Board: Jones Mind Expander
Size: 154
Camber Option: Christenson Surf Rocker. Huge amount of rocker in the nose that starts just inside the insert pack as well as rocker in the tail that starts just inside that insert pack. Flat between the feet.
Bindings: K2 Indy
Stance: 21.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy
Boots: K2 Thraxis Size 10
My Weight: 188lbs
Resort: Copper Mountain
Conditions: A few inches of fresh snow, puking heavy snow, warmer temps, low visibility, and zero winds.
Flex: Due to the abundance of rocker in the tip it gives a slight deception that it’s soft. It’s not, it’s just past a middle of the road flex ebbing more towards slightly stiffer than there. There’s an abundance of torsional flex which makes it nimble in the trees and playful underfoot. The tail is a little stiffer than the nose, but a lot of this is due to having a smaller rocker zone.
Stability: In really rutted out moguls and chunder you get bucked around a little bit. There’s a bit of flap in the nose at high speeds due to the rocker. Underfoot though is a different story it’s damp yet lively. So you do feel a little bit of the micro vibrations but not enough to fatigue you. Busting through wind loaded snow this board is a dream.
Ollies/Pop: The style of rocker in this board gives it a lot of skate pop. You don’t have to load it up and can still get optimal boost. This board is designed to charge into a sidehit or off a powder popper and send you. If you really want to load it up then you can expect some big results.
Butterability: While most people would look at the set back of this and think it’s not a board they should butter, you can. The big flat blunted spatula shaped nose really lets you get over it in powder. The torsional flex is just right that the board won’t fight you and you can press into the deck and hold it.
Carving: Sometimes you have to get on a groomed run at a resort when going between powder stashes. That happened with this board and I found myself setting a deep edge in the snow. Whether doing short quick turns or long drawn out carves this board held an edge perfectly.
Rider in Mind: Someone that’s going to ride more powder than a groomer, but still needs a deck that can handle whatever the resort throws at them.
Personal Thoughts: Taking the Hovercraft and the Mountain Twin and combining them into one is what this board is about. Well guess what? It works. This thing is amazing for riding pow and blasting off side hits. In the trees it’s quick and nimble, yet still gives you float when in an open pow field. The slightly spooned nose aids in keeping speed in deeper snow as it acts like a hull and funnels the snow out. Over all this board did expand my mind.
Comparable Boards: Flow Enigma, Lago Open Road, Ride Alter Ego
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126 Comments
Just curious. There isn’t a review of a Flow Enigma on your site. Kevin rode one (on the internet forums), and you rode an Open Road (Your list of comparable boards at the end of this review). Are you comparing on general characteristics (based on both of your impressions)? Or did you ride one? Am looking into an Enigma is why I am asking. Just looking for your feedback on an Enigma. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
Review hasn’t dropped yet. Enigma sucks get a Mind Expander.
Right to the point…. thanks!
This or Sushi?
Mind Expander
Hello,
I am thinking getting a Mind Expander 2019 next year.
Have you had a chance to demo it?
Do you think the added carbon in the nose will benefit a lot?
My local shop will always get me a 15% discount but I could also grab this year model at a 30% discount.
I see you tested the 154. I am about the same weight (84kgs) but based on Jones weight rating I would go for the 158. What is your view on this?
For now I would like to get some bindings at end of season sale.
Jones would obviously advised some Now (Pilot maybe) and the skate tech looks interesting. But i am looking mostly at the Union Falcor or K2 Lien AT.
Which one should I go for?
Sorry for the long message.
Thanks a lot for your help and all the reviews!!
All the best,
Franck
According to the local rep there really isn’t a difference in the ride. Get what size you want. Well it’s designed to work with the Now bindings so that’s always a good option.
Thanks a lot!!
I think I may just grab this season model of the Mind Expander then.
Drive or Pilot bindings?
Whichever one fits your needs.
Hey man, I’m thinking of grabbing the ladies version for my wife. Do you think this is an appropriate board for a rank beginner? She can get down the hill, but she’s pretty terrible. I know it’s pretty soft and rockered, which are pluses, but I don’t know much about what’s suitable for a beginner, as myself and all my riding buddies have been riding since the mid-90s.
This shape is appealing because we have very accessible backcountry here, and I would like to get her out hiking to ride deep snow. The rockered, tapered, long-nosed shape will obviously excel in deep snow, but will the nose bouncing around be too much for a beginner in your opinion?
Thanks.
No, why would you even think that? Seriously, no! Get her an Arbor Swoon Rocker.
Yeah, I don’t really know anything about beginner boards. I like tapered powder boards with big noses, so I guess my heart wants it to be alright. Haha.
Thanks man. Cheers.
trying to decide between this and one of the short fat powder decks like the marhar lumberjack. live in idaho so its all trees and powder which is all i ride. 6 5 215lbs and where a size 12 boot. may be doing some back country this upcoming year as well. and by back country i mean taking a cat or snowmobile out. Which of these boards you think would be best for powder/trees?
Mind Expander all day every day.
Will the 158 be wide enough and float well enough for me? Will they have more sizing options for 2019?
There’s a 162 next year.
Sweet! Thanks BA! You ever consider relocating to Idaho? Fewer people, more snow, no Texans!
More Nazi’s and white supremacists. Shorter seasons. Humidity.
For Japan, Mind Expander or Sushi? How about Mind Expander or Cool Bean?
Out of those three, which of them floats better?
Just buy a MindExpander.
since this will be primarily for trees and powder would you go with the 158? weigh about 225 size 12 boot. the waist width on the 158 is 260 which should be wide enough for my boot.
For that weight and boot size, definitely.
Would a 158 float well enough/be wide enough for me? Reason I am asking is i can get a 158 2018 mind expander for $350 or 162 2019 mind expander for $550. $200 savings isnt chump change. 6’5″ size 12 boots weight about 220 lbs
EHHHHHH UHHHHHHH AHHHHHH UMMMMM ARRRRGHHHHH. Well I mean you can do it, will it be the best bet for you? In my opinion no?
For Japan would you go the mind expander or the hovercraft ?
Mind Expander as it’s more versatile.
Have you ridden the Burton Deep thinker and if so how would you stack these two against eachother? I’m stoked on the idea of picking up a mind expander but recently bought a deep thinker but haven’t ridden it yet. Thanks!
I haven’t, Kevin has. Mind Expander all day.
Hello,
I am getting a Mind Expander.
My local shop is looking into getting one of the ultra version. Any view on it?
Size wise, I cannot make up my mind, I am 1.80m, 84kgs and a US size 11 (Adidas Acerra). Will the narrow tail on the 158 accommodate my boots.
I’ll ride primarily in Europe but I am planning a first visit to Japan in January so wondering if I may be better off with a 162.
Thanks a lot!
Haven’t ridden it yet. 58 should fit it unless you put your stance all the way back.
Archetype or mind expander for Colorado resort powder days and tree riding? Also what size for 6’4, 200lbs, size 11 boot?
The Mind Expander will be a bit more versatile for CO. I’d go with at minimum the 158 but probably more the 162.
Which one would you go for?
I was hoping to ride a shorter board for playing around and riding trees but the 162 may still be quite quick edge to edge and provide even more float for Japan pow. Is it an overkill for my weight?
Thanks a lot,
I would probably go with the 58.
Great, thanks a lot!
Mind Exander or Telos Back/Slash? I primarily surf so looking for a similar experience on snow. Also I’m 6’2” 195lbs with size 12 shoe so what size would you recommend?
Whichever one you want.
150 or 154 sizing?? I’m 5′ 11″ and 155lbs, size 9 boots…
Also, would you recommend the mind expander over the libtech orca?
Probably want the 150 if you want to get really surfy and into tight trees, otherwise 54 if it’s more wide open pow. Honestly not sure how the Orca stacks up as we haven’t gotten one in to test yet.
I have a Hovercraft I’ve been riding the last 2 seasons in Tahoe. I was looking at adding an Ultra Mountain Twin as a daily driver resort board but now I’m looking more and more at the Mind Expander since the reviews are so good and it’s pitched as an alternative all-mountain board.
Do you think the ME and Hovercraft are different enough to cover resort riding? I’m not in the park… either riding pow, searching for pow, or cruising groomers and messing around in spring snow. If the resort has nothing good to offer usually I would be out on the split.
Love your reviews man.
Eh there’s difference in them, would I own one of each? Nope.
Hey angry, I’m 5-10 175lbs with size 10 boots. Which mind expander would you say is best for me 54 or 58? Currently Ride a 157 mountain twin. Also I heard there is a ultra limited mind expander coming out in a few weeks that has camber, have you heard anything about this? And would sizing be the same? Thanks again
I’d get that 54. There is an Ultra Expander coming with camber, have to see about snagging one to review it. Sizing should be the same on that.
Hi, how you compare the mind expander with the spring break tree hunter?
With astute observations and skills.
Come on man… you know what I mean.
Wich one is the best?
I am searching for an easy turning, fun, powder board.
Mind Expander.
Thanks. I am 170 cm, 85 kg, plus gear, airbag backpack, arva kit, etc.
Size?
Hi, I’m 5’5” 140lb. Got Now drives and nitro selects 8.5. Should I pick up the 146 or 150 mind expander? Thanks
46 if you want to get super surfy and 50 if you want more edge hold.
Want a board for pow, trees, and I like hitting the steeper stuff, and even moguls on pow days. 6’1″ Size 12 boot, but only 165lbs. I feel like weight-wise, I should be on the 154, but I’m not sure if it will be wide enough for my clown feet. Is the 158 still gonna be good for me, or should I really be looking at something else. I see they’re coming out with a LTD Ultra model of the Mind Expander this month, I’m guessing I definitely wouldn’t want that since it will be stiffer and the 158 might already be a bit stiff for me. Should I just be looking at a Flagship instead? Would the 159W be the best size for a Flagship for me? Thanks and happy holidaze!
Just get that 54 Mind Expander you’ll be fine.
Thanks, I’ll let you know how it goes.
Hi Angry, have you had the chance to ride the Bataleon The Surfer?
I am in between the Mind Expander and the Surfer, which one is better?
Haven’t.
Im 6’1″ 250lb size 13 boot. I like riding trees/backcountry and some resort would you go with the 164 hovercraft or the 162 mind expander?
Hovercraft at your weight, you’ll be able to man handle it easier without over powering it like the Mind Expander.
Mind Expander or Orca
Both.
Hey, could you help me to choose size for the womens mind expander, i am 5’3 and 120lbs, next year wanna ride it in Japan, what size would be better 146 or 142? Thanks!
46
Hi Angry,
5’9” 185lbs 11.5 boots, possible to get away with a 158?
Jones website recommends I go “big horn” but they’re all above 160…
Thanks,
It’s not going to be a good fit.
Hmmm, what would be a better fit with similar ride? Optimistic 154? Warpig M? Thanks again
Neither.
Hi mate, I am 84kg, 178 and 9.5 boots. Got a flagship 161 and archetype 162, will the ME compete with the archetype? the Archetype is great everywhere except in tight trees, wish it was 158…worth adding a 3rd board?
cheers
There’s going to be some serious overlap that’s for sure. If anything grab the ME and sell the Archetype.
Just saw the ME with camber on sale…better?
Do you like the ME better than the Archetype?
thanks
That’s the Ultra ME, riding it real soon, but from the sounds of it, that board is overkill. I own an Archetype, that answer the question?
I rode my new (women’s) mind expander today and it was difficult to keep my knees sufficiently bent. I adjusted the back of the bindings (Burton Lexi) to be more aggressive for tomorrow, but is there something about this board that favors a more straight-legged position? E.g. the bindings set father back? Or the increased distance between front & back bindings (stance is wider than my previous board, on the closest setting). It’s how I typically ride powder, but I had a hard time getting out of that stance on groomers
Board doesn’t have any effect on your knees being bent. If anything it’s your boots. They may just have hit the end of their lifespan and not have anymore natural lean in them.
I’m 6’0ft 190…how much should I downsize for this thing? I currently ride a 156 Skate Banana and love the thing in powder. Been looking at this and the Storm Chaser. Just cant decide…
This is more versatile than the Storm Chaser. If you’re doing wide open deep pow non stop then yeah Storm Chaser makes sense, but otherwise you want this. I got away with the 154.
What would be you’re recommendation between the Mind Expander 154 and the Orca 153. Live in Queenstown, New Zealand so don’t get a heap of powder days but looking for something that would be great in powder but still suitable for the hard pack and groomers. Have always ridden camber boards (currently a K2 Broadcast 158 wide) and looking for something to add to the quiver that is a bit more playful and has a different feel to it, as well as being suitable to take to North America/Japan next year. Intermediate rider. 174 pounds, 5’10”. Thanks and love the reviews.
Orca all day.
How does it hold up in harder stuff?
It’s got solid edge hold, but that softer flex in the nose if you’re flat basing will cause it to be bucked around and have some chatter.
Need help deciding on size……..5’9 235lbs 10.5 boot…. 158 or 162? Thanks.
62
Hi Avran
Im looking at the mind expander……
Im 6ft 2 (190 cm) , 90 kg and size 11.5US boots.
Will the 158 work? i usually like to downsize a little…
Or do i have to go the 162?
Like the reviews.
Cheers
Should be doable.
thankyou!
Hi
I’ve got a trip to Japan and set on the mind expander but need help on sizing. I’m 6’ 0, 200lbs and the feet to match. I’ve the 158 ultra ME which was great in European resorts and some side country but didn’t feel floaty enough for deep pow hence the need for a new toy.
Do I go 158 or 162 for the Japan trip?
Thanks
I’d get the 62.
Hey broseph – I’ve ridden the ME in Japan for the past two seasons…I dig it. I’m 6’2″ and 95kg with 11 boot….the 158cm has been sweet. My question is about your recommendation for new bindings for next year….I don’t do any park etc mainly trees and soul surfing Pow. Thoughts?
Something like a K2 Lien AT makes sense because you can rip that heel block out and give it a more surfy feel or the Now line of bindings maybe an IPO or Brigade or the Now x Yes due to that softer high back. It’ll give it that softer lateral flex and play toe to heel to give you more drive when you need it but with more ankle flexion.
Thanks for that – been looking for some solid advice re bindings for a while. Thanks for taking the time. I initially liked the Arbor Cypress (you can ignore my question on that thread haha) and was a little worried they may be a bit too much binding for me with regards to flex etc ? They sure look sweet though.
Hi Angry-
I an intermediate to advanced intermediate rider with a surfing background. I am currently riding an older Burton Unic and was looking to get something more surfy. I usually ride at Mammoth on the groomers and hard pack with the occasional powder day.
I was wondering if the Mind Expander, Yes. Y, Yes. Hybrid or Orca would be best for me.
Thanks!
Mind Expander no, won’t have the edge hold on the front for that heavy wet groomer snow Mammoth gets, great in pow though. Honestly the 2 best for what you’re describing are the Y and Orca. Probably push you more towards the Y so you can really lay a carve over but do a cut back in some soft snow on the side of the run.
Awesome, thanks. I am 5’11, 160lbs, size 9 boot. 151 or 154
For you I’d go 54, give you a bit more surface area in that heavier snow and effective edge.
Hi Angry!
I am going to get the ME for my upcoming trip to Niseko.
I am 6’1, 205lbs, size 10 boots.
Should I get the 158 or 162?
Thanks in advance.
Get that 62.
Thanks mate!
Got the Orca ready to go for this year. Really intrigued by the mind expander. Too much overlap? Also 6 foot 220. If I get it, 162 or 166? Also are Rome Katanas a good pairing?
Too much overlap.
Even as purely a deep powder board? Was thinking the 166. Got the 159 orca but just can’t see it floating well in deep pow for my weight. Maybe I’m wrong.
hey i can get a 2020 mind expander cheap this friday, im 6ft 78kg 10.5 boot, 158 or 154?
manuy thanks
54 if you’re doing more tree riding and want it to be a bit surfier, 58 if you want to charge more.
Cheers angry,
This or yes hybrid 57? Strictly for deep days in trees etc japan
This.
Hey, I’m looking into either the mind expander or the orca. I live on the east coast and ride vermont, but take a few trips out west. Last year I was struggling out west in powder on my gnu ladies choice so I’m looking for something that would be good in powder but also useable back home I’m 5″10, 155pds which one do you recommend and what size? thank you!
I’d get the Orca it’ll have more versatility for VT and still be good out west. Look at the 47.
Hey, what about Union Force on a ME? Or what bindings do you reccomend? Thank you Angry
They’ll work. I’d probably put a now on there like a Brigade or IPO maybe a Recon.
yo angry,
6’4″
190 Pounds all geared up
Size 12 Boot
158 or 162?
Most a pow quiver board
thx!
62 will fit your boot better.
5’ 9”
190lbs
Size 9 boot
154 or 158
Thanks
54 for super surfy turns and more tight trees, 58 for mostly surfy turns and decently OK in the trees.
Hey Angrysnowboarder,
I’m 5’9”, 145lbs, size 8 boots.
Conventional wisdom says 154 would work, but it seems like with the mind expander, 150 would actually be ideal for tree powder runs? Is that true?
Yes.
Hey Angrysnowboarder,
I’m looking for something agile that is great in steep, powdery trees, but that can also handle steeps when the snow gets packed. I’ve been considering the Mind Expander as well as the Orca and Rome MT. What would you recommend?
My other boards are a Salomon Sabotage 149, which I love everywhere but in deep powder, and a Smokin Jetson 159, which I love in powder but is a hog in steep trees.
Thanks
Also, Telos Backslash?
That 10cm jump definitely makes the Jetson a hog. I’d say the Orca is better for packed out snow than the Mind Expander or that Rome.
Thanks! Between the Backslash and Orca, still the Orca you think? Also, what do you think for sizing? I’m 5’7″, 155 lbs, size 9 boot. Thanks again!
I’d personally go Backslash. Get the 48.
Right on. Was also leaning towards the Telos since I’m more comfortable with traditional camber. Great show, thanks for the advice!
I have a 153 Telos Backslash (based on your review and love it). I’m looking at adding another board and have narrowed it down to the Korua Pencil 164 and Jones Mind Expander 162 to. I like darting through the trees, carving open groomers, hitting small jumps, and of course deep powder. I’m 195 lbs and size 12 shoe. What do you recommend?
Can’t really speak for the Korua but you probably don’t want the Mind Expander for what you’re describing.
Been looking at this board for sometime, looking for a board to excel in the powder, trees, and take a drop. Something that can be fast on the groomers to carve while getting the best places on the mountain. I’m 200 5’10, what size would you suggest and possibly other boards that compare for what im looking for.
If you want it to ride a groomer you don’t want this you would be better off looking at the Ultra Mind Expander.
Hey Angry, I’m 6’2” 240lb, sz11 boot, Powerful expert rider. Not sure how much to downsize on this thing. Traditionally Ive ridden 168-171cm freeride decks, but my current daily is a yes PYL 165. Cant decide between 162 and 166 on the Mind expander. What do you think? Thanks!
I wouldn’t downsize get the 66.
Next season mind expander claims to have “carve insert packs” to center board up better for carving on hard stuff….I can’t find any other info on this. Do you think they moved the inserts or just going to place additional markings on the board for an additional reference point? Also it looks like they are downgrading from traction tech 2.0 to 1.0 on the new mind expander. Do you think this is a benefit or will hinder the board? Thanks.
So the photo’s of the topsheet aren’t the best to see and I’m taking a guess at this, but it’s probably one more set of inserts at the front of the insert pack, with a recommended stance being a little more forward so that it helps put you more weight forward that would help it drive better. Only a guess could just be they slapped a little arrow that says for carving mount here on the existing path. To be honest the Traction Tech 2.0 on this board really doesn’t matter because the shape of it, so going down to the 1.0 just makes it less defined but still gives some added grip that isn’t overkill.
Appreciate you taking a look. Thanks.