Choosing the right snowboard size is crucial for optimal performance and enjoyment on the mountain, especially when it comes to a versatile freeride board like the Jones Flagship. Designed to conquer all conditions and terrain, the Flagship excels when you point it downhill. Understanding the nuances of snowboard sizing for this model will ensure you get the most out of your ride.
The Jones Flagship features a blunted nose and tail, which contributes to a more compact feel. This design enhances float in powder without adding unnecessary swing weight at the tips. Due to this innovative shape, you can typically downsize your Flagship by 2-3 cm compared to a traditional round-nosed freeride board you might be accustomed to.
For a rider of average build with a standard foot size, the Flagship 161 cm often hits the sweet spot. This size provides an excellent balance, offering ample board for deep powder days while remaining maneuverable enough for navigating tighter spots and variable snow conditions. If you’re in this average rider category but have larger feet (US size 11+), the Flagship 162W is designed with a wider waist width to accommodate bigger boots and prevent toe drag, offering similar overall board length and feel to the 161cm.
Smaller riders or those who frequently ride on hardpack snow will find that the 154 cm or 158 cm Flagship sizes are well-suited to their needs. These shorter lengths offer increased agility and responsiveness on firmer snow. For smaller riders with larger feet, the 156W and 159W models provide similar lengths but with added width to comfortably fit bigger boots.
Stepping up in size, the Flagship 164 cm offers a noticeably longer ride than the 161 cm. This makes it an excellent choice for deeper powder conditions and for slightly larger riders who need more board underfoot. Jones team rider Ryland Bell frequently rides the Flagship Pro 164 cm, highlighting its versatility for demanding freeride conditions. However, even Jeremy Jones himself might opt for a longer size only when tackling the deepest Alaskan powder. The Flagship 165W mirrors the 164 cm in length but significantly increases the width, making it ideal for riders with boot sizes ranging from US 11.5 to 13.
For bigger riders who don’t have exceptionally large feet (under size 11) or for anyone consistently seeking out deep powder and maximum floatation, the Flagship 167 cm is a prime choice. The Flagship 169W caters to truly large riders, often those with very large feet, requiring maximum board and width. Lastly, the Flagship 172 cm is designed for big riders who prefer longer boards but don’t necessarily need a super wide platform, offering length without the extra width of the 169W.
In open terrain where speed is desired, generally, a larger Flagship size will allow you to confidently open up and ride faster with stability. However, when considering the 161 cm versus 164 cm or 162W versus 165W debate, choosing the smaller size often results in a more versatile and nimble board, particularly in varied snow conditions. Even on hardpack, you might spot Jeremy Jones riding a Flagship 158 cm for enhanced carving performance. Jones team riders who primarily ride the Flagship often switch between the 161 cm and 164 cm sizes depending on the depth of the snowpack on any given day, illustrating the subtle but noticeable differences in performance between sizes.
