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Bindings

Flow Fenix 2020-2021 Snowboard Bindings Review

  • Price: £200 / $220
  • Sizes: M, L, XL
  • Flex: 7/10
  • Entry System: Rear Entry

Why we chose the Flow Fenix Snowboard Bindings: We love the innovative new strap, and of course, we crave the controversy.

Like John Bender in the 1985 cult classic ‘The Breakfast Club’, Flow Bindings seem to have a bit of a misunderstood reputation. And that’s fine, horses for courses and all that jazz, but for those who prioritise speedy entry with a hassle-free interface then the Flow Fenix does the business at a super wallet friendly price.

The debate that rages on about quick entry bindings is one for the ages, every man and his dog wants to chime in their two cents when the topic is raised. Many riders love them and are staunch advocates for the convenience, whilst others turn their nose up and whine “bUT ThEy’re nOt eVEn tHaT MuCh qUickER”. While this all goes on, Flow continues to chip away at the market, doing what they do best and continuing to update and innovate their bindings year after year.

“For those who prioritise speedy entry with a hassle-free interface then the Flow Fenix does the business at a super wallet friendly price”

This season is no different, the Fenix comes back to pasture with Flow’s brand-new EXO-Frame PowerStrap. Lighter and more malleable than ever before, this one piece strap molds around your boot to secure the ultimate locked in fit. Two ExoSpines sit across the strap in the toe and heel and drive power through the straps.

It still uses their signature Active Strap Technology though, so as the highback is pulled down, the strap loosens slightly to allow your boot to slide in and out with ease. Also present are the Locking Strap Ratchets, which allow the buckles to be locked off once you find your perfect fit. You can actually use Flow bindings with side entry as well if that floats your boat, but they’re famous for their through the back door approach.

“It allows for more power transfer through your legs, reduces muscle fatigue and helps to align your joints to alleviate pain”

Riding long hours day after day can really take its toll, Flow try and make their bindings as comfortable and anatomically correct as possible to ensure you get the most out of your shred. Full EVA foam BankBeds sit underfoot and are canted to a subtle 2.5-degrees. This slight angling of the footbed allows your foot to sit inside the binding in a more natural position, brining your knees slightly closer together. For most people, this is a way more comfortable position to ride in, it allows for more power transfer through your legs, reduces muscle fatigue and helps to align your joints to alleviate pain.

To keep things nice and simple a single disc can be used with all major mounting systems, whether its 2×4, 4×4, 3HPor the Channel. The shape of the hole patterns also allows for some extra stance width adjustability, should you need it.

Flow have been doing the speedy Gonzalez routine long before the clacker-step-in-whatchamacallits made their triumphant return, their whole gig is ease of use and speed, and the Fenix does this to a T. It might not be your cup of tea, in which case, go have a coffee. The Fenix is aimed at intermediate riders looking to progress across the whole mountain, whether you buy them for speed, comfort or convenience you can’t argue with the price.

Tester’s Verdict 2019/20

Rob McCreathWhitelines

“I had a bit of a shocker on the NX2 (which I put down to my own lack of experience with Flow bindings as much as anything else), so was somewhat wary about screwing another set onto my board.

I’m happy to say that – though I’m still not a convert to the whole rear entry system – I got on way better with these things.

These felt like a much softer, less aggressive option, but actually suited my riding style way better. It was a slushy spring day, I was out lapping Tignes’ legendary Palafour sidehits and once I got moving the Fenix bindings felt quite similar to most mid-flexing freestyle bindings.

“Flow bindings really tuck your boot in nice and securely. Once you get them fastened up there’s very little room for movement and none of the annoyances faced with conventional bindings of toe straps sliding loose”

Flow bindings really tuck your boot in nice and securely. Once you get them fastened up there’s very little room for movement and none of the annoyances faced with conventional bindings of toe straps sliding loose. This was especially noticeable given the conditions I was riding in. If there’s one thing to work a binding loose, it’s jibbing around in the slush. Nothing to report here, though. I was securely fastened at the bottom of the run as I was at the top.

While I’m not personally considering purchasing a pair of Flow bindings just yet, the Fenix would almost definitely be my starting point, or recommendation for anyone who’s interested. A really solid allrounder and with a pretty nifty price point.”

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