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New Rider: Jones Aviator 2015

3K views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  aaronhunter 
#1 ·
Hello mates!

I am a brand new rider and wanted to get an honest opinion on a recent board, bindings and boot purchase. (Jones Aviator 2015-162cm, Burton Cartels sz.M 2015, DC Judge boots sz.10.5 2015) I have never snowboarded in my life, but I am a quick learner, and like to think of myself as very athletic. I stand 6' 185lbs. with a muscular build.

Basically, I want some feedback on more experienced riders regarding the board set-up that I have. I am fully aware that what I chose is an advanced-expert set-up and I am a newby rider. With that said, I have skied my entire life, or roughly 20 years, skateboarded as a youth and dabbled in surfing here on the EC. I fully understand the concept of turning, edges, camber, flex, stiffness and so on.

This past weekend I learned to snowboard for the first time. It was AWESOME! Had I only given it a chance years ago. I am hooked to say the least. Never to ski again! I payed for a private lesson at the resort, and by the end of the day I was linking turns pretty darn well. The second day I was charging groomed runs and getting pretty aggressive.

I was on a loaner board (Rossi-Sultan 150 w/ Burton Customs. I noticed that the board was definitely holding me back. It was unstable and inhibited me from really laying into it without loosing edge or getting shady. After 3days I was determined to buy my own rig. Once home, I did some heavy research and my girlfriend thought I was possessed and obsessed. So here is my question to you guys...

I have yet to ride this set-up, and am a bit nervous that I got in over my head. I know that I will most likely be charging hard lines, riding long cruisers and carving hard, and the occassional steep techy runs with little to some air; as I did when I skied. This board seemed like the way to go. But remember I am still a beginner having only riden 3 days.

Please tell me your honest thoughts. I hope I made the right choice and shouldn't have opted for a entry level set-up. I know this reads like a silly forum entry, but I may not have another chance to ride this BEAST untill next season, so the issue will be weighing on my brain all year long without you guy's help. I appreciate all the input ladies and gents!

Your friend,
A-ron
 
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#2 ·
I have an ultra aviator but have ridden the regular aviator. The UA is just lighter same response and a little less dampening.

The aviator is an amazing board, perfect SIDECUT and effective edge. Only facet I find is that the base bevel, as subtle as it is gets a little sketchy at 45+ mph.
 
#4 ·
I'm running a 2015 Jones Aviator, 160cm.

I'm 5'10", 205lbs. I'm a HARD groomer charger, I don't usually see people going faster than me, ever.

I don't agree that the board gets sketchy above 45mph, my average groomer speed is probably 40-45mph nearly everywhere I've rode it so far this season.

Top speed is 76.4mph this past weekend in Snowshoe. Felt great.
 

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#5 ·
New Rider: Jones Aviator

Board length was a big factor in my decision, and this feedback is terrific. Thank you for your input. The Jones website put me in the 162cm length, but after reading more about the board and watching youtube reviews, it has me wondering (and worrying) that maybe the 162cm was a bit too ambitious and maybe consideration for a shorter lenght i.e. 160cm would have made a big difference in overall user enjoyment and progression. From your experience, do you see any major or minor advantages/disadvantages with the length I have chosen based on my specifications; rider wieght, hieghth, experience, and application? Basically, will 2cm really make that much difference considering these parameters? Thanks again! This is very interesting...
 
#6 ·
New Rider: Jones Aviator

Update: I am actually going to ride this board for the first time as a newby (with said experience and practical appliction) next weekend. I couldn't wait till next season, so i booked a couple days at my local resort (Beech Mountain, N.C.). That said, I will follow up for this post on resort conditions, userability, performance observations, etc. Keep any input, opinions, and experiences coming in. Thanks again!
 
#10 ·
There isn't a single board on the market that a first time snowboarder can't ride. Some boards will make it easier but honestly at your skill level you simply wont notice to begin with.

Work on your technique and you'll be fine.
 
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