“The Joint is Bent Metal’s Mid flex binding, sitting between their awesome Logic and Transfer. It is a hugely impressive, strong and simple binding that works as well, if not better, than many bindings with a much higher price tag.

In your hand the binding looks solid and is very light, the Nylon High back and heel cup look dialled. It has a really nice layered base, with cool graphics, and good access to the bolts. The straps look a little bit flimsy, but this isn’t the case once you strap in – they lock in well and the sprawling rubber beds your boot in superbly.

I rode the joint for a week last season and got out on the 2020 colourway for a solid day hitting all the mountain could offer. I rode a short and fat powder board and an all mountain do-everything board.

“At speed, the bindings don’t feel loose or unsporting, coping with the unexpected, transferring energy when and where it is needed”

Being someone who normally likes a stiff binding for charging and carving hard, I really enjoyed the medium flex. It gave support in all the right areas while allowing a refreshing torsional flex. The highbacks sits high and wide across your calves. They seem to have an even distribution of flex, that held up vertically really well, feeling fantastic on aggressive toe and heel edges. You still have the flexibility to lean back, tweak out a slash or an air. At speed, the bindings don’t feel loose or unsporting, coping with the unexpected, transferring energy when and where it is needed.

The base plate is really comfortable, plenty of padding in there, taking a lot more abuse than I anticipated – I knuckled the shit out a couple of kickers and was surprised my knees didn’t disintegrate. They cope with choppy powder and icy hard pack with a relaxed smooth ride.

Obviously, it is crucial that bindings last and stand up to abuse. Although I only got out on the 2020 model for a day, I rode last year’s model for a week and didn’t encounter any problems – nothing came loose or jammed on me. It is clear Mervin are putting a lot of resources in to Bent Metal, the quality is something to behold.

Overall, this is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all mountain binding, regardless if it is your first pair of bindings or your 20th pair. Don’t forget about that incredible price tag too.”