Flow snowboard bindings definitely stepped outside the box and people either hate them or love them. A lot of board hounds are completely stoked on the Flow technology. They enable quicker strap-in time which results in more time spent snowboarding and less time spent dorking around with your binding straps. But since they are a bit dissimilar to conventional bindings, your first encounter with them might be less than desirable. When you decide to go with Flow snowboard bindings you are not just trading out out your old bindings for new ones. You’re buying a totally new class of binding. There is an intense discussion about whether or not strap-ins or step-ins are the best kind of snowboard binding and now that Flow has created something almost as radically different; their bindings have joined in the discussion.
In what way are Flow bindings different than your conventional bindings anyway? If you haven’t seen them ridden on the mountain or haven’t scoped them out online then here’s how they are unique. With your usual strap-in binding, there are two straps that lay across boot. Everybody already knows that, right? Flows are unique for the reason that the straps that go over the snowboard boot are not what you take off to get your foot in. Instead, you fold the highback down and slip your foot in under the straps. So the advantage is that you have quick rear entry access and you spend less time struggling with your straps to get them adjusted perfectly. That’s great if you have a perfect setting already dialed in.
Once you have initially set up your bindings to your perfect taste, you won’t be inconvenienced from the frequent foot aches associated with tightening down your bindings too tightly. You are receiving added comfort because Flow has replaced the two strap system with one unit named the PowerStrap. Plus, since you’ll be doing much less tightening of your bindings, the binding straps will last a lot longer. Flow bindings use a patented Power Triangle system that keeps all the straps together so there is no need to worry about ending up without a strap either.
But of course these are not for everybody but quite a few snowboarders are sold on Flow snowboard bindings. For starters, the binding is a good bit heavier than the majority of other bindings. The gear may be advanced, but no park rat wants to be kicking extra weight around. The entry system is usually pretty quick, but if you get a lesser end Flow binding, you might end up with one that is difficult to open. This is particularly the situation if you are sitting down. Learn to get in standing up if you are going to get Flows. An additional gripe you will hear regarding these bindings is that snow easily ends up next to the high back making them difficult to close.
For 2009 you will have your option of 15 styles in men’s bindings, 6 styles in women’s and 3 styles for the kids. Flow bindings as categorized as freestyle, all mountain, big mountain or freeride. Freestyle bindings are meant for the snowboard park riders and half pipe riders; all-mountain bindings are designed to be all around; big-mountain bindings are for riding sizeable lines and have a lot more support; freeride bindings also are more supportive than freestyle for example.
Even though this binding scheme isn’t going to be every snowboarder’s choice, you have to offer Flow props for trying something different and being novel. Like every other company, Flow is constantly trying to enhance their product and the chances are that their bindings will only get better. So if you had your eye on some Flow snowboard bindings check them out and make sure they are right for you.
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