BINDINGS

[Spenser]

I was saying I can’t stand my previously-beloved “custom” Burtons after trying Drives, but I see how it may have read differently. I really don’t mean to knock other bindings, but I could (and did) easily interchangeably ride those Burtons along with my favorite unions, and others. NOW is simply different.

On that note, I use the same straps with both binders, so I’m specifically talking about the binding itself. Those Burtons feel harsh & indirect to me now. Crazy how that works, but it’s what happened. Truly didn’t see it coming. I could definitely get used to them again, but why? Admittedly it’s not at all about the company, I just know the product is significantly better for me and I have to roll with it. Shit man, I’d even ride a gilson board if that were their case.

I do get the strap thing, but stock drive straps are very usable (most use them), just may not be for everyone if they already have a preference (we are the fringe). If the bindings themselves are better for a given rider, the rest doesn’t matter. I certainly don’t have much extra cash to throw around, but it’s hard to put a price on fine-tuning that interface.

They could certainly use an adjustment for boot centering, independent of using the disk to do so. As noted, luckily, I land in the sweet spot where it works out. That is to say, it won’t work for everyone.

Again, I had all these apprehensions going in. I remember setting them up and still questioning it... but here I am, blown away by how much better it feels every day. Regardless, 1000% to each their own! You should ride whatever you want. Try an appropriate NOW model if you can. If you don’t like them, no problem.

[Vanni]

one more question, I think this is for you, Spenser: are you using Union toe straps?
did you mount those straps on Now ladders or were you able to use the Union?

thanks

[Spenser]

I am. One pair is using the now tongues, but the other pair came with Burton straps (from pow_hnd) so they have those. Should pretty much work on anything, since it’s just a simple hole

[eleveneightnate]

Gonna switch it up and fanboy over my new Katanas for a sec incase anyone is shopping for them. I've been riding a pair from a few seasons ago and they were awesome. Equally tweakable and responsive. They updated them since then to what you see here and I'm guessing they'll ride similar, but a little better with the upgrades. These are the M/Ls with a 10.5 Acerra which fit perfect at the further out baseplate adjustment, and they're 2lbs even (including mounting discs and screws).




The new Katanas/Black Labels/Cleavers have full "Duracush" (adidas boost) in the baseplate. From what I understand, it's actual boost and not just a lookalike. It feels exactly like the soles of my Acerras. They also slimmed down the baseplate overall since they used to be super bulky/wide.



The AuxTech straps were on my last pair and fit all my boots really well. IMO better than my Cartel straps or anything from Union. Ankle strap is asym. The toe strap stretches/expands really well so you don't have to crank them down as much. Works equally well for my more rounded Acerras and more boxy Kendos.




The ankle straps have angle adjustment (something ridiculous like 64 different combinations). Not sure how much I'll use it, but it'll be nice to have the option if I get any instep pain or want to loosen them up by lowering the angle. Loctite these bolts, though. Don't want them backing out during a run. I do like that the mounting is pretty wide on the outside of the heelcup. It gives an easier entry into the them and seems to distribute pressure more evenly.




Underrated feature: mini-ish disc but can still go 4x4 to the edges.



Canted highback adjustment. Seems weird to me and probably won't use it, but it doesn't seem to affect function if left alone. If you flip these little tabs, it'll cant the highback with your boot. These have 2.5 degree canted footbeds.



Good heelcup adjustment heel-to-toe. It's not like Union's where just the heel loop slides in and out, the whole heelcup/wrap adjusts relative to the baseplate.



Cheers!

[casjcade]

kinda want a union ultra red for the fancy color. is it any good?

[kimchi]

but that’s what I now can’t stand after moving to drives

This is what's holding me back from Nows haha. "They have zero adjustment and you need to spend $100 on Burton straps and ladders to make them usable, but they're great!"

Actually I think the NOW strap game has come a long way and what they offer currently is very usable.

The first 4/5 years, yea their strap/buckles/ladders were pretty rough.

I have just gotten so used to the Burton straps I still just change them out.

I don’t care what anyone says, nobody can touch Burtons strap game at all.

Also FWIW, I rock sz 10 DC boots and have no centering/overhang issues at all, the adjustment of the disc gets me centered just fine.

This is basically my position.

• Burton straps are best.
• NOW / Jones straps are now (mostly) good enough.

NOW's strap and ratchet game through ~2019 was... truly embarrassing. I had to replace like 5 different toe ratchets in like ~40 days on snow because they went floppy, one I got frozen stuck in a set of 2017 Pilots in Japan and had to wiggle out of the baseplate. They've improved a LOT in the past 3-4 years, notwithstanding the Drive (but I guess some people like no-flex straps). They're now at a point where other than the Drive's "Hybrid Flipit" strap, I don't care enough to go through the trouble of swapping out parts.

[unsuspected]

Be careful with the "handle" pieces. First gen of those are basically not removable from a baseplate unless you cut them... too big to split in from the top, and the Doubletake ladder. Ran into this issue replacing a set on some older Burton Hitchhickers, the Doubletake teeth were too thick to pull through bottom of baseplate against the grain, and I couldn't pull them out the top because of the "handle". They've since updated them with a little removable notch so you can slip them through the top, but I think older styles are still floating around.

Honestly I'd rather go regular ladder in the future if I have a choice. Doubletake is nice, but like 3% better than Burton's already excellent normal ratchets, sourcing extra ladders in a crunch is iffier, and stripped ladders are easy to replace.

Thank you for that info. Been scratching my head for a year or more how to get the DT ratchets on my Drives. Now Im happy again. Maybe should get a second pair Drives. My camos are fugly.

[McK21]

Hi , my first post , writing from Italy , long time el lurker , until today afraid of posting because my english is not the best!!
Let's try.
I was wondering how does the now bindings compare to salomon shadow fit technology , I had first version of this tech ( don't remember how it was called at the time and what model was , it was like 15 years ago) and remember that , apart being not confy at all , where kind of strange feeling , more loose feeling but was still powerful on turns , but seems like nobody really appreciate it.

[tp1_kenobi]

Hi , my first post , writing from Italy , long time el lurker , until today afraid of posting because my english is not the best!!
Let's try.
I was wondering how does the now bindings compare to salomon shadow fit technology , I had first version of this tech ( don't remember how it was called at the time and what model was , it was like 15 years ago) and remember that , apart being not confy at all , where kind of strange feeling , more loose feeling but was still powerful on turns , but seems like nobody really appreciate it.

Ciao! Don't let your English stop you from posting. Practice makes perfect!

I've run the past two years on Salomon bindings (District HSP's) w/ Shadowfit and find them to be super comfy and being able to press/tweak way more than my previous Unions. Straps and buckles have held up pretty well. What I don't see is any FLAD functions but not terribly too bothered by it as these bindings aren't free ride bindings. I highly recommend 'em if you want something comfy and playful.

[Vanni]

Ok, just bought Now Drives 21/22, size M.
I have listened to your suggestions
I'm expecting to receive them this week

let's see if I can make them work for my boot size.
I suppose I have to change at least the toe straps, to make them work for size 7 boots; I have some Union toe straps that are much smaller than now and burton, so, let's see.
The next step, then, is to be able to center the binding on the board.