The Mind Expander is Jones's short, surfy freeride board for powder, trees and soft snow. The 2.0 is the newest version, and Jones lists it as a directional camber board with a medium-stiff flex.
This review covers how the camber Mind Expander rides, where it struggles and who should pick a more all-round board.
What It Is: A Short, Surfy Freeride Board
The Mind Expander is a directional, tapered board. The nose is wider than the tail, which helps it float in powder and turn quickly. Riders size it down, and owners say it is often the shortest board they have owned.
Early versions used a full rocker profile. Owners say the newer Mind Expander has camber between the feet and rocker in the nose, which makes it more stable than the older boards. The tips are also spooned, which means they curve up at the edges so they glide over crud and slush.
Most owner reports cover the camber Mind Expander, not the 2.0. One rider asked for 2.0 impressions and got no replies. Treat this review as a guide to the current Mind Expander design.
On the Snow: Surfy and Easy to Turn
Owners say it is at its best in powder and trees. One rider called their directional Mind Expander the most fun board they have had, surfy and floating great in the trees and moguls. They said it took over most of their days from their other boards.
A rider who has owned about 25 boards over 37 years called the Mind Expander their favorite. They said it excels in powder but is also great for hard, fast carving and handles mixed snow, crud, chop and ice.
Another owner said it is great on moguls, because the tapered tail lets them turn and slash quickly.
Where It Excels
The Mind Expander shines for riders who chase soft snow and trees. It suits riders with a surf background who want a loose, playful feel, and it is easier on bumped-up slopes than stiffer freeride boards. One rider who compared it with the Korua Transition Finder said the Mind Expander is better for a surfing feel, butters and flat tricks.
Where It Falls Short
It struggles on firm snow. One owner said it wasn't great on first-chair groomers or icy, hard snow, but was super fun once the runs were slashed up. Another rider who had an older version said it felt like a wet noodle on hard pack, though a later owner said those complaints came from the older full rocker version.
Jumps are a weak spot. One owner said the spooned contact points make it feel loose when setting up for jumps, so riders who rely on edge snap may miss it. Another said the nose is noticeably heavier than the tail.
At high speed, it gives up a little stability. One owner moves both bindings forward a few holes when they want to go fast.
The "Daily Driver?" Question
You'll find this question in most Mind Expander threads. Some owners ride it everywhere and call it their favorite board. Others say the Jones Mountain Twin is a better daily driver because it is more versatile.
Here's the take from owners: if most of your days are soft, the Mind Expander can be your only board. If you ride lots of firm groomers, use it as a second board for powder and tree days.
Pro tip: Size down. One owner sized down on a Jones rep's advice and called it their favorite board, and another swapped a 154 for a 150 and was glad they did.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Mind Expander 2.0 if you want a surfy, short board for powder, trees and moguls and you value fun over precision.
Look elsewhere if you mostly ride firm groomers or ice, want a jump board or need one board that does everything equally well.
Alternatives
The Jones Mountain Twin is the more versatile daily driver that owners often suggest instead. Read our full Jones Mountain Twin review.
The Rome Stale Fish is another surfy, directional board for powder and soft snow. Read our full Rome Stale Fish review.
The Salomon Dancehaul is a short, wide board that is fun in trees and soft snow. Read our full Salomon Dancehaul review.
Verdict
The Jones Mind Expander 2.0 continues a board that owners love for powder, trees and moguls. It feels loose on firm and icy snow, and it has less snap for jumps. For riders who want a surfy board for soft days, it is one of the most fun boards you can buy.
