Is FASE Binding the Future? Breaking Down ThirtyTwo’s New Fast-Entry System

When the legendary snowboard boot brand ThirtyTwo announced they were getting into the binding game, this was quite a big deal in itself.  But when their initial offerings all feature an all new ThirtyTwo T32M FASE fast entry binding system, it marks a new point in snowboard technology and puts us firmly into the “future is now” headspace.

Whats Up with FASE

ThirtyTwo, (along with Jones, Battalion, and Rome,) have licensed this new FASE technology and released snowboard bindings this year. I got to spend a few days on the ThirtyTwo’s T32M Binding last year, so here’s my breakdown of The Good, The Bad, and The Awesome.

On first inspection, they seem well built yet light weight, and look like a regular ol’ binding with two straps and a fold down highback. The ankle straps and ratchets felt a little cheap at first, but had a solid feel while riding. Straps were comfy and had a good blend of freedom and support, and the ratchets worked flawlessly.

Binding Features

A feature unique to all FASE bindings is the “Wrap Tech” ankle strap, which never comes fully apart. It has a long ratchet ladder that stays in the ratchet and allows the strap to open up wide enough to stick your boot in unencumbered.

The Locked-In toe strap is a low pro design and is meant to be “set and forget”. It locks in at an angle and stops your boot when you step in so you can stomp down on the highback flippy mechanism and be locked in tight against the heelcup. So far so good.

The AutoBack highback is what makes the fast entry system on the ThirtyTwo T32M Bindings so special. It flips right up into place and locks in when you step in the system, and flips right back down when you get out. The only thing us lazy humans have to do is bend over and give the ankle ratchet a few cranks, and you’re off to shred.

The learning curve is non-existent, they worked perfectly right off the bat. After a few runs I could get strapped in straight off the lift while moving. I could even loosen the ankle strap, step out while moving, give a few one-foot pushes through the flats, and step back in no prob. Very cool. My biggest gripe is there are limited forward lean options. I’m tall and need me some f’lean, and the two-clicks-max above the staring lean option just wasn’t quite enough for me….more on than in a bit.

Comparing the FASE Systems

On Snow Performance

While inbounds in spring conditions, ripping groomers and park, these were a blast. A great mid flexing binding that let me ride fairly aggressively yet remained playful and loose. I could feel the lack of forward lean but it didn’t affect my riding while ripping around the resort and hitting park features and side hits.

I had a blast on them and enjoyed getting in and out as often as I could as it was so easy and intuitive. On the softer side of medium. Moderate to heavy inbounds resort ripping I give these a solid thumbs up.

I brought these out when I went out for a “casual” June 26th hike n’ shred off the Jackson Hole aerial tram with a select group of ripping homies. The only lines available in June are the steep a.f. pitches of Cody peak located out of bounds south of the resort. Once we got to the top, our line was looking like a “frozen suncupped 40+ degree-no fall zone with exposure” kind of run.

As soon as I was on the face I remembered the lack of forward lean and felt the “playfulness” I had enjoyed a month and a half earlier, only this time I didn’t want to “play”.

I could barely hold a heel edge, let alone snowboard. In this survival type shred scenario, I felt like I brought a pool noodle to a machete fight. After I washed-out to near death several times, I ended up making it down with little to no pride left. Fun, it wasn’t. Perhaps with a few more clicks of forward lean I could have salvaged my run and not feared for my life? IDK, but for now I think I’m gonna have to go back to my prehistoric Union Forces and strap in like the Neanderthals’ did, one strap at a time.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• System works swimmingly.
• Easy to use, no learning curve to get in and out on the fly.
• Comfortable and fun freestyle vibes.
• Great for the ripping park, jibber, inbounds resort cruzer, just lazy riders;)

 Cons:.

• Not enough forward lean options.
• Too soft for freeriding/ aggressive riding
• Unsure how the system would perform in deep pow. You need something to stand on to step in. (I found the same issue with Step-On products)
• The system relies on tight pressure fits with plastic parts. As these break in and loosen up, not sure on longevity if you ride a lot and want to keep these for many years.

Overall Impression

I do like the Thirtytwo’s T32M Bindings ($349,95) and the FASE system. Despite my sketch summer riding experience, there is definitely a place for these in the market. They are great stand alone freestyle bindings, but with the FASE system, they become a truly unique product that a lot of people will likely love. I’ve tried several other fast entry systems by other bands, and this is by far the best overall product that checks most boxes. These are true to the feel and riding experience of traditional strap bindings, but beautifully merged with a simple and easy to use entry and exit system.

Just gimme some more lean!!

Related Snowboard Bindings We Like

1. Jones Mercury Bindings
2. Union Force Bindings
3. Ride A-10 Bindings