Location: Loveland, Colorado
Snow Conditions: Snowing with hardpacked groomers to icy groomers to fresh snow on the runs.
Setup: I rode the Flow NXT-AT bindings with the Flow Myriad and my Vans Omni Focus Size 8 Boots.
Time to set up the binding: The set up time is average, but it takes a little bit longer to make sure the bindings are dialed. Greg the rockies rep for Flow does a really good job of making sure everyone is set up, adjusted their boot to the binding and comfortable.
Fit: My boots fit just fine into the flows, not any gaps on the width of the bindings and my boot heel fit fine in the heelcup. Highback wasn’t taller than my boot and still comfortable.
First Impression: I’m getting used to them, finally!
Appearance: I rode the red and white nxt-at’s which I liked. Cool colors with a smooth design to it. I can see how the white would get dirty quickly but that’s the case with any gear when it’s spring slush or early season mud.
Comfort: Flow’s I-Flex powerstrap is all comfort. It eliminates any pressure points that binding straps can cause on your boots and creates a more evenly pressured binding strap response and comfort. It never feels like I’m wearing bindings, but just wearing my comfortable boots. Highback was comfortable to my boot when riding.
Functionality: As a flow binding its already one of the most functional easy access in and out bindings. It takes me time to get used to getting in and out generally because I ride regular straps the majority of the time. If I needed to, I could have tweaked the mini ratchets but I was able to get in and out of the bindings standing up easily. I did make the mistake of having to get out while sitting on my knees and that took more effort. It’s a light binding with good support when riding.
Flex: The highback gives you good stability, it’s not overally stiff or soft, good mid point flex. The powerstrap gives a lateral flex that you can play with for tricks. I didn’t find the binding aggressive, but comfortable with a range of capabilities.
Response: I’ve rode more responsive bindings from Flow, I’ve rode less responsive bindings. NXT-AT, the highback holds some good power for turns. I had control over the response versus tiny movements with really quick response. Definitely a middle of the road in responsiveness.
Power Strap: I had no problems with the pressure of the powerstrap, in fact when riding it’s hardly noticeable that you are wearing a strap because it does distribute across your boot.
Overall Impression: I am getting used to them which is great! Now that I ride flows a couple times a year at demos, I think the big thing is just getting back into that mindset of how to get in and out and what to expect. The NXT-AT’s offer up a good binding that can be used anywhere on the mountain, soft enough for park but still handles freeriding. The biggest thing is just to get them dialed to your boot…when it’s not dialed, you really miss out on what the binding is.
On Snow Photos
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Flow NXT-AT Description
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Snowboy
January 9, 2009 at 2:06 pmBeen riding Flows for years. I’m on my 3rd set. The newer strap style (thin “X”, first came out on the NXT) is better than the older style (thicker, both in foot coverage and actual thickness of strap).
I HIGHLY recommend Flow bindings. Its been my experience after 10 years of snowboarding that most people that poo-poo Flows either a) rode the first-gen ones that were heavy, b) have tried them but didn’t understand they setup different than normal bindings, or c) are stuck in the social scene/pot smoking that is the strapping in session at the top of the hill.
I would suggest a longer demo time/tryout on with Flows. Once you get used to the quickness of getting in and out (or strapping in intra-lift) and the feel, you won’t want to ride anything else.
p.s. When are we going to get some Arbor love on the reviews? Nice boards, eco-friendly, and pretty to boot!
Shayboarder
January 9, 2009 at 2:10 pmFlows definitely I should ride for a couple days, I’ll work on getting a demo to borrow this season. By the time I get used to them, it’s time for another demo so that’s the tough part. I used to own the nxt-at’s as well and each year get more impressed with the progress.
Hopefully Arbor in the future. They are harder to demo here, but I’ll work on it.
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 3:27 pmI have been snowboarding since about 1989, last year I finally gave the Flows a shot, I thought they looked good, improved over the older flows. lighter, and had heard good things. I got a pair of the NXT’s. It is supposed to be convenience, but I found that I could not easily get my back foot in the binding every time because I like my straps to tight. I would literally have to adjust the back straps every time, it was a total pain in the ass. I think if you like your straps looser you would not have this issue as you could get right in and out without having to tighten every time. With the strap adjusted to where I liked, you could not easily slide your back foot in and out while strapping in, I had to loosen, then tighten every time. I ended up selling my NXT’s, and went back to good ol fashion straps and I am much happier.
Snowboy
January 9, 2009 at 4:10 pmI will say this, Flows aren’t for everyone. But I would say 80% of riders would find them better than the alternatives.
Setup is a lot with Flows. I’ve found that the living room rug session very important with Flows. I actually count the “clicks” on the little strap ratchets when I set a pair up to get them tight enough on the foot but still able to get my foot in. Its a 20 minute or so process. The offset to this is that you never have to touch them again.
I’ve not had the issue described above, though I will say that on my “loaner board” (’00 Burton Custom with 03 Flow F2) my friends have had the “snow buildup” issue. This is where snow gets on the base plate of the binding. That causes it to be hard to get your foot in and strapped in. Don’t have this issue with my “everyday board” (08 Arbor Draft with 08 Flow M9) though, or when I’ve ridden my “loaner”. See, at the bottom of the hill, while I’m in the line, I always bend over and wipe out the base of the binding. So who knows if its a user error or the difference in the baseplates.
Markos, Timon
January 9, 2009 at 8:36 pmwhat kind of binding doesn’t allow you to strap in while sitting down. ..Flow. they are light weight but their build is chincy at best. Flow is at the bottom of the list.
good review, but next time try sitting on your ass and strapping in, its a wrestling match.
Shayboarder
January 9, 2009 at 10:34 pmYep when I’m sitting down with flows, I have to be on my knees to get in. I usually stand up to strap in for most bindings, regardless of flows or not.
Joel
January 21, 2009 at 11:15 pmFirst off sweet site!
Second, I’ve never understood the large prejudice towards Flow. I frequently hear negative comments from other boarders to which I ask if they’ve ridden them and most often they say no. I’ve been riding my Flow M11’s in some bigger terrain, Big Sky Tram, Bridger Bowl Ridge, for years and never had a problem. Plus I can keep up with my skiing friends off the lift.
Shayboarder
January 23, 2009 at 12:05 amThanks Joel!
Awesome on your experience with Flows! Yeah I hate when people hate with no experience on the product.
flyer
February 9, 2009 at 2:01 pmI recieved a set of flows for christmas and this past weekend coming through a turn the foot plate tore out and i broke my leg. needless to say i was p#ssed. when i looked at the plastic base it had bubbles it and basically broke along the bubbles. hopefully i will be healed enough to ride next year. no more flows for me!
Shayboarder
February 9, 2009 at 2:07 pmWow sorry to hear you are injured. I’d contact the place where you got them and contact Flow with photos of the bindings. Were you riding the NXT-AT model?
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