• Sizes: 146, 150, 1554, 158, 162, 166
• Flex: 6
• Profile: Directional Rocker
• Shape: Directional
• Price: £529 / €600
• BUY DIRECT FROM JONES

Like any good mind expander, it should induce an experience to help you see the world a little differently. When Jeremy worked with legendary surf shaper Chris Christenson to create a new shape for the Jones fleet, they wanted to design a shape that would broaden the lineup’s freeriding horizons. The Mind Expander does just that – a board that surfs its way across the mountain like just about nothing else out there.

It’s still rubber-stamped with the construction and heritage that has made so many of the Jones snowboards instant classics, but this “alternative all-mountain board” is all about mellow highs and no bad trips.

“It’s hardly a shape that screams conventional all-round performance, but it holds up impressively well across the whole mountain”

The only changes for 2020 come in the form of its greener-than-green construction. The updated FSC Bamboo Surf Core has been redesigned with a triple density construction of sustainably sourced woods, placing bamboo stringers along the sidecut for better response on edge. Jones have also incorporated their Super Sap Bio Resin into the full range this year, resulting in a massively reduced carbon footprint on every board.

The lack of changes elsewhere shows the confidence in the snowboard’s gradual evolution, rather than any form of complacency. If it ain’t broke, right?

It has that same, unique shape that just looks so tantalising sat atop fresh snow. The 3D contouring in the tip and tail not only helps with extra float but provides a really loose, surfy feel between the edges.

That’s not to say the Mind Expander only belongs outside the ropes. It’s hardly a shape that screams conventional all-round performance, but it holds up impressively well across the whole mountain. Despite being essentially a full rocker profile, it has the added bite and sting of traction edges and carbon stringers in the nose. That said, the softer torsional, flex also makes it pretty fun to get creative with on the flatlands.

If there’s only one board at your disposal for every day this winter, it’s not just a safe choice, it’s a great one. The all-new Ultra edition might appeal to more demanding freeriders out there, but if snowboarding’s all about turns for the soul, this Mind Expander is the perfect gateway.