Hello and welcome to my Flux XF bindings review.
In this review, I will take a look at the XFs as all-mountain-freeride snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the XFs a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain-freeride bindings.
Overall Rating
Bindings: Flux XF
Price: $369 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain-Freeride
Other Uses: All-Mountain, Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (4/5)
Flex Feel: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 93.1/100
Compared to other All-Mtn-Freeride Bindings
Of the 21 current model all-mountain freeride bindings that we tested:
❄️ The XF ranked 1st out of 21
Overview of the XF’s Specs
Check out the tables for the XF’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freeride |
Price: | $369 - BUYING OPTIONS |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Edge-to-Edge: | Fast |
Weight: | Normal |
Mounts To: | 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 |
Sizing
SIZE | US BOOT SIZE | EURO BOOT SIZE | UK BOOT SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
S | 4.5-7.5 | 36-40.5 | 3.5-6.5 |
M | 7-9.5 | 40-42.5 | 6-8.5 |
L | 9+ | 42+ | 8+ |
Who are the XF Most Suited To?
The XFs are great for anyone looking to match to a medium to medium stiff board. Great for that 6/10 to 8/10 flex range.
In addition if you are looking for something with great ankle support, I found these very supportive of my ankles.
They are also very comfortable and highly adjustable - so you can them dialed in just right. If you're willing to sacrifice a little in terms of shock absorption, these bindings are one of the better going around, IMO. One of my all-time favorites.
Not for beginners, but work for a high-end intermediate rider, assuming they suit their style of riding.
The XF in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the XFs are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: Flux XF 2021, Large
Date: March 8, 2020
Conditions: Well groomed and hard packed on groomer. Not super hard but quite firm for the most part.
Off-groomer good. Nothing fresh, but still some old snow and nothing too crunchy or icy or anything.
Colder than the day before. Part of that being here hour earlier because daylight saving. -11°C (12.2°F) and -14°C (6.8°F) with wind, but it felt even colder than that.
Cloudy but still at least 90% visibility.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance Width: 550 (21.7”)
Board tested with: Rossignol One LF, 2018
Boots tested with: Salomon Lo-Fi, size US10
Baseplate Length: 24.5cm (9.65″) – the toe ramp was slightly extended, so it goes a little shorter than that. And since the heel ramp and the toe ramp both adjust it can go a good bit longer than that. I suspect they would go as short as 24cm or possibly even shorter and probably as long as 25.5cm.
Highback Height: 20cm (7.87″)
Height from footbed to top of highback: 27cm (10.63″)
Flex
More twist in highback than I remember from the previous model, but not massive amount of twist. Trying to bend it back, there is zero movement. Solid as. Overall when riding felt like a 7/10. Stiffer than medium, but with a little forgiveness.
Responsiveness
Just like I remembered it from previous models. Made my board feel more “carvy” – as in could carve harder and hold a carve deeper versus my test bindings (Burton Malavita). Almost felt to a point of being mildly twitchy on my board to start with, but I soon settled into that, and my board felt more alive than with most bindings. A really nice dynamic feel. And still really good maneuverability at slower speeds too.
Board Feel/Butterability
Really good board feel – just like a remember it being from previous models. A little step down from my test bindings, but not by a lot. There’s no mini-disc or anything like reflex or pods or anything crazy in the baseplate, but it might be the minimal padding in the footbed that really helps with the board feel for these guys.
Adjustability
Heel Cup: No
Stance Width: Can run disc horizontal or vertical, so good for stance width adjustments when running horizontal.
Highback Lean: Yes, tool-less
Ankle Strap Position: Yes
Toe Strap Position: Yes
Ankle and toe strap length: Yes, tool-less
Gas pedal/toe ramp extension: Yes
Highback Rotation: Yes
Compatible with: 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | Channel
So, you can adjust these bindings in most ways. You can adjust the heel ramp too, which you can’t on most bindings, so that gives you some extra adjustment there, too. Really the only thing that stops it from getting 5/5 is no heel cup adjustment.
Shock Absorption
This is the one area where these bindings do lack. To be fair it didn’t bother me that much. But it might be something that bothered me if I was riding them everyday, but I’m not sure. If shock absorption isn’t that big a deal to you, these could be the perfect bindings (assuming you’re looking for something in this flex range).
Entry/Exit
Nice and smooth - as per usual with Flux.
Comfort
Despite that lack of padding in the foodbed, they really are quite comfortable overall.
Ankle Strap: Really like Flux's ankle straps and particularly so their waffle strap, so no complaints there.
Toe Strap: Really nice as Flux toe straps tend to be
Canted Footbed: No
Padded Footbed: Not a lot of padding there (see shock absorption)
Highback: A little padding there, which is nice - but the main thing really is calf-bite - and there was none of that, so all good, there.
Ankle Support
Really, really good ankle support, as is again, typical of Flux.
Changes for the 2024 Model
Gets the "Super Ultima Baseplate" (also on the DS), replacing the "Transfer" baseplate that was on the '23 model. Also gets something called "Respsonsive stablizer". And gets the new "Boost Footon+" which is like the new "Boost Footon" but adapted slightly differently. The Boost Footon makes the footbed 4mm higher than Flux's regular Footon footbed. This can help reduce the chance of boot drag as well as adding a little more cushioning.
Changes for the 2023 Model
The 2023 model seems to be same as the 2022 model, except with some new colorways
Changes for the 2022 Model
The 2022 model seems to be identical to the 2021 model (even the black colorway is the same by the looks - but some different colorways too).
Changes for the 2021 Model
The 2021 model is practically the same as the 2020 model. The one change won't change the feel, but does make them more convenient. They now come with a disc that is compatible with the Channel. So you no longer have to get a separate disc to put on a board that uses the channel.
Changes for the 2020 Model
The biggest difference on the 2020 model vs the 2019 model, is the highback. The 2019 Model had Flux's "Axis" highback. The 2020 model now has a "Retro-Mod" highback. The highback lean adjuster is also a little different, but that's a minor thing. Everything else seems to be the same - but of course, the highback is a major component, so it's a relatively significant change there.
Changes for the 2019 Model
The toe strap has been tweaked (FTM ver5.0) which takes what was already an awesome toe strap and made it even better. I thought Flux had one of the best in the industry as it was, and this makes it that little bit better.
They may have done some other tweaks for the 2019 model but as far as I can tell it’s otherwise the same binding as the 2018 model.
Changes for the 2018 Model
The main change that I noticed from the 2017 model is the new ankle straps. They XFs use Flux’s new “Waffle Strap”. At first when I looked at it, it looked just like a honeycomb strap – but on closer inspection you can see that the holes don’t go all the way through. I loved these new straps.
The other new things are:
- Footon – not exactly sure what this is but apparently it helps with board feel and snow buildup. Didn’t notice anything with snow build up – but these bindings do have great board feel – especially given their stiffness
- Beer Buckle – they have a new buckle on the straps – which also doubles as a bottle opener
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 5.0 | 25/25 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 5.0 | 15/15 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.1/100 |
For those looking for a binding that's great for carving, provides really good ankle support, but still operate well when riding at slower speeds for when you want to slow it down and get a bit more casual - or for doing slower more technical tree runs, the XF should be squarely on your radar.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the XFs, are ready to buy or want to research current prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the XFs compare to other all-mountain-freeride bindings or want to check out other options, check out the next link.
Bindings: Flux XF 2019, Large
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the XFs are capable of.
The main change that I noticed from the 2017 model is the new ankle straps. They XFs use Flux’s new “Waffle Strap”. At first when I looked at it, it looked just like a honeycomb strap – but on closer inspection you can see that the holes don’t go all the way through. I loved these new straps.
Hi Nate,
If I’m wearing US 7.5 or US 8 Burton boots, these are at the top range of size S, but bottom range of size M, hat would you recommend to get?
Thank you so much!
David
Hi David
In 8s, I would go M for the Flux XF. For 7.5s, the M is the safer bet, if you can’t try your boot in there before buying. If you can try your boot in there and the heel of the boot fits nicely in the heel cup, then I would go S. The biggest risk with going S in this case is the heel cup being too narrow. Flux often have narrow heel cups in the smaller sizes and some Burton boots I’ve tried are wider in the heel.
Hope this helps
This is super helpful Nate. So basically if shoes and bindings are from different brand, better try it before purchasing. And if fit, bindings better choose smaller size option (I.e. size S as you advised above). Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. 🙂
Hey David. Yeah, ideally if boots and bindings are from different brands, then checking fit before buying is a good idea. And yeah, generally if between sizes I would err the smaller size for a snugger fit, so long as they fit. The one advantage of going with the larger size is that the baseplate is a little longer, which can help with leverage on the edges (so long as that baseplate doesn’t end up being longer than the width of the board), but the benefit of that is outweighed by a better boot/binding fit, IMO.
Hey Nate, I’m looking to pair these with a Neversummer Swift board and Vans Hi Country and Hellbound boots. Boots are a size 9.5 though so I’m not sure if I should get a size M or L in the XF. The boots seem to be in between those sizes. What do you think?
Hi Troy, thanks for your message.
Go for M for sure, IMO. I ride in 9.5s and while I can ride Flux in L, I much prefer the M. Even in 10s I prefer the M. So yeah, I’d go M for sure. Sick setup!
Thanks for your help Nate!
You’re very welcome Troy. Hope your winter treats you well!
Hey Nate, how would you compare the XF to something like the Rome DOD? I’m typically riding groomers (east coast), charging, and boosting off sidehits. I ride an endeavor archetype and endeavor BOD, so midflex is probably the best way to put my quiver. In the future I’d like to get stiffer boards though.
Thanks for the review!
Hi Andy
Thanks for your messages.
We haven’t tested the DODs, so can’t give a comparison between them. But the XF have a great ability to be good at locking in on big carves but also being able to be good at slow speeds and more playful when you want them to be. Just a great response feel at any speed. And they would work on that mid-flex type board. I wouldn’t go with a softer board with them, but work well on mid-flex, in my experience. The only downside to them is their shock absorption. Outside of that, they are one of my favorite bindings.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate, how would you compare these to the Rome dods? I currently have a pair and they’re good to ride but feel myself not being as locked in as I want. Also, I find it a bit hard to tweak and be playful on the same run. I think the dod is similar to the black label, so that fullwrap chassis. I’m intrigued with the board feel on the flux as I put a lot of value on using foot pressure in some movements. Looking forward to your thoughts
Thanks for helpful reviews. Do you think flux XF 2023 model will be ok for me given I have bad knees? The union atlas I do not notice knee problems.
I have a jones ultra mountain twin 157, slash atv 156 that I like to use in the trees at slower speeds mostly. I have union atlas bindings and need a second set of bindings. Would you pair these with the slash atv or jones if you think they are a good fit. Thanks.
Hi Rob
Thanks for your message. Yeah, I would personally pair the XF with either the Ultra Mountain Twin or the ATV. Would be a good match for both, IMO. But they don’t have a lot of shock/chatter absorption. If you’re not jumping that much, then you won’t notice it as much, but you still might notice the chatter. If there’s a board that you’re less likely to go into rough snow in, then I’d put the XF on that and the Atlas on the other. The Atlas is better at absorbing shock, in my experience.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi, thanks for the review 🙂
What do you think it should be best: XF or DS?
I’ll ride a Lib Tech Apex Orca 153, boots Burton Ion Boa
I’m advanced 5.11/190lbs rider
I have DS on a T.Rice Pro 161 and XF on K2 Coolbean 144
and i cant tell the difference between the highback rigidity, maybe they gettin old… 2020?!
Thanx 🙂
Hi J
Thanks for your message.
I’d personally go XF with the Apex Orca/Ion Boa setup. I think it’s a better flex match.
Surprising that you can’t notice a difference in highback. There is quite a pronounced difference. That said, the XFs highback isn’t super stiff or anything, a lot of its stiffness (and it’s 7/10 overall, IMO, so it’s not super stiff or anything) probably comes from its baseplate. But the DSs highback is super flexy. Although going back, older models of the DS didn’t have as flexy a highback as it does now. But there should still be an overall difference in flex, even looking back at 2019/2020 models, even if you’ve ridden the crap out of them. So, I’d put the XF with that setup, personally.
Hope this helps
wow! crazy fast answer 🙂
thanks, you confirm what i thought, but i needed an advice, thank you its really appreciated. Great job for your site, it helps a lot you have no idea 😉
You’re very welcome J. Hope you have an awesome season!
Have you tried the 2024 version? Seems like the review is for an older one?
Hey Dave
Didn’t get a chance to test for the 2024 version specifically. But the review is based on older version plus experience with some of the new components on it, which I was able to test on other 2024 Flux bindings. E.g. after riding the Flux CV with the boost footon (which the Flux XF now has as well), I adjusted the shock absorption rating up. We were also able to test the Super Ultima Baseplate on the DS. I didn’t change the details of the review – as I only do that when I retest, but based on the changes and what we experienced with other bindings, felt that the review was still valid for the 2024 model (we often don’t update reviews if there have been significant changes and we don’t think we have enough information to update it – e.g. https://snowboardingprofiles.com/slash-atv-snowboard-review). But we felt the XF review was still relevant.
Hope to get on the 2025 model of the XF.
Very helpful. Going to try the 2024s.
You’re very welcome Dave. Hope they treat you well.
Hi there,
I recently purchased a Never Summer Proto FR (X) and I am having a hard time deciding on bindings. My search has narrowed down to Flux CV, Flux XF, Jones Orion, Jones Mercury, and Union Atlas. I’m an intermediate/advanced rider and I like to ride more aggressive and something with more response. Don’t do much park / freestyle.
Would love to get your feedback
Hi Amir
Thanks for your message.
Based on how you describe your riding, I would be leaning Flux XF or CV. They are both really responsive, but without being overly stiff. The others you’ve mentioned would all be a good flex match (apart from the Orion which would be a bit too soft for the Proto FR, IMO), and are similar in Flex to the XF and CV, but those 2 give more aggressive response, in my experience than the likes of the Mercury and Atlas. You can’t go wrong with any of them, to be honest, but I would be leaning Flux in this case.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you for your response Nate.
How would you compare Now Drive to the Flux XF or CV being paired up with a N.S. Proto FR?
On one hand, I am hearing a lot of good things about SkateTech and how it helps transfer more energy to the edges of your board, which in turn makes the bindings do more WORK for you resulting in less leg/foot fatigue and an overall more responsive/reactive ride.
On the other hand, I really like Flux and my main concern would be shock absorption.
Hi Amir
The Drive (very similar to the Jones Mercury) would do a good job with the Proto FR, IMO. But I prefer the response feel of the Flux options. I do like the response feel of the Drive but just the Flux a little more. Not sure about less leg/foot fatigue. Maybe, but it’s not something I’ve specifically noticed. They are opposites in terms of shock absorption though – with NOW bindings, the Drive included having the best shock absorption in the industry, IMO – and Flux being at the other end of the scale for that. For me, the decision would be do I go Drive to get the increased shock absorption, sacrificing some of that response feel (and board feel) or do I live with the lack of shock absorption to get the best in response and ankle support and go with Flux.
Weird question but I can’t seem to find the answer. Would these work with US14 boots (I’ve got a 162W Bataleon board)? Or should I find an XL binding? Looking for All mountain Freeride binding.
Hi Greg
Thanks for your message.
Hard to say for sure. Their sizing says up to 13 but in some places says 13+. Having not had a US14 in a Large Flux binding, it’s hard to know for sure. What brand are your boots? The reason I ask is if they’re lower profile boots, then you’ve got a better chance of fitting in them. I know Salomon bindings say up to size 15 for their Large. The Highlander would be a good bet, if you were to go Salomon. You can also checkout this binding sizing chart. Note that we update this chart every year, but haven’t updated for 2024 models yet. Most will likely be the same for 2024 models, but there could be some that have changed their sizing subtly.
I suspect you’ll probably get into the L Flux XF – and if you have lower profile boots, then your chances are better, but no guarantees.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Great review, just wondering if you know if flux has changed anything with their Footon/shock absorption in 2022 or 2023 models?
I’ve got 2019 Burton Ions on 2020 Now Pilots and have never had any issues with shock absorption. Do you think that the XFs would give me any issues? Would they be a good progression from the Pilots? I’m a intermediate-advanced rider who does a bit of everything but with a focus on carving.
Thanks!
Hi John
Thanks for your message.
IMO you would get a good boost in performance, particularly in terms of carving if you went from the Pilot to the XF. But I would be very surprised if you didn’t notice the reduction in shock absorption. As far as I know the shock absorbing qualities of Flux bindings hasn’t changed. And it would be comparing them to what I would consider the most shock absorbing bindings on the market with NOW bindings. So yeah, I think they would be a good progression and give you a boost, particularly in carving. But at the cost of shock absorption. So it depends on how much you’re willing to make that compromise. The Ion’s, in my experience have good shock absorption. Not the best I’ve ridden in, but still up there – 4/5. And it’s not like the XF have no shock absorbing qualities, so you wouldn’t be devoid of it, but you would likely notice a decrease in that aspect.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you for the detailed reply.
So you think that unless I have really bad knees or am sensitive to shock, the Ion + XF combo should be fine? Just that it will be a more ‘bumpy’ than ‘cushy’ ride feel?
Thanks!
Hi John
Yeah, I mean I rode Flux’s for a season and a half and it wasn’t a big deal for me. Less cushy feeling ride for sure, but also didn’t notice it after a while – and really liked the ankle support and response from them.
Hello, Nate. Would the Flux XF be a good match for my Jones Stratos? I currently have the Union Strata on them. I’m thinking of moving the Strata to my MT, and putting the XF on the Stratos. If you think there would be better options, please list…Thx!
Hi Carlton
Thanks for your message.
I think the XF would be a great match for the Stratos. And the Strata a great match for the MT, so IMO, that definitely works.
Hi Nate,
could you please explain why you wouldn’t recommend these bindings to riders in the beginner – intermediate range?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Tobi
Thanks for your message.
Just because of the flex. A stiffer binding is typically less forgiving of errors and tends to make turning at slower speeds more difficult/more effort.
With size 10 boots, should I go large or medium?
Hi Bs180
I’ve mostly ridden Flux bindings in Large – and mostly with 10s. The last time I rode the XF (2021) was in Large, with quite bulky 10s – Salomon Lo-Fi. Large has always been a good fit for me. However, I have ridden some Flux in Medium (Flux DSW and Flux SR) but those were both in more low profile 10s. I think if you’ve got bulkier boots, I would go Large – even in low profile 10s, I’ve been fine with Large – and I haven’t tested medium in bulky 10s. If you’ve got quite low profile boots, you could do either. Safest bet is Large and if you’ve got bulky 10s, then I’d say go Large. If you’ve got lower profile boots, I think you’d be fine with either.
Hey Nate,
Would you recommend XV’s or XF’s for a Donek Knapton board? I’ve read both your reviews for XF’s and XV’s but am still indecisive between the two. Also have you tried out the Flux Kessler bindings? If so what do you think about pairing them with a donek?
Many thanks,
Lu
Follow up,
I have DEELUXE shoes, would that make a huge difference for XF’s or XV’s?
Hi Lu
Not a huge difference. It would depend on which Deeluxe boots and how stiff they are. But really if the boards really stiff, then I’d go XV regardless of the boots. But if the board is say mid-stiff and the boots are mid-stiff, then I might be leaning more XF. Will also depend on your riding style. If you predominantly want to bomb and carve, then leaning more XV. If you want to slow things down and play around a bit sometimes, then XF (depending on board flex) becomes more appropriate.
Hi Lu
Thanks for your message. I don’t have any experience with Donek boards or the Knapton specifically, so I couldn’t say for sure. But it sounds like it’s probably quite stiff and knowing Knapton’s style it’ll be a carver, so you’ll definitely want something responsive and at least fairly stiff. Both the XF and XV are nice and responsive, but for a really stiff board, the XV will give you better performance, IMO. Not knowing how stiff it feels, it’s hard to say for sure. But if you’re predominantly laying big carves and feel like it’s a stiff board, then I would be leaning XV. Haven’t heard of Flux Kessler bindings, sorry.
Hope this helps.
Hey Nate, I’m looking for stiffer bindings to pair with my 165 Lib Skunk Ape and Ride Fuse boots. I’m all about trees, carving berms, POW, and goin fast on the groomers. I was looking at the Fluff XF’s, Solomon Highlanders, Union Atlas, and the Bent Metal Solutions. They all gotta be better than my early 2000 Burton Missions, but what would you suggest?
Thanks 🤙
Hi Travis
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I would say all definitely better then early 2000 missions. And all stiffer too, without being super stiff. I haven’t ridden the BMBW Solution, so I couldn’t say for that one, but flex for the rest, by my feel:
– Flux XF 7/10
– Salomon Highlander 7/10
– Union Atlas 6.5/10
All really good options, IMO, with some different strength’s and weaknesses. I have linked to my reviews of the Atlas and Highlander, if you wanted to check those out for more detail.
Bent Metal Solution listed as 8/10 flex. Not sure how they feel in reality. The only BMBW binding I’ve tried are the Transfer, and they were softer than they were listed, IMO, but that was a good few years ago now.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I am in the market for some stiff enough bindings to put on an Amplid Surfari.
I have a pair of Now Pilot but that may be not enough.
I can get some Amplid Santos or thinking about the Flux XF.
I ride Adidas Acerra boots so I am guessing the lack of cushioning of the XF would be compensated.
Comfort is really important for me, and particularly I’d like easy highback rotation.
Do you know anything about the Amplid Santos? If yes how would you compare to the XF?
Thanks a lot for all your contents!
All the best,
Franck
Hi Franck
Thanks for your message.
I’m not familiar with the Amplid Santos unfortunately. Don’t test any Amplid gear currently. Based on the specs of the Amplid Surfari (flex 7/10), I’d say that the XF would be a really good match. The Pilot I personally got a feel of 6/10, so they would be doable, but I think the XF would drive it a little better. Not sure how the Santos matches up in that respect.
In terms of highback rotation – you can do it on the XF. It’s easy enough to do as well. I wouldn’t say it was the easiest I’ve rotated, but you can actually do it, unlike on something like the Pilot. Not sure about the Santos.
Given that you have Adidas Acerra boots, I wouldn’t be too concerned about the lack of cushioning on the XF.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
hello nate
Would you recommend this on a yes standard? I spend most of the time on riding all mountain, jumps and spins off side hits and 20% of the time in the park on rains boxes and jumps. I enjoyed union strata on standard but felt like wanting more edge transition power and board feel.
Hi Marcus
Certainly in terms of edge transition power, I think you’d get more out of the XF. In terms of board feel, I find that it’s good on the Union Strata, so I’m not sure you’d be getting more, but you wouldn’t be sacrificing much there going with the XF. The biggest sacrifice there would be in terms of shock absorption vs the Strata. But if that’s not an issue, then yeah, I think it’s a good match with the Standard, and something that should give you a more powerful/responsive feel out of the board, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the input! Very helpful. It’s just me but strata feels laid back and very comfortable doing anything on the snow. There’s part of me wanting for a faster edge transitioning. It sounds like flux xf wouldn’t be too stiff to butter around when I want to?
Hi Marcus
I wouldn’t say that the XF is too stiff to butter around with. It’s stiffer than the Strata, but not massively stiff. I feel the Strata at 6/10 and the XF at 7/10, if that helps. But yeah, certainly a more powerful/precise feeling binding.
Thanks again Nate! Really appreciate your help
You’re very welcome Marcus. Happy riding!
Nate, hi! Thank you so much for your work on this invaluable resource! This is the only resource on the network where there is so much useful material. I try very hard to be in the industry trend in order to use the best technologies in this sport) I recently bought flux xf, and thanks to your work I made this choice. But first I wanted to buy Union Atlas. the last 6 years I rode a Burton Cartel and they seem to me weak for my riding style. ski resorts will start working soon and I will check a new purchase)) do a Nidecker megalight snowboard test, I’m very interested in your opinion about it)
Hi Anton
Thanks for your message. I appreciate it.
I haven’t ridden the Nidecker Megalight. Unfortunately I don’t have access to Nidecker gear to test.
after reading your work on snowboard tests, in my opinion Nidecker megalight is very close to YES PYL, but I am very interested in comparing these two snowboards.
Hi Anton
Let me know what you think if you do get a chance to test it, would be interested to hear what you think
well, when I have the opportunity to compare these two snowboards, I will be happy to share this experience with you.
Thanks Anton. That would be awesome!
Hey Nate
thanks for this site and your work for it!
so i have the flagship and wondering, if the xf would be a nice setup?
actualy i have the burton cartels, but they don’t fit my boot well… cause i’ve got a size 10 boot…
have they a bit more response than the cartels do?…
thinking between those ones and the rome targa’s, but i think you couldn’t review them yet?
so anyway thanks for your answer,,, ride on and enjoy the winter :-)…
Hi Rafael
Thanks for your message.
I think the XFs would be a good match for the Flagship – and a better match than the Cartel’s, IMO. I find them to be more responsive than the Cartels, and are a better fit with the Flagship, IMO. Yeah unfortunately I haven’t had the chance to test the Targas yet.
Hope this helps
thanks for your fast answer!!… i m just a bit unsure about the inexistent shock absortion…
my boots are the ride insano. they are comftable, but responsiv… so i m a bit affraid if i would have a lot of chatter on icy days… not because of speed :-p / but cause of grooves in the slopes? what are your experience with flux bindings in general if it becomes harder conditions or rough slopes?
so i m over 30 and not the healthiest knees…
Hi Rafael
Yeah that’s the one downside of Flux bindings, unfortunately. There’s not a lot going on in terms of padding, particularly in the heel, where it’s needed the most (IMO). The times I’ve noticed that lack is from rough landings from jumps and from chatter and particularly at the end of a long day. But with boots with good shock absorption I haven’t really noticed it that much. I found the Insano to have pretty good shock absorption, but have ridden boots with more. If you want the most cushioning, then going with both boots and bindings with good cush is a good way to go, but I usually find one or the other to be enough for me.
Hope this helps
so i was now in the alps with my new pairs of flux xf’s on my flagship.
it’s a great combo!
how the binding is designed is just great. everything is adjustable without any screwdrivers. i could imagine that they fit just every boot you put in them.
i’ve got that feeling of absolutly locked-in, which is great to me. not once the toe-strap became loose. and i love how fast the board reacts with them.
when conditions become icy, bad snow, then i may will continue with other bindings on the flagship, or another board with other bindings ;-)… cause there is no shock absorbtion.
so i m not sure, if i would go with flux as a one-for-all and everyday binding. but to have it in a quiver they are a great choice! for carving in good snow and in pow, IMO.
Hi Rafael
Thanks for the update and the insights. Awesome that you’re enjoying the XFs and the combo with the Flagship. Happy riding!
Flux says that the footbed eliminates snow and ice build up. How’s your experience with that?
Hi Allan
Thanks for your message.
I didn’t really notice either way to be honest. I have certain things I’m looking out for when testing bindings, and that’s not one of them, so I wasn’t paying attention to whether that was the case or not. I own Flux DS 2016 model, and I haven’t noticed them being any better or worse than others in that respect.
Hi
AsＩused to ride burton 8.5 boots and Burton size M bindings.
But recently I got a pair of size 8 Adidas Tactical that’s apparently way too small to fit on Burton’s size M binding despite it being size 8.
I already pushed the bindings forward all the way, on both EST and reflex. But the heel of the boots are extruding from the edge of the board while the toe stay well inside the edge.
I want bindings that can fit both pair. I also feel the heel cup on Burton’s are somewhat big. So I’m considering the Flux XF right now.
Could you confirm/compare the overall size and heel cup size of Flux and Burton size M?
Thanks!
Hi Aaron
Thanks for your message.
Yeah Adidas are pretty low profile, so I’m not too surprised there. I ride Flux large (I ride 10s) and haven’t ridden their medium bindings, so I couldn’t give you a first hand direct comparison, unfortunately. But given that their mediums are rated down to 7s, I imagine that they would be a better fit. But yeah, without having ridden their mediums, I couldn’t say for sure how well they would fit.
Thanks for the reply.
Anyhow, I’m getting one as my late Christmas gift though.
I’ll give you update once its arrived.
Thanks Aaron. Look forward to getting an update on how the size works, and what you think of them overall.
Would you recommend the xf or ds? I’d like to strap them to my libtech orca for deeper days and trees. I already have the ds on my funslinger and I love them but was curious about the xf…
Hi Brian
Thanks for your message.
The Orca isn’t something I’ve ridden but based on the specs, I think the XF would be a great match for it. Would just give you more response and be a bit better at driving the board, compared to the DS assuming the flex rating from Lib Tech is fairly accurate.
But like I say, I haven’t ridden it but based on the specs I think the XF would be a little better, though you could certainly ride it with the DS.
Hope this helps with your decision