Binding Review: 12-13 Flux GM30

Location: Winter Park, CO

Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers.

Setup: I rode the Flux GM30 Bindings on the Endeavor Diamond with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8.

Time to set up the binding: Pretty normal time to set up the bindings.

Fit: I tried the Flux GM30 bindings in the small size which fit my size 8 boots just fine. The straps were able to be adjusted properly and I didn’t have any slippage problems while riding.

First Impression: Definitely a more suitable all-mountain binding from Flux for the female rider.

Appearance: I rode the GM30 bindings in Metallic Black. Designed with flux bindings written all over, a little bit of bling on the straps and a basic black design that’s rocked out. Pretty snazzy bindings for the mountain.

Comfort: Flux has always been a very comfortable binding choice and the GM30’s continued with the trend. Super padded straps, good padding on the footbed and ultra comfort for the ride down the mountain.

Functionality: Built for all mountain riding, the Flux GM30 binding offers a vogue base with performance blend 30 and a new footbed. The highback is the chair highback with super tough nylon. The straps are F-tech 3D fit strap, L-guide system, UU fit, new FTM monocoque. The binding has a low profile ratchet buckle, toolless lever and toe and heel cushion slide. A couple changes from the previous year but I don’t have experience with the binding before 12-13. The most functional part of the binding is the tool-less adjustment, works like a champ when you need to fix something quick on the mountain.

Flex: Built for the mountain, these bindings offer a stiffer highback so you have added response for carving, riding and support. There is some give in the highback so laterally you have movement. The baseplate is supportive and comfortable but helps with response. Overall I’d say the GM30 is in the middle of the range for flex, it’s not as soft as the GU15’s and not the stiffest women’s binding I’ve ridden but a good medium flex.

Response: Definitely a step up for response from the GU15 bindings which are more mellow, easy going. The GM30 bindings offer a more responsive, quickness to the mountain to help with harder charging riding. I really liked the GM30’s overall feeling, it was more mountain riding and my style.

Toe Strap: The GM30’s feature the FTM Monocoque strap which cupped the toe cup of the boot really nicely and supportive while riding. I rocked it cap strap style and that was comfortable while helping with the response.

Overall Impression: The Flux GM30 bring the bling to the mountain with an all mountain finesse. Comfortable, responsive and fun to ride in – that’s the GM30 bindings.

Shay’s Honesty Box: The GU30’s are definitely more my style of riding, responsive and comfortable for the mountain. They take the best of Flux and bring it to the women with a supportive ride for mountain charging.

Review Disclosure: I demoed this binding at the SIA On-Snow Demo at Winter Park, CO.