CATEGORIES
CATEGORIES
Flow is known as a “binding company.” Time to view Flow as an all-around snowboard brand with boards and boots that are beyond respectable. We put the Flow Blackout ABT board and Helios Hybrid Coiler boots to the test; the following review should silence skeptics as both exceeded Active Junky’s high standards.
Camber Profile:
After three years on rocker and hybrid camber boards, going back to a traditional (ish) camber board reignited our love for riding. The medium-stiffness Blackout has dampening silicone inserts underfoot so the board actually feels a tad stiffer at the bindings, allowing you to load and launch turns. “Carving with this is amazing,” said one tester after his first two runs on the Blackout. “I’m supposed to shred the backcountry tomorrow but, to be honest, cruising groomers on this guy sounds like more fun.” The Pop-Cam profile adds a flat section between the bindings, making popping ollies easier and locking into boardslides catch-free.
Shape:
The twin shape is accented by a geometric nose and tail to trim swing weight while maintaining contact points (but mainly just to look badass). Ideal for riding and landing switch, Blackout remains burly enough for high-speed descents.
Construction:
Quadrax glass overlays vertical carbon stringers and a Re-Flex wood core, yielding springy turns, poppy response and minimal weight. While lacking the float of a rockered board, the Blackout still slashed and surfed light Colorado powder, as the board’s torsional flex is less aggressive than its vertical flex. Another noteworthy construction element is the sintered graphite base that’s quick, slick and difficult to ding. When traversing a thin sheet of snow to reach borderline out-of-bounds freshies, our tester tore over a hidden hunk of granite at speed. Expecting to find a core shot, he grinned at the inconsequential shallow scratch the width of a fingernail.
The Bottom Line:
This all-mountain board is fast, on the aggressive side and semi-stiff; perfect for laying down arching carves, boosting medium jumps (lands like a champ) and blasting through crud. Ride it everywhere, all season long with an all-black graphic that’s beyond lethal.
Fit:
The Helios Hybrid Coiler fits well right out of the box, rare for boots above the beginner-intermediate realm. The cushy and comfortable liner comes with an aptly named Vent-Kush insole, making molded inserts optional for most riders. Four zones personalize the fit and minimize pressure points. A drawstring internal harness cloaks the liner, a sturdy Velcro strap sits over shin, an external drawstring tightens the upper/mid-foot and a glove-friendly BOA H3 Coiler system tightens the outer boot.
Flex:
Ranking a 6/10 on Flow’s flex scale, Helios is somewhere between an elastic park boot and carbon-backed charger. Most at home on runs that mix sound barrier breaking carves and playful butters, it delivers on park jumps and side stashes of pow as well.
Function:
Railing turns requires a snug fitting boot and instant energy transfer; Flow answers with this semi-stiff version. Our favorite feature was the combined cushion of the Flyweight Kush rubber sole, the self-molding footbed and the Vent-Kush insole. “When it was time for cliff drops and flat landings, I was happy to be rocking the Helios,” said one tester. “But the soft cushion doesn’t overwhelm the solid responsiveness of the boot.”
The Bottom Line:
Easy to adjust, this cushion-soled boot is both responsive and comfortable. It’s well suited for aggressive all-mountain riders with an appreciation for comfort along with intermediate riders looking to progress.
