The Jones Mind Expander doesn't just ride powder – it surfs it with a flowing, creative energy that transforms deep snow days into pure artistic expression. This isn't a board for aggressive charging or straight-lining; it's designed for riders who approach powder with a surfer's mentality, prioritizing style, flow, and playfulness over pure speed and power. When conditions turn deep and dreamy, the Mind Expander encourages you to slash, carve, and dance rather than simply descend.
Jones Snowboards has built its reputation on creating bulletproof backcountry equipment tested in the world's most demanding terrain by founder Jeremy Jones. The Mind Expander represents a departure from Jones's typically aggressive freeride focus, instead embracing surf culture and playful riding inspired by legendary surfboard shaper Chris Christenson. This collaboration has produced a board that brings ocean-riding sensibilities to mountain snowboarding in the most literal way possible.
Key Specifications:
Length Options: 146cm, 150cm, 154cm, 158cm, 162cm, 166cm
Width: Standard to mid-wide (varies by length)
Flex Rating: 5/10 (Medium)
Stance: Setback 1.5"
Shape: Directional with surf-inspired outline
Effective Edge: Shorter due to extensive rocker
Core: Paulownia Wood Core
Base: Sintered 8000
Sidewalls: Recycled ABS
In-Depth Review :
1. Flex and Responsiveness
The Mind Expander's medium flex (5/10) delivers the perfect balance for surf-inspired powder riding. It's soft enough to remain playful and forgiving through variable snow, yet maintains sufficient backbone to handle speed when you open it up on sustained powder descents.
What distinguishes this flex is its longitudinal distribution – softer in the nose and tail with slightly firmer support underfoot. This progressive flex mimics surfboard characteristics, allowing the extremities to release and flow while the center provides stability. I found myself naturally adopting a more dynamic, flowing riding style that felt incredibly intuitive.
2. Camber Profile and Edge Hold
The Christenson Surf Camber Rocker profile is what defines the Mind Expander's character. Extensive rocker in the nose transitions to a short cambered section underfoot, followed by additional rocker in the tail. This surf-inspired profile creates a loose, flowing feel that encourages creative line choices and slashy turns.
Edge hold on firm snow is adequate but not exceptional – this clearly isn't the board's primary mission. On morning hardpack, you can carve confidently but without the locked-in precision of more aggressive camber profiles. Once conditions soften, however, the profile comes alive, allowing effortless float and intuitive turn initiation that feels more like surfing waves than riding snow.
3. Torsional Flex
Torsionally, the Mind Expander leans toward the softer, more forgiving end of the spectrum. This characteristic is crucial for its surf-inspired performance, allowing easy board manipulation and quick adjustments mid-turn. You can twist and flex the board with minimal effort, encouraging creative, flowing movements.
I particularly appreciated this torsional forgiveness when navigating tree runs and natural features. The board responds intuitively to subtle weight shifts and body movements, creating an almost telepathic connection between rider intention and board response. It's forgiving enough for intermediate riders while still offering sufficient feedback for advanced riders to push their limits.
4. Float and Powder Performance
The Mind Expander's powder float is exceptional, rivaling boards significantly longer and more directional. The extensive nose rocker combined with the setback stance creates effortless elevation in deep snow. Even in the deepest British Columbia powder, I experienced zero nose dive or back-leg fatigue.
What makes this board special isn't just the amount of float – it's how it floats. The surf-inspired shape and rocker profile create a flowing, surfing sensation rather than the plowing feeling of traditional powder boards. You're riding on top of the snow, carving and slashing with the same freedom you'd have on a wave. The shorter effective edge means less drag, allowing the board to pivot and redirect with remarkable ease in deep conditions.
5. Shape and Volume Distribution
The Mind Expander's shape is clearly inspired by surfboard design, featuring a relatively blunt nose with maximum width pushed forward, tapering progressively toward a narrower tail. This isn't just aesthetic – it's functional geometry that redistributes volume for optimal powder performance and surf-like handling.
The swallow tail isn't as pronounced as some powder boards, creating a balanced feel that maintains control while still releasing easily for quick turn initiation. I found the shape encouraged a more centered, dynamic stance rather than the back-foot-heavy position many powder boards demand. The volume distribution feels natural and intuitive, making the board accessible for riders transitioning from all-mountain designs.
6. Speed and Stability
For a surf-inspired powder board, the Mind Expander handles speed surprisingly well in its intended environment. In soft snow conditions, you can confidently open up the throttle without experiencing concerning wobble or instability. The Sintered 8000 base maintains excellent glide even in variable snow conditions.
Where you'll notice limitations is on firm, hardpack terrain at high speeds. The extensive rocker and softer flex create some chatter that more aggressive riders might find limiting. However, this is a conscious design choice – the board prioritizes playful, flowing performance over straight-line speed. Keep it in soft snow and you'll be impressed by its composure.
7. Turn Initiation and Carving
Turn initiation on the Mind Expander feels effortless and intuitive. The rockered profile and shorter effective edge mean the board pivots and redirects with minimal input. Transitions feel smooth and flowing rather than abrupt or jerky – exactly what you want for surf-style riding.
Carving performance emphasizes flow and spray over precision and power. The board loves wide, arcing turns where you can lean back, load up the tail, and spray powder with authority. It won't deliver the locked-in, race-carve feel of aggressive cambered boards, but that's not the point. The Mind Expander encourages a looser, more creative approach to turn shape and rhythm that feels liberating after riding more serious equipment.
8. On-Track Behavior Across Terrain Types
Groomed Runs: The Mind Expander is competent on groomers in softer conditions but clearly prefers ungroomed terrain. The extensive rocker and surf-inspired design feel somewhat out of place on firm, manicured snow. It carves adequately but without inspiration.
Trees and Tight Spaces: Excellent performance in tight spaces thanks to the short effective edge and playful character. The board pivots quickly and intuitively, making tree runs feel natural and fun rather than technical and demanding.
Powder: This is where the Mind Expander absolutely shines. The float is exceptional, and the surf-inspired handling creates a riding experience that's genuinely different from traditional powder boards. You'll find yourself seeking out features to slash and spray rather than just pointing it downhill.
Choppy/Tracked Out: Decent performance in variable conditions, though the softer flex means you'll feel more of the terrain. It won't bulldoze through chunky snow like stiff freeride boards, but it remains controllable and relatively comfortable.
9. Overall Experience and Rider Impressions
Riding the Mind Expander induces a distinctly different mindset than traditional powder boards. Rather than focusing on speed and aggression, you find yourself looking for creative lines, natural features to slash, and opportunities to spray powder with style. It brings a playful, artistic approach to powder riding that feels refreshing.
I've found this board particularly enjoyable on storm days with moderate terrain rather than steep, aggressive lines. It excels in environments where you can explore, play, and experiment rather than just survive challenging descents. The surf-inspired character creates a flowing, meditative riding experience that's as much about the journey as the destination.
For intermediate to advanced riders seeking a more playful, creative approach to powder riding, the Mind Expander offers something genuinely different. It won't satisfy riders who prioritize aggressive charging or technical precision, but for those who value style, flow, and artistic expression, it's exceptional.
Conclusion
The Jones Mind Expander successfully translates surf culture and sensibilities into a snowboard that performs exceptionally in its intended soft-snow environment. By prioritizing flow, playfulness, and creative expression over raw power and aggression, Jones has created a board that appeals to a specific type of rider – one who approaches powder with an artist's mindset.
Whether you're a surfer looking to bring ocean sensibilities to the mountains, an intermediate rider seeking approachable powder performance, or an advanced rider wanting something playful for mellow powder days, the Mind Expander deserves consideration. This board proves that powder riding doesn't have to be serious and aggressive – sometimes the best approach is to relax, flow, and let the mountain become your canvas for creative expression.