Straps and Highbacks

Let’s start with the highback. The NX2-TM does away with the modular, articulated support of the NX2 in favour of a single piece of glass-filled nylon. It’s lighter and more flexible so it’s well suited to hitting park features – when you want to bone stuff out – or just getting a little looser and surfier with your turns. It looks just like a ‘normal’ highback which will encourage a few more Flow sceptics to get with the programme, and we found the asymmetric shape fits most boots really well.

Like most of the range, Flow offer the NX2-TM in two different strap styles. The ‘Fusion’ version is truest to the original rear-entry philosophy. It’s more like a large, single strap which is really easy to slip your boot into, maximising the benefit of that reclining highback – especially once you’ve customised the set-up using the locking slap ratchets. The strap sits more over the top of your boot (there’s no toe cap at all) which gives a unique feel suitable for powerful turns.

The ‘Hybrid’ version of the strap is closer to a classic two-strap design, both in looks and feel. It might require more regular fiddling with the ratchets but – with the aid of a toe strap that sits over the end of your boot – it pulls you more ‘back’ into the binding and gives you a little more lateral movement. This is the one to choose if doing tricks is your priority.

Both straps are made from a minimalist ‘AuxTech’ material. It’s a tough, lightweight mesh that uses hinged cells to expand evenly around your foot. You’ll find it on a bunch of the highest-end binders on the market so its inclusion in this competitively-priced model is a definite bonus.

The straps also feature Flow’s ‘Active Strap Tech’ that moves them out of the way when the highback is reclined for easier access. There’s not much to say here except – hey, it works!

“The straps also feature Flow’s ‘Active Strap Tech’ that moves them out of the way when the highback is reclined for easier access”

Roundup

With the release of the NX2-TM, Flow appear set to convert even more riders to their unique rear-entry system. They offer a compelling blend of premium lightweight materials, excellent build-quality and badass looks – all at a great price. More importantly, we found them to be comfortable, versatile, and of course convenient. Winner winner chicken dinner.