Designer: Paul Ferrel from Bent Metal

Q&A with Paul Ferrel on Bent Metal’s LIGHTNING SUPERMATIC®.

Paul Ferrel, Product Manager at Bent Metal Binding Works, led the move to bring the LIGHTNING SUPERMATIC® into the lineup. In this interview, he explains why they licensed the Supermatic® system, what they tuned to make it ride like a Bent Metal, how their disks simplify mounting and centering, and what riders can expect.

“SUPERMATIC®’s automatic binding system is truly transformative. Once you try it, it feels almost magical, especially after years of using traditional strap bindings.”

Hey Paul, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Leading the launch of the LIGHTNING SUPERMATIC® at Bent Metal, what was the experience of integrating that tech into your lineup?
It’s been a great experience bringing The LIGHTNING SUPERMATIC® into our lineup and integrating our tech into the binding. One of the best parts of my role is keeping an eye on the big picture while still getting to dig into the details with our tight-knit, talented binding team and getting directly involved in the design and development process.

When you evaluated fast-entry options, what criteria led you to license Supermatic® specifically – and what rider problems did it solve better than alternatives?
We chose the Supermatic® System for its proven performance and three standout advantages that elevate the rider experience: automatic, universal boot compatibility, and versatility. 

The ease and speed of SUPERMATIC®’s automatic binding system is truly transformative. Once you try it, it feels almost magical, especially after years of using traditional strap bindings. Supermatic® leads the category in delivering a seamless step-in experience that saves time and energy on the mountain. The system works with any snowboard boot brand or model, giving riders the freedom to stick with their favorite boots. Comfort is key to a great day on the slopes, and not having to invest in a new pair of boots just to upgrade your bindings is a major win – both for performance and your wallet.

Last, but not least, thanks to its conventional strap design, Supermatic® offers dual-entry access, giving riders the familiar feel they trust while enabling entry and exit in terrain where other automatic systems may struggle. Whether you’re in deep powder, steep terrain, or tight spots, Supermatic® adapts to the challenge.

Lightning integrates Supermatic’s auto entry with Bent Metal’s style. What did you change so it rides like a Bent Metal?
Riders familiar with our bindings will recognize the unique features built upon the proven and innovative SUPERMATIC® platform. Here’s what we’ve added:

Revolutionary Cube
The world’s fastest and most intuitive forward lean adjuster now pairs with the most efficient binding technology. Easily fine-tune your response to match terrain or conditions, with clearly marked angles for confident setup.

Solid Power Highback
This highback silhouette and design is featured across several of our conventional models, it delivers reliable power transfer when needed, while allowing just enough torsional flex for precise control and finesse.

UHMW Slip Plate with High-Resolution Graphics
Borrowing from our Flex Control Drive Plates, we’ve integrated a thin sheet of UHMW – commonly used in snowboard construction – into the footbed. This material not only enables vivid graphics but also helps shed snow and provides a smooth surface for seamless boot entry and exit.

Heel Shock Pad
A staple in our premium models, this pad helps absorb impact during hard landings, enhancing comfort and control.

Dual Band Ankle Strap 
The SUPERMATIC® design reflects our strap philosophy, offering familiar comfort and responsive performance that riders have come to expect. 

Walk us through the Off-Set Multi-Disk and small-disk strategy – what tolerances and hole patterns guarantee quick stance/heel-toe centering across 4×4, 2×4, and M6 Channel?
The Off-Set Disk delivers the fastest and easiest way to center your boots over your board, no secondary adjustments needed after mounting. This design perfectly complements the binding’s core benefits of speed and simplicity. It also includes a Channel-compatible mounting pattern with two centering positions, ensuring every rider can experience SUPERMATIC®.

The Pivot Disk, used on our advanced traditional models, features a smaller diameter that allows the baseplate to flex more freely, activating a larger area of the Flex Control Composite Drive Plates. A bonus: it enables greater stance adjustability on 4×2 mounting patterns to position binding farther towards the end of each mounting pattern so you can really adjust towards the rear of the board on a pow day. Boot centering is handled via the adjustable aluminum heelcup. It requires a tool, but it’s ideal for riders who demand precision.

And the Axis Disk, with its larger diameter, is featured on most of our traditional models. It supports 4×4, 4×2, and Channel mounting patterns, offering broad compatibility across all major board setups. This design ensures riders have the flexibility to use their preferred stance and board without compromise.

Auto highback + automatic strap close is great in theory. What failed in early freeze–thaw or blower days, and what measurable changes got reliability where you wanted it?
Before its release, the SUPERMATIC® system underwent extensive testing to ensure dependable performance. Each component was meticulously validated, reflecting the SUPERMATIC® development team’s commitment to quality and precision. Now, after several seasons on the market, it’s no longer just a theory – it’s a proven success, backed by rider feedback and continuing sales momentum.

Lightning uses a heel roller and a UHMW slip plate. What tests did you run for snow-pack and icing, and what’s the best rider habit to keep the mechanism smooth on storm days?
Keeping the footbed clear doesn’t require any special effort; just use the same common-sense habits you would with any snowboard binding. The UHMW Slip Plate on the footbed is made from the same material as your snowboard base, which naturally resists snow buildup and helps it slide off easily. As always, we conducted our standard on-hill testing to ensure the bindings perform reliably in real riding conditions.

Where does Lightning sit relative to core Bent Metal models for board feel and damping? If a Transfer rider converts into Lightning, what differences should they expect?
The LIGHTNING SUPERMATIC® features an 8/10 flex rating, aligning it with our TRANSFER conventional model. This level of responsiveness makes it well-suited for aggressive riding and more advanced riders.

Due to the integrated automatic entry and exit mechanisms, riders may notice a slight increase in weight compared to traditional bindings. However, this added weight is a trade-off for the convenience and efficiency those features provide, benefits that many riders find well worth it.

As Supermatic rolls out to multiple brands, how will Bent Metal keep Lightning distinct, and what’s one change you already want for the next iteration? 
We’re excited to bring more expertise and innovative technologies to future SUPERMATIC® models, expanding binding offerings to suit a wider range of riders. More details will be shared when the time is right. Stay tuned.

Thank you, Paul!