Flow NX2-TM Written Review Review by The Good Ride

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Ethics Statement: The manufacturer doesn’t pay us to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average rider’s perspective.

A Breakdown of How it rides and who it is for

How This Review Happened: I borrowed this for an extended demo and sent it back.
Days: 2
Conditions: Varied conditions
Riders:  James (Size 9, 5’10”, 185-190lbs)
Boots: Burton Kendo,
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers
Boards: Yes Optimistic, Nidecker Mellow
Boots: Burton Kendo
Insoles: F.I.T. Gamechangers
Jacket: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Tusk Jacket
Pant: Burton AK Gore-Tex 2L Swash Pant, Burton Gore-Tex Ballast Pant
Helmet: Smith Maze
Goggle: Smith 4D Mag
Gloves: Burton AK Clutch Mitt, Burton AK Clutch Glove, Burton AK Tech Leather Glove,

Similar (but not the same) Binding: Union Strata, Union Ultra, Burton Cartel, Burton Mission, Burton Malavita, Salomon Hologram, Salomon District, Nitro Team Pro, Nitro Team, Now Pilot, Now Select, Now IPO, Rome Katana, Rome Vice, Rome DOD, Rome 390 Boss,

How It Was Tested

I rode these solo and then in a same-day sampler with the Flow Fenix, Flow NX2-Carbon, and Union Atlas. The next day, I took out the same board with the same boots and rode the Nidecker Supermatic and Clew. I also rode the Step On with a different boot, the Burton Photon, instead of the Burton Kendo’s

Weight

2.2Lbs which is pretty normal for many bindings.

Highback Flex

The high back of the Flow NX2-TM is pretty stiff in the middle, whereas the quick-release lever is a bit softer on the sides. So going straight back is pretty responsive, but you still have some give on the sides, so it isn’t a really locked-in dead feel.

Flex Underfoot

The Flow NX2-TM has excellent underfoot flex. Flow did a lot to ensure this by minimizing full contact with most parts of the binding except for the disc. It butters really well, and the board doesn’t feel dead underfoot.

Turn Initiation/Response

So, the Flow NX2-TM has a slightly lopsided response. The heel side seems a little faster than the toe side. I think it’s mainly because the Fusion strap sits lower on your ankle than most straps. I personally prefer the Hybrid straps, but many will like the Fusion if they want a more surf/skate feel that minimizes restriction around the ankle.

Shock Absorption

The Flow NX2-TM has excellent shock absorption and a lot of dampness, too. It’s up there with some of the best in the business, like NOW, Jones, and Rome. The base plate has a ton of medium-stiffness EVA foam and a good bit of rubber. It is equally great at slow-speed shock absorption and high-speed dampness.

Boot Support

Not that much with the Fusion strap. If you want more support, go with the Flow NX2-TM Hybrid Strap option. It sits higher on your ankle and gives more support, especially in uneven snow.

Adjustability

Not much. I can’t adjust the heel loop, can’t adjust the gas pedal, can’t rotate the high backs. Because you can’t customize the Flow NX2-TM to fit your boot, most on the upper or lower end of the sizing spectrum can’t turn the discs sideways and get any stance width adjustability. This is a common problem with all quick-release bindings. It’s hard to add adjustability with all the quick-release parts they have to put in.

Quick Release

And speaking of quick release, this isn’t the easiest in and out compared to the Nidecker Supermatic, Clew Freedom 1.0, and Burton Step On’s I’ve tried. It’s probably the same for the K2 Clicker, but I haven’t tried those, so it is hard to say. They are faster than regular bindings, but I don’t particularly appreciate reaching behind the high back to flip the lever up. I don’t particularly appreciate flipping the lever of the Flow NX2-TM to step out, either. What I do like, though, is the feel underfoot, shock absorption, and dampness vs. all the quick-release bindings.

Conclusion

So Flow isn’t the fastest on and off anymore and never had adjustability, but no quick-release binding does. So it comes down to feeling underfoot, shock absorption, and dampness. If this is important to you in a mid-flexing binding, having a little slower on and off is worth it. However, it is still faster than traditional bindings.