Jones FASE Mercury Binding Review

What Jones Says

Jones positions the FASE Mercury as a freeride binding that combines fast entry with the locked-in feel of traditional straps. Built with SKATETECH technology, the system is designed to transfer energy directly to the edges of the board, reduce fatigue, and improve control in variable terrain. The FASE system allows riders to step in quickly while maintaining a secure, familiar fit.

What Snowboarder Says

I'll admit it, these Mercury bindings won me over. The entry system is actually fast. Slide your boot in, press down, and you’re in in seconds. And once I started riding with them, I couldn’t tell a difference between these and traditional Jones bindings.

First off, installation was a breeze; the box comes with a QR code that takes you to a video that walks you through everything.

Once they are on, they don’t feel like step-ins. The Mercury has a medium-stiff flex that feels supportive without being overly aggressive. When I drove into turns, especially on firmer snow, the response was immediate. SKATETECH shifts energy toward the edges rather than straight underfoot, and you can feel that leverage. It gives the binding a powerful, controlled feel without making it overly rigid.

A lot of the hesitation around systems like this comes down to security, and I was expecting some play or lag. That wasn’t the case. Once you’re in, it feels locked, like a traditional strap binding. You still have straps, you still have adjustability, and you still get that familiar locked-in feel. These just remove the part where you’re sitting down in the snow.

The ankle strap wraps evenly without pressure points, and the toe strap stayed exactly where I put it without slipping. After the first lap, I didn’t adjust them again. They also feel lighter than expected for something with a built-in system.

There is a slight learning curve with the step-ins. Getting the motion of stomping cleanly takes a couple of tries if you’re used to traditional straps. It’s not fully hands-free, and you still need to guide your boot into place. But once it clicks, it becomes second nature. 

I noticed how convenient these bindings are when I used them on a powder day. You don’t realize how much time you can save by not strapping in until you don’t have to.

I had some concerns about snow or ice buildup affecting how the binding opens over time. I didn’t run into any issues during testing, even when riding through powder, but it’s something worth keeping an eye on with longer-term use.

Who Is The Jones FASE Mercury Binding For?

The Jones FASE Mercury is built for riders who want freeride performance and are curious about faster entry systems. It works best for intermediate to advanced riders who value responsiveness, edge control, and efficiency. 

It is less suited for beginners, riders who prefer a softer, more playful setup, or anyone looking for a fully hands-free step-in system. 

If you’ve been skeptical of step-in bindings because you’re worried they’ll feel loose or less secure, this is a strong case to reconsider. It rides like a traditional binding, just faster. And once you get used to not sitting down to strap in, it’s hard to go back.