Snowboard bindings with the innovative FASE® system are bringing about a slight (r)evolution in snowboarding, if you like to call it that. Just as Burton caused a hype a few years ago with Step On® and Nidecker with Supermatic®, FASE® is doing the same this winter. These next-level 2-strap bindings combine ultra-fast entry with the proven performance of classic straps. FASE® is currently available on one model each from top brands Bataleon, Jones, Rome and ThirtyTwo. Boot specialist ThirtyTwo is offering its own snowboard bindings for the first time ever.
Although the technology is still brand new, the FASE® system has already secured a firm place in the snowboard scene – from pro riders such as Victor de Le Rue to Ståle Sandbech.
- The FASE® system: technology and features
- Getting in and out of FASE® bindings
- Blue Tomato expert talk about FASE®: video
- Snowboard bindings with the FASE® system
- Pro riders on FASE® bindings
- FASE® at Blue Tomato
- More snowboard knowledge
The FASE® system: technology and features
FASE® has been developed since 2018 with a straightforward mission: "Born on snow, not in a boardroom’". Practicality, quick handling (fast entry) and the familiar performance of classic 2-strap bindings are therefore the top priorities here. The numerous pro riders using FASE bindings and two patents speak for themselves – based on years of development work, practical and laboratory tests, and the expertise of snowboard pros such as Jeremy Jones and Victor de Le Rue.
FASE® sees itself as a so-called ingredient brand, which means that it develops a binding system that is integrated into the bindings of partner brands.
What are the key features of FASE® bindings?
Three game-changing technologies come into play here:
- AutoBack: The highback closes automatically as soon as you step in and activate the pedal.
- FastStrap: You can fasten the ankle strap in a flash with just one hand.
- Locked-In Toe Strap: "Set it and forget it" – once adjusted and locked, it stays in position. However, you can also adjust it on the fly at any time.
Further advantages of FASE®
- Quick entry and exit (e.g. directly into the binding after the chairlift)
- Compatibility with all boots (except Step On®), boards and insert hole patterns (as well as The Channel®)
- Minimalist design that is just as light and compact as classic 2-strap bindings
- Lifetime warranty on system-specific parts
Getting in and out of FASE® bindings
How to get into FASE® bindings
- AutoBack back, FastStrap wide open
- Step into the binding with your boot, your heel activates the pedal
- The AutoBack closes automatically, the toe strap stays in position
- Close FastStrap (= ankle strap)
"Set it and forget it" is the motto for the toe strap. Once adjusted and locked, it stays in position. However, you can also adjust it on-the-fly at any time.
Ready to ride: Once the AutoBack has enclosed your boot and the FastStrap is securely fastened, you are ready to ride in any terrain and in all snow conditions.
How to step out of FASE® bindings
- Open the FastStrap (= ankle strap) until it stops
- Bend your knee slightly, lift your heel and the AutoBack will open automatically
- Stepping out
Tip for lift riding and storage: Fold the AutoBack forward to collapse the binding flat, making it easier to handle when riding lifts, skating or storing.
Blue Tomato Expert Talk on FASE®: Video
In this video, our snowboard experts Oli and Nico talk about FASE® and other Fast Entry Bindings. You'll learn what makes FASE® bindings so special, who they are suitable for and how the individual binding systems work. They also have the latest models with them.
Snowboard bindings with FASE® system
FASE® technology is currently used in the following models from the Bataleon, Jones, Rome and ThirtyTwo brands:
- Bataleon Blaster AW FASE®
- Jones Mercury FASE®
- Rome Katana AW FASE®
- ThirtyTwo T32M FASE®
All models come in different colours and designs. These include several pro models, created in collaboration with various snowboard pros, such as the Bataleon Blaster Pro AW FASE® x Tor (Lundstrom) and the Rome Katana AW FASE® x Stale (Sandbech).
What are the differences between the individual FASE® models?
While the ThirtyTwo T32M FASE® is softer, with a focus on playful all-mountain and park riding, the Jones Mercury FASE® offers a stiffer flex and shows its strengths in freeriding and on varied terrain. The Rome Katana AW FASE® and Bataleon Blaster AW FASE® are classic all-mountain snowboard bindings with medium to hard flex, with the Pro versions of both models being slightly stiffer. In terms of construction, Rome and Bataleon also rely on an AsymWrap™ aluminium chassis, whichprovides a surfy feel with more freedom to tweak, while at the same time enabling responsive edge control.
Pro riders on FASE® snowboard bindings
As already mentioned, from the very beginning, FASE®'s philosophy has been to develop a binding system that not only performs well in laboratory tests, but also receives top ratings from professional and recreational snowboarders in practical tests. That's why more than a dozen snowboard pros were involved in the development of the FASE® system, and the bindings are now being used in contests and sessions in some of the toughest conditions. Here we present the ‘Who's Who’ of FASE® pros:
- Victor De Le Rue rode the Jones Mercury FASE® in every run of the Freeride World Tour – and took the overall victory.
- Ståle Sandbech rode the Rome Katana FASE® throughout the season – and won Natural Selection.
- Harry Kearney won the Men's Pro title at the Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom on the Jones Mercury FASE®.
- Pat Fava trusts his ThirtyTwo T32M FASE® bindings from street snow sessions to the X Games – and became X Games People's Champ.
FASE, Fast Entry! I initially had a few doubts, but on the first day of riding it, I forgot I was on a new binding as it felt so comfortable and performed great!
Victor de Le Rue, Freeride World Champion and Blue Tomato Teamrider
Many other pros are also involved in the development and continuous improvement: Scott Stevens, Jeremy Jones, Marissa Krawczak, Danielle Weiler, Tor Lundstrom, Cody Warble, Jimmy Goodman, Scott Blum, Joe Sexton, Garrett Warnick and Iñaki Odriozola.
FASE® snowboard bindings at Blue Tomato
At Blue Tomato, we offer all FASE® bindings currently available on the market in a variety of colours and designs. These innovative – perhaps even (r)evolutionary – bindings with quick entry in a two-strap design are based on decades of snowboarding experience, coupled with the combined expertise of pro riders. You'll find all this in the FASE® models from Bataleon, Rome, Jones Snowboards and ThirtyTwo.
More snowboard knowledge
- Snowboard Bindings Buyers Guide: Here you can find all the information you need about snowboard bindings
- FASE® snowboard bindings: All FASE® models at a glance
- Fast Entry - Blue World Story Expert tips and reviews on all quick entry systems
- Snowboard Bindings Finder: Find the right snowboard binding for you
Personal snowboard advice in the Blue Tomato shop and online
Would you like to get personalised advice and find your ideal snowboard bindings with us? Visit a Blue Tomato shop near you or contact our product experts in Customer Service.
You can also find lots more practical tips and stories about snowboarding and the right snowboard equipment in our Blue World and in our detailed Snowboard Buyer's Guide.