Review: Snowboarding Powder Package
This Flow package this was one of the better powder-day setups I’ve ridden. The gear was comfortable and responsive with minimal break-in time needed. Flow's ten-plus years in the industry really show, and the company has come a long way since its first binding in 1997. The package costs $1,080; flow.com.
The Solitude 161 Reverse Camber snowboard was graceful and responsive, providing some of the most effortless and fun pow turns I’ve ever made. Put it in the chop, though, and the reverse-camber causes tip and tail chatter; so it’s best to keep this board in the quiver for a powder day. $500.
The Rift 2-Zone Boa Coiler boots were super-comfy but ran big. Also, although some brands contour the toe and heel up and away from the ground, creating precious extra space during edge angulation (i.e., knee-draggin’ carves) these stick straight out, so I found myself booting out during aggressive carves on steeper terrain and harder snow. $250.
The M11 bindings are comfortable and really add to the responsiveness of the board, but the rear-entry was awkward to get in and out of. The mounting plates are the best I’ve seen, allowing for a wide range of adjustability when mounting the bindings. $230.