Description

Jones Mercury FASE bindings

Engineers have been working on an imperfect technology since the 80s: snowboard bindings.

Some of these innovations have been met with disdain by snowboarders. Some have been hesitantly embraced, like Burton's StepOns. While others have simply returned to snowboarding's roots: the good old ratchet straps.

Erwin Knoester and Xavier Nidecker wanted to tackle a new idea first and foremost. For decades, the expected, almost mandatory innovations have prioritized comfort over performance, leaving advanced snowboarders feeling unsatisfied. So how did they build a binding that was not only quick to put on, comfortable, and affordable, but also appealing to pro riders and regular racers?

This is how the FASE-Fast Entry Binding system, consisting of fundamentally simple elements, was born. 

“We feel like (this market) is still growing, but we also see that it’s not really embraced by the old pro core or the performance user because it lacks the two-strap feel of a standard binding,” said Cedric Nidecker. “So that’s where it all started. The inspiration was to make the lacing process hassle-free.

But it retains the look and performance of the two familiar straps.”

FASE bindings feature a high back that retracts back, allowing the binding to enter from the back, mimicking the way most people put on traditional boots. A lever automatically locks the back in place, and the snowboarder can adjust the upper ankle strap with one hand, in one motion.

The lacing system – named after the quick-entry system – was developed in collaboration with Jones, Rome, Bataleon and ThirtyTwo. The FASE team sees the technology as having the same level of originality as Vibram, Gore-Tex or MIPS. The idea is to provide greater appeal to riders across a range of styles and racing styles.

FASE offers a simpler way to bind than traditional two-strap bindings, while still offering the same natural board feel and adjustability. Perhaps most importantly, it allows snowboarders to use any type of snowboard boot they desire.

"We've tested a variety of binding systems with our snowboard boots, but when our engineers and riders tested FASE, it stood out in terms of performance," said ThirtyTwo Brand Director Brian Cook in a press release. "FASE gives us the opportunity to bring a revolutionary new snowboard binding system to the market without compromising the fit and design of the snowboard boot. Proving once again that when passion meets innovation driven by snowboarding pros, the result is unparalleled technical performance."

Some of the world's most respected snowboarders have already signed up. ThirtyTwo riders Pat Fava and Chris Bradshaw have their own pro models. Jeremy Jones is also among the participants, as is fellow Jones rider Victor de Le Rue. So is Beyond Medals rider Tor Lundstrom.

 According to Cedric Nidecker, FASE could easily be categorized as a “freeride binding.” The wide range of different snowboard freeriders, each with a different style of skiing, will help break down any prejudices or doubts that potential buyers may have.

The FASE system will be available for public viewing in the open air this 2024 season – riders like Fava and de Le Rue already have final models – but will not be available for purchase by the general public until October 2025.