Jones Ultra craft 156 SNOWBOARD REVIEW 2016

TESTER: Jeff Bourgault

BOARD: Jones Ultra craft 156

OVERALL IMPRESSION FROM  1 TO 10:  10

OVERALL COMMENTS: The greatest overall, directional board. It’s only limitation is riding switch, and being a swallow tail this is of no concern to the boards’ intended pilot. Carve hard pack and groomed snow with the precision and grip of and alpine racer, thanks in part to mellow magna traction and positive camber between the bindings. The mid-wide width allows for high angle turns without fear of catching toes or heels. Point and shoot through chop and crud with all of the stability and control of a much larger board. Tight trees have never been more of a pleasure. Add bottomless snow to those same trees and the early rise nose keeps you easily afloat and moving along at speed. Popular belief would lead you to believe the Hovercraft is reserved only for powder days. As the name implies, it certainly does “hover” through the deep stuff. However , given the chance, it will change your perspective of what an all-conditions board was meant to be.

RATE THE SHAPE FROM 1 TO 5:     5

SHAPE COMMENT: Mini swallow tail with beveled edges for both function and aesthetics. Love looking down at that wide, blunt nose.

RATE THE FLEX FROM 1 TO 5:     4

FLEX COMMENT: Fairly firm between the bindings and a stiff tail for stability and grip. Softer nose for floaty pow turns.

RATE STABILITY THROUGH TURNS:    5

STABILITY THROUGH TURNS: Begs to be ridden fast. Will bail you out when you need it most.

RATE THE GRAPHICS FROM 1 TO 5:    5

GRAPHICS COMMENT: High marks for both the Ultracraft, with its black fish scale look, as well as the Hovercrafts’ rootsy bamboo.

RATE THE POP/ PLAYFULNESS FROM 1 TO 5:    4

COMMENT ON PLAYFULNESS: Quick slashes and roller Ollies all day long.

RATE FLOAT IN POW IF AVAILABLE FROM 1 TO 5:    5

COMMENT ON FLOAT IN POW: Stay balanced on both feet. The nose will pull you through to the surface.