Straps and Highbacks

The highback features no cutaways or flex points, giving the Bent Metal Stylist a robust, responsive feel on the heelside without feeling like being strapped into an iron maiden. That unadulterated shape also doubles as a great canvas for the various artists that have provided daubings for the Stylist, including snowboarding’s favourite scribbler Jamie Lynn (who also provided a matching design for the Lib Tech Dynamiss women’s snowboard).

The straps on all Bent Metal bindings toe roughly the same line, dispensing with unnecessary (and sometimes counterproductive) padding in favour of minimalist materials that prioritise fit and support over comfort, while still delivering all three. The Bent Metal Stylist features the brand’s softest ankle strap, which conforms to the shape of your foot for an uber-snug fit that feels mellow on the hill. Meanwhile the toe strap is slightly more substantial than the one you’ll find on some of the BMBW range, yet still fits perfectly over just about any boot.

“The highback doubles as a great canvas for the various artists that have provided daubings for the Stylist, including Jamie Lynn”

Roundup

While we’ll stop short of saying that Bent Metal’s Drive Plates are revolutionary when it comes to performance, they’re certainly pretty nifty – especially as you can pick up stiffer or flexier ones to suit your needs.

That being said, none of that would matter much if the rest of the Bent Metal Stylist wasn’t up to scratch – but it is. For female riders who appreciate quality craftsmanship and who want to keep their options open on the hill, that’s great news.

Pros:

• Goes anywhere, does anything, looks great doing it
• Not 100% to your liking? The option to swap the drive plate might solve that

Cons:

• Perhaps a Jill of all trades, master of none

SHOP ALL SNOWBOARD BINDINGS ON