Jones Mind Expander 2023 Snowboard Review vs. Ultra Mind Expander & Cardiff Powgoda

[@emersonbowling833]

Sad to see the ME lose the surf rocker, my go to pow board and it's about time to replace my '19 board

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah it is still a great ride but just not a super deep pow ride. Hit me up here if you want some pure pow board suggestions. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@ag02m5]

Hey guys. Thanks for the review. Needs in this order: 1) trees 2) pow 3) groomers/carving 4) smaller jumps and side hits. Basically resort riding looking for stashes in the trees and riding groomers and jumps in between. Would you lean toward the '23 ME or the Rossi Sashimi? I have watched your other reviews on the Sashimi and it is a pretty well-liked board. Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

No Problem. I would do the Mind Expander. It has a faster base and a little more dynamic flex. I like the overall turning experience better. That is why this is a favorite on the site and not the Sashimi.

[@ag02m5]

@@thegoodridesnow thanks!!

[@mauiwowipaui]

Great job! Great benefit from having Daveys point of view with his specs. 👍🏻

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks! I'm stoked to have him contributing!

[@finroddd]

The previous model is work of art, it is beyond amazing! Happy to have it! Looks like it was just too good. This one is a large step back.

[@Benayeb]

Thanks guys! I’m currently riding the mind expander. I go in powder when I can but usually on groomers with conditions around me. I got it because of how much fun everyone said it was and I agree! My question is am I sacrificing some specs too much by making this my daily driver for groomers or not? Want to know if i should be picking a different board out of the gate. Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Do you have the 2023 with camber? If so then this is a pretty good daily driver for those who like a more set back directional ride. So it really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to ride. Hit me up here if you want more detailed advice. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@rorymatson3190]

Love the big guy perspective! Seems like the Mind Expander is now a daily driver. I was digging the Stratos, but now just love the white top sheet. Just want to be ride switch some shape of this. Trade offs. Can this board carve decently ride switch at moderate speed? Of course a twin is better, but want to lean free ride/directional with slight taper.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! Yes its a much better daily driver but it isn't ideal at switch compared to other tapered directional rides like the Flagship or Stratos. It carves very well though.

[@mikhailcheredintsev4102]

Hi very cool review, thank you. I can't decide on three snowboards. I often ride in deep snow. But I also like carving. I choose between Jones Mind Expander 162, Korua Transition Finder 157 and Amplid Surfary 163. All three come out for about the same price. My weight is 85-88 kg, my height is 188 cm and my leg is 30 cm (Burton photon 12us, 32 cm all together). Help me decide please, you are my favorite snowboard blogger and I trust you❤

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks! If you can hit me up here I can help you much better because I can learn more about you to help properly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/ All will work for your specs. Jones has a little better grip and a faster base. TF is pretty balanced between pow and carving. The Surfari is the dampest and best for all conditions. Right there with the TF for carving.

[@WobblePizza]

Nice! Got the big guy in the review!

[@thegoodridesnow]

I love having him in the reviews.

[@jaronneuscheller660]

I love the mind expander (2023)!, i think this board ist exactly the right fit for me, i am riding in powder a lot but i also like to build jumps and i recently learned back flips. Now my question can i also flip with the mind expander because i would like to get better at back flips and some freestyle tricks on kickers but i also want something surfy in the powder. Is the mind expander the right choice for me ?

[@jaronneuscheller660]

I am a intermediate rider, and i only rode like standard beginner boards. And now i am looking for something better

[@thegoodridesnow]

Maybe the Mind Expander Twin then.

[@rancidhotmail]

I dont know why they removed the surf rocker from the ME. if anyone needed camber they could have just bought the UME

[@Omgshoes017]

do u think the boards overall quality is similar as before? did the changes make it worse in your opinion

[@marcusaurelius2787]

I own the ume. I have only ever ridden it in deep powder never at a resort. It rides powder really well, the camber is better period. The m.e is useless at resorts unlike the ume.

[@rancidhotmail]

@Omgshoes017 I would say the new ME would be more versatile as camber provides many benefits (stability, carvability, grip). the old ME has rocker and more setback and is more of a powder board. so no better or worse, just your preference. That being said, I am happy i got the old ME

[@daniellecompte5529]

Excellent review! I currently owned a 150 libtech Orca (I’m 5’6”/ 165 pounds/ 8 boot size), I’m hesitating between a 150 and 154 Jones ME? I’m mostly ride powder in tight glades or groomers

[@thegoodridesnow]

I think you could go with either and it's a tough call. If the 150 Orca works really well for you then go 154 as it will be a better ride in pow. If you feel the Orca 150 is a bit much for you at times then maybe the 150 ME. would work better.

[@mikemackenzie3305]

Great review guys. I'm so torn between the mind expander or arbor satori for everyday resort rad dad riding groomers and side hits. Which would you choose?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks. Not sure based on the info you gave me about yourself as they are super different boards. JME is very set back, tapered and directional. Satori is very short/wide and much more centered on board. Two very different camber profiles as well that ride very differently. Might be best to hit me up here for real advice. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@polkinnen1501]

great thx. just try the new project X for 2023. it should be less shuttering on a 159 . The epoxy glue has been improved and will be 30% stronger and thy used more Koroyd technology, which has lightened the board by 50g. they said.

[@thegoodridesnow]

I'll give it a go if they have one for demo. Would love to know how it compares to the 156 Project X and 159 Stratos I have tested.

[@matm4077]

Great review guys! I’m torn between this and the Korua dart. This will be my pow board, but also looking to have fun in resort if that’s how the day pans out. Is the mind expanded floaty enough in pow? Thank you!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! Hard to say based on the info given. Two very different boards.Dart likes super Posi stance angles and has a very set back surfy ride. ME floats well but not as well as the Dart. I would go to thegoodride.com and use the comparison tool, check the in depth reviews and go with the one that appeals to you.

[@sideshow00]

does davey have a yt channel? great review, love this channel

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! No but he will be doing a lot more here.

[@HighSpinSwingSpeed]

Great review, very technical. Specifically how does the ME compare to the Stratos?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks. ME is much more set back, tapered, directional, turny and much better in all conditions. The Stratos is very light and more poppy. It doesn't ride as set back and turny/surfy compared to the ME but does compared to other more traditional freeride boards like the Flagship.

[@Ryan-ji6ww]

Choosing between mind expander, mind expander twin Ms Stratos, which one is more suitable for intermediate who mainly ride on restore to craving, side hit, not going to park. Can float in powder day.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Hard to say based on the info given but I would probably keep it between the Stratos and Mind Expander. Stratos has more chatter but less taper and a softer flex which might be easier. Not ideal though if you see a lot of messy/uneven snow though. If you want real in depth advice hit me up here. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@ToddSnow]

Did I hear that right? You recommend the ME over the Ultra ME when it comes to speed? Isn’t the ultra much stiffer meaning more stable at speeds? Even on Jones’ website they rate the Ultra ME as the better board for speed. Interesting to hear you say otherwise I’m this review.

[@thegoodridesnow]

So lately its lighter and more poppy but a little less damp. Better base though but both bases are really fast . Updated review of ultra mind expander coming soon.

[@ckkone]

Its getting so hard to choose a board now days. Currently have a Ultra Mtn Twin, looking for a better resort board for powder days and groomers. Flagship, Mind Expander or Hovercraft.....

[@thegoodridesnow]

Based on the info given it would be very hard for me to help you here. Hit me up here if you want in depth and legit advice. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@justinhua82]

This looks like a direct competitor to the GNU gremlin to me, would you agree?

[@thegoodridesnow]

No. Pretty different rides. Gremlin has a lot more camber, grip and less of a directional feel to it. Mind Expander has a lot more float, a much faster base, very different sidecut design, is much more slashy/turny in pow and to a lesser extent on groomers.

[@daveg8212]

Hey James- How would the ME compare to the K2 Instrument for directional resort groomer carving and powder in tight trees? Size 9 boots, of course!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Instrument has less taper, a less turny/set back/surfy feel and it's more damp. If you aren't into a lot of taper the Instrument is the call. The ME has more pop a little more grip and a faster base. It's the call if you like more taper. Hoping to have that review up soon.

[@bushkey]

New mind expander versus Korua transition finder? Which one would you rather have that will kill it in both powder and carving?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Both are favorites on the site. The TF carves harder in good conditions and the ME grips better in harder snow and has a faster base. Both float equally well. It just comes down to which better fits your specs and which one calls to you more.

[@boardlyfe]

How does the JME compare to the Yes hybrid? Which is a more fun every day ride? Which one handles steep terrain better?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Two pretty different boards. Hybrid has more grip and a softer flex. JME is stiffer and has a faster base. I'd say JME is probably a little better for making quick turns steep terrain.

[@mattcliff3669]

Love the channel, appreciate all the hard work that goes into these reviews. Thoughs on 158 or 162 for 210lb rider with 10.5 boot size?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks! You could do both and it depends on your height and what you are used to now. I'd say probably 162 for float and a harder carve but 158 for more control. Hit me up here if you want to get into it in more detail and do this properly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@mattcliff3669]

@@thegoodridesnow thanks, I'm 187cm tall, used to riding a 159w burton process flying v.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Gotcha. If you plan on seeing a lot of deeper pow you will like the 162 but if you see a lot of steeper terrain or more groomers or just like a lot of control go 158

[@KyleSammon]

Awesome Review. Just gave a sub. I am looking at getting one, but I am stuck between 158 and 162. Im 6' ~175 but wear a size 11.5 boot so seem to find myself right in-between the two. Any recommendation advice? Thanks.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks and thanks! 162 is the better call for 11.5's. You should have no problem handling it. I rode the 162 with size 9's, 185lbs at 5'10". I prefer the 158 but it wasn't hard for me to handle so you will be much happier with the 162.

[@foggy808]

Do the twin version! 👌 enjoyable vid ty

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! The ME Twin review is up.

[@ricepikr]

@@thegoodridesnow where's the vid for the twin? don't see it on your page

[@thegoodridesnow]

@@ricepikr thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/jones-mind-expander-twin-2021-2022-snowboard-review/ Didn't change for 2023.

[@borjasierra6381]

Hello, thank you very much for the review, I really liked the Mind Expander, what size would you recommend for freeride with my characteristics? 168cm, 70kg and 40.5 boot? Thank you very much for the help.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! I'd say you are between the 150 and 154. If you want more maneuverability/control in all conditions go 150. Or if you are used to a smaller board for your specs go 150. If you like more float/speed/carving power and don't need a super easy turner in uneven snow go 154.

[@borjasierra6381]

@@thegoodridesnowthanks You very much 😊😊

[@scottgoodwin9462]

Would love to know how you think this compares to 2022-23 Korua Transition finder and Jones stratos?? And is switch riding doable?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Transition Finder is a more aggressive a little more technical ride with a little slower base and not as turny with the new less tapered shape. Didn't feel there was a lot of overlap between those two. Vs. the Stratos way more damp, turny, tapered and directional. Switch riding is doable but not ideal.

[@holdup16]

I’m looking to buy this board in a 158 I’m 170lbs size 11 boot. Would a pair of 2023 Union STR be enough binding for this board to handle all mountain resort riding and powder days with ease. I’ll be wearing 21/22 Solomon dialogue Boa boots. The Union STR are extra bindings I have laying around.

[@thegoodridesnow]

They are OK but not ideal. Atlas, Force or even Strata's would be better than the STR's.

[@howz8404]

Might have to try one out. Any recommendations on binding?

[@thegoodridesnow]

We enjoy it for sure. It depends on boot type and how you like to ride. Union Atlas, Union Force, Rome Katana and maybe the Jones Mercury if you have stiff sole boots.

[@howz8404]

@@thegoodridesnow Thanks for the info! Your videoes have been very helpful. It would be my first "surfy" board to balance out the quiver. Didn't know if there were "surfy" specialized bindings.

[@iBoredization]

What are some binding pairings you'd recommend for the mind expander?

[@thegoodridesnow]

If you have stiff soles in your boots and don't need adjustability the ride is pretty great with Jones Mercury, Jones Meteorite, Now Drive and Now Pilots. If you want adjustability the Union Atlas, Union Strata, 2022 or later Rome Katana or Vice work very well too.

[@bryanvo3048]

Thanks for the review! Just curious if you would recommend the Mind Expander or K2 Excavator for good pow float, doing 360’s off side hits, and tree runs? Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Both are great for that. If you want more short/wide probably go Excavator. If you want a more turny/tapered ride than most traditional freeride boards in a little longer package go Mind Expander. ME has a faster base, turns quicker in tighter spots, and more edge hold. Excavator's flex feels better in all conditions and has more accessible pop. I personally liked carving with the Excavator a little more but both are pretty great at that and it's more personal preference with that.

[@bryanvo3048]

Thanks for the feedback! ME sounds perfect! Any recommendation for board size if I’m 5’8, 155lb with size 9 boots?

[@Not.ed.sheeran]

Sad they changed the rocker profile. I own last years Mind Expander and that spoon nose is sweet.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Hang on to that as long as you can. That was such a fun pow ride. The 2023 does have the same nose so it turns the same in powder but just doesn't float like it used to. Carves way better though.

[@morg33327]

Would you say the ME or Powgoda is a better all around board?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Both shine in different areas and it really comes down to what strengths appeal to you more. Powgoda - Floats Better - A little better grip in hard snow. - Better in hard uneven snow. Mind Expander - Better spring out of the turn on groomers - Better turn in powder with the spoon nose even though there is less float. - Better in soft uneven snow with its stiffer flex.

[@brian2973]

This vs Transition Finder? Any similarities?

[@thegoodridesnow]

They seem like they would be similar but they feel very different on snow. Especially the new TF with less taper. TF is more aggressive and a harder more satisfying carver. I want to size down. The new ME is more turny and even though it has a similar flex feels more forgiving and a little bit more mellow. Has a faster base too. I like to size up with this ride.

[@Darrelllcho]

@The Good Ride So for someone 5'7" around 140 with size 8 boot who could fit on 150 or 154, you like to size up to 154 with the ME?

[@thegoodridesnow]

@@Darrelllcho I would probably go 154 for your specs.

[@Darrelllcho]

Just got my ME. Is it your take that the amount of camber is on the mellow side compared to other cambered boards when you compare them on a flat table? While you can definitely see the camber on the table, it looks pretty subtle to me compared to my other cambered boards . . .

[@thegoodridesnow]

You mean compared to full camber? Yes its pretty mellow. Compared to other directional camber/hybrid camber boards it's pretty normal. Overall not super easy but not locked in either.