NOW Bindings Brigade Review

Use: All mountain
Binding size: L
Boot size: 12
Color: Navy
Price: $249.00

Product Specs:

Skate-Tech
Hanger 2.0 is nylon reinforced with 30% fiberglass
Flushcup Technology
Highcup compatibility
Buckles 2.0
NEW ASYM SIEVA ankle straps
3-D minimal toe straps EVA combo
NOW tool-less adjuster straps
Freewing highback
Post is 50% GF Nylon
4X4 disc is 50% GF Nylon*
Lifetime warranty program
Flex rating: 6

Review:

I tested the NOW Drive bindings a little over a year ago and really enjoyed them. I was really excited to test out the NOW Bindings Brigade and see the changes NOW made for their 17/18 line. The Brigade is pro snowboarder Devun Walsh’s binding of choice. It features several new additions to the NOW Bindings line. The new Hanger 2.0 base, which is nylon reinforced with 30% fiberglass, proved to be lightweight and very strong. It has a widened heel cup, which was perfect for my size 12 boots.

The Brigade comes with hard bushings (55 shore), I found these to be a perfect match for these bindings but you can buy softer or harder bushings to suit your riding style. On all NOW bindings, the bushings are your main contact point to the board and act as the dampening system. The bushings do an amazing job of diffusing board chatter and combined with the EVA foam in the footbed, provide ample shock absorption.

The Freewing Highback is slightly higher on the inside of each calf and pre-rotated 10 degrees laterally. I really found the highbacks to be super comfortable on my calf and provided great support.

The new feature I liked the most on the Brigade bindings was the new Asym SIEVA ankle strap. SIEVA means “single-injected EVA”. The SIEVA ankle strap body is made with one-part EVA injection. This eliminates stitching and reduces the amount of glues in the strap. What does this mean for you? A durable, reduced weight, super comfortable ankle strap. I am almost always a victim of foot cramping during a long day of riding. With the NOW Brigade, my feet lasted the entire day with no issues.

The 3D minimal toe strap is very comfortable and stays put. NOW’s Buckles 2.0 were resigned as well. They feature new stronger levers and upgraded springs. They operate in all conditions with ease and have proved to be very durable.

Summary:

I’m a big fan of the Skate-Tech in the NOW bindings, the Brigades have some new features which were definitely all positives. The Brigade bindings are designed with freestyle in mind but performed well all over the mountain.

Pros