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flow bindings?

277K views 414 replies 116 participants last post by  Wiredsport 
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#1 ·
Hey guys thinking about getting new flow step in bindings? How do you like them? any positives or negatives? they seem so convenient. thanks. peace.:thumbsup:
 
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#85 · (Edited)
I have 07 Flow Pro FS bindings and honestly I love them, they take about a month to break in and get them dialed in. Im a snowboard instructor at mountain creek and they help alot, especially when paired with a set of boa boots, it allows you to get in and out of your bindings to help the students alot easier. Initially I was quite pissed that they felt loose but then it was like a switch was flipped after a month. They are a breeze to get in and out of, quite responsive, easy to dial in once they are broken in, they have adjustable highbacks, and quite honestly who cares if you are waiting around for your friends to strap in. If your that impatient then you need to chill out.
the disadvantages are minor:
1. heavier than some strap in bindings
2. ice can clog the highback adjustment if your riding all day
3.the paint chipped on the highbacks
 
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#86 ·
I found my problem and this may apply to others who do not like the flow bindings. I have Ride Orion boots and have been using Ride EX bindings. I liked the idea of the flow bindings so I bought some Flow "The Five" bindings. I was having problems, the back would catch on the back edge of my boot when I tried to take them off. I read all the setup stuff and adjusted the heck out of them, tired everything.

Well I decided to get a new set of boots. While shopping, I found that there are many different shapes to the heel of the boots. Many like the Ride Orion have a heel that sticks out farther in the back. Others like the Burton Freestyle have a rounded heel and the back of the binding will NEVER catch no matter how far back you shove the boot.

Hope this helps some of you. My oldest son is starting boarding this year, lucky he has the same size feet and inherits the Ride boots and bindings.
 
#134 ·
I found my problem and this may apply to others who do not like the flow bindings. I have Ride Orion boots and have been using Ride EX bindings. I liked the idea of the flow bindings so I bought some Flow "The Five" bindings. I was having problems, the back would catch on the back edge of my boot when I tried to take them off. I read all the setup stuff and adjusted the heck out of them, tired everything.

Well I decided to get a new set of boots. While shopping, I found that there are many different shapes to the heel of the boots. Many like the Ride Orion have a heel that sticks out farther in the back. Others like the Burton Freestyle have a rounded heel and the back of the binding will NEVER catch no matter how far back you shove the boot.
I have a little bit of problem with my Van Contra Boa boots and my NXT-AT's catching. I figure I may just get Flow boots next time as they appear to have a more rounded heel. After all, they should just work, right? ;)
 
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#87 ·
They are really nice bindings no matter what anybody says. the best way to see if you like them is to see if you can rent a pair and try them. if your into trying new things then definatle give these a try.
 
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#88 ·
Good idea, but ...

I have a pair of flows, true they are good for getting them on quick and getting more riding done, but I find them a bit tricky to set up, and not as tight fitting compared to normal bindings. Also if you are in Powder and you need to get back into them, trying to clear all that snow out, takes a while! But saying that, they are by no means bad bindings, good idea, just not so good in real. But to conclude - seriously considering going back to more traditional bindings for a tighter fit, easier to set up, and more powder friendly.
 
#89 ·
I have a pair of flows, true they are good for getting them on quick and getting more riding done, but I find them a bit tricky to set up, and not as tight fitting compared to normal bindings. Also if you are in Powder and you need to get back into them, trying to clear all that snow out, takes a while! But saying that, they are by no means bad bindings, good idea, just not so good in real. But to conclude - seriously considering going back to more traditional bindings for a tighter fit, easier to set up, and more powder friendly.
My Flow NXT-ATs fit perfect. Nice and snug. I think the problem is people don't know how to set them up properly. I had trouble with the highback last year because it looked like it wasn't adjustable at all. But there was some hardware you had to remove from the back and it was fully adjustable.

With flows you have to adjust the high back to center your boot on the binding first. Then you need to adjust your forward lean. Then you plop the boot in and attached the strap and adjust the 4 corners. If the strap gets up too high on your boot, you might have to adjust the rachet straps. I dialed mine into perfection.
 
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#90 ·
okay, I have a old design from when they first came out, tempted now to go for the newer ones now that I see that they have many of the issues sorted out that I was also having. Plus I like the ratchet stuff they had now. Could you point me towards some more information about the "some hardware you had to remove from the back and it was fully adjustable." Thanks !
 
#91 ·
If you get newer flows, I highly urge you to wait until you can afford a pair of 2010 Special Edition flows. These are denoted by the letters SE. I have the 2010 NXT FSE. These versions of Flows let you strap in like traditional bindings. So that problem in the powder is eliminated. Setting up is super easy now too.
 
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#92 ·
dont do it
my brother bought them because they were a good price and he was marketed into buying it buy the guy at the shop
i tried them out
all you get is frustration, these bindings suck ass period
 
#96 ·
DHP, this is exactly what everyone means when they say you shouldn't give advice on these bindings. You have no knowledge of them whatsoever. Even if you did, you only know about them through your brother's experience.

Bottom line, you shouldn't steer people away from equipment that you yourself do not have any experience with. I can't tell someone not to buy a Ferrari because I've never driven one. I've known people who have, but I personally never did.

Every company has bad equipment in their line. You can't knock the entire brand based on a couple of their products.

I hate iPod shuffles and think they are crap, but I still rock my iPhone.

Besides, you are going to hear way more problems about Flows than niche brands like Unions because for every 1 Union user, there are 100 Flow users. Get my drift? :thumbsup:
 
#98 ·
I actually hate Flow bindings....not for any other reason then I really like straps...I also hate the new toe-caps, but once again personal preference you need to specify that you are making a judgment based on preference not quality......it gets really obnoxious when people spout off about how a product, they know nothing about, is crap.....People come here for knowledge to base their purchases on.....they do not need advice from someone that really has no clue.....Spunk has a low tolerance for bullshit, I think because he works with a bunch of nagging superficial beotches.....but we love him anyway;)
 
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#99 ·
ok mr munky, thanks again for the helpful responses
one of my first ever posts just trying to give any input, i was not aware that i had to go into such detail, so now that i know... i admit my previous post was not really helpful lol
also i guess i was not clear, my brother bought them and owns them, but I USED THEM, thats why i said MY opinion, not my brothers opinion...

the original question was
"Hey guys thinking about getting new flow step in bindings? How do you like them? any positives or negatives? they seem so convenient. thanks. peace."

Now that i thought a little about it, it was some flow nxt bindings. Now...hes asking how I like them? I'm telling HIM how i like them, i dont. I'm just telling the OP what i think about them, no need for you to flame me thanks...

Snow packs in the little fasteners hard so after a couple runs, they get hard to loosen. If that doesnt happen to you munky, that doesnt mean it doesnt happen to everyone lol.
They seem like they will be convenient at first, but they get annoying always having to adjust the tightness.
Munky also mentioned some pros that use them? Since i have only been using the low ends, probably the high ends just like any other brand are good. Just keep in mind that if pros use them, that doesnt mean they are good. Look at plenty of other sports, the players will be decked out in one brand, most of the time not because of personal preference but because of sponsorship.
 
#102 ·
Now that i thought a little about it, it was some flow nxt bindings.
They aren't the low end. If you got talked into the cheap ones, you didn't get the NXT's.
I'm just telling the OP what i think about them, no need for you to flame me thanks...
That's all well and good, but you still have no idea what you're talking about and you got called on it. I'd make some sort of comment like 'If you can't run with the big dogs, stay off the forum.' or something, but this is a forum, there's no big dogs and there's no running. If you can't handle someone calling you on your bullshit over the internet, you should try and find a 'Emasculated guys with overly delicate sensibilities' support forum or something. :dunno:
They seem like they will be convenient at first, but they get annoying always having to adjust the tightness.
Then you're not using them right.
Munky also mentioned some pros that use them?
Just a few of them, don't forget to scroll down: Team
i have only been using the low ends
Which is it? The NXT's or the low ends?
Just keep in mind that if pros use them, that doesnt mean they are good.
Good point. I guess Scotty Lago and Antti Autti got where they are because of shitty bindings. I mean, who wants to win, get fame, money, sponsorship deals, merchandising contracts, and be set for life when you can just get shitty bindings for free?
 
#100 ·
Flow NXTs are high end and they are excellent bindings. I don't understand why you even need to loosen anything? This sounds more like a problem with how you set the bindings up than the actual equipment.

At any rate, you told him that Flows totally suck and to avoid the brand. You are steering someone away from an entire line of bindings just because of one bad experience you had with them. Hell, if I went by that logic, then I will never ride in a pair of Ride bindings or Salomon boots because I had a bad experience with one of their products.

Nobody is saying Flows are perfect. Quite the contrary and unless you have the 2010 SE series of Flows, setting them up is a major pain. As for the snow packing in your bindings, that means you don't have them snug enough. That also means you don't take the time to clear them out after each run. You should be doing that with any binding.

By the way, there are several types of NXT bindings. The red ones are either the 2010 NXT-ATSE or 2009 NXT-FS. I'm sure it is the FS since the 2010 ATSE one gives you the option of strapping in like normal bindings. Other than that, an older red colored Flow will be a pair of the AMPs which imo is crap.
 
#101 ·
Flow

Bindings are very personal. I ride Flows. I don't sit in circles on the hill talking to my friends. I ride. Early lift until it's tracked out.

I ride a bit of deep powder...living in Japan and all. They work in deep powder.

I recommend them but I understand that everyone won't like them. They do provide support. They do work.

Like is subjective...what's important to you, what kind of boots, what feels good...so my friends ride with lots of different things...including Flow.
 
#103 · (Edited)
Just keep in mind that if pros use them, that doesnt mean they are good.
*slaps forehead*
These guys are stomping big tricks. Real big tricks. I would assume the product has to be good if they use it, because they're more prone to breaking things.

Munky and Leo pretty much covered what was wrong with your post, but I'm going to be redundant here and say the same thing. Based on your more "in-depth" explanation, you do not know how to set up bindings correctly, at all, and you have no business giving your opinion until you understand exactly what you're doing. It's really as simple as that. I'm not trying to offend you, but you came across as ignorant and judgmental, which I hope you understand is frustrating. Hence why you got flamed.

I suggest before your post your opinion, do you a lot of research, and then test it out by setting up your bindings. Until then, unfortunately, you have zero credibility and you're only serving to misguide people. This is a frustrating problem in the snowboarding community. People take their subjective, uneducated, inexperienced views and turn them into "fact". Sometimes that bullshit opinion sticks and sheeple espouse the view without even having third-hand experience with the subject in question. This creates a social stigma attached to bullshit ignorance. Rinse, repeat. That's why people get annoyed with posts like yours.

As simple as bindings, boots, and a board seems, a proper setup takes research, thought, testing, and execution. And without a good knowledge resource and some objectivity, it's easy to hit a plateau of understanding, and espouse an ignorant viewpoint.
 
#104 ·
Good God!!! Ok, a little intraweb advice to all of you who are reading this. Never take advice from a 10 Poster, it is safe to assume noobiness, coupled with the lack of supporting info, most people looking into flows should know to keep moving after reading his post.

PA dude, welcome to the community! =) Everyone warms-up a little once you've been here a while. Post substance and you'll be loved. Thats being said from a fellow Keystoner (east coast Keystone).

As for Flows. I LOVE EM! The in and out is a cinch. They do require some adjustments from time to time and set-up can be a pain. A suggestion given to me from others in the past is to mark, with paint, on the strap where the appropriate dial-in spot is. Doing this will always give a reference point if the bindings loosen-up (My NXT-ATs will come loose from time to time) or you need to change them to pack em in a board bag.

I have absolutely no patience for wratchet bindings and I have tried, ohh how I have tried!!! I went from wratchets to clickers (I LOVED the CliCKERS), to Flows, and I have dabbled with wratchets again. Everyone has their thing, but good set-up flows....well they do just that, they FLOW!
 
#109 ·
As for Flows. I LOVE EM! The in and out is a cinch. They do require some adjustments from time to time and set-up can be a pain. A suggestion given to me from others in the past is to mark, with paint, on the strap where the appropriate dial-in spot is. Doing this will always give a reference point if the bindings loosen-up (My NXT-ATs will come loose from time to time) or you need to change them to pack em in a board bag.
To Neednsnow:

How are you marking the straps? Indelible marker, paint, ... Please be specific, color brand, ...
I run into the same problem whenever I transfer or pack my bindings.

Thanks inadvance Nito
 
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#105 ·
I have read a few times that people demo'd the flow bindings. Where would I find a place to demo them? I'm kinda new to the sport and I put the straps on so tight that I have broken 2 sets- the second set was supposed to be the high ends, and at $300 I expected a bit more! I just want to try something new!
 
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#106 ·
Um... first off Whistler has some flow bindings in some of their rentals, not sure which resort though.

You must be doing something terribly wrong if you're going through straps like no tomorrow. If you can break a 300$ pair of binding straps you can break anything, whether it be Flow's or any other binding. My advice to you is either tone down how you snowboard (I don't know if you know the basics of snowboarding or self taught?) or you acknowledge that you are binding strap's worse enemy and just put money aside knowing you're going to break anything you buy.

GL
 
#108 ·
just remember, some people can break a bowling ball in a sandbox with their bare hands....

As for the flows, I just got a pair of NXT-FR's and LOVE them after day #2. Day #1 sucked donkey balls however. I realised about half way through the day that I had been using my binding straps to compensate for ill-fitting boots so I had the straps on the flows so tight that getting in and out was a real PITA. During the week I ordered up some boot-fitting goodies and after adding some heel wedges and J-bars I was able to setup the bindings correctly and day #2 was a breeze...
 
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#111 ·
I've never ridden flows, but I had a friend who had some and had a piece that broke, and after months of dealing with incompetence about trying to get a new piece (he was going to fix them himself, 'cause NO ONE fixes them) from the company, he gave up and got new non-flow bindings. This was about 2 years ago, but still.

So from what I know, they're like apple products, they work great until they break, and then customer service is nowhere to be seen. JMO.
 
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#117 ·
flows are nice.. ive been riding old skool bindings for 16yrs now.. & i jsut picked up a set of K2 cinch's.. they have the drop down back like a flow, but w/ a pivot in the heel to make getting in alil easier.. + the stil have straps incl a toe/cap strap... Feel better then anything ive ever riden..
 
#118 ·
Buyer Beware !!!

:eek:A friend of mine, Snow Boarding PRO, was going downhill full speed and his Flow Binding Broke. He ended up on the hospital all busted up. This is no beginner, black belt, champion biker, etc., etc.

Do you think this company will settle. They have dragged it on for YEARS!

His Snow Boarding coaching career is over ... limping 'round in pain
and no help from the Flow.

They will not take responsibilty !!!!

I wouldn't use something of that company's if it was free along with a big check.

Think about it .... gotta be some better equipment someonewhere on Planet Earth !:eek:
 
#119 ·
:eek:A friend of mine, Snow Boarding PRO, was going downhill full speed and his Flow Binding Broke. He ended up on the hospital all busted up. This is no beginner, black belt, champion biker, etc., etc.

Do you think this company will settle. They have dragged it on for YEARS!

His Snow Boarding coaching career is over ... limping 'round in pain
and no help from the Flow.

They will not take responsibilty !!!!

I wouldn't use something of that company's if it was free along with a big check.

Think about it .... gotta be some better equipment someonewhere on Planet Earth !:eek:
This post is retarded. They're the biggest binding company in the world for a reason. Shit happens, but it doesn't speak of their gear on the whole. This is a rare occurrence. I've had Burton straps snap. But I still think they make high quality stuff. Shit happens and it's a dangerous sport.
 
#120 · (Edited)
I have been using Flow binding for 10 years. I tried the straps at the beginning and didn't like pressure on my feet.

I snowboard with skiers and I don't do any of the park stuff. I don't care about current snowboard fashion. I can even lock into the bindings before I get off the lift and not stop for anyone.

Use what works for you. Stay off the trail while you are screwing around with your bindings.
 
#126 ·
He probably didn't have them tightly mounted. I hope flow never settles. I imagine this is a troll post, but if your friend is holding a company liable for his lifestyle choices, he's got bigger issues than being busted up. Obvious troll snared me again. :laugh:
 
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