Is the Jones Explorer Snowboard Worth the Investment for Off-Piste Riding?
If you’re an avid snowboarder, you understand the importance of having the right gear for the job. No matter what type of snowboarding you’re doing, whether it’s park, freeriding, or off-piste riding, having the right snowboard can make all the difference. When it comes to off-piste riding, the Jones Explorer snowboard has been marketed as one of the best options for riders who want a versatile, high-performance board that can handle any terrain. But is the Jones Explorer snowboard really worth the investment? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Jones Explorer snowboard and determine if it is indeed worth investing in for off-piste riding.
What is Off-Piste Riding?
Before we dive into the specifics of the Jones Explorer snowboard, let’s first define what off-piste riding is. Off-piste riding is the term used to describe snowboarding that takes place outside of the designated ski area boundaries. Off-piste terrain can include everything from steep, narrow chutes, to wide-open bowls, and deep powder. Off-piste riding can be incredibly challenging but also incredibly rewarding as it allows riders to explore new terrain and push their limits.
What Makes the Jones Explorer Snowboard Special?
The Jones Explorer snowboard has been marketed as a high-performance board that is designed for off-piste riding. The board is known for its versatility across a wide range of terrain thanks to its hybrid rocker-camber profile, directional shape, and medium flex. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Jones Explorer snowboard special:
Hybrid Rocker-Camber Profile: The Jones Explorer snowboard features a hybrid rocker-camber profile, which means that the board has both rocker and camber sections. This profile allows for excellent float in powder, while still maintaining stability and edge control on hard-pack snow.
Directional Shape: The directional shape of the Jones Explorer snowboard means that the board has a slightly longer nose than tail. This shape helps to make the board more stable at high speeds, making it an ideal option for off-piste riding.
Medium Flex: The medium flex of the Jones Explorer snowboard provides the perfect combination of stability and playfulness. The board is stiff enough to handle high speeds and rough terrain, but still flexible enough to maneuver through tight turns and trees.
Sustainable Construction: Jones Snowboards is committed to using sustainable materials in their boards, and the Jones Explorer snowboard is no exception. The board is made with a FSC certified wood core and recycled ABS sidewalls.
Is the Jones Explorer Snowboard Worth the Investment for Off-Piste Riding?
Now that we’ve looked at what makes the Jones Explorer snowboard special, let’s dive into whether or not it’s worth the investment for off-piste riding.
Versatility Across Terrain
One of the key benefits of the Jones Explorer snowboard is its versatility across a wide range of terrain. The hybrid rocker-camber profile, directional shape, and medium flex make the board an excellent choice for off-piste riding in a variety of conditions. Whether you’re navigating steep chutes or floating through deep powder, the Jones Explorer can handle it all.
Stability and Control
Off-piste riding can be incredibly challenging, and having a snowboard that provides stability and control is crucial. The Jones Explorer snowboard offers excellent stability at high speeds thanks to its directional shape and medium flex. Additionally, the hybrid rocker-camber profile provides excellent edge control on hard-pack snow or icy conditions.
Float in Powder
When it comes to off-piste riding, deep powder is often the name of the game. Fortunately, the Jones Explorer snowboard offers excellent float in powder thanks to its hybrid rocker-camber profile. The rocker sections of the board allow the board to float above the snow, while the camber sections provide stability and control.
Maneuverability
Off-piste riding often requires quick turns and the ability to maneuver through tight trees and other obstacles. The Jones Explorer snowboard provides excellent maneuverability thanks to its medium flex and directional shape. The board is stiff enough to handle high speeds and rough terrain but still flexible enough to make quick turns and navigate through tight spaces.
Sustainable Construction
Another major benefit of the Jones Explorer snowboard is its sustainable construction. Jones Snowboards is committed to using sustainable materials in their boards, and the Jones Explorer snowboard is no exception. The board is made with a FSC certified wood core and recycled ABS sidewalls. If you’re someone who is environmentally conscious, investing in a product that is sustainably made can be a major selling point.
Price
Of course, no discussion about whether a snowboard is worth the investment would be complete without talking about price. The Jones Explorer snowboard falls on the higher end of the price spectrum, with a retail price of $499. While this may seem steep, it’s important to remember that investing in a high-quality snowboard can make all the difference in your riding experience. Additionally, the sustainable construction of the Jones Explorer snowboard may be worth the investment for those who are environmentally conscious.
Conclusion
So, is the Jones Explorer snowboard worth the investment for off-piste riding? Based on the features we’ve discussed, the answer is a resounding yes. From its versatility across terrain to its stability and control, float in powder, maneuverability, and sustainable construction, the Jones Explorer snowboard offers everything you need for an optimal off-piste riding experience.
While the price may be steep, investing in a high-quality snowboard is an investment in your snowboarding experience. The Jones Explorer snowboard is a great option for those looking to explore new terrain and push their limits. So, if you’re in the market for a new snowboard and are considering off-piste riding, the Jones Explorer snowboard is definitely worth the investment.
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