Unlocking the Snow: A Deep Dive into Jones Mercury FASE Bindings

The Evolution of Fast-Entry Snowboard Bindings

The current landscape of snowboard bindings is defined by a delicate balance between speed, control, and comfort. Traditional two-strap bindings, while offering secure foot placement, can be cumbersome for quick access. Skiers often mock snowboarders for their struggles when stepping in and out, leading to a demand for faster solutions.

Enter the Fast Entry System (FASE) by Jones, which aims to streamline entry and exit while retaining performance. Hybrid solutions, such as FASE, have emerged, allowing riders to use standard boots while delivering swift adjustments. This review centers around my hands-on experience with the Jones Mercury FASE bindings.

Technical Breakdown of the FASE System

At first glance, the FASE bindings may seem like any other two-strap model, but a closer inspection reveals their sophistication. The toe strap features a locking mechanism to maintain your preferred tension, eliminating the hassle of readjustments mid-ride. Meanwhile, the uniquely designed ankle strap, known as the FastStrap, is equipped with both ratcheting teeth and a smooth extension, allowing seamless stepping in and out.

Diving into Performance

Comfort is paramount in snowboarding, and the Jones Mercury FASE excels in this area. It embraces a snug fit, offering both responsiveness and flexibility. The highback, referred to as the AutoBack, leans further back than standard models, which not only enhances the fit but also supports aggressive riding styles without sacrificing comfort.

"When it comes to backcountry riding, I trust these bindings anywhere. They excel even in pow conditions."

Real-World Testing

This season, I tested the bindings across a range of scenarios—from the powdery slopes of Whistler to the icy trails of Mont Tremblant. The FASE system's quick-entry capabilities genuinely shine under varied conditions. While traditional bindings can slow you down, the Mercury FASE allows for seamless transitions that can invigorate your riding experience.

However, perfecting the fit is crucial. Initially, I attempted using a medium size with my size-11 boots, which was a recipe for disaster. Tightness rendered the fast-entry mechanism ineffective. After switching to large bindings, the difference was palpable. The FASE mechanism operated fluidly.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Time-efficient entry and exit, compatibility with any boot, and solid build quality.
• Cons: Can be tricky on steep slopes, potential boot jamming issues, and lacks SkateTech.

Comparative Insights

In the landscape of quick-entry bindings, the Jones Mercury FASE stands out. Competing systems like Nidecker's Supermatic, while promising, fall short in execution. Supermatics are often bulky and fail to deliver the responsiveness expected of bindings in this category. The Burton Step-On system is lighter but limits compatibility with compatible boots, posing risks on the mountain.

A Final Verdict

The Jones Mercury FASE bindings not only prove to be a reliable fast-entry solution—these have become my all-time favorites due to their combination of ease of use and performance. Moving forward, I would recommend improvements in terms of snow accumulation on the footbeds and design tweaks to the entry and exit mechanisms. But for reliability and performance in various conditions, these bindings exceed expectations.

Where to Buy

Interested in the Jones Mercury FASE bindings? You can grab a pair at:

• Evo - $288 (originally $360)
• Jones Snowboards - $370

Happy riding!