Open Letter to Flow Binding Co

I feel like I finally got my bindings sorted this year. 

One thing that never seems to be discussed/advertised is the ankle strap height.  I have a higher instep, but I also like some height for toeside leverage/drive.  I measured on the lateral side (canting will make it smaller) from the top of the footbed to the centre of the ankle strap screw (in the highest position possible).  Here's what I got:

’23 Union Force 32mm
’22 Ride C9 42mm
’23 Salomon Highlander 46mm
’18 Burton Genesis X 47mm
’23 Burton X 48mm
’23 Jones Mercury 50mm
’23 Burton Lexa X 52mm
’19 Flux TM 52mm
’24 Flux CV 52mm
’14 K2 Company 62mm
’22 Rome Cleaver 60mm (with no cant footbeds), pivot can go up to 82mm

I absolutely HATED the Ride C9.  The ankle strap was too low and was not at all supportive.  It felt like my boot would fold over it.  The Union Force (classic) were actually a bit better due to the fatter strap... but I sold them both.  You see the Korua guys ripping around on the Union bindings in the Yearning for Turning videos, but while I'm sure they provide more dorsiflexion, they just didn't work for me.

I really like the adjustability of the pivot mount on the Rome bindings.  I actually bought another pair of Cleavers for a powder board and the Vice for a softer all-mountain board (they were actually last season bindings at almost the end of this season).  You do loose some transfer/drive from the medium-sized disk underfoot, but they're very comfy, truly all-day riding bindings.

I should note that I've adopted the Burton Hammock straps to the majority of my bindings.  It's soft on the instep, but offers lots of support around the sides, allows some lateral mobilitly, but has lots of drive.

I bought the '24 Flux CV this year because the LTD didn't come to Canada.  They're fine on a surfy carver, but there is a noticeable flex in the chassis.  I've got them on a Korua Trenchdigger, but modified the hammocks for better drive & comfort.  If you really want drive, go for the LTD (it's the same carbon composite as the XV, but with a higher heelcup and a softer highback).  Some people like a stiffer highback, but I actually like a little lateral maneuverability.  I ordered the CV-LTD from Asia and they feel way better than the old Flux TM on my Stranda Shorty.  Better drive, better mobility and not quite as harsh.

Also note that next year the Flux XV get a newer designed base (like the XF base with the corner bushings).  It'll still be a carbon composite (hence stiffer than the XF), but probably have a little more lateral mobility than the current XV (which have a lot of lateral drive and feel pretty locked in).  Depending on the board & boots, the old Flux can feel kinda harsh underfoot, but they seem to be improving that.

The Salomon Highlander do have a smaller heelcup, but I've got them on a surfy pow board.  I like the Flux on my carvers.

I've got the Mercury on my Freecarver 6000, but actually wish I had the CV on it as well.  I just hate swapping bindings around all the time.

Thanks to James, I got to try the Flow bindings... but they really didn't work for me.