Board: Jones Flagship
Size: 158
Camber Option: Directional Camrocker.
Bindings: K2 Indy
Stance: 21.5 Wide 15 Negative 12 Goofy
Boots: K2 Thraxis Size 10
My Weight: 195lbs
Resort: Arapahoe Basin
Conditions: Sunny bluebird early spring days. With creamy snow, perfect groomers, and a little bit of wind.
Flex: There is a directional flex to this board meaning softer nose into a stiffer tail. The torsional flex is a little more abundant than in years past which changes the drive of this board just a bit. The overall flex comes in just past a middle of the road meaning you can charge when you want to or be a bit laid back when you need to.
Stability: I don’t feel this board was as damp as it has been in the past. You’ll notice this liveliness in it when you charge into uneven terrain. Micro vibrations are a bit more prevalent and there’s a bit more flap in the nose.
Ollies/Pop: Here’s where the biggest change in my opinion takes place, the pop on this board is far superior to years past. It has more snap, it’s easier to engage, and you can load it up easier. This makes for a board you’re not preloading to get snap from which means you don’t have to set up before you boost a natural drop.
Butterability: I found the tips a little more buttery than in years past, but it’s still the Flagship. It’s going to fight you from time to time and you’ll have to muscle it here or there to get it to do what you want.
Carving: The turn initiation is really quick with this board, you’ll notice that as you transition from toe to heel. There’s very minimal work to get this done and it wants to be on edge at all times. When you’re driving into this board you’ll notice the center flex is easier to engage which gives you more load from the center to the tail. On deep hard carves you’ll feel the board grip but from time to time on the heel it will seem to slip out. This could be a combination of the softer torsional flex coupled with the taper, I was never truly able to pinpoint why this happened.
Rider in Mind: Rad dad freeride guy.
Personal Thoughts: The new shape is awesome on this board. The overhaul was much needed in my opinion. What I will say is that I did get a pre-production sample that was a little softer than what will be sold to the public. I expect this might rectify the slight washout I experienced in the tail, but overall this board is on track for being super solid.
Check out the past reviews of the
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137 Comments
Thanks for the reviews right to the point no bullshit. I’m trying to figure out if I get the flagship 162w or yes pyl 160w. I’m a strong intermediate who gets 30+ days on the east coast. I’m 5’11” 200lbs size 11 Burton imperial boots. Already have a jones mountain twin 158w, yes 420 powder hull, and a yes optimistic 157. What do you think?
I don’t think you need either. You’ll have too much overlap of what you have. Save the money, buy more lift tickets.
Hello, I’m in a similar position to the above. Got the chance to take a 160w 2020 Yes PYL or Flagship 162w. I’m 6ft, 185lbs without boots, kit, etc. Question – is the PYL a significantly easier ride than the Flagship? Looking for something I can push but also forgiving enough in busy, late afternoon Euro conditions . Thanks for any steer you can give.
Either will work.
Right on was kinda thinking that anyway. Maybe can I can make it west.
Thanks
That’s a statement I can get behind. Make the trip.
Hi there-thanks for all your work, you make wasting time and easy task. Anyhow I ride maybe 8 days East coast and 4-8 west /Europe and until know I rode a 156 one magtek which helped for ice and floated okay in the fluffier stuff. It’s time for a new board one of the things that frustrated me with my board was that at aroynd 55 mph my board got super uncomfortable so I’m looking for something quicker and also something that floats better in the powder (because I see it’s so rarely I kind of suck at it).
All that in mind I’ve been thinking of buying the flagship in particular because I don’t really spend much time in the park… Also I still occasionally skid turns because I’m not all that great and I heard this board is kind of forgiving for a fast board.(people have suggested the Orca and The Mulair)
Q’s
1. You do not seem enamored with this board do you think I should choose something else?
2. I see the 2019 model for 350(after coupons) is it really worth spending extra money for the new model?
3. I am just under six feet and weigh 185 pounds does 161 sound about right?
Questions that could have made it. Do you prefer that I would have asked this on the YouTube channel… for user metrics?
PS. For when it’s really icy I still plan on using my old board
PPS I’ve been working on my carving and spending more time in the trees of late…
Thanks again
That instability that you feel is you not the board. You’re uncomfortable with speed. 161 is fine. If you can save money buy last years, but realistically its you not the board.
Sorry for all the typos and lack of commas, typing from my phone is always a challenge
Thanks, Sorry of I was unclear… I felt uncomfortable on this board because of the chatter and vibration… I demod the Jones explorer because it was supposed to be similar to my board and I felt much more comfortable tho still getting some chatter. That is why I assumed Jones was a good fit for me
The specs for the 2020 flagship say that there is no setback stance this year. It looks like there is…. but anyway I am looking for something to replace or really replicate a 172 burton supermodel discontinued model. Tried a few longer ns boards but really prefer the older camber boards. Any experience with the supermodel. Or suggestions. I’m 230lb. Ride aggressive and search for pow in trees. Need it quick edge to edge. Thanks
Look at something like the Ride Berzerker or Ride Commissioner instead.
Thank you. I really do appreciate your responses. I’m set on the flagship. Is the 2020 that much better than the 2019? Enough to justify it for a guy that gets 10-15 days/yr?
Honestly no, if you can snag a deal on the previous years, get it.
Thanks for your review
I ride 50+ days and need to replace my freeride board (’17 burton flight attendant 156 – its tracked out and is now my rock board) – i’m 150 lbs, size 8 boot.
Main question is, among the various freeride choices (Yes PYL, Burton Flight attendant, GNU Mullair, K2 Broadcast, other…) how would you rank the new Flagship? if you were spending my money which would you get?
Probably the PYL. The new Flagship sits right in the spectrum of most of those boards.
Angry, venture paragon vs. 2020 flagship. size 12, 6’3″ 235lbs, 30+ days a year. some powder days, some sheer ice. Thanks.
The Flagship will have better edge hold on ice so there’s that. I’d say you couldn’t go wrong with either honestly.
Hi Angry, thanks for the review.
I’m currently torn between this years flagship and a yes pyl. I mostly ride slack country and trees, so I need something responsive and quick edge to edge. I currently have a mind expander for deep pow days (which I f’ing love), but am in need of a daily driver to add to the quiver.
What do you think? Which would you recommend given my situation? Thanks!
I’d definitely look at the Flagship, maybe a Yes PYL or Hybrid, Ride Commissioner if you wanted to rip carves aggressively, not the most nimble in trees, and maybe a Lib TRS or one of the Knife series of boards (not the ejack knife).
I want to add in my quiver a freeride board.i have a powder spesific board(fish).comparing the flagship with the yes pyl which is the best??pros and cons??
Flagship is going to be more freeride focused. It has a flex pattern that absorbs chatter in the nose but drives off the tail and pushes through crud. The sidecut grips and rips better.
Thanks
180lbs weight ,5.7″ height.suitable board size????
157ish.
Flagship 158 161??
Yes.
::)))
hi angry.jones flagship 158 or 161 for my specs.your oppinion pls.
Hi angry snowboarder,
I am looking for a new freeride board but doubting between the jones hovercraft and jones flagship. They both have their advantages, which I like both but I have the feeling that hovercraft will only be at his best in deep, fresh pow so I am a little lost at the moment. Which one would you advise?
Cheers
Flagship.
Hi Angry,
thanks for all the fantastically honest reviews. Made me buy a Jones Explorer a couple years back and never regret it!
30-50 days a season here in Austria. Deep Pow or trees whenever possible and otherwise aggressive carving (with some butters/rotations thrown in).
Have an old 420 for trees, Twinpig (put it up for sale already), and the Explorer for everything (pushing the limit of the board here constantly which I love/hate). Would you agree with this:
– PYL and the Explorer would become my rockboard or lazy board for hangover days
– Flagship as a complement, which means next season I have to replace the Explorer with now the Frontier
Thanks!
The Flagship would be the logical progression coming off a Explorer.
Old hardbooter here looking to try a softie setup for the first time in 30 years. Picked myself up some Ions and a pair of Genesis X bindings. Looking for a directional freeride that will go everywhere except the park. Needs to carve but also handle bumps and trees. Don’t give a shit about switch, spinning or buttering but not looking for a specialized carving rig. Is the Flagship what I’m looking for? Currently on a couple of custom Coiler freecarve decks.
I think you’ll find it too soft honestly and not damp enough. I think a Gnu Mullair or Ride MTN Pig might be more what you want.
Thanks for the quick reply. If the Flagship is too soft what about the Carbon version? I’ll look into those other two you recommend.
That’s a possibility but you get that higher price tag as well. No I get what you’re looking for, trying to find you something that’s not going to be chattery or wash out in variable terrain.
I want to emphasize that I am not looking for a softboot carver. If I wanted that I’d get Coiler or Donek to build me something custom or maybe looking at BX decks. Super stiff and damp is not necessary. Lively and agile would be good but if it washes out when I lay it over or can’t handle a brisk pace I won’t be happy.
Hey angry
What size would you rec for flagship…160lbs. Does height matter? If so 5’9”
Thanks
Weight is the only thing that matters. Get the 155.
Looking for a specific board for powder, steeps, slashing trees (in that order). I like to charge Pretty hard. I’m 6’4, 190-195 lbs all geared up. Size 12 boot. Ride Colorado/Utah/jackson.
Do you think the flagship best suits what I’m looking for? Mind expander seems better to be honest but my boots may be too big..
Thoughts? Thanks!
I think a Hovercraft might suit your needs instead.
Good idear. Also the mind expander does fit size 12s… would that be better? Or what about Weston backwoods? I like that they are local CO. But I’m not brand loyal so open to all suggestions. Thx
Mind Expander will be better in trees but you’re favoring steeps over that which tells me you want more stability, that’s where the Hovercraft beats it out. Backwoods could work but puts you back on sacrificing steeps for trees again.
I‘m 185cm (almost 6’10”) and i weight 100kg (220lbs). Which size should i get for the flagship
At the smallest 162.
Hey Slightly Angry, Im an advanced rider and found boards sized 154-156 suit me best. I’m 5’6” 155lbs and my goto set up is a snug 7.5 flow Helios boot with Burton cartel bindings. Should I get the men’s 154 or the woman’s 155 Flagship? I’d prefer 155cm in general but am concerned it’ll turn noodley under my manliness. What’s ur take? Can guys get away with riding woman’s boards if their feet fit or does the extra weight kill that notion. Thx for ur time! Big fan. -Nicho
Do you self identify as a woman? No, there you go.
Haha!
Hi Angry, I am what you call a rad dad. I own a 161 flagship and a E. Archetype 162, love both boards but find the flagship a bit hard to ride with the family in the groomers. It doesn’t like to go slow and I find myself riding alone waiting for them…What board will be fun for this? I am a surfer, don’t ride switch or go in the park, like to surf the mountain…any recommendations?
Basically a fun resort board for groomers?
Maybe sell both of those boards and get yourself something like the Endeavor Maverick. It’s essentially an Archetype without the swallow tail. Could kill two birds with one stone on that.
Thanks Angry, I want to keep both. Love the archetype for powder (Japan or Utah) the flagship great when going out with my skiers friends…as fast as them.
What about a scout for family riding, and maybe more nimble in trees than the archetype?
Or any other board to compliment the archetype and family riding?
Sure.
Thanks for all of your reviews! I’m looking to replace my 161 NS Premier F1 from 2013 as I’ve really tired of rocker between the inserts at speed. I ride 50+ days at Crested Butte warming up on steep blues, moving to groomed blacks and then if the conditions aren’t totally skied off heading to trees, extreme terrain or the occasional mogul run to oblige my skier girlfriend. I’m looking for something that can handle speed without flapping or chatter and isn’t afraid to bust through afternoon chop after the pow is tracked out. Which of the following do you think fits best?
Flagship
Pick Your Line
Black Snowboard of Death
Berzerker
Weston 10th Mountain
I appreciate all of your help!
In this order Berzerker, Flagship/BSOD, 10th, PYL.
Thank you for the guidance, this helps a lot!
After thought: Of your top 3, which is easiest/ more fun to ride at slower speeds if I’m not feeling like ultra shredding that day? (Full time shred town resident, meaning I’m too poor to buy 2 decks at once)
Get a PYL.
Flagship or Aviator for purely fast charging high speed groomers & carving. Have other boards for powder, trees etc.
Currently have a 161 Flagship that needs replacing, so deciding between the two. Any advice between these?
Thanks
Ultra Flagship.
Ultra Flagship? Is that a new model for next year? Replacing Carbon Flagship? Or just a new name
They’re just changing all the carbon names to ultra.
Angry!
Silverton has gotten a lot of snow and more Coming this week. If you were riding there this week and had a choice of this year’s flagship or Weston backwoods what would you ride?
Backwoods.
hey man, your reviews rock 🙂
Ive been riding a burton custom from new in 2008 – im a bit older and quite experienced, 30 years at 1-2-3 week per year depending, however im finding the custom a bit chattery in my old age in harden snow, however I still flex, butter a bit, jump a bit, but find myself seeking off the beaten track pow at every opportunity But as Im limited to resorts, theres a far bit of run carving to do as well…Always wanted a jones, but your honesty leaves me somewhat…confused…im basically looking for probably my last board – thats needs to be a ‘do it all’ badboy. Im fairly good too, 30 years at it with 10 years smashning Breck and Park city in the pow/trees, and hope to return to that when my kids can come. I weigh about 70kilos and heightwise about 5 7″ and Im 49…I need easr ans simplicity in an advanced and responsive fashion…
Ok?
would this Jones board be a suitable board? I dont have the ability to test anytrhing outside of resort…
Can I get a rec for a board that rides similar these types of boards: Jones Flagship, Burton Deep Thinker (what I currently ride daily) but more twinish to ride switch and spin. I ride fairly aggressively and like stiffer boards that ride fast. My other ride is a Burton Custom X when theres corduroy, I’ve tried a Mercury and felt that board was soft, the torsional stiffness and overall stiffness wasn’t for me.
Jones Ultra Mountain Twin. Niche Story, K2 Broadcast.
Upgraded my Explorer to Flagship and looking at bindings. I see Cartels and Force on great sales but not sure if either would be a decent match? Would you pick either or should I save up for something else? Thanks
Cartels over Forces for sure.
Thank you
Hi angry I have the hovercraft 156 2019 which I took to Japan this year i enjoyed the hovercraft but found it not so super quick on the run outs after hitting the powder do you think a flagship would be a step up ?I am 5”11 and 75kg 48 years old and 30 years experience
Maybe you need to stone grind your base.
Hi Angry. Ordered 20/21 Flagship hopefully due next month or so in NZ. Haven’t had a new board in ten years. Thought I’d try some new bindings before the knees blowout. Can get 2019 Jones Apollo’s for $320US or 2019 Now Drives for $220US. What way would you go? Regards Robbie
Save the cash get the Drives and go shred.
Hi, I’m intermediate/expert all mountain snowboarder, now I have old burton custom 156 (2010). I’d like to take it a jones flagship. Do you think is better 154 or 158?
I’m 46, 5’ 10’’ and 150lbs..
Thanks, best
54
Hi Angry. 200lb 46 year old. 11.5 US boot. What size Jones Flagship do you reckon. Quiver of one, variable terrain, probably no deep pow. Not sure about going wide or length. Have ordered a 163W but having buyers regret. I can change it, so just needing a second opinion. Regards Rob
You did good Rob, go shred and enjoy!
Hey great job, cant stop reading your articles! 🙂
Can you please help me with some sizing issue?
I plan to get Flagship board but cant decide with size to choose, im 177cm with 95 kg body.
Thanks!!!
I’d get a 162.
US11 Boot size, 170lbs and 6‘4.
Should I get 161 or 162W?
Would 158 work too?
58 is going to be tight with the size 11’s, I’d go for something that’s going to fit that boot size. Otherwise all three work for your weight.
So 161 should be fine width-wise?
Don’t know what boot you’re in but going more off your weight.
Would be the Salomon US11 Salomon Dialogue (seem to be 32cm long).
162W will be the better choice than 161 right?
Logically one would assume a wide is what they need.
AS,
I am 5’7” 140 and a size 8 boot moving out west this winter to hopefully get 50+ days. Riding style is expert/aggressive backcountry side country, love riding glades chutes cliffs basically anything steep deep and with natural features to huck myself off of, I never ride terrain park. Recently got a Jones Flagship 154 Salomon highlanders and Salomon Malamutes. Looking for something that turns super aggressively and precise but still has a little bit of play for resort days with friends with bloody Mary’s and skid turning like a drunk 4 year old on big wheels.
Will this set up push me to limit as a rider in the steeps and super tight trees?
How will it do on the occasional chill resort day? I am I best just using my old Easy Livin Burton and C60s?
Anything else you would recommend?
Just go snowboarding.
What’s up Angry,
Love the reviews. You actually influenced me to get the Signal Yup a few years back. Fun board, I’m just looking for something stiffer, and more aggressive. I’m between the Flagship, and the new Jones Stratos if you’ve been on that yet.
My riding style is carving hard/fast, steeps, powder when I can, and jumps/side hits occasionally. I’m weighing in at 170 these days, and have a 10.5 reduced footprint boot. I’d either be snagging the 159W (26.3 WW) for the flag, or the 159 for the Stratos (25.6 WW).
What do you think?
Stratos is stiffer than the Flagship, I’d say you sound more like a Flagship type of guy.
What Bindings would you recommand for the flagship?
Now Drive, Ride A or C 10, Rome Targa.
Would the Union Force also work?
Yeah but it’s not the best option.
There are no legit reviews of the Ride C-10 yet.
Do you think they‘ll be good for 280€?
I have faith it will be good because of the design time they spent on it and working out the kinks. I’m supposed to be getting some here in the future to try.
I have bought the C-10. Hope I can ride soon! 🙂
Wouldn’t the ride C-8 be enough for the flagship as its an flex 8 itself?
Sounds dope! I might wait for your review. When do you think it might come out?
Flex ratings mean fuck all. I don’t know when they show up, the resorts open, I can ride, the idiots not caring about Rona shutting us down die and cases go down.
Been indecisive about whether I should get the 2021 Flagship in 161 vs 162W. 5’10” 185, size 11 Burton Swath with a reduced footprint. Also, looking at the Now Pilot bindings in Large vs Medium. I am getting mixed opinions everywhere I look about whether going wide since I’m inbetween sizes. Thoughts?
Get the Wide it’ll give you more stability, get the large with the size 11’s.
Hi Avran,
Will the Union Atlas be responsive enough for this board or should I buy different bindings?
It’ll totally work.
Great! Would the Union Ultra match even better?
They are basically identical to the 2020 Falcors (Same Straps, buckles and nearly Same baseplate) but with a stiffer highback tho.
Nah.
I bought the Jones Flagship 2021 together with the Union Atlas for a good price. I think the Atlas might be on the softer side for this board. Would the 9/10 stiffness of the Salomon Malamute compensate the bindings and get the right amount of response for the Flagship?
Im thinking about getting those Malamute as my second boots (others are Salomon Dialogue).
What’s a 9/10? And by whose standard? Those numbers mean fuckall. Best boot is the one that fits your foot and fits your needs.
Salomon fits really Goodson my narrow feet, that’s why I’m going for these.
Was just asking weather this combination of binding and boot fits to the board.
And yeah I just wanted to say that it’s on the stiffer side
Good on*
and
whether*
I had a stroke
Hey angry. I am an advanced rider based at kicking horse. I just recently came off riding an arbor element rocker and loved that thing, however it was getting pretty beat up and I wanted a bit more snap and pop so I bought a nitro dropout. I like the dropout too, the extra snap and pop is awesome however it is not quite as stable when I am hard charging over choppy terrain as I would like (I found my arbor board was able to eat anything in its path). I generally ride really fast and like to go over most things in my way. At the same time I EAT in tight trees and live for that shit. Hoping you could toss me a bone or a little verification I’m looking in the right direction?
You might like the Gnu Gremlin.
Hi Angry,
Having size 10 boots.
Should I go wide or normal width?
It’s for charging and learning to carve hard
Depends on which size you’re looking at.
161 or 162W. I’m 172lbs
Help boss
Not your boss.
My boots are 305mm long and I weight 180lbs.
Should I go 162W or 164?
I like to carve and go fast.
(Blackfoot will be slightly positive stance)
Either.
Looking for sizing advice.
5’9 235lb 10 boot
Live in the Northeast. This would be my charging hard pack or ice board.
Debating between 161 and 164. I know the 164 will be more stable at speed and the 161 will turn easier.
Do you think the 161 would be stable going 45-50mph at my weight? Thanks
You’ll probably over torque it torsionally.
I have a mountain twin currently. I need something that’s a 1 quiver fits all. Twin struggle in pow. I’d like to stay twin but don’t have too. I don’t like to ride slow nor fast but in the middle. Do you the the mind expander twin is better or the flagship ? I was also looking at the orca.
I think you just need to ride more.
9.5US boots and 170lbs 6’5.
162W or 161? Speed is my drug
Well you don’t need a wide so…
Even for carving?
I think my boots have a big footprint
It’s a fucking 9.5 no, just no!
Thinking about going with the 164 for more aggressive charging. Or would it be too big for me?
With and 170-175 lbs and 6’5 (9.5US boots)
Seems a little overkill, but hey you do you.
Hi Angry! What would you recommend Jones stratos or jones flagship 158? Trying to move from yes greats 154 to something different that carves and turns better at faster speed and some POW. Trying to hit 7 days in the west and 7 days in the east. 5’9” 180lb. Thanks.
I’d probably go Stratos as it’s a logical progressing up from the Greats.
Thanks Angry. Would going to Jones flagship be too big of a change?
When a board is stiff is it hard to turn or carve sharply? I enjoy doing carves as well as going down at faster speeds. It seems like stiff boards are good making a big S for an average person. Yes Greats is great to making sharp turns/ carves as you know. How harder would it be do this type of turns/ carves on a flagship or on a Stratos?
East coast groomers and hence hard pack and icy. 15 days or so plus try to make a trip to someplace more epic: CO, Banff, Italy, etc. On an Ultra Mountain Twin 160 now. 195 lbs. Burson StepOn 9s.
Mostly point and go, 45-50mph+, carving along the mountain line, I.e., not weaving down the mountain, but need to be able to handle ice, crud, and stopping quickly for the newbies on the blacks who shouldn’t be.
Debating mostly Flagship and PYL, but wide open to suggestions.
Sounds like you would be better off with an Ultra Flagship.
Looking to get either Jones Flagship or Weston 10th as a freeride specific snowboard to complement my Yes Basic Decade. Riding steeps, dropping rocks, carving and charging will be the focus, decent float in pow would be a plus. Any suggestion on how to decide between the two?
They’re both solid although I find the new Jones Ultra Flagship better than the regular one for freeride, but that’s just me. I’d say go with the one you can get the best price on.
Hey mate need some sizing advice on the Jones Flagship;
10.5 boot, 6ft at 198 pounds, 161 or 162W?
You can kind of go either way at those specs. If you want more stability I’d go with the 62W for sure, otherwise dealers choice.