About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the splitboard, which I purchased with my own money in January of 2023.

My take

The Jones Mountain Twin Split is perfect for any experienced snowboarder who is looking for a reliable and fun-to-ride splitboard that will allow them to access the backcountry with ease.

About the splitboard I own

• Model: 2022 Jones Mountain Twin Split
• Size: 159 cm

About me

• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 165 lbs
• Experience : 20+ years of snowboarding, 5+ years of splitboarding

Test conditions

• When I bought these: January 2022
• Days tested: 6
• Mount position: 12, -9 set back 1 inch
• Boots: 2021 Salomon Launch SJ
• Boot Size: 11
• Bindings: 2018 Spark Arc bindings
• Where I’ve used it: Colorado, Vermont
• Terrain: High Alpine, Powder

How it performs

What I was looking for

This was the third splitboard I’ve purchased; my first two (Never Summer Swift 162, Rossignol Sashimi 156) were more directional and less traditionally shaped. I was looking for a board that had a classic shape but offered the newest technology and construction.

Why I chose this gear

I specifically chose the Jones Mountain Twin Split because of its traditional, directional-twin shape and because of all the technology that Jones includes in their splitboards. In my opinion, I get more for my money with Traction Tech and a Contour 3d base on Jones boards. Since I ride the Jones Ultra Mountain Twin in a 159 solid, the splitboard in the same size was the only board I was considering at the time. However, I am looking into the Hometown Hero Splitboard from Burton as my next piece of gear.

What I love about it

• Speed: The directional twin shape and 7/10 flex on the Jones Mountain Twin Split allows this board to fly down the mountain and remain stable through every turn. And its Sintered 8000 base further allows it to remain in the front of the pack.
• Edge hold: Traction Tech edges keep the rails on the Mountain Twin Split locked in at all times. The bumps added with the Traction Tech provide grip on icy or hard-pack terrain by cutting into the snow to provide a locked-in feeling. Add in a mostly camber profile for great edge hold and control.
• Turns: Contour Base 2.0 built into the nose and tail on the Jones Mountain Twin Split creates easy turn initiation. The Contour base is shaped like the hull of a boat, which pushes snow to the side of the board—allowing it to rock easily edge to edge. The rocker in the nose and tail also help initiate turns, allowing the Mountain Twin Split to turn like a dream.
• Powder: The Contour Base 2.0 not only helps with turn initiation but also keeps the Jones Mountain Twin Split floating in powder. The 3D base is designed to drive this splitboard through fresh snow—keeping the nose floating and the rider on top.
• Trees: A more traditional shape allows this board to feel more nimble in the trees. It feels like a classic snowboard versus something very wide or directional, which can be harder to turn in tight areas.
• Backcountry: The Jones Mountain Twin Split is one of the best backcountry tools I’ve got in my quiver. My favorite feature that sets this splitboard apart from its competitors is the wavy edge in the center of the board. The wave allows the two skis to stay in place while riding downhill, and also provides some extra traction when ascending.
• Weight: Jones is known for making light snowboards, and that trend continues with their splitboards. The Mountain Twin Split is comparably lighter than some of the other splitboards I have got on, which saves energy when hiking up the mountain.
• Switch riding: The Directional Twin shape on the Jones Mountain Twin Split makes this option more favorable for riding switch in the backcountry. The splitboard has the same shape, nose and tail, just slightly directional with the recommended binding mount. Set it forward for a true-twin stance.
• Stability: The camber profile throughout most of the Jones Mountain Twin Split creates a stable ride that is loaded with pop and absorbs any chatter or uneven terrain. The camber mold makes this board feel springy when getting on some harder surfaces. In softer snow, that camber shape absorbs energy and creates a more snappy feel, which is easy to throw around and is ideal for sending those backcountry freestyle tricks into some soft snow.
• Other: The Karakoram Ultra Clips 1.0 compliment a great splitboard out of the plastic. They are high quality and durable just like the product. Jones also precuts their skins to fit their boards, which is a nice, little bonus.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Groomers: This board is designed to be ridden in the backcountry and can feel a bit awkward compared to a traditional snowboard. With the center edge, things can feel a bit catchy on hardpack or groomed snow.
• Park: The Jones Mountain Twin Split will outshine most splitboards when it comes to hitting a backcountry jump, but for riding rails or taking park laps, there are better options than riding a splitboard.
• Durability: The topsheet on the Jones Mountain Twin Split is not the highest quality when it comes to durability. It’s almost a softer-type material that cuts easily with edge contact. When touring, the two skis do collide and cause some damage, which is a given, but after only a handful of missions did I notice some more wear and tear to the splitboard.
• Other: The Karakoram tip and tail clips, different from the Ultra Clips 1.0, seem to come loose and are not the most reliable. Upgrading those might make a difference down the line.
• Any workarounds?: I believe the Jones Mountain Twin Split could be a bit stiffer. Ideally, there would be an Ultra Mountain Twin Split available that is even lighter, more responsive, and higher quality all around, but that does not currently exist.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite moment with the Jones Mountain Twin Split was hitting this slide path that is up the hill from where I live. I have been eyeing this line for years, and it never seemed to hold snow like it did this season. I went out there after a big storm and scored one of the most memorable lines this past season. Check out some of the action shots from that line.

Value for the money vs. other options

Getting into splitboarding is not an easy entry fee, as the gear adds up quickly. The reason I think the Jones Mountain Twin Split is one of the better options on the market is because of the added features like a Contour Base and Traction Tech. Similarly, the Jones Frontier Splitboard is a bit more affordable and comes with Traction Tech, but does not have a Contour Base. The Jones Solution is a more premium option that is a bit lighter in weight and has a deeper Contour base with a more directional freeride shape. Going even lower budget, the Rome Uprise has a similar profile and is great for any rider who is looking for an affordable splitboard that they can access the backcountry with.

Final verdict

Jones makes some of the best snowboards for riding in powder—especially when it comes to accessing the backcountry. The Mountain Twin Split 159 has a special spot in my quiver, since I ride the Ultra Mountain Twin 159 as my daily driver. It’s perfect to transition over to when the fresh snow in the backcountry is calling my name.