The Mind Expander Splitboard takes Jones’ best-selling alternative-shredder shape beyond the bounds of the resort and into the backcountry. Photo: Jones Snowboards
There’s a common saying in the splitboard community to summarize the sport: “Splitboarding is the answer.” How can I get unlimited powder runs in a day? Splitboarding. How can I snowboard without paying for a lift ticket or season pass? Splitboarding. How can I get closer to nature and feel the true stillness of the backcountry? Splitboarding, splitboarding, splitboarding. Now with the Jones Mind Expander Snowboard offered in a splitboard version, we have the answer to this often-asked question: How can I recreate the feeling of surfing while in the backcountry? The Jones Mind Expander Splitboard, that’s how.
Editor’s Note: Check out more awesome boards in our guides to the Best Snowboards and Best Women’s Snowboards.
Recreating the feeling of surf with a nice powslash. Photo: SA
Jeremy Jones and his company Jones Snowboards has led the movement to free snowboarding from the boundaries of ski resorts for well over a decade now. His signature boards have helped elevate the sport to new heights, both literally and figuratively with Jeremy and friends accomplishing some of the most daring splitboard descents ever on Jones boards. But what about when you just want to get outside and have some fun in the fresh snow? Sure, crushing big lines at full tilt is fun, but you need the right day and the right crew to pull it off.
For most of us, the appeal of splitboarding is the idea of going at your own pace without fear of somebody snaking your line. Sure, there are routes that call for a bit of extra effort on leg day and a board with the stiffness of an oak tree. But those lines are in the minority of what’s available when looking at what’s out there to shred. Now with the Mind Expander Splitboard, you have the ability to make quick turns and have a much more playful approach to slopes that otherwise might get overlooked.
Jones teamed up with legendary surf shaper Chris Christensen to bring a whole series of boards to market – aptly named the surf series. The Mind Expander is perhaps the most playful and “surfy” of them all, allowing you to make quick turns, put some weight on the front foot, and pop in powder like nobody’s business. It’s a unique shape that just begs to be slashed or ridden through trees. Or so they say. Does it live up to the hype? I took it for a test ride to find out.
Jones Mind Expander: First Impressions
| Pros | Cons |
| Super light | Not great at high speeds |
| Fun/playful/floaty | Takes some getting used to compared to a regular board |
| Inside edges fit together well |
Right out of the box it’s impossible to overlook the Mind Expander‘s weight – or lack thereof. Clocking in at 6.5 pounds, it feels very easy to pull out and get set up. Of course, you have to account for the weight of boots, bindings, and skins to know how much weight you’re dragging uphill, but don’t blame the board if those legs are tired on the way up.
The shape is distinct, in that it has a tapered nose and tail that allow for the board to sink down in the back and let the nose float. With rocker on the ends and a slight camber underneath, it’s well-constructed to withstand an array of scenarios.
When splitting the board apart you notice the uneven inside edges, which actually allow you to put it together easily like a jigsaw puzzle. Many splitboards can be a bugger to put together, especially when frothing at the top in the cold, but this board came apart easily and put together even faster, thanks to the Karakoram clips that help make it feel as solid as any non-split out there.
But it’s how the board rides that we all care about, so let’s get to that.
It floats, both on powder and in the air! Photo: SA
Riding The Mind Expander
The Mind Expander Split is not your typical board. It rides differently than any other board I’ve ridden, and I’ve ridden quite a few boards. For one, it allows you to put weight on your front foot and pivot without having to lean back; which feels much more like the mechanics of surfing. It also floats with ease, staying on top of the snow in situations where I would otherwise have to be riding in the backseat. The 3D contoured base really is a bonus.
I tried the board both in deep powder snow and in spring melt-freeze crust, and had fun in both sets of conditions. The board definitely prefers powder to crust, but then again most snowboarders would say the same. What I did appreciate was that the board maneuvers far better than other boards the same length, so whenever I was in a dicey situation, the edge control came through, allowing me to take a moment to relax before pointing it downhill again.
Drawbacks
The shape is certainly one that you have to get used to, and creates a whole new riding style. For some (such as myself) this is a huge bonus to have an entirely new riding style to add to the quiver. But I can appreciate that some people want a traditional riding style and this board wouldn’t be for them. It’s snappy, punchy, and floaty. So if you’re into big eurocarves and riding in the backseat, this might not be the board for you.
Final Thoughts
The Jones Mind Expander Split is the closest feeling I’ve found to surfing a shortboard on a mountain. The ability to put pressure on the front foot, slash at will, and float through the pow was incredibly fun. I don’t think I’d win any speed records on this board but that’s not the point. The fun comes in maneuvering the board and looking at the terrain through a different lens. If you’re a surfer who likes to wha-bap a good rooster tail on the lip, you’ll love playing on this. Add in the fact that a splitboard allows you to go anywhere with snow (within reason), and you’ve got endless lips to smack for years to come.
Wha-bap! Photo: SA
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Editor’s Note: For more in-depth reviews of the top snowboard gear in the industry, check out our guides to: The Best Snowboard Jackets, The Best Snowboard Pants, The Best Snowboard Goggles, The Best Snowboard Mittens, The Best Snowboard Boots, and The Best Snowboard Bags.
Curious about the brands behind it all? Check out The Best Snowboard Brands. Looking to protect your head? We’ve reviewed Ski and Snowboard Helmets, too. And for even more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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