I tend to get my fair share of Flow bindings, and everyone knows I’m a pretty big fan of Flow.  I finally got my hands on the NXT-FSE series. I argued with myself on reviewing or riding this binding, because honestly my first impression of the new ratchet system wasn’t necessarily positive.   I decided I’d give these a try after I found out the SE series will continue on into the 2011 lineup.   I rode these bindings on a few boards including the 2010 Never Summer Revolver-R, 2011 Raptor X, 2010 Lib Skunk Ape, and a few others. I rode these with size 12 Flow “The One” boots as well as size 13 32 Lashed boots.

My first impression of the FSE was positive.  The bindings are really light.  In fact, I’d guess these are probably one of the lightest bindings that Flow offers right now.  There are a couple of reasons for this we’ll get into.   I picked up the blue colorway, which essentially is a mixture of red, white, and blue, as shown in the pictures. Flow has really stepped up the technology and build quality of their bindings.  Having ridden flows for a few years now, and having ridden quite a few models, I’m stoked to see them put so much effort into constantly innovating and improving their tech.   The FSE binding has the same baseplate as the 24k binding. While the FSE is an NXT series binding, it doesn’t share the same baseplate as the FRX, FX, or AT (ATSE).  In order to get the FSE binding to lighten up, the baseplate has been CNC milled out in certain areas to reduce the weight.  The NXT series is based on a forged T6 aluminum design, so all NXT bindings will still have the aluminum baseplates, just the FSE will come with the CNC milled version of the NXT baseplate.  The baseplate includes Flow’s “rocker’ tech which is supposed to allow the board to flex more naturally, and honestly I didn’t notice it too much, but I wasn’t really looking for it either.

Flow "Rockered" Baseplate

The FSE includes a modular 3 piece Nylon upper highback.  The modular 3 piece component means you can adjust the left to right tilt of the topmost piece of the highback for comfort or support as needed.  I usually keep my upper highback locked on the center screw.  The cable is coated in a very durable red polymer type material.. mostly rubber like really.  I’ve never had an issue with the cable coming lose or breaking off.   The latch on the back of the upper highback is a coated plastic handle, and on the FSE seems a bit easier to get down when compared to some older models.  When unlocking the latch to lower the highback, the highback stays flat on the ground with the FSEs which, again is very nice, so you’re not fighting the highback as you’re trying to step into the binding.  I’ve had that problem on previous version of Flow bindings, and it can be frustrating.  Eventually all flow bindings do tend to break in and lay flat, I just thought it was a nice touch on the FSE from the start.

Highback Folded Down

As far as support and response goes, there’s a continuous debate on how responsive, or how Flow bindings have a lack of response.  The FSEs are designed with that freestyle rider in mind. They are a stiffer binding, that still provides response and support when it counts.  I never felt as if I didn’t get enough feedback from the bindings, even on some really gnarly runs.  The I-Strap has been cut away so much now, it’s almost as if you really do have two straps over your foot, but without the single point of pressure.  Since we’re talking about the strap, let’s discuss the SE ladder system for the ratchets.   Flow decided to put two dedicated screws on the medial side of each binding, and two ladder ratchets on the right side of the binding.  This makes the binding feel more like a traditional binding, as you can strap in and out as needed if you prefer.

Flow Screw Setup

I’m not sure how I feel about the screws on the medial side, and the quality of the ladders on the medial side of each binding.  The ladders feel a bit cheap in some ways, but I haven’t had one break on me yet with the FSE.   I do like being able to simply use two ratchets much like a normal binding when setting up.    Oh, another nice thing to note.. the ratchets are metal making them easier to work with.


Medial Side Screw

Flow Metal Ratchets

Setup time on the FSE is about the same as any other Flow binding really.  I took me about 20 minutes total to get both boots sized and setup properly in the bindings.  I’ve setup enough pairs of Flows that I now have it down to an art.    The FSE’s ride great.  For a stiff binding, they provide response when you push em, and support when you really want and need it.  The I-Strap is one of my favorite straps from flow, as it’s not direction, and allows enough free movement for any freestyle rider to throw down without being constricted.    Honestly I really do love the new SE bindings, especially the FSE.  I’ve always been a fan of Flow’s aluminum heelcup highback designs.  I feel they provide better support for bigger riders, and respond better than the fiberglass weaves used in the AT , FR series for example.   My one big complaint about these bindings, which also pertains to the FRX bindings as well, is where the power cable runs through the highback latch.  In previous models, there has been a plastic bushing piece that the cables ran through, which is apparently no longer included in the design of the 2010 bindings.  This means the cable is actually sitting against the mechanism that tightens the forward lean of the highback.  After a bit of riding, the rubber coating on the cable tends to show wear from rubbing against the metal components of the forward lean adjuster.  I really liked that rubber/plastic piece that shielded the cable from that adjuster.  I’ll have to inquire into why that changed.   Other than that one issue, I really enjoyed the FSE bindings, and will definitely include them in more of my day to day riding!

Colors:

Blue (Red, White, and Blue)

Gold (Black, White, and Gold)

Sizes:

Medium, Large, and X-Large

Stiffness:

4 out of 5

Price:

MSRP: $349.99 (think this is a bit high, but you can always catch Flow bindings on Sale!!!)

More Info:

Flow NXT-FSE Special Edition Site

*Disclaimer: I purchased these with my own funds*