NOW Bindings - Re-Review
Andy, I had issues with the prototypes I tried. Mainly to do with an overly tight heelcup which squeezed my boot, I didn’t like the straps, and the buckles didn’t work well. But I was assured all of this was being fixed with the production models, including a wider heelcup—and they did. I was actually quite amazed at how quickly they got these standard parts up to scratch and beyond, to the point that the straps are one of the best I’ve ever used.
If I tried to fault my current IPOs, I would honestly struggle.
Alright I’m officially gunna have to give these a go. You almost never hear about a product that has zero complaints about it. Which is crazy because it’s such a different design to what we’re used to.
Thanks for all the test run offers guys, really generous of you 
Unfortunately I’m “that guy” that doesn’t fit anything. I have size 13s and can only use large bindings.
I mean I could probably squeeze into mediums if I undid the strap all the way, but then I would be standing weird on them and would probably miss judge them because of it.
I think I’ll just wait for a demo day unless someone I know has large NOWs.
Thanks anyway though. The same goes for you guys, if you ever want to take any of my stuff for a test run, I’m more than happy to lend any of it (and I usually have some high end gear).
Hey mate, shoot me an email. I’m sure we can organise a large demo set for you during the season. I’ll speak to the rep and see if we can make it happen.
Yeah, some really good testimonials there guys, I appreciate it too!!! 
I’ll definately have to give these bindings a look when I get a chance. I was going to be looking at the Burton bindings with the hinge tech in them next but I like the looks/sounds of these too. Cheers!!
I have read that these bindings take a little of the pressure away from the knee and hip joints. Does anyone find this to be true. I found out this summer that I have a labral tear in my hip. It was sustained 3 years ago when I was injured playing soccer. Two years ago I wen t snowboarding only once and managed to destroy my edge. My board was a 1998 lib tech that saw a lot of action for many years, though the last 6 years I hadn’t been often. The bindings are Prestons from about 99 and still in good shape. The injured leg held up ok so I decided to go more last year, using an even older board.
This spring I had already bought a new board and was just going to put on the old bindings but now I wonder if I will find it any bettter with new bindings. That said, I was drawn to the NOW binding through various google searches, claiming these are less demanding on the legs. If I’m going to replace the old bindings I want something good and not, like was stated, just a high priced gimmick. I know nothing of bindings post 2000 or so. I hear cartels are good also. So I have been trying to compare reviews of these and cartels and others that seem good. I too have been impressed by the number of positive reviews.
Can anyone weigh in on any noticeable difference in leg/joint strain when using these bindings? I’m so pumped to get my new board out there and if it makes sense to get new bindings as far as real performance and comfort, I will do it. It’s just that since re-injury I’m leary about spending any more money if I don’t need to for this coming season since I could miss next season if things go wrong and surgery is needed.
Also, I have boarded since the early 90s but have never skateboarded. I know this seems silly to ask, but with the reference to these bindings bringing the skate truck feel, is that something much different to snowboarding technique that I have that will be hard to get used to. I kinda feel it shouldn’t but like I say I don’t know what that feeling is like
^ I can’t say for knees and hips specifically, but what I can say is that I use less effort to carve, and as someone who has flat feet, I last longer on the boards and have less fatigue in general.
So maybe it does help I dunno….
As for the skatey feel, it happens when you put in the soft bushings. It’s pretty awesome.
Unfortunately I’m “that guy” that doesn’t fit anything. I have size 13s and can only use large bindings.
I mean I could probably squeeze into mediums if I undid the strap all the way, but then I would be standing weird on them and would probably miss judge them because of it.
I think I’ll just wait for a demo day unless someone I know has large NOWs.
Dang. I only packed my Drives’ for my trip this time around as I assume I may get another pair of NOW bindings. Otherwise I’d lend you my IPO’s…
The only one thing about the early IPO’s was that for me I’ve had the ankle ladder (non ratchet side) break when boarding. Funnily enough this is twice, and both at the same foot (right foot) in the same resort (Cardrona, NZ in Aug.)
You know, actually if you want I’m happy to do a binding swap for a few days… what are you riding now? I’m keen to try other bindings… (altho’ I know I’ll want my NOW’s back lol)
In any case, you if you can’t find anyone to lend you one, you can also demo it from Underground Tuning, but I hear they’re charging to demo now as there’s so many ppl asking to try them.
I have read that these bindings take a little of the pressure away from the knee and hip joints. Does anyone find this to be true. I found out this summer that I have a labral tear in my hip. It was sustained 3 years ago when I was injured playing soccer. Two years ago I wen t snowboarding only once and managed to destroy my edge. My board was a 1998 lib tech that saw a lot of action for many years, though the last 6 years I hadn’t been often. The bindings are Prestons from about 99 and still in good shape. The injured leg held up ok so I decided to go more last year, using an even older board.
This spring I had already bought a new board and was just going to put on the old bindings but now I wonder if I will find it any bettter with new bindings. That said, I was drawn to the NOW binding through various google searches, claiming these are less demanding on the legs. If I’m going to replace the old bindings I want something good and not, like was stated, just a high priced gimmick. I know nothing of bindings post 2000 or so. I hear cartels are good also. So I have been trying to compare reviews of these and cartels and others that seem good. I too have been impressed by the number of positive reviews.
Can anyone weigh in on any noticeable difference in leg/joint strain when using these bindings? I’m so pumped to get my new board out there and if it makes sense to get new bindings as far as real performance and comfort, I will do it. It’s just that since re-injury I’m leary about spending any more money if I don’t need to for this coming season since I could miss next season if things go wrong and surgery is needed.
Also, I have boarded since the early 90s but have never skateboarded. I know this seems silly to ask, but with the reference to these bindings bringing the skate truck feel, is that something much different to snowboarding technique that I have that will be hard to get used to. I kinda feel it shouldn’t but like I say I don’t know what that feeling is like
Welcome to Boardworld, Trabi75. 
The bushing do provide some shock absorption and an increased level of independent foot control—so compared to other bindings on the market, yes, they will take some pressure off the joints. But it’s hard to say how much of a difference this will make, and whether you will notice it. Let’s be honest, snowboarding is a high impact sport regardless of what equipment you use. I can safely say you would be picking an excellent bindings and I feel your overall comfort level will be higher with Now bindings.
Here’s my original review in case you missed it: https://www.boardworld.com.au/snowboarding/now-ipo-bindings-review
Thanks for a quick response. I am leaning heavily to getting these bindings, Like about to hit the purchase button today! I also got a quick response to some questions from Pelchat at Now. My only question is which is right. I am an all mountain rider but spend most of the time off-piste if I can and always looking for trees and pow. When I’m on groomers I like speed. I only hit the park once in awhile and mainly just the jumps. I was leaning toward the Selects over the IPO since they come with the harder bushings as well, but I wonder if the Drive is enough of a difference maker for what I like, in its being a stiffer binding. But it is a bit more pricey. Is it worth the extra mulah? Anyone have a quick response to that?
I think the Selects will serve you well. They are the most versatile in the range—coming with soft, medium, and hard bushings. They also come with the highcups, which would be so much fun in powder (I am yet to test this myself). So really, you’re getting a super versatile binding, and you’re saving money. Given your joint issues, I feel that the more responsive materials in the Drives will make the “feel” a little less forgiving—which doesn’t sound like what you want.
Thanks, I just ordered the selects. I don’t know why I’m so stoked. I kinda woke up this morning with the intent to order these. So freaking excited to try them out. I just wish they would be here by this weekend so I can try them on my first day out. Praying to the snowgods now….
Cheers all,
I think you’ll be stoked. 
Where will you be riding?
So I actually just got an email from JF Pelchat recommending the Drive. Since my order is pending and it is just another 20$ I could probably change it in the morning, if not no biggy. My older binding had a very rigid high back and the binding was metal, so I would think I should be used to that. But if these Selects are good at all-mountain too, I’m not to worried. Guess my only concern is if I had something too flexy.
I will be in Ogden, Utah area mostly at Snowbasin, but hope to get to Salt Lake area some too.
JF knows his stuff (obviously), and the Drives would be sick, but I keep coming back to your original concern regarding taking pressure off your joints. The more responsive/stiff the bindings are, the more your joints will feel it. Just something to think about.
Yeah he also came back and said the selects are awesome too.
I’ll have a sleep on it.
I guess I’m just looking for the best all mountain binding I can get. If the selects can handle charging down the mountain and any pow I can find then I’m all in. Anything I get is gonna be a huge step up from what I have. The only thing I know I don’t want is ton of flex.i think as far as the joints go, if I’ve been able to handle being out there on those old bindings then then I should be be better on something more updated.
Thanks again for the good advice