The AutoBack system offers fast entry for freeride snowboarders
Nelson: I tested Jones Mercury FASE snowboard bindings in British Columbia. The main change is the AutoBack highback system. When open, it leans much farther back than normal bindings.
The AutoBack has a plastic lever on the bottom inside. Your boot presses this lever when you step in. This moves the highback up into place against your calf. Then you just tighten the ankle strap and go. To get out, you open the ankle strap ratchet and step out.
The binding is stiff and made for freeride and powder riding. It has foam padding on top and bottom for comfort. There are only two settings for forward lean – that’s it. The padding made them very comfortable for my calves.
Unlike Jones’ other bindings, these don’t have SkateTech which helps with edge control. I missed it at first but adjusted quickly. These still felt very responsive when riding.
I used them for cat-skiing and heli-skiing in deep powder and on icy slopes. I tried them with two different Jones snowboards. They worked well in all conditions from steep runs to backcountry terrain.