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Bent Metal Joint 2018-2019 Snowboard Bindings Review

UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2019/2020 Bent Metal Joint here

We quite liked the neatness that was the men’s range of Bent Metal bindings. Logic = soft, Solution = stiff, Transfer = halfway between the two. Now there’s these, the Bent Metal Joint snowboard bindings – but don’t worry, they’re a very welcome addition.

Flex-wise, the Bent Metal Joint is stiffer than the Logic, but less so than the Transfer. It shares some tech with both (the same Nylon highback as the latter, the same ankle strap ad the former), but the result is a binder with a personality all of its own.

“Two layers of boron fibres deliver a Goldilocks-porridge ride; not to soft, not too firm”

[monetizer101 search=’bent metal joint’]

As with all Bent Metal bindings, the Joint has a ‘Drive Plate’ that sits directly under your foot. This has a sandwich construction, similar to a snowboard, that allows it to be fine-tuned for just the right amount of flex and response. In the case of the Joint, two layers of boron fibres deliver a Goldilocks-porridge ride; not to soft, not too firm.

As for that ankle strap, it’s pleasingly ergonomic without the need for any unnecessary padding. With zero pressure points, comfort is assured, and the minimalist design means you won’t even notice it’s there.

“It shares some tech with the Logic and the Transfer, but the result is a binder with a personality all of its own”

The main advantage, though, is that the Bent Metal Joint comes in at a lower price than the rest of the fleet. The Drive Plates are still made in the USA, so there’s naturally a few extra costs to be factored in, but the Mervin bods have made sure that riders on a budget are covered too.

Artist collabs continue to be a big part of the Bent Metal story, thanks in part to their use of sublimated topsheet material on the Drive Plates, which act as mini canvases. The Joint is no exception; the design seen here was dreamed (or is that nightmared?) up by Dirty Adam, but there’s a mellower variant courtesy of photographer Tim Zimmerman, as well as a goes-with-everything black number.

Tester’s Verdict

Sam McMahonwhitelines.com

“I know what I like when I’m looking for bindings: flexibility. Not just overall, but a decent amount of lateral flex coupled with responsiveness from toe to heel. Perhaps it’s due to my skate background, but I’m always excited when I find a pair of foot straps that tick these boxes.

Since Bent Mental was revived a few years ago, I’ve been pretty stoked on its offerings. The Transfer and Logic are both great bindings in my opinion, so when I heard that the brand new Joint was here to occupy a space between them, I was intrigued.

It seems like my prayers had been answered. The name literally comes from the goal to create a fluid joint between the rider and board rather than simply clamping them down.

“This is the kind of product every snowboard brand should be working towards”

Whilst riding you have heaps of freedom to shift your weight around and tweak out in the air, all the while being ready to dart from edge to edge at a moment’s notice. One of the best feeling bindings this year, and the one I found myself reaching for more than once during The Selection.

Best of all? The price. It’s rare to find a binder in the (admittedly, just) sub-£200 category these days, but to try out a pair that ride as well as these, fit comfortably and come with a bunch of features that are actually useful (the Cube is still the best forward lean adjustment, as well as the simplest) wasn’t something I was anticipating.

Great binding, better price – this is the kind of product every snowboard brand should be working towards. It fully deserves its place here in The Whitelines 100.”

[monetizer101 search=’bent metal joint’]

Trade Secrets

Bent Metal Larry – Back from rehab…

“The Joint brings BMBW’s standard of high performance components and a Mervin Made Flex Control Drive Plate together for less money and more all mountain action.

The boron fiber Drive Plate pairs with a nylon highback and heel cup to create a responsive yet forgiving all-mountain performance that’s quickly becoming a team favourite.

Dirty Adam spends his time wrenching on motorcycles and inking tattered up notebooks with his drawings. This hesh style is reminiscent of an old binding brand from the 90’s..oh yeah it was Bent Metal. ‘Git dead or die’!”

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