Nidecker Kaon Plus 2024 - 2023 Review by The Good Ride

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Nidecker Kaon Plus Snowboard Binding Video and Written Review

Thanks for checking our our Nidecker Kaon Plus Snowboard Binding Review from an average rider with exceptional gear experience.

Turn Ons/Swipe Right: Smooth symmetrical response.
Turn Offs/Swipe Left: Hard to step in with the straps joined.

Summary

The Nidecker Kaon Plus is hard to get strapped in and doesn’t have much adjustability but it has a very smooth response and cush feel. . If you like a binding with a medium response but a very soft high back this could work for you.

This is a review of the 2023 Kaon Plus but it did not change in 2024.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

A Breakdown of how it rides and who it is for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How This Review Happened:  Borrowed this for an extended demo and sent it back.
Days: 6+
Conditions:
Riders:  James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs)
Boots: Burton Kendo, Nidecker Rift BOA,
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers
Boards: Nidecker Mellow, YES Optimistic, Nidecker Thruster, Nidecker Escape, Nidecker Escape Plus and others.

Similar (but not the same) Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Force, Union Strata, Union Ultra, Burton Cartel, Burton Mission, Burton Malavita, Salomon Hologram, Salomon District, Nitro Team Pro, Nitro Team, Rome Katana, Rome Vice, Rome DOD, Rome 390 Boss, Nidecker Kaon X

How It Was Tested

I rode the Nidecker Kaon Plus bindings a lot on many different boards but how I got the most out of this test was to do a same day sampler with the Union Atlas and Kaon X to really see how this rides.

Weight

2.2lbs

Highback Flex

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Nidecker Kaon Plus has a really mellow highback flex and I loved that. It has such an easy twist and no calf bite but still felt pretty responsive.

Flex Underfoot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Nidecker Kaon Plus doesn’t have construction that looks like it would allow an easy flex underfoot but it isn’t bad.

Turn Initiation/Response

You would think that the Nidecker Kaon Plus would have slow response but it is pretty medium. What I like more is how smooth and symmetrical the response is.

Shock Absorption/Dampness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Nidecker Kaon Plus has a lot of plastic in areas that blocks the ability to be shock absorbent. I thought it would be damp but didn’t expect it to be as shock absorbent as it was. Its not ultra cush but it’s definitely above average.

Boot Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I felt like I got a little more support from the Kaon X just because the ankle strap seemed to sit a little higher around my ankle. Still, the Nidecker Kaon Plus had a nice balance between being supportive but still allowing some freedom of movement. I’m not sure I’m into the connected straps and didn’t feel like the extra strap helped much with anything. I did like the cushy EVA foam anke strap though. The toe strap stretched out a little too much as you cranked it down.

Ratchets

The ratchets felt smooth and never called anything good or bad to my attention.

Adjustability

There is very limited adjustability with the Nidecker Kaon Plus. You can’t adjust the heel loop or the gas pedal to match up to the footprint of your boot. So you can’t center the boot on the board unless you slide the discs heel to toe. That means you don’t have any stance width adjustability if you aren’t in the middle of the recommended sizing like I am with size 9’s. Also, for size L I’m surprised they are recommending size 8-11.5 boots. This feels more like 8-10 for me and a size medium.

Conclusion

The Nidecker Kaon Plus is a unique binding. I’m not into the Flow Hybrid strap without the quick release high back when it comes to strapping in but it does feel good riding.

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