ThirtyTwo FASE Chris Bradshaw Snowboard Binding Review

Recently, I was fortunate enough to test out these amazing bindings from Thirty Two utilizing the FASE system. Thirty Two has been a player in the snowboard game for a long time but in recent years made the foray into hard goods such as bindings and boards.  They did a fantastic job with this specific offering striking a great balance of flex, durability and sufficient support when you’re locked into these binders. 

FASE Binding Tech

Through the use of the FASE technology, this binding keeps you locked in throughout all conditions from chunder to pow and everything in-between.  With a medium flex, geared towards intermediate to advanced riders this binding offers comprehensive support and flow. Throughout testing this binding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, I was continually impressed with its ability to handle all conditions that were thrown at it. Let’s take a look at how this binding accomplishes such an optimal balance. 

The central highlight of these bindings is the use of the FASE technology.  FASE utilizes three key ingredients in the construction of this superior binding.  One, the Faststrap which is a progressive ankle ladder that is a longer length to accommodate strapping in with one hand.  This enables one to continue moving after disembarking from the lift and seamlessly strapping in while not missing a beat. 

Two, the Autoback is the crux of the binding system allowing for hands free engagement into the binding.  The design without fail automatically closes as the boot is placed on the binding, making contact with the stirrup and opens/closes at the time of engagement/disengagement.  Fortunately, one can simply disengage the autoback when loading lower chairlifts, skating and storing on top of a car ski rack for example quite easily. 

Upgraded Toe Straps

Third, Locked-in toe straps allow one to dial in there fit based upon boot volume and personal feel. The locking strap ratchet performs quite well with its exclusive tri-toothed ladders thus keeping the strap in position for fast entry/exit making it easy for one to adjust the binders on the fly while in the field enjoying turns.  The high-backs of the bindings truly strike a great balance between soft/supple and rigid/responsive that interplay perfectly with the all new Wrap Tech strap that holds your board and boot in concert accomplishing a seamless feel when you’re strapped in and on snow! 

The Baseplate design is innovative in that it is designed to flex without sacrificing board flex which allows every different rider dial in their level of comfort and control.  All these factors allow riders to strap in faster than ever before.  It was funny to see the difference between the time it took me to strap in and how long it took my ski buddies to tighten down their buckles before locking in and heading downhill.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Looking at the pro’s and con’s of this product one gains a sense of just how comprehensive this binding offering is from Thirty Two.  With the FASE system in play getting in and out of bindings has never been so simple and effortless.  The fact that the bindings are suitable for any board and boot setup checks that utilitarian box. 

The bindings are also solid for all mountain conditions which equates to superior performance across the spectrum of conditions. Due to a progressive feel and dampness the bindings improve upon the boot to binding connection via the the tried and true feel of the two strap performance. 

Backed by a lifetime warranty from Thirty Two one can feel supported and confident that their product is up for the job!  Even in powder as long as you wipe away that fresh chowder before strapping in, you’ll strike that optimal feel you’re looking for.  All adjustments can be made on bindings without a tool which when in the field can prove critical.  Simply twist the high-back screw to adjust forward lean, just as easy to adjust the toe and ankle straps as well. 

Weight and Sizing

With a weight on the ThirtyTwo Bradshaw Boots of 6lbs. it matches a conventional binding there is no reason not to strap into a pair of these and give em’ a whirl.  Available in Small, Medium, and Large sizes

Cons:

As far as the con’s, there are not many.  If anything they are more so determining factors based upon what kind of rider you’re and what type of riding you prefer.  Because it is medium to soft flex, when you go to twist laterally you do feel a little movement because of a slightly lower chassis. Also, with the ankle strap it does allow a little lateral play mixed with the softer, flexier high back.  When you are going toe to heel it is responsive eliminating dead spots allowing a little roll thus creating a softer feel.  It is not the most damp binding out there but you won’t feel push piles, or chunder too dramatically. 

The ankle strap mostly performed great but I did notice a pressure point with a little bit of pinching when I really ratcheted the straps down.  It was easily troubleshooted by taking a moment to ratchet into the desired place on the binding ladders. The toe strap is sufficient but there is a little gap and it does not caress the boot to quite the optimal level. It certainly is sufficient and I will look forward to the update in the next version hopefully striking a more optimal balance and feel.

With the addition of a little urethane in the next generation, the feel could be improved in variable conditions.  That being said, for an initial offering, Thirty two struck a fairly good balance with this binding allowing riders to ride nearly all conditions optimally other then super set up bulletproof snow which if we’re being honest who really wants to ride conditions like that anyway?

Overall Impression

In summary, this binding is a fantastic option for a multitude of riders. This binding is ideal for freestyle riders, park riders wanting to pop in and out quickly maximizing the amount of runs they can achieve in a day.  If looking for a stiffer offering with this technology, the Jones Mercury Fase is one to look at. 

I really enjoyed this binding with a solid chassis and integrative feel.  It’s solid for a fast entry performance binding and pairs perfectly with freestyle riders.  I would recommend this product to most riders as it certainly has a place in everyone’s quiver.  I had a blast ripping around Jackson Hole Mountain Resort truly testing it in a multitude of conditions that it performed exceptionally well across the board!

Related FASE Snowboard Bindings We TETON Tested

1. Jones Mercury FASE Binding Review
2. ThirtyTwo T32M FASE Binding Review