Jones Mercury FASE Review: The Best Fast Entry Bindings?

Jones Mercury FASE Snowboard Bindings Review: The Best Fast Entry System

For years, the snowboard community has been locked in a quiet, frosty battle. While skiers zip around with practiced ease, snowboarders often find themselves fumbling with straps, laces, and a general reluctance to sit down in the snow. It is a scene familiar to anyone who has ever ridden a chairlift: the quick dismount, the frantic gearing up, and the inevitable lag as you wait for your slower-strapping brethren.

But what if there was a way to enter the fray as quickly as the skiers? Jones Snowboards seems to think so with their Mercury FASE (Fast Activation Strap) bindings. After a serious session on the slopes, I can tell you this: the FASE system isn't just a gimmick. It is a genuine game-changer for anyone who values time on the mountain over time spent fiddling with gear.

THE NEED FOR SPEED ON THE SLOPES

Let's be honest, strapping into a snowboard can be a chore. Traditional bindings, while reliable, require you to sit down, align your boots, and cinch straps until your toes go numb. This is especially frustrating when you are trying to keep up with friends who ski, or when you are in a rush to catch the last lift. The in-and-out struggle is real, particularly on powder days when sitting down means getting a wet backside before you’ve even made your first turn.

Jones’ FASE system aims to solve this without sacrificing the high-performance feel that the Mercury binding is known for. The core idea is a strap that, once initially set, can be quickly flipped into place. It’s designed to minimize the fiddling, reduce the need to sit down (a godsend on icy or deep-snow days), and get you riding faster.

TECH SPECS AT A GLANCE Model: Jones Mercury FASE Flex Rating: 6/10 (All-Mountain Versatility) System Type: Fast Activation Strap (Stow Strap) Technology: NOW Skate Tech (for better edge control) Weight: Mid-range (comparable to standard Mercury bindings) Compatibility: Standard 4x4, 4x2, and Channel systems

HOW FASE ACTUALLY WORKS

The Mercury FASE bindings incorporate Jones' Stow Strap technology. The magic happens in the ankle strap. Instead of a traditional ratcheting system where you have to feed the ladder into the buckle every single time, it uses a lever mechanism. You set the tightness once during your first run, and from then on, you simply flip the lever up to release and down to secure. It is remarkably intuitive.

During testing, I found that going from standing at the lift line to fully strapped in took mere seconds. The ankle strap engages securely, and there is a secondary strap over the toe to ensure your boot is held firmly in place. The release is just as swift. This means more laps, less waiting, and frankly, a lot less awkward shuffling around in the snow. Because it utilizes Jones' NOW Skate Tech—which mimics the movement of a skateboard truck to transfer energy directly to the edges—you don't lose any of the responsiveness that high-level riders demand.

VS. THE FIELD: HOW IT COMPARES TO THE RIVALS

When talking about fast-entry systems, two other names usually dominate the conversation: Burton Step On and the Nidecker Supermatic. Here is how the Jones FASE stacks up against the competition.

Jones FASE vs. Burton Step On: The Burton Step On system is incredibly fast, but it has one major hurdle: it requires proprietary Step On boots. If you already have boots you love, you have to buy a whole new setup. The Jones FASE works with ANY standard snowboard boot. You get the speed of a fast-entry system without being locked into a specific boot brand.

Jones FASE vs. Nidecker Supermatic: The Supermatic is a true dual-entry system that works with any boot, much like the FASE. However, the Supermatic is notoriously heavy and bulky because of its complex trigger mechanism. The Jones FASE maintains a much slimmer profile and a lighter weight, making it feel more like a traditional high-performance binding once you are actually riding.

THE GIFT-BUYER’S CHEAT SHEET: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you are buying these as a gift for a snowboarder in your life, you might be overwhelmed by the technical jargon. Here is the bottom line: The Jones Mercury FASE is the safest bet for a high-end binding gift.

The most important thing to know is that these bindings work with every standard snowboard boot on the market. Unlike other fast-entry systems that force the rider to wear specific, expensive boots, the FASE system allows your gift recipient to keep their favorite, broken-in boots. It also fits on every major snowboard mounting system (4x4, 4x2, and the Burton Channel). If they are an intermediate to advanced rider who complains about skiers leaving them behind, this is the gift they actually want.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This system is a no-brainer for several types of riders:

The Social Rider: If you are constantly trying to keep up with a mixed group of skiers and snowboarders, the FASE system will make your life infinitely easier. No more being the bottleneck at the top of the run.

The Resort Rider: For those who frequent resorts and want to maximize their time on groomed runs and park features, the efficiency gains are substantial. You will get more runs in, period.

The Snowboarder Who Hates Sitting Down: Whether it is due to a bad back, a desire to stay dry, or just plain impatience, if sitting down to strap in is your least favorite part of snowboarding, FASE is your salvation.

THE VERDICT: SPEED WITHOUT COMPROMISE

The Jones Mercury FASE bindings deliver on their promise of faster entry and exit. The system is robust, well-engineered, and integrates seamlessly with Jones’ existing Mercury platform, which is famous for its comfortable padding and responsive feel. While the initial setup takes a moment to dial in the perfect tightness, the payoff is immediate.

PROS:

• Extremely fast entry and exit once set up.
• Compatible with all standard snowboard boots.
• Excellent power transfer thanks to NOW Skate Tech.
• Mid-stiff flex (6/10) handles everything from powder to park.
• No more sitting in the cold snow to strap in.

CONS:

• Requires a one-time initial adjustment that takes a few minutes.
• Slightly higher price point than basic traditional bindings.
• Purists might miss the ritual of ratcheting their straps.

These bindings are a standout for anyone looking to streamline their snowboarding experience. They cut through the usual setup hassle and get you back where you belong: on the mountain, flying down the hill, and—for once—beating the skiers to the stash.