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NOW Select Pro 2022-2023 Snowboard Bindings Review

Tested and selected for our top 100 snowboard products of the year: the NOW Select Pro

  • Price: £360 / €370 / $380
  • Sizes: M, L
  • Flex: 5-7/10
  • Entry System: Classic

Why We Chose The NOW Select Pro: Skate-Tech ain’t just for off-piste, as this remarkable binding proves.

When NOW first came along over a decade ago, a lot of the early adopters appeared to be BC-based pow-chasing contemporaries of founder and 90s hellman JF Pelchat. While it was nice to see a whole pro team essentially composed of riders no longer in the first flush of youth, most of them would be more likely to throw their back out than throw a double backflip.

“Among the benefits of the Skate-Tech system are a truer board flex that doesn’t get disrupted by the binding, as well as a lower chance of experiencing foot fatigue”

That’s all changed now, though; as well as picking up additional flavours of freerider, the Skate-Tech system has been embraced by the next generation of contest-slaying stunters, including Fridtjof Tischendorf and Mons Roisland. In many cases, the Now Select Pro is what they’re running.

Who Is The NOW Select Pro For?

These are mellower than the NOW Drive, so will be better suited to all-mountain riding, and as well as long days in the park. They’re also ideal for anyone not yet 100% sold on the Skate-Tech concept, as the amount of customisation available means that there’s no chance you won’t be able to give these a fair shake.

MORE INFO:
NOWBINDINGS.COM

 

Baseplate

The NOW Select Pro features the latest version of the brand’s signature Hanger baseplate, which keeps your boot secure while allowing it to rock between the heel and toe edge in a controlled manner. Among the benefits of the Skate-Tech system are a truer board flex that doesn’t get disrupted by the binding, as well as a lower chance of experiencing foot fatigue. You also have the option of swapping the bushings (small rubber pads at the corners of each baseplate) for ones that are firmer or softer, thus changing the amount of response you get.

If you have a second board for powder, you can attach a mounting disc on each of your decks, then move the NOW Select Pro bindings between the two depending on the conditions. It’s an easy, tool-free process that essentially equates to having a second pair of standard binders, so you’ll be quids in.

“The NOW Select Pro is proof that the system works wherever – and however – you choose to ride”

Straps and Highbacks

The highback is pleasingly old-school, doing away with any asymmetrical shaping and curvature in favour of a classic garden-spade design. This offers a bit more versatility, allowing you to jib and press and set your edge without your movements being proscribed. It’s not the stiffest highback out there, making it great for freestyle, yet when you want to hit the gas it won’t wilt under pressure.

New for 2022/23 are the tool-less straps, which also fall away from the rest of the binding when unstrapped to make it easier to step into the binding. The ankle strap has no rigid section across the instep, instead offering an even spread of nylon material that is uber comfy and supportive. Meanwhile the toe strap is stretchy enough to conform to any boot, whether positioned over the toe or over the top.

“If you have a second board for powder, you can attach a mounting disc on each of your decks, then move the NOW Select Pro bindings between the two”

Roundup

While NOW bindings were originally pigeonholed by many as freerider fodder, the NOW Select Pro is proof that the system works wherever – and however – you choose to ride. Those with specific concerns about foot pain would do well to give this system a spin – it might just change the game. Even if you don’t have that issue, however, the NOW Select Pro has the comfort, clever tech and durability to see you right. Choice.

Pros:

  • Canted footbeds relieve the pressure on your knees when adopting a wider stance
  • This model is ideal for using NOW’s ‘highcups’ that let you ride (almost) without highbacks

Cons:

  • NOW’s most advanced hanger system isn’t available in a small size yet, so those with wee feet will need to look at lower-spec models.
SHOP ALL SNOWBOARD BINDINGS ON

 

Tester’s Verdict 2022/23

Coming soon…

Trade Secrets

JF Pelchat – Founder, NOW Bindings

“The Select pro Kowalchuk collab is a piece of art but don’t let this stop you from riding and abusing it it. Built on the same specs as the Select Pro, the Kowalchuk also has an extra set of mounting discs/posts/screws and redesigned kingpin tool-less 2.0. This allows you to swap your bushings without the need for a tool and/or easily move your bindings onto another board (you technically get the convenience of two bindings for the price of one). The binding is also offered with our canted 2.0 footpillow and has the three densities of bushings for the ultimate customization. This freestyle guru will excel in any type of terrain but it will always screams for park laps.”

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