Expert Review: Bent Metal Transfer Snowboard Bindings · 2022

About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard bindings, which I purchased with my own money in February of 2022.

My take

The Bent Metal Transfer Snowboard Bindings are fantastic for fresh snow and more aggressive riders. They are on the stiffer end of the medium-flex spectrum and very responsive.

About the bindings I own

• Model: 2021/22 Bent Metal Transfers
• Size: Large
• Burton channel compatible: Yes
• Mini disc: Yes

About me

• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 175lbs
• Experience: 14+ years of snowboarding

Test conditions

• When I bought these: February 2022
• Days tested: 20
• Board: Gnu Hyperkyarve
• Boot: ThirtyTwo JP Light
• Where I’ve used it: Colorado and Vermont
• Terrain: Powder, glades, groomers, park

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was in the market for bindings that could hold their own all mountain, dabble in the park, and excel in powder.

Why I chose this gear

I chose these bindings because I've heard positive reviews of Bent Metal and wanted to try them for myself. I love Gnu and Lib Tech boards, and wanted to try their bindings out (Bent Metal is owned by the same parent company). I was torn between Union Contact Pros and Bent Metal Transfers. I’ve had much experience with Union, and wanted to try something new.

What I love about them

• Binding adjustability in boots: These bindings are fully customizable to fit one’s boot.
• Stance adjustability: I’ve had no issues with adjusting to my stance; however, I've never experienced issues in the past with other bindings (I ride -9, +9).
• Comfort: These bindings are very comfortable, and I love the hybrid toe cap for the front strap. I have no foot fatigue after riding from first chair to last call.
• Shock absorption: I've had no issues with shock, although I have not taken these bindings off significant jumps where shock really comes into play. They do have very soft footpads, which I anticipate absorbing shock well.
• Responsiveness: These are very responsive bindings. I have no issues in powder, or ever feel unstable. They help keep me afloat, and do not feel chattery when the snow gets deep. When navigating the trees, or around rocks, they do exactly what my mind is thinking. No struggle, no delays, just instant turns.
• Carving: Fantastic for carving and holding an edge. These bindings help me get low to the ground for smooth, buttery carves. They are sturdy enough to really power through a carve.
• Ease of turn initiation: Very responsive for turning and carving. The Bent Metal Transfers keep my turns sharp even at high speeds.
• Straps: The straps are comfortable and very adjustable. At higher speeds, the straps keep me locked in to the bindings with no heel lift. They do not shift on me nor need constant readjusting. The Transfers really give me a tight, locked in, responsive feel.
• Weight: They are an average weight for bindings, not notably heavy or light. The Transfers did not increase performance due to weight, nor did they hinder it at all.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Buttering: Due to the medium/stiff flex, these bindings are not ideal for buttering. Although possible, the responsiveness does not allow for any play or wiggle room. I prefer softer bindings for buttering, so that when I’m jumping around and spinning, it's not a one-to-one movement. I prefer being able to really throw my weight around with some forgiveness. These bindings make jumping, pressing, and spinning an exact science. I don’t want to give too much movement and energy, because the Transfers respond in a one-to-one way.
• Buckles: These are on the stiffer end of medium, so there is not as much forgiveness as other bindings. They are very responsive and not the best for buttering.
• Durability: There is some wear-and-tear scratching on the highback (nothing out of the ordinary though), and I found that the screws that are used to attach the bindings to the board stripped easier than others I’ve used. I did reach out to Bent Metal for replacements, with no resolve.

Favorite moment with this gear

I first used these bindings during a trip to Colorado where it snowed almost every day. They were fantastic, and everything I wanted in a binding for an out-West experience. Responsive in the back bowls, responsive in powder, with just enough play where I could mess around in Woodward at Copper.

Value for the money vs. other options

These are definitely more of a top-end binding, but the quality shows. As far as bang for your buck, there are similar-feel bindings for cheaper. I feel as if these performed very similarly to the Union Strata, which are significantly less expensive.

Final verdict

I love these bindings and look forward to using them for many seasons to come. They are mounted on my all-mountain/powder board. I would not recommend these for a primarily park setup. I prefer softer bindings in the park.