Flux SF45 2013 - 2010 Review by The Good Ride

• User Reviews
• Past Reviews
• Product Specs
• Product Images
• Questions?

The Flux SF45 is a slightly heavier and slightly less snappy version of the Flux DMCC with very similar performance.  Flux makes really good bindings and should always be considered when its time to upgrade. The build quality and fit are exceptional. This is a great do anything binding for those that like moderate to challenging boards.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  No one is perfect and we do make money from the “Where To Buy” links below, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

Days Used- 50+
Riders who tried it- 5
Boards Used- Too many to count.

The 2013 Flux SF45 has changed up considerably compared to the 2012.  It is lighter and has a much larger asymmetrical ankle strap.  It also has more of an all mountain/softer flex than past high backs making this the call over the previous models if you are looking for more of an all mountain ride.

The Flux SF45 competes directly with the Union Force SL, the Union Charger and to a lesser extent the Burton Diodes, Union MC.  Where Flux shies is

Flex: This is a very stiff responsive binding. From 2010 to 2012 the Flex hasn’t changed much at all. You can switch the asymmetrical high backs from left to right and vice versa to make for a more mellow flex which isn’t a bad idea if you have a mellow and aggressive board. The 2013 Flex is a little different and has a little more give when you pull it back.

Adjustability: These are very easy to adjust and also have a good amount of options to customize this to your boot.  Almost the entire binding is toolless so it makes it pretty easy to adjust if your hands are warm. There are 3 holes for the binding angle which is better than some but not the best.

Comfort: The flux SF45 has a very comfortable set up.  We like how the ankle strap is inside the frame of the binding instead of outside.  It makes for a more comfortable and responsive fit. Off the top of our head, we can’t think of any other company that does this.  This is hard to explain but the ratchet system is incredibly easy to tighten compared to bindings that have it on the outside.  It feels like it tells you when you are securely tightened and stops you from cranking it too tight.  For 2013 the new larger ankle strap makes it even better and more supportive than before. Every part of the binding is purposefully constructed to work perfectly with each other part.   The 2010 Flux Feedback had very durable straps but the 2011 strap material is plastic that isn’t bonded to the material below.  The performance is the same but it probably won’t wear as well as the 2010 Feedback. There is a bit of a change to the 2012 ankle straps and toe straps.  They lost some weight and usually lighter means more comfortable. All models are very comfortable but the 2013 has a slight advantage overall due to the larger size and lighter weight.
The Toe strap for 2010 was the best in the industry.  We love that it wasn’t a compromise toe strap and it securely fits any boot.  For 2011 it isn’t as good as 2010 but it can go traditional or over the toe.  We would of liked to see 2 separate straps or have them provide the over the toe strap with the binding but have an option for the traditional strap for the old schoolers to buy but that is expensive.  The 2012  has a new single piece toe strap that offers a good grip over the toe and it’s also very light.  The ankle strap from every year is incredibly cush and if you like to crank your straps down super tight then you should definitely try these.  We’d like to see tree positions for the Ankle strap like Burton has but let us face it most people don’t really care or adjust the angle of the ankle strap. The 2013 is an even more slimmed down version of the 2012.  The 2012 and 2013 straps work well but most of us liked the fit and feel of the heavier straps on the older models. This is our only real upgrade complaint.

Heel to Toe Response: Our first experience with these bindings was on the Never Summer SL and thought it might be overkill for an all mountain board but they were incredibly fun.  When we put them on the Salomon Special and Salomon Burner we fell in love.  So they will do very well on any aggressive board but will also perform rather well with an all mountain board.  Later we put these bindings on some of our more aggressive freeride boards like the Arbor A-Frame, Nidecker Platinum, and Never Summer Raptor.  The SF45 was quite at home with these incredibly stiff, super carvy, ultra bomber freeride boards while still feeling somewhat smooth compared to other bindings in there category. We had the most fun making big, hard fast turns and had a pretty good time in the halfpipe as well. The gas pedals on the toe side are very responsive compared to our C60’s and Co2’s in 2010 and 2011.  Compared to the Union SL’s these felt smoother but just as or a tiny bit more responsive.  The Diodes are less responsive and feel more like responsive all mountain bindings compared to these. To us, there is only one binding that is clearly more responsive in 2013 and that is the Union Charger.

Tip to Tail Response: The ankle straps size from all years helps you flex the board for jibs and ollies but the binding creates a dead spot underfoot.  That being said it still overpowers the board and flexes it pretty well with the rubber stoppers off.

Boot Support: So The SF45 has a large, asymmetrical supportive ankle strap and a relatively stiff very contoured high back to keep the boot locked firmly in place.  So one thing that I don’t like about these bindings also helps them remain very locked in and that’s the firm almost pad-less heel plate. It really allows the ankle strap to hold the boot in place without much give or bouncing that softer materials underneath can do. This is a blessing and a curse. I guess it’s always a compromise so if being about as locked in as possible is what you want you’ll have to sacrifice some shock absorption.  If you are all about freedom of movement look else ware but if you like it locked in for superior edge to edge transitioning this is one of the top bindings.

Ratchet System:  Very easy and smooth.  These guys have great ratchets that are easy on or easy off.

Approximate Weight: For 2012 Flux got all south beach diet on all their bindings or they had binding lipo. The 2011 and 2010’s are light but these are borderline featherweight with the new tech.  The Straps and base plate were stripped of weight without losing any strength or support.  The 2013 is the lightest of them all

Shock Absorption: The base plate is very damp and makes you feel comfortable at any speed you have the ability for.  We have noticed that the heel shock absorption is at the top of most flux bindings but it still doesn’t compare to other bindings like Ride, some Unions, and Burton.  It still has a fiberglass/plastic base underneath the padding.  We’d like to see the fiberglass/plastic base disappear under the heel portion of the bindings or at least see more padding and less base plate.  However, the toe has more shock absorption than almost any other binding out there with the exception of some of the 2009 and above Burton Est Bindings.  For 2012 some improvements were made to make the base plate more shock absorption friendly but we’d still like to see more.

All in all, we were very impressed with the smooth traditional feeling these bindings have.  We feel it’s one of the top freeride bindings out there and one of the better all mountain bindings.  Our only real complaint would be to see some more shock absorption but that’s it.  We always try to get the SF45 in our quiver for testing aggressive all mountain to Freeride boards.

For 2012 there are some new upgrades like continuous padding along the top of the base plate, a new, lighter base plate and more padding along with the base plate.

For 2011 there were a lot of little changes worth mentioning.  They added gel at the base of the high back and heel which is a good thing.  They also added low profile strap ratchets. The pure over the toe strap has been replaced for a more hybrid strap but we preferred the 2010.  We would have liked to see more of the base plate removed to allow better flex of the board but these bindings are soo good we can’t complain too much.