2014 and 2015 Flux SF Snowboard Binding Review

So the 2015 Flux SF has only a few minor upgrades. The 15 Flux SF has a slightly changed ankle strap that tapers more on the sides and a new toe strap that fits over the toe better than the previous toe strap while using less material. Other than that the ride is the same.

Days: 20+
Riders: James, Peter, Mike, Stephen, Jimbo, Eli, Mary and Stephen
Boots: Burton Ion, Burton SLX, Burton Imperial, Nike Kaiju, Burton Ruler, Nike Lunarendore
Boards: Jones Mountain Twin, Yes Greats, Rossignol One Magtek, Never Summer Cobra, Lib Tech Lando Phoenix, Lib Tech Hot Knife, Nidecker Megalight, Arbor A-Frame and many many more boards.

Flex: So the flex has changed a little from size to size but to us our size medium was exactly the same as the SF45. I think the others have slightly different flexes based on the size of the riders. It still feels really stiff when you try to twist it but it does have a little bit of give at the top when pulling it straight back. You could call it stiff or med/stiff. Either way you would be right.

2014 Weight: 4.2lbs

Adjustability: Flux makes almost everything tooless and that is outstanding. You can adjust everything but the disc on the fly without a tool and that is really good.

Comfort: Flux makes comfortable bindings that have comfortable ankle straps and good fitting toe straps. They fit very well when it comes to most boots and most will not have issues.

Turn Initiation: The Flux SF has a very smooth but very quick response edge to edge and despite the somewhat lower high back it’s very balanced between the heel and toe. If you flexed the high back in a store you wouldn’t think it’s as fast edge to edge as it is. It’s a great binding for someone who likes technical camber ride all the way down to a hybrid shape that has moderate response. It’s the kind of binding I like to use when I’m demoing an aggressive board.

Buttering: So with the little stoppers off on the side the SF makes it a bit better to butter but the entire base plate is in full contact with the board. Even with the lack of a reduced dead spot the supportive ankle strap helps you get some pretty solid leverage on the board for a butter or press. It’s a different feel compared to mini disc bindings and Burton Re:Flex bindings but the end result is similar.

Boot Support: The Flux SF really locks in your boot and it’s near the top or at the top of the industry when it comes to this. The lack of a lot of padding in the heel combined with the very form fitting ankle strap makes for some serious hold without any real pressure points or the need to really crank it down. Also all Flux ankle straps are mounted on the inside of the heel loop so its even more form fitting around the boot. Very well done.

Ratchet System: The ratchet system is top notch and none of us noticed anything about it. It came on and off easy.

Shock Absorption: This is the one problem here. We’d like to see much more shock absorption because there is a noticeable difference compared to most other bindings. It’s good to have a shock absorbent pair of boots on you if you choose these bindings. If they fixed the problem with the lack of shock absorption I would have zero issues with these bindings.
**If they added about twice the EVA foam on the top of the heel that is there now it would help. I also think it would be a great idea to utilize the removable heel pad and create a super soft urethane heel pad accessory for those that want more shock absorption but those that don’t’ want to give up an ounce of response can keep the existing heel cup. Since it’s removable they might as well make it interchangeable. It think the binding would still have the trademark Flux personality but just help those that want more shock absorption enjoy these bindings more.

So aside from shock absorption this is an exceptional binding for those who want the best in support and response for this price range. If you absolutely have to have the lightest and the best the Flux DM is going to be the binding but for most this will do the job.

2014 Binding Comparison