Binding Review: Flow NXT FS

I rode the Flow NXT FS bindings on multiple boards through out this past season.   The conditions ranged from powder days to slushy groomers.   This was my first year ever spending a good amount of time on the NXT FS bindings, and quite honestly I found that I really really like them.

First things first, let’s discuss design.  The baseplate is a forged aluminum plate, along with aluminum ratchets.  The “I-Flex”  strap tends to balance pressure evenly across the boot/foot with no apparent pressure points. The base pad includes shock absorbing inserts which are adjustable, allowing the rider to stomp landings without experiencing any nasty jolts.   The reality is you still feel your landings, but the padding does help with comforting those kickers and booters.    The build quality overall is what you would come to expect from the higher end Flow spectrum, and I really don’t have any complaints.

There seems to be a ongoing debate on aluminum vs plastic materials when it comes to flex patterns and such.  The FS bindings are a bit stiffer, and in some ways less forgiving, as they are aluminum, but I feel the response and feedback provided still allows the rider to enjoy the ride, while feeling supported.   Again, this is going to be preference issue, and will most likely vary with each binding, and boot size.  I’ll be sure to post again on the longevity of these bindings as I plan to ride them again this season to put them through the test even harder.    The FS are not incredibly lightweight by any stretch, but aren’t as heavy and bulky as the prior Flow bindings.  In the past with the Flight series I’ve had a hard time locking the highback, as well as unlocking, and fortunately I didn’t experience any of these issues with the NXT FS. In fact I found them quite a bit easier to lock and unlock when taking my boot out.

The XL size fit my size 12 Burton Freestyle and size 13 Sims boots perfectly.  Setting up the binding for each boot didn’t take much time at all, as I’ve ridden Flow before in the past, so I tend to have it down to an art.  If you’ve never ridden Flow bindings, you’ll want to make sure you take the time to properly set the binding up, as the drop-down high-back can throw people at first.

So finally.. what about the ride?  The ride with the NXT FS is a firm, limited flex response ride, but very supportive, and honestly stable.   The aluminum is a tad stiffer, but in my opinion, it’s not a HUGE stiffness difference from some of the plastic type bindings I’ve ridden in the past.  The NXT FS is slightly heavier than some other bindings, which can take some getting used to, but the ride is second to none.  The response of the binding is quick, and supportive, and the fit, once you set them up, is almost glove-like.

Now with some cons:

Not exactly light weight, so this takes some adjusting to.

Not exactly the cheapest bindings on the market (but you do pay for what you get.)

If you’ve never ridden Flow, the setup and fine tuning can take some time initially.

All in all, these bindings are a blast to ride with, if you enjoy the Flow Style. You’ll find they handle well in the pipe, park and on bombin runs.  Incredibly stable, and supportive with just the right about of flex, you can pretty much ride where you want, when you want with these bad boys.    The XL size fits size 12-13 boots just fine, and you could probably get away with a size 14 boot with no problems as well, although you may have some slight toe/heel drag based on board width.