UPDATE: Check out our review of the NOW O-Drive Snowboard Bindings for 2020/2021 by clicking here.
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Flex: 8
- Entry System: Classic
- Price: €370
- BUY ONLINE
A price and performance point down from its namesake with the big, capital ‘O’ in front of it, NOW’s Drive binding will have a much broader appeal to competent riders all-mountain riders. Some of the carbon has been spared in this one, and the warm hues of the copper colourway make this a more inviting number for riders looking for a powerful, responsive option in the lineup.
As with all NOW bindings, the Drive is built around that same Skate Tech, which allows the central fulcrum point of the ‘Hanger’ to pivot between the heelside and toeside edges. The result is a binding with immediate power transfer out to the edge, and a smoother, more energy-efficient ride.
“For riders who like to mix things up a little, the Hybrid FlipIt straps offer a crafty solution to the conundrum of opting for a more freeride or freestyle focussed binding”
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The Highback has been made a little less rigid than the Recon, although it’s still made with a 30% glass nylon composite, so will continue to deliver a real kick of rebound off the heelside turns.
For riders who like to mix things up a little, the Hybrid FlipIt straps offer a crafty solution to the conundrum of opting for a more freeride or freestyle focussed binding. By simply unscrewing the heel straps, flipping them, and swapping them onto the other side, you can change the strap’s responsiveness to suit more aggressive riding or increased flex and forgiveness.
The only change to come from this year’s Recon is the upgraded PA66-C buckles, the same material used in the O-Drive’s carbon hanger. This reduces the overall weight of the buckle by 20% (probably not noticeable, but nice to get the premium finish) and makes it a lot stronger, too.
It’s still sat near the top shelf in NOW’s binding offerings, but the Drive will have widespread appeal amongst strong all-mountain riders.
