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PTO Review
We skied them. Here's how they stack up.
Men's Stratos — directional, all-mountain riders from intermediate up after a single do-everything deck that keeps them afloat in powder and stays playful and forgiving elsewhere, and who value easy bend and energy over top-end stiffness. Mercury — riders who want a one-board quiver that excels at carving and all-mountain riding but can still hit park features. Check the radar chart below to see where each one wins.
Each row compares all boards on one dimension. 🏆 marks the highest score.
| Dimension | Men's Stratos | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 6 | 9🏆 |
| Park | 3 | 6🏆 |
| Playfulness | 7🏆 | 7🏆 |
| Forgiveness | 7🏆 | 6 |
| Stability | 6 | 7🏆 |
| Powder | 9🏆 | 5 |
Directional, all-mountain riders from intermediate up after a single do-everything deck that keeps them afloat in powder and stays playful and forgiving elsewhere, and who value easy bend and energy over top-end stiffness.
Park, jib, and switch-focused riders — that is a true twin's job. Absolute beginners who want the softest possible learner deck (the medium 3/5 still wants engagement). Riders who hardly ever meet powder and only want to rail hardpack — a board with less taper and more camber carves firm snow better. Experts chasing maximum stiffness and top-end charge for high-speed lines, who should step up to the Flagship (4/5) or Flagship PRO (5/5).
Riders who want a one-board quiver that excels at carving and all-mountain riding but can still hit park features. Speed lovers who want edge hold and stability.
Beginners still learning to link turns. Dedicated park/jib riders — too stiff and directional. Deep powder specialists.
The Men's Stratos is best for directional, all-mountain riders from intermediate up after a single do-everything deck that keeps them afloat in. The Mercury is best for riders who want a one-board quiver that excels at carving and all-mountain riding but can still hit park features. The right choice depends on your primary terrain, ability level, and riding style.
The CAPiTA Mercury scores highest in Stability at 7/10, making it the strongest all-mountain option. It handles groomers, chop, and variable conditions without losing composure, so it's the best single-snowboard choice for riders who want one board for the whole mountain.
The CAPiTA Mercury leads in Carving with a PTO score of 9/10. Its edge grip on hard snow and groomed runs is the strongest in this comparison.
The Jones Men's Stratos is the most forgiving option with a Forgiveness score of 7/10. It doesn't punish imperfect technique, making it the easiest snowboard to progress on among these.
Not sure? Ask us.