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Flow Binding 2013 Q & A

170K views 573 replies 110 participants last post by  dexter 
#1 ·
Hi,

2013 will be our 18th year selling Flow, so this puts a big smile on my face. Minds will be blown this year. The new line is so full of tech and options that I thought a Q & A might be in order. This year almost everything in the binding line has been reworked from the ground up. The Flow team has been torture testing variation after variation of these new designs for two years and has finally put their stamp of approval on the final product. Fire away if you have any Q's. We will be sure to get you quick answers.









 
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#525 ·
The highbacks do not lay flat when reclined (there is always an upwards angle). I can see your concern but I am confident that you will be pleasantly relieved when you have ridden your Flow's for a while.
 
#528 · (Edited)
So i asked this in a separate thread, but noone responded...

I was trying to rotate the highbacks on my 2013 M9's, but it was a PITA as the highback keeps trying to snap back into the original position after a day's worth of runs.

I went on Flow's website to see if I was doing it wrong, but I wasn't. However I stumbled upon another method to adjust the highbacks - apparently you can move the upper part of the highback left or right (see 2:05 to 2:30 of this video).

here's a picture of what i'm talking about. The top part of the highback is moved to the right (see the position of the screw circled in red) so it's off-center.


What is the point of that (Flow calls it a "support panel adjustment")? Does this work like rotating the highbacks? Moving the plate left/right doesn't seem to change the angle of the force like rotating the highback does. I couldn't find much info on this online.

Anyone care to shed some light on this?

Thanks!
 
#535 ·
Hi TIS,

Yes, it is kind of similar like hiback rotation. It just allows you to wreak your settings more, and align the hiback with your boot and board.
On a Flow binding the force is picked up very efficiently by the cable-attachment to the hiback anyways, so you won't loose too much force regardless. It's more about the feel and comfort.

enjoy!
 
#529 ·
Wiredsport-

I plan on purchasing the 2014 Flow Fuse SE binding or Fuse GT binding to mount on a 2013 Burton Super Hero. I'm leaning towards the Fuse SE since this board has a pretty soft flex so it would match up nicely. Any real difference between the 2 bindings besides stiffness?

I have 2 different pairs of Men's Burton boots sized 7.5 and 8 so I leaning towards the medium size binding. I think the large binding might give me a slightly sloppy fit.

Your site has the best price plus the free pair of goggles is a nice bonus.
 
#530 · (Edited)
In terms of the base flexing or not flexing with the softer flex of the board that will be the same on each of the bindings. The GT is significantly stiffer above the heel however. I think you have the right plan with the SE for what you are looking to do. That will be a well matched setup. 7.5 and 8 are overlap sizes but Medium would be my top choice.

STOKED!
 
#533 ·
I got a set of 2014 NX2-RSes from my wife for Christmas. Got 3 days in on them over the weekend. I'm coming from a much softer Burton binding (because a few years ago I really didn't know what I was looking for and then I kept waiting for and missing out on bindings during end of season sales). I'm riding a 2011 NS Heritage (this is my 4th season on it...though my seasons are typically less than 10 days each because I'm 2-3 hours from the nearest hill).

Anyway, I loved them. They seem like a nice match for the Heritage. It's probably more board/binding than I personally need for the majority of my riding (Snowshoe, WV groomers) but I still love the Heritage and the NX2-RS combo.

I didn't spend a ton of time setting them up. Tightened/loosened the straps some on the hill but otherwise, rode them as is over the weekend. I may look into tweaking them but the basic setup worked well. Most of the time I was able to step in and go easily enough. A few times it was awkward (and exponentially so since everyone is sitting down strapping in traditionally). I found the easiest way to do it was to face up hill with my toe edge dug in and then slide my foot in, reach back and pull the highback up. The highback mechanism required quite a bit of force to lock in (but the bindings never felt too tight so...). I snapped it against my thumb once and hurt like a SOB.

Again, I normally just cruise down groomers but like to go a little fast and make a lot of quick turns. This combo seems great for that. However, I was with a bunch of guys this weekend who wanted to mess around in the park...which is not something I've ever really done. It's an area of my riding that, even at 33 (almost 34), I'd like to progress on. I actually had a blast hitting the smaller features... rails that you basically ride up on and off, some pretty small kickers, etc. I didn't get too crazy by any means and I know the Heritage/NX2-RS is definitely not meant for the park but still...I had fun and look forward to doing more of it whenever I get bored going downhill :)
 
#536 ·
I was at keystone last month riding the nx2-at's for the first time and loved them. Had a perfect time from the second I got in them

I ended up switching boots from Nitro selects to k2 thraxis and went to Jackson hole for a couple days. I had a miserable time in Jackson hole couldn't get my front foot to hold an edge at all. The only thing I changed was my boots, and I couldn't figure out what was wrong.

I didn't even think it was possible to catch so many edges with a full rocker board, but I felt like a complete beginner again.

The boots were centered on the board, the only thing I can think of is that the boots were not on the heel cup enough, but I find it really weird that a change in boots would make such a difference.

Very odd, either way I am returning these boots because the boa snapped, I might as well get another pair of Nitro selects again.
 
#537 · (Edited)
Hey guys - so I've been eyeying the 2014 Nx2-RS for awhile now. Backcountry just dropped the price to $270.

I'm coming from the Flow NX-FSE, which I've ridden for the past couple seasons. I really like them, but am mainly thinking about the NX2 for the Nasty system to get a tighter fit. Anybody else upgrade from a similar setup and has it been worth it?

In my research, it seems the NX2-RS is quite a bit heavier then the FTSE. I ride a lot of pow, and typically try and stay as light as possible. Curious if this has been a big deal to people?
 
#538 ·
Also, I lost a bunch of screws over the years for my FSEs, like teh bolts to adjust the foot pads and the plate cover. Anybody know where I can get some replacement screws? I've called FLow multiple times with no help.
 
#539 ·
Been a Flow user for years, NXT-AT's, M11's etc.

I've got 2013 NX2-SE's from last season and it's definitely a love-hate relationship. Once I get them on, their super comfortable. But, I call these the anti-Flows's because on the hill, 75% of the time I can't get my Van Contra boots into them without undoing the main Hybrid strap a couple clicks. The NASTY system just doesn't accommodate my boots that well and it's not very Flow-like. And that toe strap? I refer to it as the "Strap of Annoyance." Even with flip-reverse it requires fiddling after every chair lift.

One thing I will say about this Hybrid PowerCap strap system is that on big powder days when you get stuck in deep snow like I did at Vail last week, it *is* easier to get out of than the conventional Flow PowerStrap, which I kinda like.

Has anyone with 2013's received the 2014 mods through warranty and found much of an improvement in boot accommodation?
 
#540 ·
Hi guys.

Got new boots and they seen to be smaller on the outside to area.
Tried to change the toe straps from left to right and vice versa on my 2013 nx2 gt but cant get the toestraps loose. There are small hooks on one side and i cant the the straps loose (on the non lsr strap side)

Any ideas?
 
#545 · (Edited)
Mounted my new NX2-RS bindings this past weekend (bought them from WiredSport and got great service) and they're great bindings. However, I found a couple of annoying things:

1- I hadn't noticed that the inside straps are not ratcheted. You slide them through and tighten them by clamping down a lever. I'm not sure why they changed this but it made tweaking the powerstrap a pain in the @ss. There may be a logical reason for this but it seems like a step backward - maybe they're trying to save a few bucks. :dunno:

2- The screws that secure the high backs (had to move mine back to fit my boots correctly) are loctited in and are a bitch to remove - I almost stripped two of the screws. It's really important to have a long #3 phillips head screw driver to make this work and even then it can be sketchy.

I've owned 5 pairs of Flow's and understand that they take a bit of tweaking but I had more "WTF" moments with these than I have with any of the others that I've owned.

Overall I love the bindings, new ratchets/locks are a nice upgrade, the NASTY system makes it easier to get in/out, and my knees are going to thank me for the canted footbeds.
 
#547 ·
Mounted my new NX2-RS bindings this past weekend (bought them from WiredSport and got great service) and they're great bindings. However, I found a couple of annoying things:

1- I hadn't noticed that the inside straps are not rathcheted. You slide them through and tighten them by clamping down a lever. I'm not sure why they changed this but it made tweaking the powerstrap a pain in the @ss. There may be a logical reason for this but it seems like a step backward - maybe they're trying to save a few bucks. :dunno:

2- The screws that secure the high backs (had to move mine back to fit my boots correctly) are loctited in and are a bitch to remove - I almost stripped two of the screws. It's really important to have a long #3 phillips head screw driver to make this work and even then it can be sketchy.

I've owned 5 pairs of Flow's and understand that they take a bit of tweaking but I had more "WTF" moments with these than I have with any of the others that I've owned.

Overall I love the bindings, new ratchets/locks are a nice upgrade, the NASTY system makes it easier to get in/out, and my knees are going to thank me for the canted footbeds.
Did you ever get them tweaked right? I was able to get my old nxt fse's dialed in perfectly to my boot. And even though it was a little harder to get in and out of them it was worth it over having to keep messing with the new nx2 at's.

I am starting to wish I never sold my nxt fse's.
 
#546 ·
I got original NX2-ATs last year. I do like them better then the 2012 NXT-ATs I had the year before...the real ratchets, NASTY, canted, aluminum, etc. I never minded the fact that the one side of the power strap is non-ratcheting. Once it's set, you only need to adjust the other side and know one side never moves, not even accidentally so its a trade off I like.

Just ordered a pair of NX2-RS, should have them next week.

My complaints. The bindings wore a hole right through my brand new, nearly $400 Salomon Malamutes boots in just a few days. The nylon portion of the highback that adjusts up, down, and rotates has a lip at the bottom below where the padding starts and if your boots aren't rubber that high up, they will cut right into it. This lip also gives the highback the ability to catch the rubber part of the sole and tear it away from the boot.

I ended up grinding the lip away with a dremel.


 
#554 ·
Got the same bindings (in XL), and actually have the same boots (in 12.5). Btw, I'm 6'3" and 220 pounds.

I have some scuffing but no hole where your hole is, but do have the same rubber separation issue.

I was having a lot of trouble figuring out the right fit. My toes hung over by abt 2inches although I don't think i experienced toe drag (was too scared to look at toes while in a turn that fast, and didn't feel any tug) Took a LOT of jimmy-ing and readjusting and finally took them to a shop to move the heel cups to the farthest back position AND the wire to the farthest back position AND adjusted from 12-12 to 15-15. They also turned the disc 90* and used the adjustment to move the base as far back as possible. Now I'm just playing with the straps. I like them to feel tight but that doesn't allow for easy access at the top of the trail or for the always dangerous on-lift-strap in. If I loosen the ratchet a couple of notches at te bottom it makes it easier but then I feel with all the adjustments at the bottom and all the adjustments at the top am I just defeating the purpose of the "easy flow"? Will probably be making adjustments all for this season anyway. And probably the next too, for the amount of $ I paid. Wife would kill me if I dropped another couple hundred (at least) on another pair!!!

Quick question (and thank you for following my rambling post), when you ride off the lift, do you keep your back foot in the open binding or next to the binding as traditional? I've done both and can't control the board with my foot against the back binding, and worry I may damage the high back if my foot is in the open back binding.
 
#553 ·
I think the highback is a bit beefier and wider on the RS. That was my conclusion when I was comparing these two a while back. Can't imagine it's that much more responsive though.
 
#556 ·
Quick question (and thank you for following my rambling post), when you ride off the lift, do you keep your back foot in the open binding or next to the binding as traditional? I've done both and can't control the board with my foot against the back binding, and worry I may damage the high back if my foot is in the open back binding.[/QUOTE]

I normally have my backfoot beside my binding. I also put my boot in when i feel like it and i would pull up the highback once i'm off the chair. There were times that i could not pull it up so i'd have my highback down as i ride away. Never see any damage on them though.
 
#563 ·
Which model?

I have just spent the last 4 evenings reading all the posts in this thread :)

I go boarding with a bunch of skiers, so if I can avoid keeping them waiting, then it is a bonus. I am intermediate level, and do 99% mountain riding, any natural jumps or baby jumps on the park are a possibility for a bit of fun, but not of utmost importance. I have previously had Flow FL-11’s, Flow Pro-11FR’s and recently Union Force bindings. The Unions were good, but the toe-strap often slipped when capped. I live in the UK, so only get 1 or 2 weeks a year boarding, so want to maximise the fun when I do go. It looks like a choice between the NX2-AT/SE/GT/RS here in the UK. The AT/SE are £200 (approx. 333 US dollars), the GT/RS are £300 (approx. 500 US dollars), so a significant increase. I am still not sure if the NX2-SE or NX2-AT are right for me. I believe either would suffice, but, still have a few concerns about the toe-strap of the SE, based purely on the comments on this thread. I have size 9 Burton Ambush boots if that helps, which are extremely light, but very wide at the front (the reason I bought them) and would imagine I would want the large binding.

Any comments would be welcome, as I go to Austria in a few weeks.

Also, I would like to say huge thanks to Wiredsport, Solucien, John Doe, Slyder & Nivek for all your contributions here, it makes a big difference to those of us on a limited budget or limited snow. John Doe and Slyder especially, not just for your sheer persistence, but hopefully you have helped to make the 2014/15 product better for all of us :yahoo:
 
#568 ·
NX2-AT for sure! great overall binding, no hassle with toe-caps, and perfect for the riding that you describe. The RS if you have some extra money to burn; compared to the AT's it has a slightly stiffer top panel on the hiback (with Carbon inlay), the asymmetrical Fusion footstraps for more support, and some more OC-Kush dampening in the footbeds.


I have just spent the last 4 evenings reading all the posts in this thread :)

I go boarding with a bunch of skiers, so if I can avoid keeping them waiting, then it is a bonus. I am intermediate level, and do 99% mountain riding, any natural jumps or baby jumps on the park are a possibility for a bit of fun, but not of utmost importance. I have previously had Flow FL-11’s, Flow Pro-11FR’s and recently Union Force bindings. The Unions were good, but the toe-strap often slipped when capped. I live in the UK, so only get 1 or 2 weeks a year boarding, so want to maximise the fun when I do go. It looks like a choice between the NX2-AT/SE/GT/RS here in the UK. The AT/SE are £200 (approx. 333 US dollars), the GT/RS are £300 (approx. 500 US dollars), so a significant increase. I am still not sure if the NX2-SE or NX2-AT are right for me. I believe either would suffice, but, still have a few concerns about the toe-strap of the SE, based purely on the comments on this thread. I have size 9 Burton Ambush boots if that helps, which are extremely light, but very wide at the front (the reason I bought them) and would imagine I would want the large binding.

Any comments would be welcome, as I go to Austria in a few weeks.

Also, I would like to say huge thanks to Wiredsport, Solucien, John Doe, Slyder & Nivek for all your contributions here, it makes a big difference to those of us on a limited budget or limited snow. John Doe and Slyder especially, not just for your sheer persistence, but hopefully you have helped to make the 2014/15 product better for all of us :yahoo:
 
#565 ·
I have just spent the last 4 evenings reading all the posts in this thread.

I go boarding with a bunch of skiers, so if I can avoid keeping them waiting, then it is a bonus. I am intermediate level, and do 99% mountain riding, any natural jumps or baby jumps on the park are a possibility for a bit of fun, but not of utmost importance. I have previously had Flow FL-11’s, Flow Pro-11FR’s and recently Union Force bindings. The Unions were good, but the toe-strap often slipped when capped. I live in the UK, so only get 1 or 2 weeks a year boarding, so want to maximise the fun when I do go. It looks like a choice between the NX2-AT/SE/GT/RS here in the UK. The AT/SE are £200 (approx. 333 US dollars), the GT/RS are £300 (approx. 500 US dollars), so a significant increase. I am still not sure if the NX2-SE or NX2-AT are right for me. I believe either would suffice, but, still have a few concerns about the toe-strap of the SE, based purely on the comments on this thread. I have size 9 Burton Ambush boots if that helps, which are extremely light, but very wide at the front (the reason I bought them) and would imagine I would want the large binding.

Any comments would be welcome, as I go to Austria in a few weeks.

Also, I would like to say huge thanks to Wiredsport, Solucien, John Doe, Slyder & Nivek for all your contributions here, it makes a big difference to those of us on a limited budget or limited snow. John Doe and Slyder especially, not just for your sheer persistence, but hopefully you have helped to make the 2014 product better for all of us.
 
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