Hello and welcome to my Flux TM review.
In this review I will take a look at the TMs as freeride snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the TMs a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other freeride bindings.
NOTE: The 2019 model was the last model of the Flux TM, so this review will no longer be updated. Shame to see it go as it was a good performing binding at a good price for this flex range. They must have their reasons for dropping it (most likely not selling how they would have liked) but a shame to see it dropped, IMO.
Overall Rating
Bindings: Flux TM
Price: $285 (USD recommended retail)
Style: Freeride
Flex Rating: Stiff (5/5)
Flex Feel: Stiff (8/10)
Rating Score: 89.2/100
Compared to other Freeride Bindings
Out of the 11 freeride bindings that I rated:
- The average score was 84.9/100
- The highest score was 91.9/100
- The lowest score was 76.3/100
- The average price was $382
- The TM ranked 3rd out of 11
Sizing
Check out the table below for the available sizes for the TMs.
| Size | Fits Men’s US Boot Sizes | Euro Boot Sizes | UK Boot Sizes |
| Extra-Small | 3.0 – 5.5 | 33.0 – 37.5 | 2.0 – 4.5 |
| Small | 5.0 – 7.5 | 36.5 – 40.0 | 4.0 – 6.5 |
| Medium | 7.0 – 9.5 | 39.0 – 43.0 | 6.0 – 8.5 |
| Large | 9.0 – 13.0 | 42.0 – 47.5 | 8.0 – 12.0 |
Who are the TMs Most Suited to?
The TMs are great for anyone who likes to bomb the mountain at speed. They are quite stiff and really responsive – and like Flux tend to have a knack for, they still have decent board feel as well.
If you like to bomb at speed but still want to feel the natural flex of your board underfoot, then the TMs are a great option.
Definitely not for the beginner – too stiff for that. If you’re into relatively extreme (e.g. large jumps) freestyle stuff, then the TMs could work for that too – but generally they’re stiffer than I would normally ride for freestyle – but definitely for backcountry, off-groomer and for bombing the groomers.
The TMs in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the TMs are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: Flux TM, Large
Date: April 16, 2017
Conditions: Sunshine! And plenty of it. Snow conditions were a great mix of hard spots and soft-pack on the groomers and plenty of powder to be found off groomer, making it the perfect conditions for demoing – a bit of everything. Quite cold in the morning but got quite warm in the afternoon (it was spring after all, but you’d never have known it with the amount of snow around and the cold morning!)
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Flex
Though Flux rate them a 5/5 (which in my head would convert to a 10/10), I got more of a 8/10 feeling from them.
Responsiveness
The TMs felt super responsive and really increased the response of the board I was riding, compared to the bindings I would usually ride on them. Responsiveness is definitely the strength of these bindings.
Board Feel/Butterability
Despite being relatively stiff, and not having anything like a mini-disc or anything like that, they actual have really decent board feel – something that Flux tend to be able to manage across a lot of their line.
Adjustability
Another strong point (there are a lot of them) for the TMs is their adjustability. You can adjust heel ramp and toe ramp (most brands only have a toe ramp adjustment) and pretty much every other adjustment you need – only downside is no ability to adjust the high back lean – not that I could see anyway.
Shock Absorption
They’re not the most shock absorbing – and that’s typical of Flux – and that’s one of the downsides of having that heel ramp adjustment there. But if shock absorption isn’t a big deal for you, then this isn’t a deal-breaker. And this is potentially one of the reasons for the good board feel.
Entry/Exit
Like most Flux bindings the TMs are smooth and easy to get in and out of. No problems there.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
This video is for the 2017 model, but most of it is still relevant. The 2018 & 2019 models do have a new waffle strap in place of the honeycomb strap though.
Comfort
They aren’t the most comfortable binding going around, and part of that is to do with that shock absorption, and part of it is to do with the tall highback (IMO) – but they’re still pretty comfortable overall – and that waffle strap is really nice and conforms to the boot nicely with no pressure points. I also really liked the toe strap.
Ankle Support
Like a lot of Flux bindings, the TM have great ankle support. If you require good support for your ankles Flux are generally a good way to go and the TMs are no exception. And that taller high back really helps you to get that locked-in feeling.
Changes from the 2018 Model
The 2019 model is practically the same binding as the 2018 model, except for the new FTM Ver.5.0 Toe Strap. A slight upgrade on the F.T.M Versa that was on the 2018 model. The toe strap on the 2018 model was really nice anyway, so it’s just a minor upgrade, IMO.
Changes from the 2017 Model
The biggest change for the 2018 model compared to the 2017 model, is the Waffle Strap in place of the Honeycomb strap it had on the 2017 model.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Responsiveness: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Comfort: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Board Feel: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 89.2/100 |
Overall, the TMs are a super responsive ride, perfect for those that like to bomb the mountain.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the TMs, are ready to buy, or would like to research current prices or availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the TMs compared to other freeride bindings or would like to check out some other options, check out the link below.
>>My Top 5 Freeride Bindings
Hi Nate,
is there a major difference between the flux XF and TM? I would like a responsive binding for my jones flagship. Thanks
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
The XF is just that little bit more forgiving. It has a shorter highback and slightly softer flex. It’s still a really responsive binding. I prefer it, but I like a little bit better board feel and little bit of forgiveness, even in a responsive binding. Both would certainly work for the Flagship, IMO.
You can check out more on what I think of the XF at the link below:
>>Flux XF Review
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate-I wrote to you a while ago and ended up buying the Rossi XV Magtek and Genesis X bindings. I know you said the XV needs responsive bindings and you were right. I almost went Cartel, but now after riding it with the GenesisX I realize I need something even more responsive for that deck. You think something like the Flux TM will help drive the XV better or do you have another recommendation? I was debating even going with the Rossi binding with serious forward lean, just to harness the boards stiffness.Thanks
Hi Ryan
Thanks for your message.
I don’t have any experience with Rossi bindings, so I’m not sure about that – but certainly something like the Flux TM would give more response, from my experience, than the Genesis X. Or the Union Falcor or pretty much anything from the following list:
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps