The Jones Howler represents a modern evolution of full camber design, delivering aggressive performance without the harsh characteristics that plagued traditional camber boards. After extensive testing across multiple seasons, this board has proven itself as a reliable choice for advanced riders seeking powerful response and exceptional pop.
Modern Full Camber Engineering
The Howler's full camber profile extends from tip to tail, but Jones has refined this classic design with contemporary 3D contouring and core profiling. This engineering eliminates the "sticky" contact points that made older full camber boards challenging to maneuver while preserving the explosive pop and edge hold that defines the camber experience.
The board's construction incorporates strategic 3D shaping that allows the camber to cradle riders through turns and landings despite the aggressive profile. This represents a significant advancement over full camber boards from the early 2000s, which lacked these sophisticated blending techniques.
Real-World Performance Characteristics
The Howler delivers exceptional pop that translates directly into spinning power and air time. The tail section provides particularly aggressive response, making it ideal for riders who incorporate spins into their freeride approach or enjoy hitting side hits throughout their runs.
On groomed terrain, the board excels with precise edge control and stability at speed. The full camber profile locks into turns with authority while maintaining predictable behavior across varying snow conditions. Float characteristics remain strong despite the aggressive camber, thanks to Jones' approach to nose shaping and overall board geometry.
Sizing and Feel Considerations
The Howler consistently rides longer than its stated length suggests. The 161cm model feels more like a 171cm board in terms of stability and float, which benefits riders in big terrain but may feel cumbersome in tight situations. Riders should consider sizing down from their typical preference, particularly if they frequently ride technical terrain or prefer quick edge-to-edge transitions.
This extended feel becomes an asset in open terrain and powder conditions, where the board's length provides exceptional stability and float. For Alaska-style big mountain riding, the board's tendency to ride long becomes a significant advantage.
Construction Details That Matter
The nose features more pronounced 3D contouring, creating a forgiving and surfy feel during turn initiation. The tail maintains a more aggressive profile with minimal 3D work, preserving the power and responsiveness that drives the board's spinning capabilities.
The sidecut continues through the tail's lift-off point with subtle 3D contouring that enhances spin initiation without compromising the aggressive character. This design choice supports switch landings while maintaining the board's freeride-focused personality.
Long-Term Durability and Reliability
After extensive use across multiple seasons, the Howler has demonstrated exceptional durability with no reported warranty issues or customer returns. The board maintains its performance characteristics over time, with the full camber profile retaining its pop and responsiveness through extended use.
Shop feedback indicates consistent customer satisfaction, with riders continuing to choose the Howler for subsequent seasons. This reliability extends to the board's construction quality, which holds up well under aggressive riding styles and varying conditions.
The Broader Jones Ecosystem
The Howler represents just one piece of Jones' comprehensive approach to mountain performance. The brand's ecosystem extends beyond snowboards to include splitboards like the flagship Solution and Flagship models for backcountry exploration, as well as essential accessories like the Nomad Pro climbing skins and Further backpacks. Jones also offers a complete line of mountain-focused apparel and protective gear, allowing riders to build a cohesive setup that shares the same design philosophy and attention to detail found in the Howler. This integrated approach means riders can trust that their Jones board bag, beanie, and backpack will deliver the same level of quality and mountain-focused functionality as their snowboard.
Who Should Buy This Board
The Howler suits advanced to expert riders who want aggressive response without compromising float or versatility. Riders who incorporate spins into their freeride approach will appreciate the board's exceptional pop and tail power. The board works well for those seeking a single board solution for resort riding, backcountry exploration, and everything in between.
Big mountain riders will find the board's stability and float characteristics ideal for steep terrain and variable conditions. The full camber profile provides confidence-inspiring edge hold on firm snow while maintaining predictable behavior in powder.
Who Should Skip This Board
Beginner and intermediate riders may find the Howler's aggressive character overwhelming. The full camber profile demands precise technique and can be unforgiving of rider errors. Those who prefer playful, surfy boards or primarily ride park features should consider other options in the Jones lineup.
Riders who frequently navigate tight trees or technical terrain may find the board's tendency to ride long problematic. The 161cm model's extended feel can make quick direction changes more challenging than shorter, more maneuverable options.
The Verdict
The Jones Howler successfully modernizes full camber design for contemporary freeriding demands. Its combination of explosive pop, reliable edge hold, and surprising float makes it a standout choice for aggressive riders seeking versatile performance. The board's proven durability and consistent customer satisfaction reinforce its position as a premium freeride option that delivers on its promises season after season.
Content courtesy of our friends at Riders Lounge
