“I by no means thought I’d journey a binding with a brand new entry system that didn’t compromise on efficiency – and now I’m hooked.”
What’s FASE?
Firstly, it’s necessary to notice that, versus being a single binding, FASE is an ingredient model that slots into present fashions within the Jones, Bataleon and Rome traces and makes its joint arrival with the all-new ThirtyTwo binding undertaking. The Bataleon Blaster, Rome Katana and Jones Mercury have all been given the FASE remedy, in addition to the debutante ThirtyTwo T32M.
At its core, FASE is a revolution that’s based mostly on evolution. They’re not attempting to reinvent the wheel right here; FASE sits as a best-of-both-worlds option- a two-strap binding, simply with a number of alternative upgrades to carry ease of use and comfort to the forefront, with out sacrificing on-snow efficiency. All of the consolation, dependability and locked-in really feel you’d count on out of your conventional two-strap with not one of the clunkiness, compatibility points or weight that may come hand in hand with ‘simple entry’ fashions.
Co-pioneered by OG Wildcat JF Pelchat, FASE has permeated the binding trade with unbelievable alacrity. Battle-tested by the perfect within the biz and prepared for something, from steep, technical traces within the Alaskan wilderness to all-out city assaults within the Helsinki streets. Minimal fuss, most performance- any boot, any rider, any terrain, any journey.
How does FASE work?
The FASE system is centred round three bits of latest tech- the self-closing Autoback, the lengthened FastStrap ankle ladder and the Locked-In Toe Strap. These elements kind the core of FASE, leaving manufacturers to tinker with baseplates, straps, canting and different ordinary binding personalisation. Which means that identical to a conventional binding line, every product is distinct, aimed toward a unique rider- all that ties them collectively is the comfort of the FASE system.
Every product contains a pressure-sensitive lever close to the heel cup that, when engaged by your boot, very like a bear lure, forces the opened-out Autoback highback to snap into place. The Locked-In Toe Strap makes use of LSR 2.0 buckles, which lock in place as quickly as you cease cranking, and a tri-toothed ladder to stop slipping. Set this to your required dimension earlier than using, and it stays in place all day. The FastStrap ankle strap is an revolutionary lengthy ankle ladder permitting for intuitive one-handed closure and tightening, and opens huge sufficient to slip your boot in with no faff. To launch your foot, merely loosen the FastStrap, raise your heel and voilà, the Autoback opens out to help you slide out.
It truly is that simple. FASE isn’t attempting to muscle in on the speedy entry market or promising you the world; they’re a timesaving, handy add-on that enables conventional two-strap bindings to up their sport whereas retaining all of the operate and efficiency you’ve come to count on from them.
“I’ve ridden the FASE System bindings within the streets, at resorts, whereas constructing pow jumps, and in contests”
Who’s FASE for?
Therein lies the great thing about FASE; it’s an ingredient system that’s been adopted by a number of manufacturers and integrated into their traces. So, moderately than being a single binding for a single goal, it’s been utilized in a mess of various bindings for a mess of various riders. The benefit of use means it’s nice for these chasing fast raise departures or anybody bored with ladders being in the way in which, the common compatibility offers it the sting with regards to match, and the zero-compromise, basic two-strap efficiency is one thing each snowboarder can get behind. It’s a win-win-win state of affairs.
How does FASE differ from different merchandise in the marketplace?
It each does and doesn’t. Being built-in into present fashions just like the Blaster, Katana, and Mercury means you’ll discover some main similarities to the OG editions. Every part you recognize and love about them stays; you’ll simply be getting some added sauce and saving time each time you strap in.
As for different entry methods, it’s a completely completely different ball game- they’re utterly distinct, and there’s no comparability to be made. FASE will not be ‘fast entry’ or ‘step-in’ bindings; it’s a system that’s integrated with conventional two-strap choices to enhance the general expertise. In contrast to different merchandise in the marketplace, you’re not paying a premium for the pleasure of utilizing FASE, and also you’re not having to decide on comfort over efficiency or vice versa; with FASE, you may have your cake and eat it too.
What’s the sturdiness like?
As with all new product, it’s pure to have a little bit of trepidation concerning the longevity, however relaxation assured, though we’re solely just lately seeing the merchandise within the public eye, the FASE workforce has been quietly working behind the scenes with main trade professionals on their system for 7 years.
They’ve spent numerous hours tweaking and refining each final element to make sure the utmost sturdiness. And it’s not simply lab coats and check tubes both; FASE bindings have been wear-tested in probably the most rugged terrain by probably the most aggressive riders. They’re so positive of their merchandise that FASE is backed by a lifetime assure, however on the off probability something untoward ought to occur, spare elements can be available.
Do execs truly use FASE?
Completely sure. FASE is used and trusted by an enormous vary of execs, together with Jeremy Jones, Ståle Sandbech, Tor Lundström, Scott Stevens, Pat Fava and Marrisa Krawczak. Marrisa famous, “The management and response I had within the FASE bindings was unmatched this previous winter. The board really feel they supplied from edge to edge made me really feel tremendous assured in steep and technical terrain, the place I must make exact and fast actions.”
What terrain is FASE designed for?
Fast park hits or far-flung heli journeys, FASE refuses to be pigeonholed. Scott Stevens and Jeremy Jones snowboard on utterly reverse ends of the spectrum, in completely completely different terrain, however each make use of FASE bindings. FASE has been completely put via its paces and has the chops to deal with what comes its means. Every binding utilizing the FASE system is a completely completely different beast, so whether or not you’re in search of cruisy laps on the hardpack or fancy tackling the steep and deep, there’s a FASE binding on the market for you.
Which FASE Binding is the best one for me?
There’s no cut-and-dry reply right here, however we’ve outlined the fundamentals to offer you an thought of what using fashion every binding outfitted with FASE will help greatest.
Bataleon Blaster FASE
The Bataleon Blaster FASE is quick, enjoyable, and unfiltered—simply how snowboarding ought to be. Constructed round an excellent surfy AsymWrap chassis that enables for boned-out grabs and tweaks galore. The Blaster FASE makes use of high-end AuxTech straps that make use of a honeycomb sample to mould completely round your boot, eliminating hotspots and stress factors, in addition to a canted footbed that means that you can exert even stress. Past Medals frontman Tor Lundström likes them a lot, he made a professional mannequin model: “I by no means thought I’d journey a binding with a brand new entry system that didn’t compromise on efficiency – and now I’m hooked.”
Rome Katana FASE
The award-winning Katana everyone knows and love, however pimped out with FASE. These are Ståle’s bindings of alternative for tearing up Alaskan faces throughout the Pure Choice Tour and Maggie Leon’s within the streets- the Rome Katana AW FASE can do all of it. Ståle’s multi-faceted method to using highlights their unbelievable versatility. “I’ve been using the Katana FASE all final season, from park laps to the highest of the mountains within the backcountry, and so they have been using actually properly. Feels identical to a standard, trusted two-strap binding, however with the Quick Entry system to prime it off.”
ThirtyTwo T32M FASE
Probably the most playful and freestyle-focused within the assortment, the ThirtyTwo T32M FASE will get the seal of approval from Pat Fava: “I’ve ridden the FASE System bindings within the streets, at resorts, whereas constructing pow jumps, and in contests. Not solely do they work nice in each atmosphere I’ve put them in, however additionally they work rapidly and effectively, all whereas being robust and secure.” This can be ThirtyTwo’s first yr within the binding sport, however they’re no strangers to creating high-quality merchandise that put the onus on rider-refined options. Tweaky, flowy and hella enjoyable, the ThirtyTwo T32M is all about letting the great occasions roll.
Jones Mercury FASE
The Jones Mercury FASE is the unabashed freeride destroyer of the crew, designed with enter from Victor de le Rue and examined by the person himself within the gnarliest terrain on his Freeride World Tour-winning season. As Victor says, “After 30 years on a snowboard, it feels wonderful to lastly journey a binding that actually innovates. Quicker, smarter, and completely suited to each facet of my using.” Constructed round a classy and highly effective Fusion XR baseplate, with a DualFlex ankle strap and an ergonomically designed uneven highback, the Jones Mercury FASE is for riders who refuse to compromise on efficiency.
“After 30 years on a snowboard, it feels wonderful to lastly journey a binding that actually innovates. Quicker, smarter, and completely suited to each facet of my using.”
So, is FASE definitely worth the hype?
Having had the Whitelines Take a look at Staff extensively put FASE via its paces over the previous season, we are able to say with confidence that they’re, in reality, definitely worth the hype. All the efficiency, safety, locked-in really feel and adjustability of an everyday two-strap binding, simply simpler to get out and in.
Try evaluations of the FASE bindings in our record of the Finest Snowboard Bindings.
