As snowboarders, we all know Jones Snowboards makes bindings that stand out in quality and performance. The brand has built a reputation for producing gear that meets the demands of experienced riders, and .
What makes their bindings so popular is the focus on technology and design that enhance control and comfort on the slopes. They put great attention to detail in terms of flex, response, and compatibility with different riding styles and terrains.
In this guide, we’re going to compare four of Jones’ men’s bindings models: Apollo, Mercury, Orion, and Meteorite. Each model has distinct features tailored to different types of snowboarding.
For instance, the Apollo is known for its stiff flex and precision, making it ideal for technical freeriding. On the other hand, the Mercury has a mid-stiff flex, suitable for a versatile all-terrain experience.
Understanding these nuances is crucial in selecting the right bindings for your riding style – e.g. high-speed stability vs versatile all-mountain performance vs maneuverability in the park.
Here’s a comparative recap of Jones mens’s bindings lineup:
| APOLLO | MERCURY | ORION | METEORITE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Flex Rating | Stiff | Mid-Stiff | Medium-Soft | Medium |
| Ideal For | Technical Freeriding and High-Speed Carving | All-Terrain Freeride and Freestyle | Playful Freeride and Freestyle | Freestyle |
| Riding Level | Expert | Intermediate to Expert | Intermediate to Expert | Intermediate to Expert |
| Terrain | Freeride/Powder, All-Mountain | All-Mountain, Freeride/Powder, Park/Freestyle | All-Mountain, Freeride/Powder, Park/Freestyle | Park/Freestyle, All-Mountain |
| Highback | Flax/Carbon wide-back | Control Flex highback | Progressive Flex highback | Not Specified |
| Rider Feedback | Great for edge control, not compatible with some boots | Comfortable, responsive, issues with toe straps | Light, flexible, strap size issues for smaller boots | Flexible, great for tricks, may lack support for aggressive riding |
See also: Are snowboard bindings important? (from expert riders)
Jones Apollo bindings
The Apollo bindings from Jones Snowboards are for serious snowboarding. They are very stiff, giving you a lot of control when you ride.
They have a special highback made from flax and carbon, which helps you make sharp turns. They use Jones’s SKATETECH technology which makes your movements transfer quickly to your board.
Who are the Apollo bindings for?
These bindings are made for expert riders. If you like riding on tough terrain and need a lot of control and quick response from your board, these bindings are for you.
They’re not the best choice for beginners because they’re very stiff, which can be hard to handle if you’re not used to it.
The Hanger design makes the bindings fit your boots better. You can change the straps and bushings to make the binding feel different, like choosing between Surf mode for a looser feel and Freeride mode for more control.
What terrain are they best for?
The Apollo bindings are best for freeriding and powder snow. They score high for use on all-mountain and on-piste terrains. They’re not the best choice for freestyle or park riding because of their stiffness.
What riders like and dislike about the Apollo
Riders who like the Apollo bindings say they’re great for powder days and high-speed riding. They fit well and transfer energy quickly, which is good for control.
Some riders say they feel like they’re part of the board. But, some riders don’t like the highback design, saying it’s not so durable and doesn’t work well with certain boots.
They also suggest making the ankle strap stiffer and shorter for bigger boots. A few riders find them too stiff, which can be uncomfortable on long rides.
Pros:
- Excellent edge control, particularly praised for technical freeriding and high-speed carving.
- Stiff flex providing maximum response and stability, appreciated by advanced riders.
- Durable and high-quality build, indicating longevity and resilience in tough conditions.
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners, as the stiff flex demands more skill and strength to control.
- Compatibility issues with some boots, especially those with the BOA system, due to highback design interference.
- Potential for discomfort during longer rides or for riders not accustomed to rigid bindings.
See the Apollo bindings on Jones
Jones Mercury bindings
The Mercury bindings are designed for experts who want a binding that’s comfortable yet responsive. They have a medium-stiff flex, making them versatile for different riding styles.
The Control Flex highback supports well and absorbs vibrations. SKATETECH technology in these bindings ensures your movements transfer quickly to the board.
They boast durable, easy-to-adjust triple ratchet asym buckles. The Power Spine ankle strap’s design provides a mix of flexibility and firmness, ensuring a snug fit without sacrificing mobility,
The 3D Flex Fit toe straps adapt dynamically to any boot shape, providing a secure and responsive connection to the board.
Like the Apollo, you can switch between Surf and Freeride modes.
Who are the Mercury bindings for?
These bindings are great for intermediate and expert riders. If you’re looking for a binding that’s not too stiff but still offers good control and response, these are a good choice. They’re especially suited for riders who like a mix of freeride and freestyle snowboarding.
What terrain are they best for?
The Mercury bindings work well on most terrains. They score high for all-mountain and freeride/powder riding and are also good for park and freestyle. This makes them a versatile choice if you like to explore different parts of the mountain.
What riders like and dislike about the Mercury
Riders like these bindings for their nice mix of stiffness and flexibility. They find them responsive, especially in tight situations like tree riding.
The skate tech and bushing points are appreciated for their effectiveness. However, some riders find that the footbed can be uncomfortable and the straps may have issues with fitting certain boot sizes.
Some riders also experienced problems with the ladder getting stuck in the strap and the disc being warped.
Despite these issues, most riders are impressed with their performance and comfort, especially on different types of terrain.
Pros:
- Comfortable for all-day riding, with a flex that’s responsive yet not too stiff.
- Versatile, suitable for all-terrain freeriding and freestyle, making them a great choice for riders who enjoy a mix of styles.
- Easy to adjust, allowing for quick changes in strap length and customization for different riding conditions.
Cons:
- Issues with toe straps have been reported, such as difficulty in fitting certain boot types or sizes.
- Some riders feel the need for more responsiveness, especially when dealing with very aggressive or high-speed riding.
- A few users noted a lack of durability in specific components, like the ratchets or straps, over extended use.
Check out the Mercury here on Jones
Jones Orion bindings
The Orion bindings are great for riders who like a mix of freeriding and freestyle. They have a medium-soft flex, meaning they’re not too stiff. This gives you a good mix of control for freeriding and flexibility for freestyle tricks.
The highback part of the binding is softer at the top and stiffer at the bottom. This design helps you control your board while still letting you move freely.
These bindings are adjustable, letting you switch between a more surf-like feel and a controlled freeride setup.
Who are the Orion bindings for?
The Orion bindings are a good fit if you’re an intermediate or expert rider who enjoys both freeriding and freestyle. They’re a good choice if you prefer bindings that aren’t too rigid, offering a nice balance between control and flexibility.
What terrain is the Orion best for?
The Orion bindings are versatile. They’re good for regular mountain trails (on-piste) and all-mountain riding. They also perform well in powder and are suitable for park and freestyle snowboarding.
If you like to switch up your riding style and terrain, these bindings can keep up.
What riders like and dislike about the Orion
Riders appreciate the Orion bindings for their light weight and comfortable fit. They work well with a variety of boots and are easy to adjust.
Some riders have issues with the size of the straps, especially for smaller boots. Others have noted problems with the toe straps not fitting well on certain boots.
All in all, many riders value the Orion bindings for their adaptability and performance across different snowboarding styles. The bindings make their rides smoother and more enjoyable.
Pros:
- Light and flexible, making them ideal for freestyle and playful riding.
- Good fit with a variety of boots, with straps that are generally comfortable and adaptable.
- Versatile enough for all-mountain riding, powder, and park, providing a well-rounded performance.
Cons:
- Strap size issues, particularly for riders with smaller boots, have been noted.
- Some users reported problems with the highback, like compatibility issues or discomfort during extended use.
- A few riders felt these bindings were not the best choice for very aggressive or technical riding, preferring a stiffer option for such conditions.
See the Orion bindings on Jones
Jones Meteorite
The Jones Meteorite bindings are designed for freestyle snowboarding. They provode a medium flex, so they’re flexible enough for tricks but still give you enough support for riding.
These bindings have a highback design that’s good for both carving and doing tricks. They’re also lightweight, which helps when you’re trying tricks in the park.
The bindings can be adjusted to suit different styles, like a surf-like feel or more control for freeriding.
Who are the Meteorite bindings for?
If you’re into freestyle snowboarding or like to spend a lot of time in the park, the Meteorite bindings are a great option.
They’re also suitable for riders who are at an intermediate or expert level. If you like bindings that aren’t too stiff and offer some flexibility for tricks and jumps, these are for you.
What terrain is the Meteorite best for?
The Meteorite bindings are best for park and freestyle terrain. They can handle jumps, rails, and other freestyle features well. They’re also good for all-mountain riding but might not be the best choice for very steep or technical freeriding where stiffer bindings would offer more control.
What riders like and dislike about the Meteorite
Riders who use the Meteorite bindings often like them because they’re light and flexible, which is great for tricks and jumps in the park.
They also appreciate how the bindings can be adjusted for different riding styles.
Some riders find that these bindings don’t offer enough support for very aggressive or high-speed riding. They might not be the best for riders who spend most of their time on steep, challenging terrain.
But if you love freestyle and want a binding that can handle a variety of tricks, the Meteorite is a solid choice.
Pros:
- Flexible and great for tricks, making them a favorite among freestyle riders.
- Light weight, which enhances maneuverability and comfort, particularly in the park.
- Suitable for various riding styles, with adjustability features that cater to different preferences.
Cons:
- May lack support for aggressive or high-speed riding, as some riders prefer stiffer bindings for such conditions.
- Issues with durability have been raised, particularly concerning the straps and buckles over time.
- Some riders noted a potential for discomfort, especially when used for more demanding or technical rides.
Check out the Meteorite bindings on Jones
Jones bindings technology
Jones has come up with a great combination for snowboarders: Skate Tech bindings and Traction Tech edges. This mix is designed to provide a really good response when you turn and making sure your board grips the snow extremely well.
The Skate Tech bindings take the effort you put in and use it efficiently to steer your board. When you lean forward or backward, the system helps translate that movement straight to your board’s edges. The result is added control when you speed up or slow down.
Traction Tech edges are like a serrated knife. They have three special points on the side of the board that grip the snow tightly. There’s one point in front of each foot and one in the middle of the board. This makes turns easier with added control, including when riding fast.
When you put these two technologies together, it makes a big difference. You feel more connected to your board and confident, regardless of the type of snow you’re on.
The Skate Tech binding’s pivot system means you get more control, less shaking from the board, and you can ride longer without your feet getting tired. Bindings with this technology make your snowboarding better, giving you more power and a smoother ride.
See also: Is My Snowboard Stance Too Wide?