NOW bindings explained by JF Pelchat
damn speakers in my work computer are fubared…will have to wait till tonight to check it
I believe that’s only “Part 1” as well - so by the time we get to demo these, we’ll have a thorough understanding of how they work.
really interesting. Would love to try these and feel the difference!
im not too phased on these.. i can see benifits for all mountain/freeride but not park…
Not gonna know till you try it.
Not gonna know till you try it.
Word.
I still think that these would be best suited to park, and especially when the softer bushings are used!!!!!
And both those guys rode Burton binders!!!!! Gamblor…....... oh Gamblooorrr!!!!!!
i can see how the bushes would absorb impact on landings but the “truck” style would seem sketchy on landings if it was to loosen up and death wobble so to speak… i can only see them benefiting in turns and dampness but thats what i can gather from just looking at them. imo i dont know if i would demo them but would still love to here feedback on them or a report from an average joe of how they ride all over the mountain
I agree with the theory and would still love to try these, but I honestly think that they can achieve similar flexes usin different types of plastics/urethanes/carbon composites already!!!!!
. . . would still love to here feedback on them or a report from an average joe of how they ride all over the mountain
Here’s one:
The big deal with these bindings focuses on the way that they connect with the board. It gets a little weird, but I will try and explain it. The only parts of the binding that contact your board are the disc, and four urethane pads on the corners of the baseplate (the bright green pieces you see in the photo). This gives the binding the ability to absorb some of the natural flex and movement of the board, which cuts down on chatter and foot fatigue. When I heard about this change in binding technology my first reaction was that they would be un-responsive and a bit sloppy feeling, my fears were not justified. These bindings felt just like any other high end binding in respects to their responsiveness, where I noticed the difference was charging through the cruddy snow (that ski hills seem to have an abundance of). In the crud, these bindings seemed to offer a more controlled ride that gave you the confidence to keep your speed up and not worry about where you were going to initiate your next turn. Think about them as the difference between riding a regular skateboard wheel down a rough Cranbrook street, and the feeling of riding a softer longboard wheel down that same street. One is going to rattle your fillings out while the other can absorb some of that chatter.
The real standout to me was the quality of the straps and ratchets. Usually when a new binding company jumps on the scene, they seem to take a few years to get their straps and ratchets figured out, but not Now, they nailed it. The ankle strap was fairly minimal in comparison to some of the mega pillow straps that are out there, but was just as comfortable. The good thing about this is you aren’t wasting all that weight on needless straps. The ratchets had a really nice feel and held on tight, there isn’t much more you can ask for there.
Overall these bindings rode well and are filling a very important space in the binding world. It is always nice to see a company that is owned and concepted by a snowboarder (JF Pelchat) doing something different and getting such a glowing response from the industry (they received the ISPO new product of the year award).
And another:
From ratcheting buckles to ever-evolving toe straps, the way we connect to our snowboards seems to always be changing. But every once in a while a new binding technology comes forth that changes the way we think of bindings.
And NOW Bindings are setting a new standard of what a binding should do for the rider.
The six-year project headed up by retired pro J.F. Pelchat has resulted in a binding that is unlike any other binding on the market. At first glance, NOW’s flagship model, the I.P.O. looks similar to any other binding. But on closer inspection, the binding definitely has something different about it.
The bright green bushings on each corner of the base and the kingpin inspired pivoting mount are instrumental to the revolutionary response system. Having the pivot point in the center of the binding mimics the technology of a skateboard. When transferring on to an edge the binding follows your foot, instead of working against you.
Setting up the binding is somewhat unusual. To reach the mount, the footbed has to be peeled back and like many other bindings with removable footbeds, it may be a little confusing the first time. While mounting the I.P.O. the bushings would easily fall out when not attached, which was initially a cause for concern, but Pelchat has addressed the issue for mass production. The bushing will come in a dual injected material so it will snap in place and not fall out when handling.
“It was inspired by the motion of a skateboard truck and how energy is transferred to the edges,” Pelchat said.
When it comes to riding them, these bindings make the board feel like it is an extension of your body; the heelcup tightly hugs the boot and eliminates heel lift, intuitively syncing the rider with their board. With many bindings it is more common to be constantly adjusting and re-adjusting the binding to try to get the perfect fit.
Riding without highbacks has been trending through the industry these days, especially for urban riders. In turn, the heelcup and highback sit flush against each other on the I.P.O. making the option for riding without the highback much more accessible.
After spending a few days on the I.P.O. it is clear that Pelchat has created something unique. The pivot system seemed to effectively do two things: create a skate-like feel that makes the whole snowboard feel more playful, and create a snappy and responsive system through transferring more energy to each turn.
NOW’s I.P.O. is a binding that truly feels like it can take you anywhere; whether hitting rails at four in the morning or first tracks in two feet of fresh, the I.P.O. can get the job done. And with the blessing of some of the industry’s top pro riders, NOW is sure to establish its place at the forefront of the industry.
. . . I honestly think that they can achieve similar flexes usin different types of plastics/urethanes/carbon composites already!!!!!
No other binding on the market rocks on a fixed fulcrum.
imo i dont know if i would demo them but would still love to here feedback on them or a report from an average joe of how they ride all over the mountain
the best feedback is your own mate.
edited my previous comment.
It’s wrong for me to judge a product before I’ve tested it. I have my doubts but I also have high hopes for these. So I’ll just have to wait and see.
SO WHEN DO WE GET TO TEST THESE DAMN THINGS??!!
the best feedback is your own mate.
Them’s words of wisdom, they is.
. . . I have my doubts . . .
On the “doubts” about these bindings applying more or less pressure for the same energy expended - by all accounts to date, they apply more pressure, as it’s concentrated just on the edge.