NOW ASM Sense Heel Strap: What It Is and Who It's For

Introduction

The heel strap is the part of your binding that does most of the work keeping your boot locked in, and NOW’s take on it is called the ASM Sense heel strap. It is the brand’s asymmetric, one-piece heel strap, built to deliver more power on the outside of your boot while keeping enough give in the middle for freestyle flex. This guide breaks down what it actually does and which riders it makes the most sense for.

What Is the ASM Sense Heel Strap?

The ASM Sense is NOW’s asymmetric one-piece heel strap. The asymmetry is the point: the strap is slightly larger on the ratchet side and slightly thinner toward the connection side. When you push into the strap, that asymmetrical shape derives more power on the outside, which helps with power transfer while riding.

Because the strap is one piece, NOW eliminates all excess material. That allows more forward flexion in the strap while still maintaining good response, and there is no need to worry about it breaking in or stretching over time.

How the One-Piece Design Changes the Feel

The padding does not come from the strap itself. All of the padding is derived from the instep of your boot and the liner inside it, so the strap stays minimal and grips directly.

The result is a strap with a distinct character: more power and drive on the outside, a lot of give in the middle, and a bit more power again on the inside. In practice it delivers power where you need it and play where you want it, and it does exactly what you would expect from that design brief.

Do You Need It?

Whether the ASM Sense is worth having depends on what kind of rider you are. If you are an all-mountain freestyle rider with a bigger emphasis on freestyle, it is a great strap. It won’t hold you back when you get outside the park and need something for all-mountain versatility, but when you are in the park and want that freestyle flex, it is still there.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The strap’s flex-first middle means its character is shaped by your boot. Since the padding comes from the boot’s instep and liner rather than the strap, the fit and feel will depend heavily on how your boots interact with the binding.

It is also a component of NOW bindings rather than a standalone upgrade, so it matters most when you are already shopping for bindings that include it.

Buying Advice

For freestyle-leaning riders who also want all-mountain capability, the ASM Sense heel strap hits a practical balance: response on the outside for power, flex in the middle for presses and playful riding, and no break-in period to worry about.

If you ride mostly outside the park and want maximum power, the strap still performs, but its middle flex is designed with freestyle comfort in mind. Match it to your boots and riding style before committing.

Conclusion

The NOW ASM Sense heel strap is a straightforward design that does what it claims: power and drive where you need it, play where you want it. For all-mountain freestyle riders, it is an easy design to recommend; for everyone else, it is worth checking whether its balance of response and flex matches the way you ride.