Binding Review: 11-12 Flux RK30

Location: Winter Park, CO

Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.

Setup: I rode the Flux RK30 bindings on the Bataleon Goliath with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.

Time to set up the binding: Average time to set them up at the Bataleon tent on the goliath.  Nothing major to adjust and quick overall to get them dialed.

Fit: I rode the men’s medium size which fit my boots last time and worked fine this time.  No gaps in the width of the binding and easy to adjust to my boots.

First Impression: The RK30’s continue to be a good all mountain freestyle binding for response and comfort.

Appearance: I ended up on the purple RK30’s which were a fun color binding but I definitely like the green and blue RK30’s as well.  Fun colors that stood out on the mountain.  The combo of the purple bindings with the goliath graphic was fun for sure.

Comfort: Very comfortable with the straps on the RK30’s, the ankle strap was the same as last time which was good molding to my boot.  The toe strap is new this time and I liked how it fit my boot, secure and didn’t move while snowboarding.  Padding in the highback and highback height was comfortable with my boots for a unisex bindings.  The padding underfoot in the baseplate was good and asborbed bumpy terrain.

Functionality: The RK30’s give you a normal binding for functionality.  You get tool-less adjustments to make it easy to adjust the straps on the go.  Low profile ratchets held tight and worked just fine.  Sky cushion on the toe and heel of the binding help absorb in the spots you need them.

Flex: The urethane highback had good flex from side to side so you still had playfulness in the flex and support in the highback from the top to the bottom being stiffer.  The new baseplate gave it more response than I remembered from the last time I rode the RK30’s but still a very comfortable ride, not overly responsive. Softer ankle strap that gave you padding and support but still a very comfortable park binding.

Response: The urethane highback helped support without buckling on turns plus the combo of the new baseplate gave the binding a bit more response from side to side so it wasn’t as soft as last time.  Good middle of the road for response.

Toe Strap: The Flux RK30’s feature a FTM monocoque toe strap for 2012, which helps mold and give better response.  In comparison to last year’s toe strap, it was quicker to adjust properly to my boot and really secure and snug without moving while riding.  I liked the upgrade to the new toe strap.

Overall Impression: The RK30’s offer up a comfortable mountain ride for the rider who cruises to the lifts or the parks.  For 2012, they get upgraded the binding with a new genetic baseplate and toe strap making it an even sweeter binding with good response and comfort.

Shay’s Honesty Box: When I was at the Flux tent and it came time to pick a binding and I saw the RK30’s, I knew that I wanted to get back on them for another comfortable ride.  They were a favorite before and even with the new upgrades, they were a favorite again for a softer more freestyle focused binding.

Ready to buy? Head over to evo for the Flux RK30 or shop their full line of Flux snowboard bindings

On Snow Photos

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Flux RK30 Description

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Review Disclosure: I rode this binding at the SIA on-snow.  Please be aware bindings may change, this review was done in February 2011.