finally tested my new flow 5 - Snowboarding Forum

t21 · 11-27-2011, 05:22 PM

I've ridden my flow 5 for two days now and i think its good.I have to start on the bunny hill cuz i have to tweak it and to get the feeling of it. at first i was frustrated cuz i could not get my back foot to slide in so i had to kneel down which did not help my knees at all but i sucked it up and was able to strapped down.i did two runs on the bunny then took it to the green

it was a struggle up there too and i was missing my union force then.but as everyone who rides them says it just takes a few runs and you can feel it.though i have a new boots too(32 focus boa)the stiffness of that makes the binding a little more responsive. i was finally able to slide my boot in with a slight struggle not as bad it really feels good except... when i'm on the chairlift,my front foot(left foot) aches right where the middle of the I-strap is,actually where the bone part from the toe area before the ankle. i adjusted my I-strap a bit but still aches.i wonder if its my boot...its stiff almost like a ski boot.has anybody had this same issue with their flows before and what did you do? thanks.

slyder · 11-27-2011, 05:40 PM

Have you tried to loosen the I-strap and take a few runs. This way you can narrow down weather it's the new bindings or the new boots.
Don't forget with the I-strap you don't need to wrench down on the ratchets. Mine seem loose but its not.

**Donutz** · 11-27-2011, 07:14 PM

What slyder said.

Flows don't have to be as tight as regular bindings. You shouldn't have to force your foot into the binding and you shouldn't have to yard on the clip to close it. It's not obvious but when you have the toe strap too tight you'll have trouble getting the boot in.

BTW, I've got Fives and NXT-ATs, and it's the same with both.

Nivek · 11-27-2011, 07:59 PM

Ive owned 2 sets and set up enough to get it right the first time.

You are likely experiencing boot ache. I have never met anyone to find Flows uncomfortable. That is their main selling point in my opinion.

The strap should feel only snug all the way around. And after being in it for more than 2 minutes you shouldn't even feel the strap at all.

As far as entry, you should be able to get your foot in enough to use the highback like a shoe horn. And the shoe horning should not take significant effort.

The straps will break in to your specific boot shape as well, so they get easier with time.

t21 · 11-28-2011, 12:45 AM

thanks for the replies.I did not loosen up my I-strap on my forward foot and took some runs,just did not think of that at all.and your right about the part where it does not have to be tight cuz it would obviously be hard to put the boot on,cuz i had to adjust my back binding too to make it easier to put my boot in. and as the day went by,it was getting much easier to shoe it in.the struggle i had mention earlier was trying to hold my highback down while standing so i can slide my boot in and then pull up the highback to lock it(found out were not allowed to place our back foot on our bindings while on the chairlift).I believe it just a matter of time that i will get this down and really appreciate the flow.I will loosen up my front binding to snug next time and hopefully it will relieve the pain i'm having. i will definitely rock this flow 5 more.btw, i did e-mail our base operation manager in regards to their policy of not allowing our back foot in our bindings upon exiting the chairlift.one question,if this policy changes,how do you place your back foot on the binding while on the chair? do you reach and push down the lock lever then the highback so you can slide your boot in? cuz i tried to do that with just my boot(push the lever and highback)but the lever keep coming back up.it is easier to reach down if you are by yourself on the chair,but seating with other people,it would be a PIA!.again,thank you for the replies and advises.

slyder · 11-28-2011, 06:20 AM

My resort does not have that policy, seems silly to me. Can't see why they have it. If you can un-load safely with them on I wouldn't see why they need the policy. Let us know their response to your email.

To your other question. Mine were a little stiff at 1st not as bad as you describe. Give them some time to loosen up. You may have to loosen the bolt on the highback to free up some more movement, BUT, I would wait and see if they loose up on their own. I'm not there but it almost seems as you I-strap is adjusted incorrectly.
When I redo mine.

I lock my high back in up position
racthet ankle strap 1st
toe strap next
tweak tighter if necessary

just like a conventional binding

hope this helps

**Donutz** · 11-28-2011, 02:17 PM

T21, the problem with the highback springing up on its own goes away after a while. Both my sets of Flows did that initially. I think the cable is just very stiff when new.

t21 · 11-28-2011, 11:18 PM

update on the policy... they have change it and now its gold!! i've spoken to the assistant of base operation(she happens to be a snowboarder) and says its fine what i was doing but her only concern is that the younger generations who has no knowledge of what type of bindings i use will imitate my actions and get hurt or breaks their highbacks when the chair hits it.so i have to basically show example that i can exit the chair without any issues ie falling,running into kids off the ramp due to loosing control,etc,and only bindings like mine and other rear-entry bindings are only allowed to do such action.but either way,its all good now.anyway,i did loosen up my i-stap and reset it to snug,took some runs and my forward foot is much better.had to adjust my back binding again today so i can shoehorn my boot in there while i exit the chair.your right Donutz,since i have just ridden my new flow for just 3 days it would take some time for the highback to not spring back up. i did fiddle with it with my boot while i was sitting down and sometimes i get it,sometimes not.but i took you guy's advise and played with it and i'm really loving this binding more and more.thank you so much and hopefully in the future i can afford to upgrade to the NXT-AT

Leo · 11-29-2011, 07:03 AM

Flows take a ton of dialing in and getting used to at first. It took me a full day when I first made the transition to Flow bindings.

You really have to try different levels of snugness on your caps as well. Even at the most snugness on my Flows, they were still looser than traditional bindings. You just aren't supposed to crank them down that tight. The point of the Flow cap design is to distribute pressure evenly over the top of your feet. This means no pinching like traditional bindings.

Also, once dialed in properly, you will notice that edge to edge response on Flows are superior to traditional bindings. The department that Flow lacks in is lateral flex.

Kicking in also takes experience. You'll eventually get the hang of it and be able to kick in and lock up in almost any condition minus powder. In that case, you just strap in like a normal binding. Remember, you aren't supposed to try to kick in all the way before locking up. The trick is to kick in and use the highback to push your boot in all the way. It's definitely hard at first with any new set of Flows as the lock and cable are stiff. There's a break-in period with that as Donutz mentioned.

This is probably a big reason why a lot of people have a misconception about Flow bindings. They just don't give them the time they need to dial in. Once you figure it out though, every other Flow binding from that point on will be easy for you to dial in.

By the way, you really shouldn't be riding stiff boots if you are running mainly groomers. I would go with a mid-flex boot.

t21 · 11-29-2011, 11:56 AM

thanks Leo,i do like it more now cuz its loosening up,and its soooo much better than sitting down and buckling up.honestly,yesterday when my son and i were snowboarding(his a beginner)i watch him skate over and sat down to buckle up alongside other boarders and it made me smile knowing i do not need to do that anymore

i think my son will buy a flow bindings too when he gets better.in regards to your comment on riding with stiff boots on mainly groomers(no offense taken),i believe that the 32 focus boa is rated as mid flex but it sure feels stiff,probably because its new. i had a K2 Range before and that was soft.i normally ride off groomers when i use to ski and i'm starting to go back to the same trails since i can ride better.but when i'm with my niece or my son(hopefully have my daugther join in soon)i stay on groomers.i just hope that my boot will pack out later on though.

11-27-2011, 05:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
t21 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: mt. Posts: 264	finally tested my new flow 5 I've ridden my flow 5 for two days now and i think its good.I have to start on the bunny hill cuz i have to tweak it and to get the feeling of it. at first i was frustrated cuz i could not get my back foot to slide in so i had to kneel down which did not help my knees at all but i sucked it up and was able to strapped down.i did two runs on the bunny then took it to the green it was a struggle up there too and i was missing my union force then.but as everyone who rides them says it just takes a few runs and you can feel it.though i have a new boots too(32 focus boa)the stiffness of that makes the binding a little more responsive. i was finally able to slide my boot in with a slight struggle not as bad it really feels good except... when i'm on the chairlift,my front foot(left foot) aches right where the middle of the I-strap is,actually where the bone part from the toe area before the ankle. i adjusted my I-strap a bit but still aches.i wonder if its my boot...its stiff almost like a ski boot.has anybody had this same issue with their flows before and what did you do? thanks. __________________ 2011 Ride Antic 163 2011 Status Focus 158 NX2-AT

11-27-2011, 05:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
slyder Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Milwaukee Suburbs Posts: 1,927	Have you tried to loosen the I-strap and take a few runs. This way you can narrow down weather it's the new bindings or the new boots. Don't forget with the I-strap you don't need to wrench down on the ratchets. Mine seem loose but its not. __________________ Thanks -Slyder

11-27-2011, 07:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
Donutz Drunk with power...er beer. Join Date: May 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Posts: 3,674 Blog Entries: 176	What slyder said. Flows don't have to be as tight as regular bindings. You shouldn't have to force your foot into the binding and you shouldn't have to yard on the clip to close it. It's not obvious but when you have the toe strap too tight you'll have trouble getting the boot in. BTW, I've got Fives and NXT-ATs, and it's the same with both. __________________ Illegitimi non carborundum Mountain Days: 30

11-27-2011, 07:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
Nivek Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mountains of Mordor Posts: 5,373	Ive owned 2 sets and set up enough to get it right the first time. You are likely experiencing boot ache. I have never met anyone to find Flows uncomfortable. That is their main selling point in my opinion. The strap should feel only snug all the way around. And after being in it for more than 2 minutes you shouldn't even feel the strap at all. As far as entry, you should be able to get your foot in enough to use the highback like a shoe horn. And the shoe horning should not take significant effort. The straps will break in to your specific boot shape as well, so they get easier with time. __________________ Snowboarding Sucks.

11-28-2011, 12:45 AM	#5 (permalink)
t21 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: mt. Posts: 264	thanks for the replies.I did not loosen up my I-strap on my forward foot and took some runs,just did not think of that at all.and your right about the part where it does not have to be tight cuz it would obviously be hard to put the boot on,cuz i had to adjust my back binding too to make it easier to put my boot in. and as the day went by,it was getting much easier to shoe it in.the struggle i had mention earlier was trying to hold my highback down while standing so i can slide my boot in and then pull up the highback to lock it(found out were not allowed to place our back foot on our bindings while on the chairlift).I believe it just a matter of time that i will get this down and really appreciate the flow.I will loosen up my front binding to snug next time and hopefully it will relieve the pain i'm having. i will definitely rock this flow 5 more.btw, i did e-mail our base operation manager in regards to their policy of not allowing our back foot in our bindings upon exiting the chairlift.one question,if this policy changes,how do you place your back foot on the binding while on the chair? do you reach and push down the lock lever then the highback so you can slide your boot in? cuz i tried to do that with just my boot(push the lever and highback)but the lever keep coming back up.it is easier to reach down if you are by yourself on the chair,but seating with other people,it would be a PIA!.again,thank you for the replies and advises. __________________ 2011 Ride Antic 163 2011 Status Focus 158 NX2-AT

11-28-2011, 06:20 AM	#6 (permalink)
slyder Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Milwaukee Suburbs Posts: 1,927	My resort does not have that policy, seems silly to me. Can't see why they have it. If you can un-load safely with them on I wouldn't see why they need the policy. Let us know their response to your email. To your other question. Mine were a little stiff at 1st not as bad as you describe. Give them some time to loosen up. You may have to loosen the bolt on the highback to free up some more movement, BUT, I would wait and see if they loose up on their own. I'm not there but it almost seems as you I-strap is adjusted incorrectly. When I redo mine. I lock my high back in up position racthet ankle strap 1st toe strap next tweak tighter if necessary just like a conventional binding hope this helps __________________ Thanks -Slyder

11-28-2011, 02:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
Donutz Drunk with power...er beer. Join Date: May 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Posts: 3,674 Blog Entries: 176	T21, the problem with the highback springing up on its own goes away after a while. Both my sets of Flows did that initially. I think the cable is just very stiff when new. __________________ Illegitimi non carborundum Mountain Days: 30

11-28-2011, 11:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
t21 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: mt. Posts: 264	update on the policy... they have change it and now its gold!! i've spoken to the assistant of base operation(she happens to be a snowboarder) and says its fine what i was doing but her only concern is that the younger generations who has no knowledge of what type of bindings i use will imitate my actions and get hurt or breaks their highbacks when the chair hits it.so i have to basically show example that i can exit the chair without any issues ie falling,running into kids off the ramp due to loosing control,etc,and only bindings like mine and other rear-entry bindings are only allowed to do such action.but either way,its all good now.anyway,i did loosen up my i-stap and reset it to snug,took some runs and my forward foot is much better.had to adjust my back binding again today so i can shoehorn my boot in there while i exit the chair.your right Donutz,since i have just ridden my new flow for just 3 days it would take some time for the highback to not spring back up. i did fiddle with it with my boot while i was sitting down and sometimes i get it,sometimes not.but i took you guy's advise and played with it and i'm really loving this binding more and more.thank you so much and hopefully in the future i can afford to upgrade to the NXT-AT __________________ 2011 Ride Antic 163 2011 Status Focus 158 NX2-AT

11-29-2011, 07:03 AM	#9 (permalink)
Leo -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Detroit Area Posts: 6,212	Flows take a ton of dialing in and getting used to at first. It took me a full day when I first made the transition to Flow bindings. You really have to try different levels of snugness on your caps as well. Even at the most snugness on my Flows, they were still looser than traditional bindings. You just aren't supposed to crank them down that tight. The point of the Flow cap design is to distribute pressure evenly over the top of your feet. This means no pinching like traditional bindings. Also, once dialed in properly, you will notice that edge to edge response on Flows are superior to traditional bindings. The department that Flow lacks in is lateral flex. Kicking in also takes experience. You'll eventually get the hang of it and be able to kick in and lock up in almost any condition minus powder. In that case, you just strap in like a normal binding. Remember, you aren't supposed to try to kick in all the way before locking up. The trick is to kick in and use the highback to push your boot in all the way. It's definitely hard at first with any new set of Flows as the lock and cable are stiff. There's a break-in period with that as Donutz mentioned. This is probably a big reason why a lot of people have a misconception about Flow bindings. They just don't give them the time they need to dial in. Once you figure it out though, every other Flow binding from that point on will be easy for you to dial in. By the way, you really shouldn't be riding stiff boots if you are running mainly groomers. I would go with a mid-flex boot. __________________ www.aGNARchy.com Reviews and David Z's rants

11-29-2011, 11:56 AM	#10 (permalink)
t21 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: mt. Posts: 264	thanks Leo,i do like it more now cuz its loosening up,and its soooo much better than sitting down and buckling up.honestly,yesterday when my son and i were snowboarding(his a beginner)i watch him skate over and sat down to buckle up alongside other boarders and it made me smile knowing i do not need to do that anymore i think my son will buy a flow bindings too when he gets better.in regards to your comment on riding with stiff boots on mainly groomers(no offense taken),i believe that the 32 focus boa is rated as mid flex but it sure feels stiff,probably because its new. i had a K2 Range before and that was soft.i normally ride off groomers when i use to ski and i'm starting to go back to the same trails since i can ride better.but when i'm with my niece or my son(hopefully have my daugther join in soon)i stay on groomers.i just hope that my boot will pack out later on though. __________________ 2011 Ride Antic 163 2011 Status Focus 158 NX2-AT

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