Test Jones Snowboards The Solution Split 2015

Very nice weekend trying out 2016 boards, bindings and gear up at Cauterets. Icy conditions made for a stern judge to seperate the good from the bad and the ugly.
As far as splitboards go I tried some Amplid, Burton and Jones boards and I narrowed down my two favourites to be the Jones ultracraft 156 and the solution 161.
The ultracraft had a very smooth carve to it with instant pop on demand and gave more confidence to push hard even in thin powder. Jones make a carbon version, I guess to compensate for the split bindings extra weight and was told it's better for climbing but may be a bit sensitive with a hard nose on the way down. You also probably need a sugar mama to buy one of these for you at a cool €1100 for nothing but plank.
The solution (€600 plank) was more versatile/responsive being a twin tip but lacked that beautiful pop of the ultracraft and did not seem to hug the mountain as much but still better than the rest and almost gave you a warning before you were going over. Both boards felt forgiving on bumpy terrain and compared to the shitastic wedze (that i am now stoking i my fireplace) I instantly felt like a better rider. I vaguely remember the bindings being karakoram and quite easy to mount.
The ultracraft is, in my opinion the better ride but if you're doing tree runs and a few stunts i would lean towards the solution. If I had the money I would buy the ultracraft. and the solution.and a sherpa. And a hot tub. And...
Well thats my 2 cents worth and I am by no means a pro or a blogger but that how i felt using these boards I would love to try them in the conditions that they're bred for.