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PTO Review
We skied them. Here's how they stack up.
These snowboards span 2 categories (Freeride, All-Mountain). Scores reflect each snowboard's intended use — direct comparison across all dimensions may be misleading.
Women's Howler — directional riders from solid intermediate upward who want edge bite and rebound rather than forgiveness - steeps, trees, technical faces, and the natural features on the way down. 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 | Women's Howler | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 8 | 9🏆 |
| Park | 5 | 6🏆 |
| Playfulness | 7🏆 | 7🏆 |
| Forgiveness | 4 | 6🏆 |
| Stability | 8🏆 | 7 |
| Powder | 9🏆 | 5 |
Directional riders from solid intermediate upward who want edge bite and rebound rather than forgiveness - steeps, trees, technical faces, and the natural features on the way down. Lighter or shorter riders who want the full Howler platform in a geometry that actually fits them, and riders who value a short turn radius in tight terrain.
Beginners - 4/5 on full camber gives a passive rider nothing back. Park and switch riders, who belong on a true twin such as the Tweaker 2.0. Riders whose priority is effortless, automatic float from a rockered nose - the Stratos has one and this board does not. Riders with large boots who need a wide platform, because no W size exists in this model. And anyone after a relaxed, low-speed cruiser.
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 Women's Howler is best for directional riders from solid intermediate upward who want edge bite and rebound rather than forgiveness - steeps,. 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 Jones Women's Howler scores highest in Stability at 8/10, 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 CAPiTA Mercury is the most forgiving option with a Forgiveness score of 6/10. It doesn't punish imperfect technique, making it the easiest snowboard to progress on among these.
Not sure? Ask us.