Jones Flagship Review: Four Things You Should Know

[@MrEmilOlsson]

Yes, dont be afraid of this board! I usually ride smaller boards but got this in my "freeride size" and dont regret it one bit! Its stable at speed, plows through chop and nimble when the conditions gets rough! Sadly i didnt get to ride any pow or even off piste ,the snow got rained on and then frose up again, for the 7 days ive rode it so far. Were a bit afraid it would be to much board for me, but no problems at all! But this review might even been the one convincing me to buy one! Keep it up! ❤

[@Drift-Products]

Thanks for sharing, it’s a great board!

[@lambisi]

Great take on the new Flagship, the older model from about 5 or 6 years ago was a bit of a plank. But I loved it on sunny groomer only days for high-speed fall line carving. My specs and approach are the same as yours. This board would be in my quiver for an Alaska heli trip for sure.

[@Drift-Products]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing. Maybe someday that Alaska Heli trip can become a reality for us!

[@charlieking1357]

I am looking for an east coast firm mostly carving board. I was thinking of the Flagship. Now, not so sure. Advanced rider, older knees, no park. 5'9" 180. I had a super-G 195 back in the day so sizing up is fine. Thoughts? I have a Gremlin but thinking a little more carvey.

[@Drift-Products]

I think if you want more carvy then the flagship will disappoint. It had a lot of rocker that makes it very powder friendly. Still carves okay, but I wouldn’t pick it for that. Have you ever looked at anything from Amplid or Korua? The Surfari or Transition Finder might really do the trick for what you’re describing.

[@dirtycanvas9711]

Great to hear your perspective on sizing, I'm 6'4", 220 lbs with a size 13 boot so I went with the 169W and some people have been telling me that it's gonna be way too much board for me. I guess I'll find out soon!

[@Drift-Products]

Nope. Smaller people just don’t know. Could your ride smaller? Sure. Will 169 be too much? No.

[@coachpaul-vedicfitness]

I’m 6’3 too with 12 feet and I have a 162W Solution. I love the board and would love to hear some more about why you think taller people should ride bigger boards ? Because I think one of the reasons I love the solution so much is also because it’s stiffer. But the one I got is not long. I was discouraged by several vendors to take longer versions.

[@Drift-Products]

Thanks for the question. Sometime I’ll make a video about this, stay tuned! I’ve got a few things to share! Meanwhile, if you like your 162 I wouldn’t stress at all. I could ride it fine but I didn’t get a flagship for an every day board. I got it for when it’s deep and I want to charge. And in that case, I know I like I bigger board. Right now I’m doing the 165.

[@jjlovesjam]

How did you get on with it? I'm looking at buying one

[@dirtycanvas9711]

@@jjlovesjam it feels big in certain situations which is fine bc I got it as kind of a “steep and deep” quiver board but I would have gone 165 for a daily driver I think

[@eugenearchibald7375]

I have a 169w flagship. It bombs, the ultra flagship is fun! Freeride! Got my Wife one her riding has gotten so much better. All oversized. Great in pow

[@Drift-Products]

Haven’t tried any ultras yet but I need to.

[@aaallllen]

6'3 225lbs 14W boots w/ a 169W Flagship. It's my daily driver and I can have fun with it in a variety of conditions.. The pre-2020 models were a lot stiffer. Edit: I hate it on big and frozen moguls.

[@Drift-Products]

Sounds perfect. When you find a board that’s fun on frozen moguls let me know. In my humble opinion, moguls are for skiers. ;)

[@jeffdeikis4102]

Have you ridden the new Storm Wolf? Kinda curious on your thoughts there.. I can't really understand who that board is for.. but I want it.

[@Drift-Products]

I haven’t ridden it yet either but would really like to. I’ve thought about getting it but pretty hard to justify up against some of the other boards I already have. It’s shaped like the storm chaser but it has some camber and isn’t so wide. So my guess is it’s pretty fun in pow still but also loves to rip a carve on the groomers, while the storm chaser is pretty much pure pow.

[@ckkone]

Have an Ultracraft 156 and Ultra Mountain Twin 160, size 11 K2 Thraxis. Don't like the Ultracraft once the powder has gone chunky and don't like the UMT in the powder. Going to add a Flagship 162W or 164 and hope its the best of both worlds. Best review channel I have seen so far, thanks for the effort.

[@Drift-Products]

Flagship is very hard to beat overall. If I could only have one board, that might be the one.

[@atwx88]

Which have you gone with? 162W I guess for your boot size?

[@jjlovesjam]

​@@Drift-Productswhat bindings do you rock with the flagship?

[@sethoselken9562]

I just bought the 2022 Flagship 172. Tall skinny but after my 168W krypto magtek I'm okay with going bigger. The option was 167 or 172, no wide models left in stock. I've got a 167 XV split that I just picked up on an impulse(strong beers). Seems too short for split but hoping to have fun with it. 161 SLASH for butter days. I'm thinking a 169W skunk ape might serve to replace the busted up krypto 168W.

[@Drift-Products]

heck ya man. No reason to be afraid of a 172!

[@george745li]

Great video. I was able to purchase the right size on the flagship thanks to you.. quick question now what bindings would pair up with this board. I was looking at the jones mercury or now drive pro

[@Drift-Products]

Either of those will be awesome. I like the Drive pros a touch more than the Mercurys but it's very close.

[@jplpagan]

def drop a sizing video. would be good to hear your thoughts given your specs

[@Drift-Products]

Working on it!

[@jimsdrivingschool]

Great review, would you suggest this the hovercraft or the something else to go as a hard charger / pow second board along side my mountain twin ? Cheers

[@Drift-Products]

Either one. Go flagship if you want a freeride board that is awesome in pow, or go HC 2.0 for more of a pow board that can also charge hard. The flagship is a tad more aggressive and likes to straight line but feels a lot like a pow board when you set it back. The hovercraft is a touch more turny, slashy, and directional.

[@jimsdrivingschool]

@@Drift-Products brilliant, thanks for the reply. Would you say the flagship is good in icy conditions ( as good as any snowboard can be )? Thanks

[@Drift-Products]

It’s solid.

[@coachpaul-vedicfitness]

Thank you for this comparison. I just come back from a trip to Japan with my 162W Solution. I’m 6’3, 12 boot size and about 195pounds. And I put my bindings as far back as possible and it was great (and necessary) but I really wondered how it would have compared to an hovercraft. Or if a set back solution would do the trick

[@Drift-Products]

I mean all else equal I think the hovercraft will float a little better given the profile, width, and tail shape but I don’t know if that means the experience will be way better than the solution.

[@atwx88]

Love this review! Would love to get your thoughts on sizing - I’m a US9.5 (K2 Thraxis which has quite a big footprint), 200lbs, 5’11, love to bomb it and carve. I’m mixed between the 162W and 164 - which do you think is a good sizing?

[@Drift-Products]

@@atwx88 I think you could go either way, depending on whether you prefer a board a little wider or narrower. I’d probably lean 164.

[@atwx88]

@@Drift-Productsmany thanks dude! This is helpful.

[@leenorton5927]

Hey, thinking of dropping some cash on a new AM board, this seems to be ideal for me. I am just wary on the Size ; I'm 5'6 75KG and have UK size 7.5 (US 8.5), thinking of the 154 or possibly 158, any thoughts ? I definitely need to add something to my quiver and a quality high end Jones seems to fit. Loved the vid by the way, great explanation for your riding style.

[@Drift-Products]

Thanks! I think you’d be fine with either, just have to decide whether you want it a little more maneuverable and playful or more floaty and stable. Kinda depends on riding style and terrain.

[@KahunaMarketing]

Thank you!

[@adaml2987]

Hey! thanks for video. Why do you give the caveat for icy moguls/trees? I want a do it all board that is good in powder. But on icy days I like to hit the mellow slow bumpy stuff. Is it too stiff?

[@Drift-Products]

No, you’d be fine. Two separate things: I wouldn’t pick the flagship if I was on ice all the time (I’d probably do the aviator) but for some ice it’s fine. And I wouldn’t do this big 169w for the trees. Again it’s fine but if I was riding trees often I would do a smaller size.

[@je5406]

I had a hard time on firm rutted out terrain. My legs were toast! Awesome for everything else.

[@Johnnytcod]

So, what do you do about the east coast ice?

[@Drift-Products]

Move west?

[@HighBall-wt8jp]

How does this ride switch? I ride hard amd this board is right up my alley, i do like to ride switch on packed days or groomers aswell, i wpuld just prefer this over the Frontier

[@Drift-Products]

@@HighBall-wt8jp not going to lie I haven’t spent a ton of time on it switch but for a directional freeride board it’s solid.

[@Joewiz01]

My mountain twin is 154, would you go 156w with this or bigger ? I do like being able to turn fast if I’m in the trees but wouldn’t mind being able to charge and carve a bit too (get bucked around a bit much on the mt when going fast ) I’m 170lbs, boot size 10.5, 5,10 tall Tia

[@Drift-Products]

I mean I’d be doing the 159w but that’s me. If trees are a priority, might size down but this thing has a long nose with a lot of rise. It doesn’t feel as long as the size might indicate. I don’t think it’s hard to turn. The effective edge isn’t that long (but the radius is pretty big and it is decently wide.) I think you’ll enjoy either one? Just gotta pick your priorities.

[@Joewiz01]

@@Drift-Products I suppose it’s always going to be like that, what makes a board good at one thing makes it less good elsewhere. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

[@Durski1976]

I’m deciding between this and the aviator, is it really just the camber profile that’s different? would you say the flex is similar ? I also heard the aviator is quite heavy, is it heavier than the flagship ? Many thanks

[@Drift-Products]

In my opinion it’s like they’re the same board but with different profiles. The Flagship is definitely better in pow, the aviator is better at carving and charging crud. But they feel similar. They are a little chunky but I think that’s part of why they feel so good. I wouldn’t stress too much about the weight. Once you’re charging, it doesn’t matter.

[@Durski1976]

Would you say the flagship 159w would be more or less nimble than the 161, my boot size is 10.5 and my weight fits both boards ? Thank you

[@Drift-Products]

I’d lean 161 if you want nimble. The 159 is a full centimeter wider, I’d only do that if you like wider boards. With a 10.5 you’re right on the boarder of needing a wide.

[@Durski1976]

Am I understanding this right, after the effective edge the extra length in the nose isn’t going to affect the feel of the board that much unless you’re in slightly deeper snow? Normally I wouldn’t go much bigger than 155ish so going to 161 seems massive to me ( that’s what size jones recommended to me too ) Thanks

[@Jacko1980]

Would you say 156w would be worse at going fast, carving and pow than a 161 would be at freestyle ? I fit both boards on jones size chart (I’m 175lbs and 10.5 boot) I appreciate there’s always a trade off with bigger vs smaller but ideally would like to go fast and play Thanks

[@Drift-Products]

How tall are you?

[@Jacko1980]

@@Drift-Products 5,9 ish

[@Drift-Products]

Probably wouldn’t go 161. But honestly if you looking for something that handles some freestyle I think this is the wrong board. I’d take a look at the Yes Standard. But I guess it depends on how much “freestyle” you want out of the flagship.

[@Jacko1980]

@@Drift-Products right ok. I’ve had all mountain boards in the past that were ok at everything but not great at going fast. I just fancied something that was more solid at speed. When I say freestyle if I’m being honest it’s playing around when we’re on piste. I do enjoy jumping around on the piste when I can but I think this time I want something more solid, if it’s decent in pow then that would be great too

[@Drift-Products]

The Standard Uninc is super stable at speed, holds a good edge, and is weirdly good in pow. All if a basically twin feel underfoot when you mount it centered. That would be my vote. But the flagship is an awesome board, don’t get me wrong.

[@Blackirish__]

How does it rate against the ultra mind expander I have the 158 and it’s a bit small as I’m 220 pounds ? ❤

[@Drift-Products]

It’ll feel a bit more like a traditional shape with more tail and less taper, but probably a little more versatile in the freeride arena.

[@Blackirish__]

@@Drift-Products the tail loses it on the ultra with big long carves before you know it can flip you in a split second it’s exactly what I thought

[@evanjohnson1740]

What do you think about going with a 165w for 6'2 220 and size 11 boots?

[@Drift-Products]

I think that’s a great option. I’m on the 165W right now, I’m a little lighter but it’s plenty stiff for me.

[@evanjohnson1740]

I finally got on my 165 today and hit 50mph on a boiler plate bowl today...

[@papasgormita]

I’m 170cm tall(5’60 I think) x 75kgs(170lbs) x 28cm feet(us10),I wanna know which one between 156w or the 159w could be a good choice for my specs thx

[@Drift-Products]

Either one, maybe 159 if you see a lot of deep snow and like a longer board considering your height.

[@Jacko1980]

Do you know if the 2025 model is any different ? I can see the top sheet has changed to a lighter colour but wondering if it’s just that

[@Drift-Products]

I believe it’s just the graphic.

[@Jacko1980]

I managed to get a deal on the aviator so went for that. Now there’s a deal on the flagship ( probably because they’re changing the top sheet next year ). Would it go well with the aviator as a second board or are they too similar? I’ve gone for 156 in the aviator, I was thinking 161 in the flagship so it’s better in powder ? Or would you sack that off, and just go for a pure pow board? I can only afford 1 more board I’m afraid lol. Thank you

[@Drift-Products]

@@Jacko1980 Tough choice. They are very similar but the Flagship is way better in powder and tracked out pow. If you get a pure pow board, you can ride that in clean pow and then ride the Aviator after it's tracked out. Or you could just get a bigger Flagship, ride it in the clean pow and just keep on riding it after it's tracked up. As much as I love pow boards, a big Flagship is almost as good and stays fun once it's all tracked out. That's my hot take but it's up to you!

[@Jacko1980]

@@Drift-Products brilliant, thanks. Tbh I’d like a pow board that is still decent as the day goes on. Once we’re out we’re usually out for the day, we’d be on holiday so getting back to the hotel can be a pain if the whole family is on the other side of the mountain (some of the resorts are huge). You reckon 161 flagship would work then or go even bigger or would that be a bit big for when it’s tracked out ?

[@Drift-Products]

Depends on your specs. Might also consider the Cardiff Powgoda. Awesome in the pow and the leftovers. A little more surfy than the flagship.

[@matiasgibbs251]

Quick question. I understand this board likes speed and is great for steep stuff. Would this board help you if you're going slow in a steep run doing jump turns and taking your time with the turns? Or does it only want to bomb down and go fast? Thanks!

[@Drift-Products]

Good question. I think the flagship is solid for that. I did some riding like that last spring on mt Shasta with the Aviator 2.0 and the Yes Warca and they both did well. I do think a full camber board is ideal in those situations, but the flagship won’t be far behind.

[@matiasgibbs251]

@@Drift-Products Thanks! I got the 169w but I think I'm going to exchange it for a 165w because I find that the reference stance is too wide for me. Since you are similar in height than me (i'm 6'2 and 200 pounds) do you find that you reach the reference stance and the float pack stance comfortably?

[@Drift-Products]

@@matiasgibbs251 I do but I think I ride a wider stance than most. I like 23.5". I also have long legs and a short torso. Jones tends to have a wider reference stance than most brands in their big sizes.

[@matiasgibbs251]

@@Drift-Products Right on. I think I'm stuck with the 169W having a 13 sized boot anyway. Crossing fingers that it won't be too cumbersome. Thanks for the help!

[@Drift-Products]

I don't think it'll be an issue. Proper width is worth it in my opinion. @@matiasgibbs251

[@hossfox30]

I went with a 167cm because that's what was recommended. Im 5'10" 210lbs. Hopefully, it's not too long?? What do you think? I'm a size 10-10.5 boot size.

[@Drift-Products]

I think following their recommendation is solid.

[@wojciecht451]

I'm 190lbs 6,2 and 11.5 foot. I bought 162W Flag, should I change it to 165W? I'm confused with your recommendation to size up that much:) thanks for reply !

[@Drift-Products]

Oh I'm not recommending everyone size up that much, I was just sharing my experience with trying something much bigger than recommended. I'd still tell most people to ride what they recommend. You could happily enjoy either. The 162 will be better in trees and more nimble, the 165 would be a bit more stable in a straight-line and give a little extra float in pow. I wouldn't stress over it at all.

[@je5406]

Im 190+/- 5. 11 boot and ride the 162w. It hauls ass and its still excellent turning in tree runs with soft snow. The only thing I had a I hard time on was rutted out terrain a few days after a snowfall.

[@chrislesac3586]

Looking for a directional board that is good in pow, holds a solid edge on hard pack/icy days and still has some torsional flex. Would this be a good option? Any other thoughts? 6’4” 204 size 11 boot 23.5 stance.

[@Drift-Products]

Yes, the flagship is a good option. Are you leaning more freeride or more all mountain?

[@chrislesac3586]

More freeride and groomers. No park. Can’t powder chase so we ride whatever day brings. Want to take a back country class this year. Live on front range in Denver. Get about 25 to 30 days per season. Hoping to hit 40 this year. Mainly riding Keystone, Loveland, Crested Butte and Breck.

[@Drift-Products]

Sweet. Ya, I'd give a nod to the Yes PYL, maybe the Bataleon Thunderstorm, Rome Ravine, or K2 Passport. Hard to go wrong with any of those. @@chrislesac3586

[@bigben73]

What's your recommendation on board size, I'm 6'3, 210lbs, size 13 boot. I currently ride a 168W (another brand)......would you go 165W or 169W in the Flagship??

[@Drift-Products]

I think you could go either way. 165 if you want it to be a little more nimble and better in trees, 169 if you like to go more straight-line, high speed stability. But I don't think you'd give up too much either way.

[@stever8972]

165W all day, no need to go further than that IMO.

[@Bohdisattva326]

Most people ride boards that are too small for them

[@Drift-Products]

Because the whole industry recommends boards too small.

[@giladlavi4393]

I'm 200 pounds, 10 boot size and got a 164 for next season, did I go small? I thought I went big until now

[@Drift-Products]

No I don’t think so. Unless you’re particularly tall, it’ll be plenty of board I think. I think the 162w would be the more well rounded board for me. Maybe 165.

[@giladlavi4393]

@@Drift-Products 180

[@Drift-Products]

No you're good to go. @@giladlavi4393

[@White1404]

Is this the best board I've ever ridden? I think iy might be.

[@Drift-Products]

Cheers!