• Sizes: S, M, L
• Flex: 8
• Entry System: Classic
• Price: €249

Now in their fifth season, Vimana have made a name for themselves as the Norwegian masters of producing simple, quality and stylish bindings. All new for this winter is the Vimana Scando Gold. Built around the same design as the iconic, award winning Scando, this model jumps up in responsiveness to deliver a binder for riders wanting more aggressive repsonse between the edges.

On the surface, the Scando Gold is more or less indistinguishable from the original – save for the new gold design on the highback. In many ways, the bindings are in fact the same. The minimal straps, alloy buckles and sizing options remain identical and give the binding it’s near non-existent weight considering its durability. It’s only when you look inside the baseplate and highback construction that you see where the upgrades are lurking.

“Carbon and Kevlar now run throughout the binding, not only boosting the edge to edge response but adding another layer of dampening when you’re on the charge”

Carbon and Kevlar now run throughout the binding, not only boosting the edge to edge response but add another layer of dampening when you’re on the charge. Stick these on your nano-based, carbon enhanced speed wagon and let the frenzy begin. This is a far less compromising binding and Vimana’s self-described “ultimate powerhouse”.

It still sits neatly in the line, with the stripped-down aesthetic and only essential options for adjusting the fit -the strap length and forward lean. However, the Gold is worthy of its name rightly deserves the top spot on Vimana’s podium.