Flow binding system

Flow got its start when in 1992 Neil Pryde of NeilPryde Ltd, the leading brand of windsurfing sails and equipment, and Reinhardt Hansen formerly of F2 Windsurfing turned marketer decided to explore opportunities in the snowboarding market. The pair saw a need in the snowboarding market for an improved binding technology. The sport at the time was relatively young, gaining acceptance, and starting its rapid growth phase. Pryde and Hansen employed product designer Werner Jettmar to make a snowboard binding that was more convenient than a two-strap, more comfortable than hard shell boots and plate, and gave the sensation of the “barefoot feel.” - which became known as the Flow binding
What differentiates Flow bindings from more traditional bindings, is instead of the highback being stationary and the rider strapping their feet in with straps, on the Flow the straps are replaced by a single piece of webbing (Power Strap) which is stationary, and the highback flips open toward the back of the binding, allowing the boot to be inserted, and then the highback locked back into place, securing the foot. The Power Strap is ideally formed to fit around the riders boot, hopefully eliminating painful pressure points which are sometimes an issue traditional strap-in bindings.
The Flow line of bindings and boots was first introduced to the public in 1996 at the annual ISPO Sports Tradeshow in Munich. The interest generated at the show was huge, although it would take several more years to take the Flow brand to the mainstream.
In late 2002, the management of the brand, which had previously been in Austria, was moved across the Atlantic to settle in San Francisco. The reason was to focus on achieving the same success in the US market that Flow had seen in Europe where Flow already enjoyed double- digit market shares in most regions. Anthony Scaturro was named President of the brand, and new marketing, product development, and sales teams were put into place. In 2005, the offices headed south to San Clemente, CA.
Pros and cons
Pros:
Quicker in-and-out on the slopes
Greater ankle support
Less pressure points on the foot due to larger strap
There is no ratchet mechanism to get jammed with snow or ice
Cons:
Longer setup time
Generally a heavier binding
Can be harder to put on in deep powder
Boots with larger heels may have difficulty getting back-plate up
There have been reported cases of a big fall activating the release mechanism, letting the foot out of the binding

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