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Positives
- Carves Much Harder Than The Old Surf Rocker Model
- Much more well rounded ride
Negatives
- Not the same float as the surf rocker
- Can get slightly cranky in hard uneven snow
Summary
The Jones Mind Expander 2023-2025 doesn’t have the float that it used to, but it turns so much better and is now a much more well-rounded board than before.Update 2025: The Jones Ultra Mind Expander did not change in 2024 or 2025 so this 2023 Review still stands.
Where To Buy
No obligation, but these links support the site.
Jones
evo
Christy Sports
Blauer Board Shop
Tactics
Stoked Board Shop
BlueTomato Belgium
BlueTomato France
BlueTomato Sweden
BlueTomato Denmark
PRFO Sports Canada
Riding Style | Alternative Freeride |
Riding Level | Advanced - Expert |
Fits Boot size (US) | < 8, 8-10, 10-12 |
Manufactured in | Dubai by SWS |
Shape | Tapered Directional |
Camber Profile | Continuous Rocker |
Stance | Centered |
Approx. Weight | Feels Normal |
Split | Comes in split |
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On Snow Feel | |
Turn Initiation | |
Skidded Turns |
Flex | |
Buttering | |
Edge Hold |
Where To Buy
No obligation, but these links support the site.
Jones
evo
Christy Sports
Blauer Board Shop
Tactics
Geartrade
Stoked Board Shop
BlueTomato Belgium
BlueTomato France
BlueTomato Sweden
BlueTomato Denmark
BlueTomato Finland
BlueTomato Italy
BlueTomato UK
BlueTomato Netherlands
BlueTomato Austria
BlueTomato Germany
BlueTomato Spain
SnowCountry
PRFO Sports Canada
Jones Mind Expander Written Review Review by The Good Ride
Jones Mind Expander 2023-2025 Snowboard Review- How it rides and who it is for
How It Was Tested
Davey and I rode the Jones Mind Expander a lot on its own but also tested it the same day with the Cardiff Powgoda, Jones Ultra Mind Expander, and other freeride boards. We liked it so much that Davey asked to keep it (We only do this with favorites).
Size: 154 & 162
Days: 15+
Conditions: Everything from pretty deep powder to varied spring conditions. Also, some early morning slackountry time with Drift Boards
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs), Davey (Size 12, 6’4” 240lbs)
Boots: Burton Kendo, Burton Ion,
Insoles: F.I.T. Gamechangers
Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Force, Jones Christiansen bindings.
Jacket: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Tusk Jacket, Volcom Guide Jacket, Burton Gore-Tex 3L Treeline Jacket, Jones Peak Bagger Jacket.
Pant: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Hover Pant, Burton AK Gore-Tex 2L Swash Pant, Burton Gore-Tex Ballast Pant
Helmet: Smith Maze
Goggle: Smith 4D Mag
Gloves: Burton AK Guide Glove, Burton AK Clutch Mitt, Burton AK Tech Leather Glove, Burton AK Tech Glove, CG Habitats Work Glove, Drop Tahoma Mitt
Similar Boards (but not the same): Gentemstick Mantaray 156, Yes Hybrid, Lib Tech Orca, Never Summer Harpoon, Yes Hybrid, Ride Psychocandy, Korua Transition Finder, Weston Backwoods, Cardiff Powgoda, Jones Ultra Mind Expander
Set-Up:
James 21.5” Wide. Stance Angles +18/-3, +18/+3, +24/+6, Close to Reference and Set all the way back.
Davey 23” Wide. Stance Angles +18/+3, +24/+6, Close to Reference and Set all the way back.
Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews and this is our unfiltered opinion. We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.
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Approximate Weight
(We don’t put in the exact weight because, with wood cores, there is no consistency in a boards weight)
Sizing
The Jones Mind Expander didn’t fit me super well in a 154. It felt a little too small and chattery for my 185lbs. The 162 was a little small for Davey (specs above), but it worked. I think the 166 would be perfect for Davey, and the 158 would be much better for me, but I might prefer a 156 if they made one. One thing to note is the tail is pretty narrow on this so there isn’t as much width for the back foot as there is the front.
Here are some ideal US boot sizes for these boards. You can, of course, go bigger or smaller, but these work best for not turning the board slower than it should be and not having the dreaded Toe & Heel Drag.
146: 6-7
150: 7-8
154: 8-9
158: 9-10
162- 10-11
166- 11-12
For weight, I would stay close to the Jones recommended weight ranges. However, if it comes down to boot size or weight, ensure it fits your boot first and then your weight a close second.
Shape/Camber/On Snow Feel/Ability Level
The tapered shape definitely likes more back foot weight, but it doesn’t feel super set back on board. It is in between traditional freeride boards that ride a little more centered and some alternative freeride boards that ride more set back towards the tail.
The new camber profile is a real change-up for the Jones Mind Expander’s old surf rocker. You now have camber going from pretty much the tail to well past the front inserts. It detracts from the float in pow but really adds a groomer dimension to this ride that wasn’t there before. You have a pretty stable ride underfoot, and the lifted sides on the spoon nose aren’t felt by groomers. Even with all this camber, it isn’t that catchy and can easily skid a turn if you get off your game. I love the consistent feel in hard snow and how the spoon nose comes into play to make the turning experience more fun in powder without throwing you off your game when it does.
Flex Personality
The flex is pretty stiff from the tail to the front inserts with the Jones Mind Expander, and it isn’t super easy to butter off the tail. The nose is medium and flexes pretty easily, but buttering off the spoon nose isn’t easy on groomers, and it slips out on ya. In powder, it does just fine. There is a lot of pop, and it feels more lively underfoot than the old surf rocker model. The Ultra Mind Expander is a little more poppy, but it is also chattery. So, it is a trade-off between the two when it comes to dampness vs. poppyness. I found that both are pretty cranky in hard, micro-bumpy, uneven snow. The Ultra is worse, though.
Speed
The base glide on the Jones Mind Expander is soo fast and also easy to repair. The Ultra is a little faster, but both are excellent shades. The Mind Expander isn’t a Hovercraft or Flagship but it can point it pretty well for how turny it is.
Edge Hold
The Jones Mind Expander has pretty good edge hold, and I felt both boards to be very competent in smooth, hard snow. In harder, bumpy snow, you have to dial back your riding, but it grips.
Turning Experience/Carving
Man, what an improvement with the new camber profile compared to the older Jones Mind Expander. I could lay into it hard, and it gave a fun spring back out of every turn. The turning experience is more on the turny side but still is pretty balanced for those who like more down-the-line turns. The new camber profile really changes up the ride.
Powder
The camber profile makes turning much more fun, but it detracts from the float vs. the old Mind Expander. The old Mind Expander had a ton of rocker well before the spoon nose and a good bit in the tail. That really made it float like a dedicated pow board. This is no longer a dedicated pow board, but it still has a very competent float and a decent set back on board of -4.25” at a 21.75” stance width for the 154 and -4.75” back at a 22.75” stance width for the 162. It took a little more work in deep powder, but it was still a pretty great float. We got everything from a few inches to over 2 feet.
Conclusion
With the Jones Mind Expander 2023-2025, you lose a little float, but you get a better all-around turning experience. This rounds out the ride and makes it a good tapered directional daily driver.
Jones Mind Expander Past Reviews
2018-2021 Jones Mind Expander Review
Turn On/Swipe Right: Amazing low to semi-steep angle pow rider. Unsinkable. Solid edge hold for a pow rider. Fun for almost everything but carving on groomers.
Turn Off/Swipe Left: Not much. Wide reference stance.
Summary
The Jones Mind Expander gives you unbelievable directional float, an incredibly fast base, a super quick turner and It’s even pretty fun on groomers. . We have had up to 4 feet plus of powder on this and it still didn’t feel topped out.
Ethics Statement: We don’t do reviews in exchange for compensation from the manufacturer. No one is perfect but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders perspective.
How This Review Happened: We spent our precious Good Ride dollars to buy the 154. Then we liked it so much we asked for a 158
Size: 154 (2018 & 2019) and 158 (2019 & 2021)
Days: 20+
Conditions: Everything from a little powder and groomers to a few light, fluffy powder days to a few thick wet powder days and an early morning slackountry time with Drift Boards 4+ feet in some places.
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 180-190lbs),Peter (Size 8, 5’11” 185lbs), Grant (Size 11 6’ 160lbs) and others
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV, Burton SLX, Burton Ion
Insoles: Sandsole Custom Insoles, Footprint Insole Technology Gameghangers Low Profile
Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Strata, Union Falcor, Union Superpro, Burton Genesis X
Set Up: 22.5” a little wide or narrow of reference stance to set all the way back 15 front -3 back. 22″ wide 21 front 0 back. 22″ wide 24 front +6 back and set almost all the way back. 21.5″ wide 24 front and +
Similar Boards (but not the same) That We Compared This To:
Capita Spring Break 158 Powder Glider, Capita Spring Break 161 Tree Hunter, Jones Storm Chaser, Gentemstick Mantaray 156, Korua Dart, Korua Pencil, Rome Pow Division MT (153 and 157),
Jones Ultra Mind Expander, Jones Flagship, Never Summer West Bound, Rossignol XV, Lib Tech BRD, Lib Tech Lost Round Nose Fish
Approximate Weight: It feels like it is on the light side of the medium.
Flex
Pretty stiff.
Buttering
It’s super easy to butter either way, and you wouldn’t think so when flexing it in the shop.
Sizing
The tail is much more narrow than the nose so it isn’t ideal for bigger feet. So don’t use the waist width to size up here. After size 10US be very careful with the size you choose. Take a look at my size 9 feet on the 158 I own in the way I set up my stance just so you can get a general idea. This isn’t perfect because bindings aren’t mounted but it shows the difference between the width of the front vs. back foot.
For my specs, 154 feels like almost the perfect tree cheetah and is one of the fastest turning boards I’ve come across. However, it does feel a little small in deep open terrain or as my dedicated powder ride. The 158 feels like too much board and is a little too big for my boot size but its glorious in deep powder. The 158 is still super quick in the trees and it’s not much slower turning than the 154. If they made a 156 that would probably be the perfect size for my specs but of the two sizes.
Here are some ideal US boot sizes for these boards. You can of course go bigger or smaller like Jones suggests but these work best for not turning the board slower than it should be and not having the dreaded Toe & Heel Drag.
146: 6-7
150: 7-8
154- 8-9
158: 9.5-10.5
162: 10-11
166: 10.5-12
Shape/Camber/On Snow Feel
The Jones Mind Expander is kind of loose and atypical compared to most Jones hybrid camber boards. There is a little flat between the feet but it still can auto spin a bit one footing off a chair. Still it is more stable than continuous rocker. It is Incredibly easy to skid a turn and it is really forgiving. It isn’t the first board I would suggest for a beginner intermediate but they could for sure ride it.
Edge Hold
There isn’t as much sidecut disruption as many of the other Jones Boards but it still grips really well without grabbing in softer snow at all. Having a mostly powder board with grip isn’t a bad idea. Especially if you ride in windy areas that can expose ice in some places and wind load powder in others. With the Jones Mind Expander you can hold your edge in hard snow to get to the powder.
Turn Initiation
The 154 Jones Mind Expander, for my specs, is super quick. Quicker than quick but doesn’t feel twitchy or hookey. Just fun and fast. It’s one of the most nimble tree boards I’ve ever ridden. The 158 is a little slower for my specs, but not by much. Both are great for slanting through trees and making it easy to change direction.
Turning Experience
So the Jones Mind Expander can make some super fun turns on groomers, but as you get into more committed turns or wider radius turns, it’s a little less interesting. If you just want something to have fun making quick turns, slash things, and not really get too aggressive on the carving side, this does great, and it’s a real added bonus for a powder board. I can see why Jones marked this as not just a powder board; it’s not bad at all for groomers. However, if you want to sacrifice some float for camber, the Jones Ultra Mind Expander is the better call, as it turns much better on groomers.
Carving
The Jones Mind Expander is better than you would think for carving, but you want the Jones Ultra Mind Expander for that. The Mind Expander can carve, but it hurries you up through the turn and doesn’t have that satisfying spring out of it. The Ultra Mind Expander has a much more satisfying carve.
Speed
The Jones Mind Expander isn’t going to blow minds, and the nose does chatter. It’s super far from being something like the Ultra Mind Expander or Flagship, but in powder, you can point it without it being super sketchy. The one thing, though, is the base is super fast. It’s one of the fastest bases I’ve tried in this price range, and it glides incredibly well. The 158 really keeps its speed well, and I often had to check my speed on cat tracks, which I would normally have to straight line to get through. It builds momentum fast. So, it’s not that great for dampness at speed, but when it comes to base glide, it’s a Spinal Tap 11 out of 10.
Uneven Terrain
I could weave in and out of moguls all day with the Jones Mind Expander. It’s so easy to turn through bumps. I like the Mind Expander over the Storm Chaser because it doesn’t buck around as much when there are bumps below the powder. I think the extra tail length helps it keep its line better, whereas the Storm Chaser can sometimes bounce you right out of your line.
Powder
The Jones Mind Expander is one of the floatiest rides for its shape. It has more tail than the Storm Chaser but still has that crazy nose rocker. You can ride centered and even lean a little forward if you want. I could even lean forward in 2′ of powder on the 154, and I didn’t go cartwheeling. The 158 takes it up to another level, and, although it picks up speed almost too fast. It handled 4′ four-plus feet of powder with no problem and got me out of one of those dreaded long flat traverses where others had to unstrap and struggle in almost chest-deep powder to get out. The Storm Chaser has an easier float for its size, but the Mind Expander can handle an average resort powder day massively better because it doesn’t buck and bounce you around when it gets tracked up.
When setting the 158 all the way back at 22.8″, the setback from the center of the board is just about 5.25″, which is very far back and 3″ back on a 23.6 Reference Stance. Lots of powder boards can be set further back, but the Jones Mind Expander has that massive unsinkable rocker in the nose. The lifted sides really make this roll easily into a turn-in powder. This is one of the first boards I’ll grab when it’s super deep.
Switch
It’s very doable but not ideal. You can land a switch, and it’s better than many super-directional powder boards.
Jumps
There is a good bit of pop, and unlike the Storm Chaser, there is a little more tail for landings with the Jones Mind Expander.
Pipe
I like the edge hold enough, and I did take it into the pipe. It was super forgiving and fun, but it is not ideal for those who like the drive camber can give you going from wall to wall.
So, to sum it all up, the Jones Mind Expander is the choice for people who love to make super quick turns in the deep and want some of the easiest floats out there at the time I write this. The more I compare the 154 and 158 to other boards, the more this ride impresses me.
2019 Review
Here is a bevy of comparisons we have done with the Jones Mind Expander 154 and 158.
Jones Mind Expander 158 compared to the Capita Spring Break Powder Glider 158
Jones Mind Expander 154 vs. 158.
Jones Mind Expander compared to the Capita Spring Break Tree Hunter 161
Here is a comparison between the Jones Mind Expander 158, Gentemstick Chaser HP, Rossignol Sashimi, Rome Powder Division 153 and Yes Optimistic 151
Here is a detailed review and comparison of the Jones Mind Expander 154, Rome Powder Division 157, and Rossignol Sushi.
The 2019 and 2020 Jones Mind Expander are pretty much the same rides. They both have a carbon fiber strip throughout the center of the board, giving it a little more long-term snap/resiliency and a slightly updated core. It still has a very similar ride to the 2018 model. In addition to the minor tweaks, they now offer sizes starting at 146 and going up to 166. Some of this review has been updated for 2020 to reflect what is out there now, but overall, what we said about the 2019 model we own still stands.
The 2019-2020 Jones Mind Expander production model is just as stiff (maybe a touch stiffer) as the 2018 model, so disregard what we talked about regarding the softness of the demo model we tried.
2018 Review
Size: 154
Days: 10+
Conditions: Spring Groomers and practically perfect light fluffy Mt. Bachelor Powder.
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-195lbs), Peter (Size 8, 5’11” 185lbs)
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV, Adidas Acerra,
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers, Footprint Insole Technology Gameghangers Low Profile
Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Superpro with team ankle straps (similar to the contact but with taller straps), Burton Genesis
Set Up: 22.5” Centered 15 front -16back
After getting the Storm Chaser in some deep, thick Sierra snow, this similar rocker and directional float changed my perceptions of how a board can float in powder.
The Mind Expander, in my humble opinion, takes it a step further than the Storm Chaser in the deep stuff. This floats like a much bigger board and turns like a board it’s size or even smaller.
Even though I’d much rather ride the Hovercraft on most groomer days, this wasn’t that bad at all, and I will say I wish the Hovercraft turned as quickly as the Mind Expander.
Jones Mind Expander Specs
Jones Mind Expander Images
We try to get as many images of the Jones Mind Expander, but forgive us if they're not all there.
2023
2021
2020
2019
2018
Jones Mind Expander User Reviews
Meh... Not bad, but still feels a little underpowered on deep powder days
2022 Mind Expander 158: Hate to go the other way on this, but not crazy about this board. Don't get me wrong it's a very fun board that's good in powder, but I'm not sure it's really what I would deem a true powder board. That's coming from someone who already owns a Jones Storm Chaser and has ridden a bunch of days on very specialized dedicated powder boards like the Gemtemstick Barracuda, so weigh my remarks accordingly. If you usually ride a narrow, heavily cambered, double-ender park board the Mind Expander will probably exceed your expectations as a powder board. If your daily driver is offset directional free ride board with a healthy dose of rocker that is already pretty good in one to two feet of fresh powder then the Mind Expander is likely to leave you wanting. The Mind Expander is more nimble than my Storm Chaser in the trees and it is definitely easier to ride and less bucky in tracked-out, uneven conditions... but thanks to the groovy surf rocker bottom contours it is still is shit on ice and feels nervous and chattery if you want to bomb downhill. I rode my brand-new Mind Expander after a huge storm that dumped about four feet of snow and I can say it does indeed have a top-end, and it's well south of four feet. I got stuck and had to boot out several times when I thought I shouldn't, even after adjusting my stance way back. I think this is a board for soft snow and powder days... but probably like two feet of fresh or less. If you want a board that is truly unsinkable on a gentle grade in the snorkel deep snow, I believe you need a wider board. That said this Mind Expander should be an excellent quiver addition for a rider that wants a fun, groovy, surf-bottom board that is decent in less than perfect untracked powder, but don't set your exceptions too high regarding the float and pow-ship potential of this board, it's trying to do a lot of things well and of course that involves some trade-offs. I suggest dropping at least half a star from this board's powder rating. No way the Mind Expander is in the same league with the Storm Chaser or the Barracuda.
Unsinkable
After failing to find board-for-all that will also be perfect for powder I decided to have mind expander as a powder-specific board and it blew my mind. Last trip I had 2 powder days (70 cm + 40 cm), I tried to push my regular limits in powder every ride and couldn't find new ones. Two things that impressed me most - how unsinkable it is and how fast you could turn even in very tight tunnels. I did ride it on pistes couple of days and it was not so bad excepting icy conditions. My other skate banana was way better with full magne-traction on.
Mind Expander 166
Continuation of my last review. I paired this up with the Union Falcor. Amazing Board!
Where To Buy
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