VASHON, WASHINGTON -- In congratulations of an outstanding year for J.J. Thomas, Ride Snowboards is pleased to announce the mid-season release of the J.J. Thomas Special Edition 157. The J.J. Thomas SE 157 shares the same shape as the Ride Exile 157 but includes some special upgrades that J.J. requested be put in the Exile 157 that he rode when he snatched X-Games Gold and Olympic Bronze.

The upgrades in the SE 157 include J.J.'s superpipe-refined flex pattern, making this a stiffer board. Gallium, a strong conductor of heat, has also been added to the base, lowering the amount of friction on the surface and enabling a faster Ride. Also, the core has progressed to Ride's most advanced Aggression Core which is made with our lightest wood, three full-length carbon stringers for maximum power potential, and two polymer damping layers which helps remove rider-fatiguing chatter. The result is a core that defies the current limit of performance with incomparable drive and stability. And finally, the reinforcement is now a combination of CarbonEx and Kevlar, which provides superior torsional rigidity for a better overall edge hold. Other special features of the SE 157 include J.J.'s stance printed in the insert area so you are able to mount exactly like J.J. does if you so desire, and special packaging which includes a free limited edition T-shirt and sticker.

Commenting on the mid-season release of the SE 157, Brand Manager Scott Mavis stated, "We're stoked for JJ, he had an insane year with his Grand Prix performance, the X-Games, and the Olympics. He deserves a Pro Model, he really earned it, and we wanted to give it to him." Chuck Mason, Sales Manager, added, "The market seems pretty pumped on it, too. We haven't had the program out for long, but shops are stoked and putting in their orders and shop employees are asking about it. I'm also excited to do something different with a little extra value. With the bonus T-shirt and sticker there is a heightened level of attention to detail."

Look for the J.J. Thomas SE 157 with its free T-shirt and sticker at your favorite specialty snowboard shop in mid-October.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Gear Editor