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Bindings

Flow NX2 2017-2018 Snowboard Bindings Review

  • Price: £345 / €350
  • Sizes: M, L, XL
  • Flex: 4
  • Entry System: Rear-Entry
  • flow.com

Most people associate Flow bindings with beginners, as their signature rear-entry design definitely takes some of the faff out of learning to shred. However, they are in no way confined to the nursery slopes; models like this one, the Flow NX2 snowboard binding, boast a serious amount of tech.

“Confident riders looking to refresh their ride whilst keeping things stiff and stable might want to check out the Flow NX2”

As you flip the highback down, the ‘strap’ part of the Flow NX2 actually lifts up a little – and the opposite is true when you secure the highback for shredding. Not only does this solve the old rear-entry problem of not having proper pressure over the top of your boot, it also gives you more room to kick your boot in.

Rather than the large sock-like strap of old, the modern Flow NFX2 features the same targeted support as you’d find on a normal pair of binders (for obvious reasons there’s a small extra bit of perforated fabric connecting the two straps, but that’s it). There’s also two smooth aluminium ratchets, so fine-tuning isn’t out of the question.

The baseplate is made of tough, lightweight aluminium, and is also gently rockered from edge to edge to aid energy transfer. It can handle a good thrashing, but slow surfy turns are improved too.

Rear-entry systems still aren’t for everyone, but neither are they to be dismissed out of hand. Confident riders looking to refresh their ride whilst keeping things stiff and stable might want to check out the Flow NX2.

Tester’s Verdict

Andrew Duthie – whitelines.com

“The Flow rep I spoke to was stoked that, in a post-Step On world, more people might be rethinking the two-strap system – but after riding these, I still need some convincing that rear-entry is the solution for anyone past the learning stage.

“Comfy and supportive once you get going, and would most likely please aggressive riders who like a stiff binding”

Don’t get me wrong, the NX2 is comfy and supportive once you get going, and would most likely please aggressive riders who like a stiff binding, especially as the forward lean adjustment is really easy.

However, every time I flicked the highback up I still didn’t feel as ‘locked down’ as I would with a classic system. It might be psychological to some extent, but not entirely. As a result I felt the need to crank the straps a little, which meant more effort was required the next time I wanted to getting the boot back in.

Perhaps with a bit more time to really get the straps right, these might have been easier to use.”

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