Shape: While it's a twin, the subtle directional shape means the insert packs are slightly set back. This enhances performance in deeper snow and provides a bit more drive on hardpack without compromising the board’s ability to be ridden switch. It's a clever design tweak that adds to its versatility.
  • FSCâ„¢ Certified Wood Core: Jones uses a sustainably harvested wood core that’s both lightweight and responsive. The FSCâ„¢ certification ensures that the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests, making it an environmentally conscious choice. The core provides a lively feel and plenty of pop, enhancing the board's overall performance.
  • Basalt Stringers: Basalt stringers are used to add torsional stiffness and improve the board's responsiveness. These natural fibers are lighter and more eco-friendly than traditional carbon fiber, yet they provide similar performance benefits. They help the board maintain stability at high speeds and improve edge-to-edge response.
  • Sintered 8000 Base: The sintered 8000 base is fast and durable. Sintered bases are more porous than extruded bases, meaning they absorb wax better and glide faster. This base requires regular waxing to maintain its performance, but the speed and durability are well worth the effort.
  • Oversized Recycled Edges: Jones uses oversized recycled edges to enhance durability and impact resistance. These edges are made from recycled steel, reducing waste and minimizing the board's environmental impact. The extra thickness provides added protection against rocks and rails, prolonging the board's lifespan.
  • Progressive Sidecut: The progressive sidecut gradually increases the radius towards the tip and tail, making it easier to initiate and exit turns. This design enhances the board's carving performance and makes it more forgiving in variable snow conditions.
  • Traction Tech 3.0: Jones’ Traction Tech 3.0 features strategically placed bumps along the edges to improve grip on hardpack and ice. These bumps act like serrated edges, providing additional contact points and enhancing edge hold. This technology is particularly useful in icy conditions, giving you the confidence to carve aggressively.

Riding Experience

Alright, let's talk about how this board actually feels on the snow. I had the chance to ride the Jones 2022 Mountain Twin in a variety of conditions, from fresh powder to icy groomers, and here’s what I found:

  • Carving: The Mountain Twin carves surprisingly well for a twin board. The CamRock profile and Traction Tech 3.0 work together to provide excellent edge hold, allowing you to lay down confident turns on hardpack. The board feels stable and responsive, making it easy to initiate and control your carves. Whether you're carving wide, sweeping turns or tight, snappy ones, the Mountain Twin delivers a fun and engaging experience.
  • Jumps: This board is a blast in the park. The twin shape and balanced flex make it easy to ride switch and stomp landings. The CamRock profile provides plenty of pop, allowing you to launch off jumps with confidence. Whether you're hitting small to medium-sized jumps or trying out new tricks, the Mountain Twin is a capable and playful performer.
  • Powder: While it's not a dedicated powder board, the Mountain Twin handles surprisingly well in soft snow. The rocker in the tip and tail helps the board float, preventing the nose from diving. The directional twin shape also enhances its performance in deeper snow, providing a bit more drive and stability. While you might not want to take it out on super deep days, it’s more than capable of handling moderate powder stashes.
  • Versatility: The Mountain Twin truly shines as an all-mountain board. It’s equally comfortable carving groomers, hitting jumps, and exploring off-piste. This versatility makes it a great choice for riders who want a board that can handle a variety of conditions and terrain. Whether you're riding at your local resort or traveling to new mountains, the Mountain Twin is a reliable and fun companion.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear picture, let's break down the pros and cons of the Jones 2022 Mountain Twin:

Pros:

  • Versatile Performance: Excels in various conditions and terrains.
  • Playful and Responsive: CamRock profile offers a balanced feel.
  • Durable Construction: High-quality materials ensure longevity.
  • Eco-Friendly: FSCâ„¢ certified wood core and recycled edges.
  • Great Edge Hold: Traction Tech 3.0 enhances grip on hardpack.

Cons:

  • Not Ideal for Deep Powder: While capable, it's not a dedicated powder board.
  • Requires Regular Waxing: Sintered base needs maintenance for optimal performance.

Alternatives to the Jones 2022 Mountain Twin

If you're not entirely sold on the Jones Mountain Twin, here are a few other boards you might want to consider:

  • Lib Tech Skate Banana: A classic freestyle board with a playful rocker profile and Magne-Traction edges for enhanced grip.
  • Arbor Element Black: A versatile all-mountain board with a setback stance and a medium flex for a balanced ride.
  • Burton Custom Twin: A popular choice for park and all-mountain riding, with a twin shape and a lively flex.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Jones 2022 Mountain Twin? It’s a fantastic all-mountain twin that offers a great balance of playfulness and performance. Whether you're carving groomers, hitting jumps, or exploring off-piste, this board is up to the task. Its durable construction and eco-friendly materials make it a responsible choice, and its versatile design ensures that you'll have fun no matter the conditions.

If you're an intermediate to advanced rider looking for a reliable and versatile board that can handle anything the mountain throws your way, the Jones 2022 Mountain Twin is definitely worth considering. Just remember to keep that base waxed for optimal performance!

Happy shredding, guys! I hope this review helps you make an informed decision. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or experiences with the Mountain Twin.