Flux DS Bindings Review: Men’s All Mountain Snowboard Bindings

O.k. let’s take a look at the DS in more detail

Demo Info

Bindings: Flux DS 2016 & 2018

Date: Multiple dates

Conditions: Various conditions

Bindings angles: Various binding angles

I own the 2016 versions of these bindings so I’ve ridden them a lot. These are the bindings I used to use to demo boards. I have also demoed the 2018 versions which are very similar but with the waffle ankle strap in place of the honeycomb strap.

Flex

Flux rate the DS’s stiffness as 3/5. Which out of 10 would translate to an 6/10 (in my books!). Other reviews I have read consider the flex to be soft to medium-soft – around 3 or 4 out of 10.

I wouldn’t say it’s as stiff as a 6/10 but I definitely wouldn’t consider them a medium-soft either. To me these bindings are completely mid-flex (5/10). Which is great for an all-mountain binding.

I think the confusion here lies in the fact that they have great response and boot support. You can really lock these bad boys in tight (without pressure points) but they still butter well and there is definitely some movement when you twist the high back.

So you get the response you might expect from stiffer bindings but the butterability of a softer binding – it’s this balance that makes these bindings so good for doing everything.

Board Feel/Butterability

As mentioned above these bindings butter and tweak more like a softer flexing binding – but without sacrificing response. They don’t seem to have anything special about the base plate or disc (like a mini disc or anything), but they still have great board feel.

Adjustability

As to be expected with Flux bindings the DS’s are super adjustable. You can adjust everything from the high-back, ankle strap, toe strap, toe ramp and heel ramp. And you can do it all tool-less which is always good.

You can basically set these up exactly how you want them. Get them in the right size and they’ll fit any foot and boot.

Shock Absorption

The biggest area for improvement for the DS’s is in the shock absorption. It’s not terrible but it’s nothing special either. Some more padding in the heel would be great.

Though some riders don’t mind this and some even prefer it, I definitely like a bit more shock absorption, especially for riding the park.

Entry/Exit

As always with Flux the ratchet system is easy and smooth which makes entry/exit easy.

When getting in I also find it really easy to push the ankle straps around the high-back so you can drop your foot in and not worry about standing on the ankle strap.

Comfort

Improved shock absorption would also improve the comfort of the DS’s but they are pretty darn comfortable anyway. A large reason for that is the awesome straps that lock down tight without producing any pressure points.

The high-back also conforms really well to boots.

Turn Initiation/Response

I am really impressed with the response I get out of the DS’s – especially considering the flex and butterability.

And you can really initiate those turns quickly – they feel great going through narrow tracks and trees but are also awesome for wider radius turns.

Ankle Support

As mentioned already, the ankle straps lock down tight but don’t produce any pressure points. They also sit high enough on the ankle to give your ankles some great support. If you like a lot of ankle support, the DSs are a great choice.

Changes from Past Models

The 2021 model looks to be exactly the same (bar new colorways) as the 2020 model as far as I can tell. 

The 2020 model is essentially the same as the 2019 model as far as I can tell. 

The 2019 model got an all new higback called the resistor highback. As far as I’m aware that’s the only change.

The only change that I’m aware of between the 2017 and 2018 model is that the 2018 model now features Flux’s new Waffle strap. The 2016 and 2017 models had the honeycomb strap.

Previous Changes: The DS’s honeycomb ankle straps were new for the 2016 model. And they were a nice improvement. They were kept for the 2017 model and the 2018 model changed to the new waffle strap.