About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard bindings, which I purchased with my own money in February of 2022.

My take

Now Conda Snowboard Bindings are fantastic for high-intermediate to advanced riders who want a comfortable binding that absorbs shock well. These bindings can dampen any board and Now’s Skate-Tech technology provides an extremely responsive ride.

About the bindings I own

• Model: Now Conda Snowboard Bindings 2022
• Size: Medium
• Burton channel compatible: Yes
• Mini disc: No

About me

• Height: 5’7”
• Weight: 130 lbs
• Experience: 23+ years of snowboarding

Test conditions

• When I bought these: February 2022
• Days tested: 15+ days
• Board: Never Summer Harpoon and Season Nexus
• Boot: Ride Sage Snowboard Boots
• Where I’ve used it: Oregon, Washington, California, and Utah
• Terrain: Powder, groomers, ice, trees, bowls, etc.

How it performs

What I was looking for

I had recently bought the Never Summer Harpoon and I was on the hunt for bindings that would pair well. I was looking for a setup that was ideal for a playful freeride style. I wanted an advanced binding that was stiff enough to provide good support off-piste and riding fast, but not so stiff and rigid that it was hard to hit kickers.

Why I chose this gear

I heard great things about Now’s Skate-Tech and was very curious about it. The Conda’s have a very cushy and fat foam bed and the ankle straps can be flipped in two directions for either freestyle riding or a more aggressive style. At a medium to stiff flex, they seemed very comfortable so I ordered them.

I tested the Now Brigada bindings as well and really liked them, but the Conda’s were just a bit stiffer and more supportive. I also looked into the Union Trilogy’s, but I decided to go for the Skate-Tech design since I already had some Union Bindings.

What I love about them

• Binding adjustability in boots: The straps adjust without any tools which is great for getting the perfect length easily. The highback lean can also be adjusted easily, but they cannot be rotated as they are set at a pre-rotated 10 degrees. I also really like the asymmetrical design of the highbacks.
• Stance adjustability: I had no issues with setting my stance. I usually ride a +15/-15, or sometimes less, and I find that I can get them just right. The highbacks do not rotate, so it isn’t adjustable for riders that are going really wide, but otherwise they’re great.
• Comfort: I think these are some of the most comfortable bindings. The ankle strap is soft and padded, which a lot of brands are leaning away from, but I really like it. The foam bed underfoot is also very padded and provides a comfortable and damp ride. I have no pressure points or areas of irritation with these bindings.
• Shock absorption: The Conda’s are fantastic shock absorbers. The cushy foam underfoot absorbs a lot of chatter. I used these bindings on the Weston Eclipse snowboard and with the Union Milan’s, and in comparison the difference was incredible. These bindings made for a much smoother, damp ride.
• Responsiveness: The Skate-Tech technology provides great response. These definitely have a different feel than most bindings, and I can tell that from the energy transfer to the edges of the board. I feel like I don’t need very stiff bindings or need to crank the straps as tightly, yet I still get a really responsive feel.
• Carving: The Conda’s are super fun to carve on. Due to the responsive design, I can make quicker sharp turns or longer drawn out carves and these bindings will keep up. The straps provide great support even when getting low into carves. And if you swap the Flipit straps to the opposite feet then you can get an even more supportive strap for carving.
• Ease of turn initiation: These responsive bindings are great for turning and are very quick to respond. When I start a turn, the energy transfer is immediate. They are great for riding in trees as well, for when making short fast turns is required.
• Straps: I love the straps. The ankle strap is thick and cushioned, which at first I worried would get in the way or feel bulky—but it does not. I love that I can swap them from the right to the left foot for the type of riding I will be doing that day. One way provides more support higher up for more aggressive riding, and the other provides more room for riding with a freestyle flair. The toe straps are super grippy and lightweight as well.
• Buckles: The buckles feel smooth and they climb the ladders without any issues. I can also get them undone while wearing mittens with no problem, which is very helpful in the cold.
• Durability: I have used these bindings for 15-20 days so far and they still look new. They don’t seem to chip easy, the buckles still work great, and the straps are still solid.
• Weight: They feel average in weight, but for all of the padding I expected them to be heavier. They feel lightweight when riding.
• Other: I love that the ankle straps have a crease where they meet the binding so that the strap can fold open and stay open. I like to strap-in standing up, and this makes it way easier to get my foot in quickly. I also love how easy the foam footbed stays propped open if I need to adjust the screws at any point while riding.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Buttering: They are a little on the stiff side for buttering. For snowboarders who do a lot of buttering, going with a binding with more flex is probably a better option.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite day with these bindings was a powder day at Solitude Mountain Resort outside of Salt Lake City. It was later in the season and we drove down from Oregon for a long weekend with the intent to see friends and do mostly backcountry tours in the spring snow. Little did we know the mountains were going to get one last dump! The snow at Solitude was almost a foot deep in April and riding through some of those canyons on my Harpoon and Now Conda Bindings was so surfy and fun. I couldn’t have asked for a better setup for that deep, light snow.

Value for the money vs. other options

These bindings are a little pricier, but the technology and design is unlike any other brand. The Union Trilogy’s are slightly cheaper, but the Conda’s are unique so I really think they’re worth the money. The Salomon Highlander’s are a decent comparison to the quality of these bindings as well, but they are quite a bit more expensive. Overall, I absolutely love the Conda’s and definitely think they are worth the investment.

Final verdict

For an intermediate, advanced, or even expert rider who is looking for a comfortable and super responsive binding, Now Conda Snowboard bindings are great. They have a medium flex and absorb shock like no other binding. The Skate-Tech that Now uses provides amazing turn initiation and response, and minimizes foot fatigue for anyone who struggles in that department. These are a great choice to put on an all-mountain or freeride snowboard.