Straps and Highbacks

While Skate-Tech remains NOW’s unique selling point, every other aspect of binding design has been shown just as much care and attention, with plenty of innovation on offer too. Take the Hybrid Flipit ankle straps, for example. With a quick swap, you can change the area of your boot that gets the most support. Hug it high for charging, or send it to the lower section to give you more freedom and flex. The absence of any visible joins or seams also means they’ll last for yonks.

The Calfback highback, unique to the Drive, is quite obviously built to charge. It’s fairly rigid, and shaped to match the contours of your lower leg (hence the asymmetrical design). A couple of cutaways on either side of the forward lean adjustor reduce the weight a little, but it’s still a solid foundation upon which to crank those heel-edge turns.

“A lifetime warranty will put your mind at ease as you test the limits of the NOW Drive”

Roundup

Back when he was on NOW’s books, the Drive was Jeremy Jones’ binder of choice. Such is his admiration for the Skate-Tech system that he eventually licensed it for his own range. While you don’t have to be quite as adventurous on a snowboard as he is, that will at least give you some idea of what the NOW Drive is capable of. If you’re ready to level up, strap yourself into a pair of these and get ready to tilt yourself into a new era of freeriding.

Pros:

• The latest Skate-Tech hanger sits even closer to the edges than ever, delivering more response
• A bit of experimenting with the bushings and straps will make these just right for your style

Cons:

• It’s freeride or bust with these; all-rounders should look towards the NOW Select Pro [LINK] instead

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