My Favorite Backcountry Splitboard: Jones Solution 165

A splitboard that earns the climb and slays the descent.

When it comes to backcountry missions, having the right board underfoot makes all the difference. After logging plenty of vert and more than a few questionable snow conditions, I can confidently say the Jones Solution 165 is my go-to splitboard. It’s not just a board I ride, it’s a board I trust. Here’s why it’s my favorite in the lineup.

Confidence on the Climb

Uphill efficiency is where the Solution really shines. Thanks to its directional rocker profile and long sidecut, the board offers solid skin track grip and reliable edge contact, especially when things get steep or slick.

But what really makes it excel on the skin track is the stiff flex combined with the 3D Contour Base 3.0. The subtle spoon shape at the nose and tail helps it glide more easily in powder while minimizing edge catch. Combine that with its lightweight design and it becomes a total asset on long approaches.

Edge Hold You Can Rely On

Let’s talk edge tech. Jones doesn’t use Magne-Traction. Instead, they use something they call Traction Tech 3.0, and it’s a game changer.

This design adds extra contact points along the sidecut to give you superior edge hold in variable conditions. Whether I’m traversing an icy ridge or making cautious turns in sketchy spring snow, the grip gives me confidence when I need it most.

Rips in All Conditions

Powder day? Crusty refreeze? Wind-scoured slopes? The Solution handles them all with ease.

The directional rocker provides awesome float in soft snow, while the camber underfoot and stiff flex offer responsiveness and control on firm or uneven terrain. It’s the kind of board that never feels out of place, no matter what kind of day you’re riding into.

Built with Purpose

Jones also deserves props for building gear with the planet in mind. The Solution features an eco-plastic topsheet, recycled edges and sidewalls, and bio resin that lowers its environmental impact.

And yeah, it looks pretty sharp too.

Final Thoughts

The Jones Solution checks every box. It climbs with power, holds an edge on sketchy traverses, and rides smooth across all kinds of snow. With the Spark R&D Surge bindings and Karakoram Kohla Ranger skins, it’s the heart of my backcountry setup.

If you’re shopping for a board that feels just as good on the way up as it does on the way down, the Solution is exactly what the name promises.