I really have to say this was spot on! I normally ride a Jones Flag 162 wide and it is my go to board. The guy at the shop was pushing me to ride the 158 UME and I was like.... I am 6'2 222lb. Even though I have big feet the 260 waist was fine. So you are right on the weight scale as well. I always look at that too much and you should size down for sure. The few days I got on this board were fun. I found it much quicker for sharp slash turns and fun in the pow. Keep up the good reviews!
I rode this and it was really fun in all conditions, I thought it was a little dead in powder compared to other things I’ve ridden from Jones, you are totally right about sizing down, I went with a 154 instead of a 159 when I demoed it and I felt like the board definitely rides bigger then it is.
Just got the ume in 162. Been riding flag 165w and really love it. Was looking at the fish 3d and storm chaser but went with ume as I like the extra width and need a bit more tail for landing.
I'm 170lbs 6ft I went for the UME 154 after talking with Jones direclty. I live in Niseko, Japan, so I ride deep, light powder in trees most days. You can not just cruise down the hill with this board, it is not design for this. To get the most of it you must have strong legs, ride it aggressively, have precise mouvements, pressure it on the right spot at the right time. Then early afternoon go relax in a onsen(Japanese hot springs). To damper all the vibrations due to carbon withing the board I used NOW and JONES bindings, there are the only two brands to have skate-tech.
Got this last season before lockdowns in Melbourne. I'm 176cm 84kg, got the 154 and love it. I was contemplating the 158 and I still do second guess my decision, but the way it handles I also agree that the 158 could have been too much for me. Plus in Aus conditions I do think the 154 is better suited, maybe if I kept it as a pow board I'd get the 158 but then I would be riding my sickstick more here than the ume. The 154 at my weight means I can really control it alot easier than I expected. I do however own a wide 151 sickstick, how many shorter boards does one need? I'm wondering if I should keep it as I love it but I have always wanted longer more charger/bomber so I'm on the fence for a 160 Korua dart, or the 162 Dart split or solution split to further my quiver! It does feel quite firm on the knees and legs in hard snow, I still smash it all day long in our conditions, my sickstick felt a little be more damp in the arvos and I did try out a korua tranny finder 158 on the same weekend away and that thing absorbed everything!
This board likes to be ridden I'm 185 at 100 kilos and it went well in powder in Japan, if you get lazy on it on the hard pack it will catch and flip you but it's lively and poppy and way better than competitors I have ridden, it's everything they say it is. If you rely on the tail to hold a heelside turn too long it will put you on your arse but it's pretty good all round. You can size down on it for tree runs.
I went with the 154, I'm 5-7 about 140. IT is stiff but haven't had an issue with maneuverability or feeling like it is Tooo stiff. It's a Stable platform too it has helped me get really comfortable with faster speeds and having full confidence in my edge. I also come from a longboard surf background which I understand doesn't always translate to snow but I'm not afraid of a bigger board. When you reference you have ridden stiffer boards can you give some examples of that and where would you put this on a 1-10 scale. thanks man appreciate the work you do.
I already have a standard mind expander. Would you recommend the UME for a freeride board or should I look at other options like the Flagship or Telos DST instead?
I have a 162 ride berzerker and weigh 180. Love to slash and point straight down the mountain at times but would also love a surfy powder board too. Sometimes I feel the 162 is a little cumbersome for tight turns or tree runs. Would you say a 154 or 158?
I am in 172 cm height and my weight is in 55kg. Which length of this board should I go for? 150CM or 154CM? Also, I am looking for carving. Which board should I choose? Jones Flagship or Jones Ultra Mind Expander Snowboard ? What are their differences? Thank you.
Do you think the carbon camber profile reduces the surfiness compared to the normal mind expander? How does this feel relative to a flagship or carbon flagship as adding even some camber brings it back towards those boards?
It only reduces the surfiness if you go with the size that would be appropriate for you, if you drop a size lower than the recommended weight it's still just as surfy but with more power.
@@VengefulCarrot looking forward to your update, likely coming next year due to corona :-( I'm very close to your spec with gear and have a 162 UME. It's stiff. If I wasn't in a size 12 boot I would have sized down (unless I had found the deal you scored). I can center flex it but had to put more in to it than usual. Surfing the big pipe is so good. If you want to push your limit this board will do it.
Actually I did get a day on it! Took it up for a day at bogus basin, had a miracle 10" overnight the night before. Last day before it closed. The board is really different to everything I've ever ridden and I am absolutely sure I will need a lot of time to get used to it, and ride it to its potential. Its STIFF. Things a monster, and thats not necessarily a bad thing but it was really odd with my mostly park / less aggressive background. I'm pretty sure that with more time I'll learn to really like it, and it'll push me as a rider.
The drunk angry snowboarder in bottom left corner took my attention so I had to watch that part again. K2 Alchemist vs Jones Ultra Mind Expander, what would you keep?
@@AngrySnowboarder the optimistic is more manoeuvrable or the optimistic is? I'm 220 size 11 boot and got the 158 I think it's enough as it's alot of board, hopefully won't want the 162 for Japan, this board does like to be ridden it does lock in on groomers and if you start sliding the tail it's a pig, I think it's more powder orientated it will come alive more, did on the heli day but we had boot deep mixed with surface crud so hard to really tell 👌
Currently on a Nitro Squash, thinking the next board is a Telos Backslash. Would this board be another one to maybe consider? I don’t really do much freestyle, mostly charge, carve, and chase pow. Have a pass to Brighton and go to Pow Mow every now and then.
I'm coming from my 15y Custom X, looking for something surfier for pow, groomers and carves. Can't use a bord to wash out. Would this be something? also, how does it compare to the flagship?
I'm 185 at 220 pounds and have the 158, this board carves and turns on a dime, no probs in japan super nimble through trees and it has loads of feedback, it keeps on delivering stoked with it but it likes an aggressive rider that can carve, if it's not railed it feels shit
We carried this at four mountain this year, one of my favorite boards I’ve ever ridden.
I really have to say this was spot on! I normally ride a Jones Flag 162 wide and it is my go to board. The guy at the shop was pushing me to ride the 158 UME and I was like.... I am 6'2 222lb. Even though I have big feet the 260 waist was fine. So you are right on the weight scale as well. I always look at that too much and you should size down for sure. The few days I got on this board were fun. I found it much quicker for sharp slash turns and fun in the pow. Keep up the good reviews!
I am 6ft, 2inches, 170lbs and I have the 154 Ultra. I love this thing it preforms in every condition!
i'm 6-3, 235. The demo only had a 154... I was surprised how stable, fast, and nimble it was. I have a 162 coming soon :)
Yep I got the 158 and I'm 220 it alot of board not sure whether a 162 would be too much
@@Blackirish__ Hmm. I'm used to a 169W Flagship. That thing is really stiff, so hopefully i'm ok
@@aaalllen I think so
I rode this and it was really fun in all conditions, I thought it was a little dead in powder compared to other things I’ve ridden from Jones, you are totally right about sizing down, I went with a 154 instead of a 159 when I demoed it and I felt like the board definitely rides bigger then it is.
The harder you ride it the better it goes
Just got the ume in 162. Been riding flag 165w and really love it. Was looking at the fish 3d and storm chaser but went with ume as I like the extra width and need a bit more tail for landing.
I'm 170lbs 6ft I went for the UME 154 after talking with Jones direclty. I live in Niseko, Japan, so I ride deep, light powder in trees most days.
You can not just cruise down the hill with this board, it is not design for this. To get the most of it you must have strong legs, ride it aggressively, have precise mouvements, pressure it on the right spot at the right time. Then early afternoon go relax in a onsen(Japanese hot springs). To damper all the vibrations due to carbon withing the board I used NOW and JONES bindings, there are the only two brands to have skate-tech.
I came for the review... I stayed for the party-bro!!!
Got this last season before lockdowns in Melbourne.
I'm 176cm 84kg, got the 154 and love it.
I was contemplating the 158 and I still do second guess my decision, but the way it handles I also agree that the 158 could have been too much for me. Plus in Aus conditions I do think the 154 is better suited, maybe if I kept it as a pow board I'd get the 158 but then I would be riding my sickstick more here than the ume.
The 154 at my weight means I can really control it alot easier than I expected.
I do however own a wide 151 sickstick, how many shorter boards does one need? I'm wondering if I should keep it as I love it but I have always wanted longer more charger/bomber so I'm on the fence for a 160 Korua dart, or the 162 Dart split or solution split to further my quiver!
It does feel quite firm on the knees and legs in hard snow, I still smash it all day long in our conditions, my sickstick felt a little be more damp in the arvos and I did try out a korua tranny finder 158 on the same weekend away and that thing absorbed everything!
I just got mine 2022 version. I’m actually gonna try to run it with flows. Let me know what you think teach me your ways Obi-Wan.
That you have the 22 version and are going to run it with Flows.
Thanks .went for Flagg.Very happy with it.
This board likes to be ridden I'm 185 at 100 kilos and it went well in powder in Japan, if you get lazy on it on the hard pack it will catch and flip you but it's lively and poppy and way better than competitors I have ridden, it's everything they say it is. If you rely on the tail to hold a heelside turn too long it will put you on your arse but it's pretty good all round. You can size down on it for tree runs.
I went with the 154, I'm 5-7 about 140. IT is stiff but haven't had an issue with maneuverability or feeling like it is Tooo stiff. It's a Stable platform too it has helped me get really comfortable with faster speeds and having full confidence in my edge. I also come from a longboard surf background which I understand doesn't always translate to snow but I'm not afraid of a bigger board. When you reference you have ridden stiffer boards can you give some examples of that and where would you put this on a 1-10 scale. thanks man appreciate the work you do.
Scales don't matter.
Gotcha, do you have some examples of boards you have ridden that are stiffer?
Lib Swiss Knife, Burton Custom X (pre 2020), Jones Ultracraft, Nidecker Donut, Ride Timeless.
I already have a standard mind expander. Would you recommend the UME for a freeride board or should I look at other options like the Flagship or Telos DST instead?
Look at other options.
I have a 162 ride berzerker and weigh 180. Love to slash and point straight down the mountain at times but would also love a surfy powder board too. Sometimes I feel the 162 is a little cumbersome for tight turns or tree runs. Would you say a 154 or 158?
54.
Are you going to make a 2022 review of this or is it the same as the previous iterations? Thanks Angry!
2022 is done.
@@AngrySnowboarder I'll wait for the 2023 review then! In the mean time I'll spray fat skier kids 😎
I am in 172 cm height and my weight is in 55kg. Which length of this board should I go for? 150CM or 154CM?
Also, I am looking for carving. Which board should I choose? Jones Flagship or Jones Ultra Mind Expander Snowboard ? What are their differences? Thank you.
Go watch the reviews and ask yourself which one fits what I need.
@Angry Snowboarder OK, How about the bindings? Which one do you suggest to pair with this board? Thank you.
@@ron217 jones Apollo, ride 9 series, union atlas
Do you think the carbon camber profile reduces the surfiness compared to the normal mind expander? How does this feel relative to a flagship or carbon flagship as adding even some camber brings it back towards those boards?
It only reduces the surfiness if you go with the size that would be appropriate for you, if you drop a size lower than the recommended weight it's still just as surfy but with more power.
Which is more damp - Commissioner or UME?
It's not that it's more damp it's that it's different because it has a metal topsheet.
Have someone in my area selling a 162 UME, ridden once no damage. I'm 6'3" 195lbs w gear. Go for it? Worried about it being too long.
Just be aware it's going to be stiff, I'd say go for it.
@@AngrySnowboarder Went for it! picked it up today, will update when I take it for a spin. $400!!
@@VengefulCarrot looking forward to your update, likely coming next year due to corona :-(
I'm very close to your spec with gear and have a 162 UME. It's stiff. If I wasn't in a size 12 boot I would have sized down (unless I had found the deal you scored). I can center flex it but had to put more in to it than usual. Surfing the big pipe is so good. If you want to push your limit this board will do it.
Actually I did get a day on it!
Took it up for a day at bogus basin, had a miracle 10" overnight the night before. Last day before it closed.
The board is really different to everything I've ever ridden and I am absolutely sure I will need a lot of time to get used to it, and ride it to its potential.
Its STIFF. Things a monster, and thats not necessarily a bad thing but it was really odd with my mostly park / less aggressive background. I'm pretty sure that with more time I'll learn to really like it, and it'll push me as a rider.
The drunk angry snowboarder in bottom left corner took my attention so I had to watch that part again.
K2 Alchemist vs Jones Ultra Mind Expander, what would you keep?
The one I need?
Randy with the big flex
Interested in this vs Optimistic for turn making
If we're going straight carving the Optimistic wins every time. It's just a bit more maneuverable.
Cheers thanks Avran.
@@AngrySnowboarder the optimistic is more manoeuvrable or the optimistic is? I'm 220 size 11 boot and got the 158 I think it's enough as it's alot of board, hopefully won't want the 162 for Japan, this board does like to be ridden it does lock in on groomers and if you start sliding the tail it's a pig, I think it's more powder orientated it will come alive more, did on the heli day but we had boot deep mixed with surface crud so hard to really tell 👌
I'm a size 11.5 boot which puts me at a 158 board. Do you think I could get away with a 154? or is toe bit going to be an issue?
Probably going to have toe bite.
You definitely can't do a 154, too narrow.
Currently on a Nitro Squash, thinking the next board is a Telos Backslash. Would this board be another one to maybe consider? I don’t really do much freestyle, mostly charge, carve, and chase pow. Have a pass to Brighton and go to Pow Mow every now and then.
If you're really looking to push it to the limit then yes.
Ultra Mind Expander (154) or Storm Wolf (158)?
What are stiffer powder snowboards for $200 Alex?
?
I'm coming from my 15y Custom X, looking for something surfier for pow, groomers and carves. Can't use a bord to wash out.
Would this be something? also, how does it compare to the flagship?
I think you'll want a Flagship over this. It's stiff, aggressive, and designed for hard charging at all times.
@@AngrySnowboarder thanks for the reply! I hope they'll have it at the test event on sunday in LAAX
I have a flagship I want something with a little more style I feel like all I can do on a flagship is bomb runs and carve up a storm
I'm 185 at 220 pounds and have the 158, this board carves and turns on a dime, no probs in japan super nimble through trees and it has loads of feedback, it keeps on delivering stoked with it but it likes an aggressive rider that can carve, if it's not railed it feels shit
Does your mind expander review from last year apply the same to this years regular mind expander?
100%
Chunder Thunder