Hello and welcome to my K2 Formula bindings review.
In this review I will take a look at the Formulas as all-mountain snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Formulas a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain bindings.
NOTE: This review is no longer being updated as we haven’t tested it for a while and there have been a few changes since we tested them.
Overall Rating
Bindings: K2 Formula
Price: $259 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain
Other Uses: All-Mountain-Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium
Flex Feel: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 69.4/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain Bindings
Out of the 25 men’s all mountain bindings that I rated:
- The average score was 81.0/100
- The highest score was 93.5/100
- The lowest score was 67.2/100
- The average price was $291
- The Formula ranked 23rd out of 25
Sizing
Check out the table below for the available sizes for the Formula.
| Size | Fits Men’s US Boot Sizes | Euro Boot Sizes | UK Boot Sizes |
| S | 2.0 – 5.0 | 33.0 – 36.0 | 1.0 – 4.0 |
| M | 5.0 – 9.0 | 36.0 – 41.5 | 4.0 – 8.0 |
| L | 8.0 – 12.0 | 40.5-46.0 | 7.0-11.0 |
| XL | 11.0 – 15.0 | 44.5 – 50.0 | 10.0-14.0 |
Who are the Formulas Most Suited to?
The Formulas are great for anyone looking for a solid all round binding, that is responsive but that comes with a reasonable price-tag.
They’re a little less than the average price of the bindings I looked at in this category but still provide really reasonable response. If you like to carve the groomers or hunt for powder off them, but don’t want to or can’t afford to pay as much as you normally would for this kind of binding, then the Formulas are worth looking at.
Not for beginners – too stiff for beginners, in my opinion. And not for those that ride predominantly freestyle, IMO – I’d recommend something with better board feel for that.
The Formulas in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Formulas are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: K2 Formula 2018, Large
Date: April 15, 2017
Conditions: Cloudy with some sun in the morning. Started snowing around midday (have had so much snow in April – it’s awesome!) Some fresh overnight snow made the snow nice and soft in the morning – hardened up as it was compacted but was still soft-packed. Then Softened up again a bit in the afternoon with the snow.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Flex
The Formulas are rated as Medium flexing, but they’re certainly on the stiffer side of medium – almost bordering on medium-stiff. But I’d say around 6/10.
Responsiveness
The Formulas weren’t the most responsive bindings that I’ve ridden with, but they did provide good response. More than they’re stated flex of medium would indicate.
Board Feel/Butterability
They felt a little dead underfoot to me. Not completely dead, but didn’t have the kind of board feel that I like to have – particularly for buttering and freestyle riding in general.
Adjustability
Like a lot of K2 bindings, the Formula have great adjustability and everything is super easy to adjust and is mostly tool-less.
Shock Absorption
Some good cushioning in them to absorb some shock from landing and chatter from bumpy, hard snow.
Entry/Exit
Pretty easy to get in and out of. Not the smoothest I’ve come across but does the job.
Comfort
The Formulas were pretty comfortable all-round. That’s helped by a canted footbed and a decent amount of cushioning in the footbed.
Ankle Support
I would say they provided about average ankle support, compared to other bindings. Better than some, not as good as others.
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: | 3.5 | 14/20 |
| Board Feel: | 2.0 | 8/20 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Comfort: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 69.4/100 |
If you’re looking for really decent response in a comfortable binding that you can adjust easily to fit your setup, and you want to do it without having to spend a fortune, then the Formulas are worth checking out.
They have a reputation for being durable also, but this isn’t something I can personally attest too, as I didn’t ride them long enough to test their durability.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the Formulas, are ready to buy or want to research current prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Formulas compared to other all-mountain bindings or check out other options in that category, check out the next link.
>>Snowboarding Profiles’ Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Hi Nate are these at all comparable to the Flux XF? Is the XF just a much better binding or what. I’m looking for something light, simple, very responsive and locked in. I like doing skate style tricks. I do not like the mushy feel of my burton malavita. Thanks!
Hi Ed
Thanks for your message.
IMO, the Formula wouldn’t be comparable to the XF, particularly for what you’re describing. The XF are a good bit more responsive and have a much more locked-in feeling, from my experience with both bindings. The Formula have better shock absorption than the XF but for all other areas I would take the XF over the Formula, personally, and especially so for what you’re describing.
For bindings that I would consider closer in comparison to the XF, check out:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Or if you wanted to go even stiffer, you could also look at:
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
If you’re looking for a more locked-in feel, then check out the “ankle support” in the score breakdowns. The responsiveness is also in the score breakdowns there.
Hope this helps
Hi thanks for some great reviews!
What do you think of the Formula vs Burton Mission (I can get them for the same price)… I’m an intermediate rider, looking for all mountain (mostly piste and powder, not really park).
Appreciate any advice!
Hi Ben
Thanks for your message.
I would say that I’d prefer the Mission overall, and it’s a little softer flexing I would say, though not by much at all – I would say Formula 6.5/10 and Mission 6/10. Mission’s, IMO, provide better board feel (which is mostly important for freestyle riding but I do like good board feel even riding generally) and have better shock absorption. The Formulas are more responsive though – so if that was your main concern, then the formulas would be a good choice. But otherwise, I would say Missions.
Hope this helps
Thank you!
You’re very welcome!