Now IPO or Flux DMCC Light or Salomon Hologram
 

Hi All,

I'm planning on buying a new pair of bindings this winter and will be pairing them up with my 2012 158 NS Heritage and 2013 157 NS Cobra. My weight fluctuates a bit, currently I weight 175 lbs but last summer was down to 160 lbs. Other stats: 5' 8" with a 31" inseam; ride goofy; skill level intermediate; boot size us 8.5; 80% trail and trees 20% park. Stance angles vary based on terrain and board; some days I ride +15 -15 other days I'll ride +18 -6.

Problem: Difficulty flexing Heritage longitudinally. I'm thinking this maybe due to the cant pads; as I'm bring my knees much closer than I did when using my Titans.

Background history: 2011 Heritage demoed (from Gilly's in Ma) over a weekend with Flux Titans (and paired great) but sold Titans because I wanted canting to reduce stress on my knees. Bought s/m Rome 390 Boss, sized down to gain response and used 2.5 cant. Upgraded ankle strap with Targa ankle strap (from old pair) and inserted pads to make stiffer. Upgraded highback also. Increased stance from 21.5 to 22.5 measured center to center; 22.5 feels a little wide especially when trying to engage either tip or tail.

Note: The 390 Boss works great with my Proto (waist width is so narrow, I don't need to flex Proto). However, for me it just doesn't work with the Heritage and given all the upgrades made; they are Frankensteined Targas and should perform well on the Heritage. I also like the softer heel cup of the Titan and the reason I'm interested in the Hologram.

I'll be demoing gear this Dec but looking for some input; hard to make decision based on only a couple of runs on early season ice coast trails, but noticing some stock starting to shrink. Also, plans for a trip soon after to Alaska.

Thanks in advance for your input - Nito

The Hologram is the only one on your list that has canted footbeds so it seems to be the only option for you. You might also want to checkout the K2 Company IPO and Ride El Hefe.

Not sure I'd buy Nows withoit demoing first. They sound intriguing, but they also sound like a potential love it or hate it thing.

I was thinking of a DIY cant, using a sheet of rubber and a dremel. I'll add the K2 Company but not the Ride; like the feel of plastic. Rome uses a hybrid metal/plastic base.

I'll definitely be demoing them but a little hesitant making a decision based on only a couple of runs.

Nows might be a love or hate, but I'd guess most people that dont like them havent skated much. Its a bit more of a skate feel the way you drive with your feet more. On top of that I havent heard a lot of dislike for them yet. They're a pretty good match for the Heritage.

Even though the Holograms are stated as canted, I saw none and certainly didnt feel any when I rode them. If you grew up skating or surfing give these a shot.

The DMCC Lights are wicked light and on a Heritage would do well for the riding you're looking at. You might find the highback to give just a bit in a more freeride situation but they'll be butter in the park.

Not on your list but maybe look at Compnay IPO's as already mentioned. I rode them on a few decks at Loveland, one of them being a 161 Ultra Dream. They had enough response from the frame and straps to give me everything I wanted in order to drive a board too big for me but the highback let me get out onto the tips a little more so I could play around a bit. If you really want canting, these are your best option based on the other choices your looking at.

I love my NOW bindings on my Jones Flagship.

The best way I can describe nows is being able to steer with two feet.

At first it feels a little loose but once you realize how much leverage you can apply edge to edge you'll realize how much less work you are doing. Changing the bushings also helps with just how "squishy" it feels. I prefer the medium for all around.

When I put them on m protoCT the difference between my burton malavita was very noticeable.

I was always a burton binding fan and until the Nows I've never ridden anything as comfortable.


I'm tempted to order 2 more sets of nows for my other boards.

Thanks for all the comments Nivek! Definitely adding the Company IPO to my list after 2 recommendations. Based on your comment, sounds like I'll know if the Now IPO and Hologram will be a good match for me after just a few runs. The DMCC are a better known quality based on my past experience with the Titans; guess it comes down to which feels best among the 4 bindings.

Thanks again Nito

Thanks for the Now endorsement, Binary. I'm definitely feeling the advantages of the Now IPO with my Heritage. Just have to take a few turns to see if it suits my style.

Thanks again - Nito

Hey Binary,

Just a quick question about Torsional flexing. Given the pivot, Torsional flexing force will be reduced. However, this may not be a problem due to the quick edge response of the Now IPO. Can you comment?

Thanks in advance again - Nito