Hello and welcome to my Flow NX2-TM bindings review.
In this review, I will take a look at the NX2-TM as all-mountain-freeride snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the NX2-TM a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain-freeride bindings.
NOTE: This review has only been updated to the 2024 model, as it was discontinued after the 2024 model.
Overall Rating
Binding: Flow NX2-TM Fusion
Price: $329
Style: All-Mountain-Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 81.9/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Out of the 20 men’s all-mountain-freeride bindings that I rated:
Overview of the NX2-TM’s Specs
Check out the tables for the NX2-TM’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freeride |
Price: | $329 - BUYING OPTIONS |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Weight: | Heavier side of normal |
Mounts to: | 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | 3 hole | Channel |
Sizing
SIZE | US BOOT SIZE | EURO BOOT SIZE | UK BOOT SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
M | 4.5-8.5 | 36.0-41.5 | 3.5-7.5 |
L | 8.0-11.5 | 41.0-45.0 | 7.0-10.5 |
XL | 11.0-15.0 | 44.5-49.5 | 10.0-14.0 |
Who is the NX2-TM Most Suited To?
The NX2-TM are best suited to anyone looking for a binding that's stiff, but still with some forgiveness, that excels mostly for carving and bombing but does well in the park as well. And of course someone who wants that easy in rear-entry.
Not for a beginner - too stiff for that, IMO, but intermediate and up should be fine with these bindings.
The NX2-TM in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the NX2-TM are capable of.
Demo Info
Binding: Flow NX2-TM Fusion 2022, L
Date: January 20, 2022
Conditions
Overcast with patchy visibility. OK in some places and limited in others.
Temp: 36°F (2°C) and 28°F (-2°C) with wind chill. 9mph (15kph) winds.
24 hour snow: 0" (0cm)
48 hour snow: 0" (0cm)
7 day snow: 0" (0cm)
Snow conditions on groomer: Well groomed in places. Ungroomed and choppy and slushy elsewhere.
Snow conditions off groomer: A little crunchy in spots but mostly slushy.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 22″ (555mm)
Board tested with: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
Boots tested with: Adidas Tactical ADV, size US9.5
Baseplate Length: 9.76" (24.8cm)*
*measured on the top side of the footbed - part of the heel of the baseplate is raised a little bit.
Highback Height: 7.2" (18.2cm)*
* from top of board to top of highback it's 11" (28cm).
Weight: 2lb 5oz (1040g)
* for one binding, including screws and disc. The average weight of a small sample size of around 45 bindings (2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 models) I weighed, was 1lb 15oz (890 grams). The lightest was 1lb 8oz (680g) and the heaviest was 2lb 9oz (1,160g). So the NX2-TM are on he heavier side.
Flex
When doing the in hand flex test on the NX2-TM the highback barely twisted at all - and there was certainly no movement when pulling back or trying to bend the top of the highback. Like, it felt like 9/10 flex to me. I thought Flow's 7/10 flex rating for this binding was going to be way off - but when riding it definitely didn't feel as stiff as the highback suggested - and 7/10 actually felt about right.
Responsiveness
It was a little more to manage for short/sharp quick turns at slow speeds versus my control bindings (Burton Malavita) but when it came to hard carves, you could get more out of the NX2-TM versus my control bindings. Really good on a carve, I found.
Board Feel/Butterability
I was expecting the NX2-TM to be a bit dead underfoot after looking at the rigid metal baseplate with metal disc (all be it with softer padding on the underside of the disc) not to mention the size of the disc - which was bigger than most regular size discs (let alone mini-discs).
But I was pleasantly surprised with the board feel when I rode in them. It wasn't like top-end board feel, but it was actually pretty decent. Part of that I'm guessing comes from this rubbery waffle-like membrane thing that sits on the bottom of the baseplate (which I'm guessing also helps with the NX2 TM's shock absorption as well). And the soft padding underbelly of the disc probably also assists.
Pop/Ollie Power
I found I could get a pretty similar amount of pop out of the NX2-TM versus my control bindings, or maybe just a hair less.
Let's Break this Text Up with a Video
Adjustability
Whilst the NX2-TM doesn't have an extendable heel ramp and you can't change the ankle strap position, there was a lot of adjustability, including being able to shift the highback forward, good stance width adjustability and a disc that fits literally any board you can think of.
Heel Cup: There is technically no heel cup on these bindings due to the way they work. But there is a hole where you can move the whole highback forward, which acts as heel cup adjustment essentially.
Stance Width: You can run the disc horizontally or vertically - if run horizontal then there is lots of stance width adjustability.
Highback Lean: Really easy to adjust with the tool-less mechanism. I don't think you can get zero lean - feels like it's set at a bit of lean even at it's most upright position.
Ankle Strap Position: No
Toe Strap Position: No
Ankle and toe strap length: Yes, tool-less. And once you get this set, you can lock them in place and forget about it - and just use the rear entry.
Gas pedal/toe ramp extension: No
Highback Rotation: No
Compatible with: 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | 3 hole | channel
Shock Absorption
They absorbed shock and chatter really well. There's some really decent padding in the footbed and then there's this rubbery green waffle like thing on the underside of the base plate, which I assume also helps with shock absorption.
Entry/Exit
This is typically a quick note on how smooth the ratchets feel when tightening your straps - in a typical strap binding review.
But for rear-entry/speed entry bindings like this, it's an important part of how they work. Ease of entry/exit is this bindings' unique selling point - so of course will elaborate a little more in this section.
It takes some time to get them set right so that they are both good to ride in and easy to get in and out of. So take your time to set them up. At first I had them considerably and unnecessarily tight - and easy mistake to make, when you're not used to these bindings. And that also made them hard to get into using the rear-entry feature. But after a bit of tweaking and playing around with them, I was able to find the sweet spot.
After finding the sweet spot they are really easy to get into - and learning to do it without stopping was a cinch. So for anyone looking to get going quickly off the lift, this will be a great feature.
Getting out of them was easy as well. Not quite as easy as getting into them, but still pretty easy. You've just got to get used to the idea of lifting your boot up and back rather than straight up as you would after removing the straps on a typical strap binding.
A really good feature is having those ankle and toe ratchets lockable, so you don't accidentally tighten or loosen them (either by accidentally knocking them or forgetting your in rear entry bindings and by habit going to strap or unstrap them - as I did).
I did prefer the Hybrid strap that I had on the Fenix-Plus that I also tried the same day - so if I was to get these, I would go with the NX2-TM Hybrid over the Fusion version. Just like having that toe strap to wrap around my toes.
Comfort
These bindings were really comfortable overall. When I first had them strapped too tight, I did have some pressure points, but when I realized how much you can loosen them off (to make that entry/exit easy/smooth) without loosing support - those pressure points went away. Just remember not to crank them too much.
Ankle Strap: Nice and comfortable - once I had them set right didn't notice it.
Toe Strap: Ditto ankle strap - because well, it's all pretty much one strap.
Canted Footbed: Yes
Padded Footbed: Good padding
Highback: Padding over the whole highback. But most importantly I had no calf-bite.
Ankle Support
The ankle support didn't feel as good as with my control bindings, I found. It wasn't terrible by any means, but it wasn't quite as good. I realized after inspection that the ankle strap sits a little lower on the ankle than my control bindings. And with my control bindings there's an option to have a higher ankle strap position than the setting I have it on.
I felt they could've been a little more supportive of the ankle, but it wasn't like super unsupportive or anything.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
BOARD FEEL | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 81.9/100 |
The NX2-TM are a great all-round binding that will really appeal to those looking for quick, on the move entry into their bindings.
Compared to my previous experience with Flow bindings (circa 2012 model), these were night and day - the hinge that opens the bindings out to let you in (which didn't exist on the old model I had back in the day) really makes a difference - and the overall quality is much improved across the entire binding.
Whilst I'm not a convert to the rear-entry thing, as I actually kinda like the ritual of stopping taking a breath and strapping into my bindings (and can do it pretty fast, can remove them on the go etc), so it's not necessarily something that gets me excited, but for some (particularly those who ride with skiers a lot) this is a really good feature.
Importantly though, is that the performance once you're in the bindings is really good, and that's improved a lot since I last rode flow bindings - so whilst I'm not super excited about the rear-entry aspect, as bindings, ignoring that aspect, the NX2-TM performed well.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the NX2-TM, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other all-mountain-freeride binding options, or if you want to compare how the NX2-TM compares to other all-mountain-freeride bindings, then check out the next link.
Hi Nate,
First: great website and dito reviews!
I’m currently looking for a new pair of Flow bindings to pair with my Yes Standard (156) and Ride Deadbolts (last season I had the Ride Lassos, but those gave me nasty preasure points with the tongue tied system, hope the Deadbolts are easier on my feet, but Ride fit is a great match with my feet).
I’ve used the same pair of Flow Pro-11 FR bindings since 2006: never had any problems with set-up (just put my empty boot in at beginning of the week, press tighten them (no ratchet system available in 2006) and I was good to go for the week. Entry also never gave any problems.
But I think it’s time to upgrader. Since I’m on the slopes with skiers mainly, I’m sticking with Flow.
I’m a bit torn between the regular NX2 and the NX2-TM: which do you think will match best with my board and shoes? I’m mostly on the groomers, but go through the park and off-piste between the trees with my kids as well.
Also, I never rode bindings with toestraps: would you advice to stick with the Fusion strap or would it be worth while to try the hybrid one? Any thoughts on the difference?
Cheers,
Bart
Hi Bart
Thanks for your message.
I think the NX2-TM would be your best bet. I haven’t ridden the NX2, but I think the NX2-TM would be the best flex match with the rest of your set up.
I personally prefer the Hybrid strap to the Fusion strap. But I’m the opposite – I’ve very seldom ridden bindings without toe straps, so I like the feeling of having that toe strap there. Since you’re used to not having the toe strap, the Fusion is probably the safer bet. Personally I’d go Hybrid, but coming from a different experience that won’t necessarily apply to you. I don’t think you’d dislike the Hybrid strap though.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Great review! I am wondering if you have tried the nx2 fusion of Flow as well and, if so, if you can tell someting about the difference in riding.
Thanks in advance and keep up the good work.
Kind regards,
Alex
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
Unfortunately I haven’t ridden the NX2 Fusion, so can’t say from experience. The NX2 are supposed to be stiffer than the NX2-TM, but hard to say how much stiffer, without having tested them.
Nat ya legend. Great review. I got these bindings and have tried to set them up with k2 thraxis boots. However I’m struggling to set them up in a way I can slide my foot in and out. The binding seems to right for the boot. Any ideas what’s going on and if I can fix this?
Hi Nicholas
Thanks for your message.
I found when I was setting these up that I had them too tight for my boot to start with. I had them setup how I would regular strap bindings, in terms of the tightness, which was way too tight to slip my foot easily and out of. But when I was experimenting I found that I could have them way looser than I thought I could without it really affecting my response. So the only thing I can think of is to loosen them to a point where you do find you can slip in and out of them and see how they feel. It might be the case that they feel like they’ll be way too loose to ride in, but then actually feel OK, when you do ride them. Take it slow to start with of course, when you do get them out on snow. And also – once you’ve got them to a point where they are loose enough to get your foot in and out of easily. Slowly, like one ratchet at a time, tighten them and then try again and see if you can still get in/out easily. i.e. trying to find that sweet spot, where you can get in and out easy, but at the tightest possible point. Also try tightening and loosening different parts of the strap – as it may be the case that you can get certain parts of the strap tighter than you’d think without effecting how easy it is to get your feet in and out.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate. Thank you so much for everything you do!
Do you think these are a good fit for a Never Summer Harpoon 152? I ride a lot with skiers on piste so appreciate the easy entry.
Looking for something freerider surfy for groomers and pow
Hi Lonny
Thanks for your message.
I think these would work on the Harpoon. They would be on the stiffer end of the range in terms of matching the Harpoon, but I think anything 5-7/10 in terms of flex would match, so the NX2-TM come within that. If you wanted a slightly looser, more surfy feeling, then you could go a bit softer, but these would certainly work.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate – great review, thank you. I’m refreshing my gear (my current board is a 15yr old Nitro, so it’s long overdue!) and I’m considering getting some ‘easy entry’ style bindings. I mostly ride with skiers, in European resorts which often have long flats and consecutive chairlifts – getting pretty bored strapping in and out constantly and holding everyone up. I noticed you also reviewed the Burton step on bindings- of the two (flow vs step on) which did you prefer? Mostly for on/off piste type uses (not a park rat).
Hi Tom
I think once you get used to them, they’re both as easy as each other to get in and out – and can get them both on on the move, once you’re practiced enough. The Step Ons are easier to setup – whereas the Flow takes more effort to get setup right to start, but I’d say once you’re used to them, they’re easier. One advantage of the Flows is that you do have the option to strap in them normally – so if you’re ever in a situation where it’s tricky to get in standing up, you can use the Flow’s like normal strap in bindings. Step Ons have a bit of a different feel, due to the way that you’re boots lock into the high back – which gives really good heel to toe response, but less freedom nose to tai-wise. The Flows feel closer to typical strap in bindings.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Thanks! That helps a lot. Sounds like they might be a decent compromise. Being able to use regular boots is also a plus.
You’re very welcome Tom. Yeah, that does help too – having more boot options.