Expert Review: Now Conda Women's Snowboard Bindings · 2022
Published on 07/13/2022 · 4 min readThis review is my own honest opinion of the snowboard bindings, which I bought with my own money in April 2021.
Bindings with a view. Getting ready to drop in at Mt Bachelor. All photos courtesy of Jordan Sell
About this Review: This review is my own honest opinion of the snowboard bindings, which I bought with my own money in April 2021.
My take
The NOW CONDA women’s snowboard bindings are aggressive all-mountain bindings for women who are intermediate to advanced snowboarders. These bindings are responsive and comfortable while still providing ample support.
About the Gear
- Model: 2021 NOW CONDA
- Size: Small
- Burton channel compatible: Yes
- Mini disc: No
About me
- Height: 5ft 2in
- Weight: 135lb
- Experience: 2 years
Test conditions
- When I bought these: April 2021
- Days tested: 50 days
- Board: Moonchild Popsicle 148cm
- Boot: Deeluxe Empire Lara
- Where I’ve used them: Mt. Baker and Crystal Mountain, WA; Mt. Hood, OR
- Terrain: Powder, ice, hardpack, chunder, spring slush, chutes, steeps, trees, groomers, off-piste, backcountry
How it performs
What I was looking for
I was looking for advanced women’s bindings that would keep up with the terrain I love most, which is steep and deep big mountain powder runs. I wanted something that was stiff and ultra responsive. I like to have a lot of control over my board, but I still wanted to reduce any fatigue due to the long days I like to ride.
Why I chose this gear
I chose the NOW line because of the responsiveness and excellent reputation among other riders I interact with. I wanted a big-mountain option and knew that Robin Van Gyn rode them, so they fit the bill for the terrain I like. I was curious about skate tech and wanted to try it out.
What I love about them
- Binding adjustability in boots: These bindings are extremely easy to adjust. They don’t require any tools for the straps so adjusting on the go is easy to do.
- Stance adjustability: These bindings have complete adjustability. They can be configured at every angle because the discs are nicked all the way around.
- Comfort: They’re very comfortable as the base of the binding is very soft and squishy.
- Shock absorption: The base is squishy so the shock absorption is excellent.
- Responsiveness: These bindings truly shine in their responsiveness. The skate tech gives a vertical plane of movement that is unmatched. The bindings have bushings, which can be changed out to increase or decrease the responsiveness. I personally use medium bushings for my daily riding. They truly feel “surfy” but still hold the response of a stiffer binding.
- Carving: These bindings are great for carving. They are responsive and tough.
- Ease of turn initiation: Turning is easy in these bindings since they are so responsive.
- Buttering: Buttering in these bindings is super fun since they have a soft base.
- Straps: These bindings have very comfortable straps. The ankle strap can be swapped to change the pressure points on the foot. The right strap can be swapped with the left and vice versa to create either a more playful or more accurate response.
- Buckles: The buckles are simple to put in and release quickly and easily. Even in sticky powder, they are able to hold up well and release.
- Durability: NOW creates super-durable bindings and provides all components for repair if the bindings are damaged. Its parts are very easy to change out.
- Other: The highbacks on these bindings are very comfortable and well curved to a woman’s calf so they don’t create uncomfortable pressure points. This is especially important for shorter women because the highback doesn’t put pressure too far up the calf.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Weight: These bindings are a little bit heavy compared to other bindings. While I don’t have the exact weight differences, they seem heavier than the Union Trilogies. Their weight does not affect performance. These are a very solid and durable feeling binding.
- Other: They are hard to find and sell out quickly. NOW also changes its women’s colors frequently, so its best-selling colors are especially hard to find. These bindings also make a squeaking noise when riding hard because of the bushings, but this doesn’t affect performance.
Favorite moment with this gear
My favorite moment in the NOW CONDA bindings was when I hit my first 4’ drop and was able to ride it out without any issues. My bindings kept my board where I needed it to be and now I am comfortable increasing the size of the drops without worrying about my board feeling unstable.
Value for the money vs. other options
The NOW CONDA bindings can be compared to some of the other top-of-the-line bindings, such as the Burton Lexa Re:Flex and Union Trilogy. The NOW Condas offer a higher level of comfort, ease, and response from the skate tech and cushioned footbeds for a similar price point.
Final verdict
The NOW CONDA women’s bindings are an ideal binding for anyone looking to increase their responsiveness. They are incredibly comfortable and intuitive while also being durable. The CONDAs have a medium flex yet are stable and can hard charge with the best of them. These bindings are geared toward an advanced rider who knows their weight distribution. The Condas may be too stiff as a beginner binding. Beginner riders would be better off trying the NOW Vetta.
