Now Select Pro Review: The All-Mountain Freestyle Binding That Refuses to Be Pigeonholed

Introduction

The Now Select Pro is Now’s definitive all-mountain freestyle binding: support where you want it, flexibility where you need it. It has long been a favourite around the Whitelines crew, and this year’s version adds a standout artist collab to an already well-loved design.

Now, as a brand, has an interesting origin story. Pro rider and notorious wildcat JF Pelchat first came up with the idea to revolutionize the binding industry in 2005, spending five years testing and redesigning prototypes before bringing his concept to market in 2010. Twelve years on, Now bindings continue to dominate, and their award-winning designs have cemented the brand as one of the most exciting names in snowboarding.

A Different Take on Binding Mechanics

The first thing worth noting with every Now offering is its slightly different take on binding mechanics. Looking to revamp the stale binding format of years gone by, JF turned to skateboarding for inspiration, digging into the functionality and leverage of skateboard trucks.

Unlike conventional bindings, Now ditches the traditional base plate in favor of this skate tech. A central kingpin leverages power to four different corner bushings, and as you roll from heel to toe, energy isn’t swallowed up by a solid base plate. Instead, the mounting post allows the frame to pivot and direct all of your rider input exactly where you need it.

The Select Pro uses the top-of-the-line Hanger 3.0 chassis, slightly wider and lighter than previous versions, with a roomier footprint for increased comfort. It’s also worth noting the difference between this model and its siblings: the Yes Snowboards collab Cool Chuck Edition has been upgraded to Kingpin Tool-less 2.0, letting you swap the binding between your quiver with ease, while the Select Pro keeps the standard hardware.

Highback Built for Freestyle

The highback is built for freestyle, and apart from looking great, it has been designed with comfort and mobility in mind. A hidden flex hinge at the top allows for extra tweakability when you want to press, bonk or butter your way through a lap.

If you want to push maneuverability even further, you can swap in Now’s super-stubby, ultra-surfy high cups. And while you’re playing around with highback customization, try the different bushings too. Swapping out these small rubber pieces dramatically changes the ride: harder bushings for more aggressive riding, softer ones for playful, surfy turns.

Straps and Footbeds: All-Day Comfort

Although Now doesn’t use a traditional base plate, the Select Pro still ships with cushy footbeds that are canted inwards, letting your feet sit at a slight angle. Our test team reported they were super comfortable throughout the day.

Then there’s Now’s Hyperfuse ankle strap. This stitchless, spineless strap forms around your boot and locks in with no pressure points, thanks to its lack of bulky padding.

The 3D Pro Grip toe strap is Now’s top-of-the-line offering: malleable, grippy, and happy to take the shape of most boots you strap it onto. And as is the design ethos with Now bindings, you don’t have to crank them down super tight to get the response you’re after.

Who Are the Select Pro For?

It’s hard to put your finger on exactly who the Select Pro is for, precisely because it’s so versatile. There aren’t many riders who wouldn’t get along with a pair.

Our team rode them in the park, on some fresh corduroy, and even in a little bit of powder, and the response was unanimous from everyone: they rip. If you’re a snowboarder who doesn’t want to pigeonhole their riding, this friendly middle-of-the-road flex paired with multiple customization options makes the Select Pro an easy recommendation.

Conclusion

The Now Select Pro earns its place as a do-everything binding. The skate-inspired Hanger 3.0 chassis delivers a unique feel, the freestyle-ready highback and swappable bushings let you tune the ride to your taste, and the straps and footbeds keep things comfortable from first chair to last. If versatility is what you’re after, it’s hard to go wrong here.