Jones Hovercraft 2.0 Snowboard: Eco-Friendly Thrills for Powder Lovers!

Jones Hovercraft 2.0 Snowboard: Eco-Friendly Thrills for Powder Lovers!

Get ready to conquer deep powder, steep slopes, and tree-filled trails with the Jones Hovercraft 2.0 Snowboard. This eco-friendly snowboard, crafted by Jeremy Jones, delivers not just sustainability but also unmatched fun and versatility.

Unmatched Performance in Powder

A couple of seasons back, I was in Whistler, British Columbia, gearing up for a day of heli-skiing. I faced a tough decision: stick with my reliable powder board or give the prototype Jones Hovercraft 2.0 a shot. I took a chance and went with the Jones. It was a decision I never regretted. The Hovercraft 2.0 wasn’t just perfect for that heli day; it became my board of choice for the next two years.

Design and Sustainability

The Hovercraft 2.0 is an alternative directional freeride board, ideal for off-piste adventures but also shines on groomers and steep terrains. The original Hovercraft, launched in 2010, was so successful that it remained unchanged for 14 years. The 2.0 version takes the design to the next level, improving its powder float and adding a significant sustainability factor.

Key Features

• 3D Spoon Shape: The 2.0 boasts a more pronounced 3D “spoon” shape at the nose, with 12 mm of bevel compared to 7 mm in the original. This design excels at displacing powder and is less catchy than a standard nose.
• Taper: The new board features a significantly increased taper, with 17 mm compared to 11.5 mm in the original. This makes the board narrower at the tail, enhancing its float in deep powder.
• Channels: Channels under the tail help push snow out the back, similar to the bottom contours of some surfboards, contributing to nearly effortless float.

Personal Experience

As an advanced snowboarder, I tested the 160-cm version of the board. The Hovercraft 2.0 is a unisex board available in a wide range of sizes. I mostly rode it with Salomon Echo Dual Boa boots and Jones Mercury bindings, which provided excellent leverage for keeping the board on edge.

In early February 2025, I had the best-timed trip of my life. I arrived in a region of Japan known as “Snow Country,” just before three back-to-back storms dumped historic amounts of powder. For such conditions, riders usually opt for extremely fishy shapes designed for deep powder. However, the Hovercraft 2.0 exceeded all expectations.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Unbelievable float in powder.
  • Turns nimbly in powder.
  • Performs well on steeps and in trees.
  • Very sustainable.
  • Great for landing drops and jumps in powder.
• Cons:
  • Wider board requires a bit more effort to get on edge.
  • Not a ton of pop for jumps or buttering.
  • Directional, so you can’t ride switch.

Overall, the Jones Hovercraft 2.0 Snowboard is a fantastic choice for those seeking a sustainable, high-performance board that excels in deep powder and various terrains. For more information, visit Jones Snowboards.