Definietly metal, I had the previous mini xnet before I purchased the pocket net and no matter what I loaded it with those buckles never loosened although it didn't hold the smaller items like I wanted it too. I would definietly advise metal buckles I have 3 lightweight nylon jackets in it right now. I used to also keep a small pair of FRS radios and a small set of binoculars and the buckles wouldn't hold. I constantaly had to retighten them. any chance we could work on a trade.