One of our favorite brands in house and a brand that continues to blow us away each season is the one and only Union bindings. These guys are dedicated to perfection in all areas – from lightweight materials to insane tech to the best collabs in the game, Union continues to build a dedicated following thanks to their attention to detail. With a diverse line that goes all the way from carbon fiber down to the softest freestyle bindings – there truly is a Union binding out there for every type of rider. Read on as we list our favorite bindings from Union, and all the things that make them so awesome.
Mens Snowboard Bindings
Ultra FC Snowboard Bindings
The high-tech big brother of the Union Ultra is the Ultra FC. With a forged carbon highback AND baseplate, these are some of the stiffest bindings money can buy. By blending some of the stiffest materials available with the highest quality closed cell foam cushioning, the Ultra FC is able to achieve second to none responsiveness with high end comfort. Here are all the stats – forged carbon symmetric highback, MD X-carbon baseplate, forged carbon heel cup, integrated Vaporlite bushings and magnesium buckles. Union essentially took all the best materials and tech and merged them into one, super-hero status binding. 9/10 flex rating means these are not for the weak – if your season takes you to where the eagles dare, then you shouldn’t be riding anything less than the Union FC Ultra.
Pros
- The best of the best
- Insane response and minimal weight
- Can handle fast / steep / aggressive riding
Cons
- Full carbon highback is very rigid
- Price is high due to the expensive materials
Ultra Snowboard Bindings
If responsiveness is what you are looking for in a binding, the Union Ultra should definitely be on your list. With a forged carbon highback, the Atlas offers top notch response and support that can stand up to the world’s toughest conditions. Other key features include the super minimal Exoframe straps, CNC machined 3D heelcup, magnesium buckles and the Vaporlite 2.0 bushing system for increased dampening and support underfoot. You don’t have to be pro to ride these bindings, but we will warn you that will definitely take your riding to the next level.
Pros
- Super responsive
- High quality materials
- Extremely light weight
Cons
- Carbon high back can feel too rigid for some
Atlas Snowboard Bindings
Step your game up this winter with help from the Union Atlas. When guys like Torstein back a binding, you know there’s something spacial going on. With a stiffer flex and super strong, lightweight construction, the Atlas is the true do-it-all, ride-it-all binding. The Atlas is equipped with a tough as nails Stage III baseplate, asymmetrical highback, multi-density EVA bushings for shock absorption and minimized chatter and a canted footbed for ergonomic comfort. Magnesium buckles hold up even in the coldest of temps and the Sonicfuse straps ensure you are locked and loaded securely, in seconds flat. When the entire mountain is your oyster, you need the Union Atlas.
Pros
- Excellent all-mountain option
- Responsive flex without being too stiff
- Asym high back is ergonomic and supportive
Cons
- Some riders prefer a less-padded (more minimal) ankle strap
Contact Snowboard Bindings
In the world of skateboarding, people wear vulcanized soles because they are known to increase board feel – in the world of snowboarding, the Union Contact bindings are known to work in a similar way. By reducing the size of the disk in the baseplate, it allows for optimal flex of your board and and therefore a more “true” flex feeling. Coming to a mere 5% binding-to-board contact area, the MD (mini-disc) also allows you to boost your performance and overall durability of the binding. Other things to note include a super soft overall flex thanks to the Asym S2 highback, canted multi density EVA bushings for added comfort especially in hard urban scenarios and updated straps that guarantee to keep you locked perfectly in place at all times. When guys like Scott Stevens need a binding that can go from street to park – they trust the Union Contact to get the job done.
Pros
- Awesome super soft flexing park binding
- Excellent binding to board contact thanks to the Mini Disc
- Asym highback offers ergonomic support
Cons
- Soft flex may not be ideal for big mountain riding
Contact Pro Snowboard Bindings
The Union Contact Pro is very similar to the traditional Contact that we listed above but when you step up to the Contact Pro you get benefits like an insanely lightweight feel thanks to the Vaporlite bushing and CP3 highback plus extruded 3D aluminum heelcups, magnesium buckles that are not affected by extreme temps and top of the line Sonicfuse straps. For the riders who are sending it just a little bit harder and want to step up to the higher end compononents – choose the Contact Pro over the regular Contact.
Pros
- Lightweight, higher qualities than the Contact
- More supportive high back
- Vaporlite bushings offers shock absorption and underfoot support
Cons
- Soft flex may not be ideal for big mountain riding
Force Snowboard Bindings
Year after year, the most bang for your buck when it comes to the Union lineup will come from the Union Force. Tough enough for the pro’s but priced right for everyone else – the Union Force is one of our personal favorites year after year. With a 6/10 flex rating, the Force is perfect for all mountain riding and offers enough support for seasoned riders without being too stiff for a beginner. The Stage IV baseplate is essentially indestructible, the extruded 3D aluminum heelcup adds strength and power to your heelside, Sonic Fuse straps secure you into the binding with minimal weight and no bulk and the Multi-Density Thermoformed EVA bushings add dampening for chatter relief and support when stomping big landings. Referred to as the “workhorse” of the Union line for a good reason. No need to have an endless bank account to afford good bindings this winter, treat yourself to the Union Force and still have beer money left over.
Pros
- Best bang for your buck in the Union line
- Strong and supportive at a great price
- The “workhorse” of the line
Cons
- Taller highback not ideal for shorter riders
Flite Pro Snowboard Bindings
If minimal weight and maximum flex is your cup of tea, then the Union Flite Pro is your binding. Developed and tested by Gigi Ruf, the Flite Pro is perfect for the all terrain ripper who wants an unrestrictive, fun to ride – and easy to ride binding. The CP1 highback is arguably one of the best looking highbacks in the lineup and also one of the lightest and was built to support without restrictions. The Direct Connect ankle strap locks you in without uneven pressure points, the (Hallelujah) rubberized toe straps keep a perfect hold on the toe of your boot for excellent toe-edge control and the injected aluminum buckles makes your strap-in time next to nothing so all you need to worry about is hitting the park lineup. Insanely lightweight, super soft flexing and perfect for both beginners and experienced riders alike – you cannot go wrong with the Union Flite Pro.
Pros
- SUPER lightweight
- Soft flexing, great for beginners or park riding
- Great price
Cons
- Soft flex not ideal for heavier weight riders or those that want more response
ST Snowboard Bindings
Union doesn’t believe in “entry level” gear but they do believe in price-conscious, beginner friendly gear and that’s exactly why the ST binding was created. Standing for Super Tough, the Union ST binding gives you everything you need to get the job done this winter without breaking the bank. Beginners and intermediate riders alike will enjoy the mid-range flex and comfort of this do-it-all binding. The Stage V base is lightweight and super strong, the Bone Out ankle straps lock you into place without and uncomfortable pressure points, the multi-density thermoformed EVA bushings add comfort and dampening under your feet and finally the injected aluminum buckles guarantee a quick, smooth strap in. You don’t have to spend your life savings to hit the mountain this winter. And thanks to the Union ST, you don’t have to compromise performance either.
Pros
- Tough binding at a great price
- Soft flex that is ideal for beginners
- Awesome color options
Cons
- Softer flex doesn’t offer as much support as stiffer bindings
Women’s Snowboard Bindings
Trilogy Snowboard Bindings
One of the lightest weight women’s bindings on the market, the Union Trilogy is back for winter ’17 and better than ever. Coming in at just 650 grams, the Trilogy won’t weigh you down or cause any unnecessary fatigue – but don’t let that lightweight fool you – this binding still packs a solid punch and can handle some serious shredding. Backed by ladies like Jess Kimura and Jamie Anderson, the Trilogy offers a nice middle of the road 5/10 flex, super strong Duraflex ST Nylon highback for comfort and support, multi-density thermoformed EVA bushing for top notch dampening and cushion when stomping big landings and magnesium buckles that are super smooth and stand up to the coldest of temps. High comfort and higher performance are what come standard with the super lightweight Union Trilogy.
Pros
- Insanely lightweight
- Highly supportive
- Big mountain / all mountain ready
Cons
- Higher price due to the construction
- Beginners may find these to be too stiff
Legacy Snowboard Bindings
The name says it all, the boss lady of the Union binding lineup is the one and only Legacy. One of the lightest weight bindings on the market and perfectly responsive, the Legacy is ideal for the experienced lady shredder who wants a premium binding that can handle a seasoned rider in all mountain conditions. Besides the benefits of the lightweight construction, you also get a supportive medium flex in the highback, a full Vaporlite bushing bottom for top notch shock absorption, a Minidisk baseplate for better board feel and flex and magnesium buckles for a smooth strap in every single time. If high performance is what you demand in a binding then you should be riding the Union Legacy.
Pros
- Mini Disc base plate offers great board-to-binding contact
- Lighweight
- Medium flex great for all mountain riding
Cons
- Slightly higher price
- Some riders prefer a more low profile ankle strap
Milan Snowboard Bindings
To the ladies in the terrain park – feast your eyes on the 2017 Union Milan binding. With the freestyle rider in mind, the Milan offers the perfect amount of flex and responsiveness while features like the Asymmetric highback and straps offer added support in the right spots for better control on presses, jibs and buttering. The Multi Density EVA foam bushings load up your under-foot support for better cushioning on landings, tool-free adjustments let you make quick changes on the go, the Mini Disk allows for a more true board flex and the overall female-specific design hugs a smaller foot for a perfectly tailored fit. From the streets to the park and everything in between, the Union Milan is here to get the job done.
Pros
- Great mid-flexing all mountain / freestyle binding
- Awesome color options
- Great for beginner or intermediate riders
Cons
- Softer flex not ideal for big mountain conditions
Rosa Snowboard Bindings
Stylish comfort with a forgiving flex and friendly price tag are just a few of the reasons so many female riders love the Union Rosa. The beginner-friendly flex allows for a forgiving and comfortable ride, the Ultragrip straps keep you locked securely in place for better overall control, the built in EVA bushings offer dampening and comfort under foot and the asymmetric highback gives ergonomic support for a luxurious ride. Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance – the Union Rosa will help you step up your skills this winter without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Great price
- Lightweight
- Softer flex great for beginners
Cons
- Entry level binding that may not offer enough support for more experienced riders
Juliet Snowboard Bindings
For the ladies shredders out there that are looking for a stylish, durable binding – with a price tag that will leave you with enough gas money to get to the mountain – the Union Juliet is the perfect solution for you. With a soft/medium flex that is forgiving enough for beginners but responsive enough for experienced riders, the Juliet is perfect for pushing your skills to the next level. The Canted Gas Pedals offer ergonomic comfort and additional power under foot, the Dual Density bushings reduce chatter and offer cushion when riding hard pack or stomping landings and the injected aluminum buckles are super smooth and latch you into place quickly for a secure ride. Under $200, solid bindings and always great looking, the Union Juliet is an excellent choice for any female rippers looking to take their riding to the next level.
Pros
- Soft and forgiving
- Great for beginners or park riders who want a soft bindings
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Entry level binding that may not offer enough support for more experienced riders
Youth Snowboard Bindings
Cadet Snowboard Bindings
When it comes to the Union youth bindings, they don’t skimp on the tech at all. Features like a Dupont Zytel ST Baseplate, Direct Connect strap system and a multi-zone high back – will give your little ripper all the tools they need to succeed on the mountain this winter. Soft enough for lighter weight riders but stable enough to handle faster runs and terrain park lessons, the Union Cadet is truly one of the best youth bindings out there.
Pros
- Lightweight and strong
- Medium flex great for all types of riding