I've dug deep into your videos researching the Rover - I'm just not convinced by Drifts... the lack of a decent edge feels like it's a problem waiting to happen when my inexperience gets the better of me. I'm hoping I haven't screwed up on the compatibility though - I'll be mixing the new Burton step on split with a Union Rover for early morning hikes and turns. Coffee in the backpack the other vital bit of kit. Thanks for all the great content - much appreciated!
Thanks and you might really like the Union Rover with the Drift Bindings (perfectly compatible since 2024) so you don't have to use split bindings when the lift opens. You get a lot better feel underfoot and massively better shock absorption/dampness
Thanks for the great review, James! I also tried Union and Burton, but always go back to Spark. Nitro Vertical may be a good alternative as they already come with the padding (which cost extra when buying spark). Next time you do a video about splitboard binding you might also include a part on how to use your crampons with the different systems. For me, Union totally fails here while Spark delivers a relatively easy to use solution. Keep it up!
Thanks for your take and suggestions. Spark is the binding I use too when I go split boarding. I have a dedicated split reviewer now so he'll test crampons in harder conditions.
I got the same set up! The union with drift fix! I was looking for the charger set up because i was not sure if i like to ride and have the rover in my back with the fix but with your review i think i will give a second chance to de atlas (for climb i have nothing to say i love it its perfect). Are you using the union backpack with the rover ? Good review i like the way that you explain ! Easy to understand for a french guy from canada !!!
Many thanks. So now Drift Board bindings are 100% compatible out of the box and you don't need to order anything to make them fit. I really like the Jones Descnt 19 for my short runs up and it has super burly straps for vertical carry. Where I go it's difficult to horizontal carry. The Union Pack works better if you horizontal carry but everything else about Jones Packs I like better. They are so durable and long lasting but also carry a board so well on the back.
I just impulse bought a 167 Rossignol XV split. It arrived yesterday. Can't decide what bindings to buy. Mostly resort riding and I got quite a bit of vertical out my back yard. Leaning towards the Union Chargers. 2024 on sale for $410 cdn total. Or 2023 Union Explorers for $300 before tax. Somebody please help. I've been going over posts complaining about the pin systems. I still have my 2015 unions and I love the bindings, replacement straps etc. I bought the XV cuz it is 2022 with magna traction. Thinking about buying a Trapper Ursa Major 170. They're local and I want to support them. Thinking I can just swap the Union Chargers over, that they're sturdy enough to handle hard riding.
I would buy Spark R&D Surge or Arc. They are the most reliable split bindings you can buy. Or you could go Burton or Nitro as they are Spark but with different straps and highbacks. Then get Union Force for your solid. Its massively better.
@@thegoodridesnow I ignored your sage advice and ordered the chargers. Gonna buy a pair of force or alphas later this week, or sort out my 2015 union straps. Just bought a 172 Jones flagship. Got the gear fever. If my backyard mountain touring and my trip down to Nelson wins me over to the split boarding, I'll get into the spark platform. Thank you for replying
Thanks for the review James. You covered it all. You mentioned that you need to carefully slide the pin in or it can become twisted. I’ve read other reviews where this has been an issue, and similarly where the holes the pins thread into then become damaged. In this case the pins are easily replaceable, but the base of the binding is not. Have you noticed any wear around these holes? I picked up a pair of Chargers earlier this summer knowing I’d have to pay attention to how I used them, but wondering if Union had anything to say to you about these potential issues. Cheers
Many thanks. I haven't noticed any binding pin hole wear but don't have a lot of days on them. My testing is mostly done so I would love to hear how these hold up for you after 30+ days.
Thanks, and ya let’s see how these go come November. I think for nearby slackcountry access these could be great… and probably what they were aiming for.
Definitely had some minor galling on my binding from a twisted toe pin, not enough that it doesn’t work with the replaced toe pin but something i am very conscious of the binding definitely made me feel like I was beta testing for union, but they did send me replacement toe pins so that was nice.
I ended up getting these on sale and they came with a union version of those strap-ins. I’m still debating between the Powgoda, new Hovercraft or Pencil splitboard.
@@thegoodridesnow good question, I just assumed that they were additional support straps but ya maybe they’re what you said. They’re at my office so I can hide all the shit I’ve been buying from my wife 😂
How did you fix the problem of bending the two little pins? My Charger keep coming out in touring mode. Apparently, they weren't perfectly vertical even though I was always careful
I wish I had a good answer for you, but unfortunately, I didn't. Union just sent out new pins and I think they will do the same for you. What I found is they have to be all the way in as well as perfectly vertical without any ice/snow on em before you pull them down.
Thanks! So very similar feel down. I do like the new high back a touch better but the base plates have a very similar feel. The main change was the design for uphill travel. If you already have the Explorer/Expedition and like the feel not sure you want to upgrade.
In powder it's pretty comparable. Especially if you get the foam topper. If you see a lot of variable terrain you might prefer the Charger as long as the up isn't that long and/or has a lot of varied inclines that merit 2 risers.
So many questions… So if I heard you correctly: 1) It tries to be a similar binding to their regular bindings but just don’t get it done. 2) Heavier than trad split bindings like Spark/Karakoram 3) On the down they are better than trad split bindings but not as good as regular Atlas/Ultra 4) On the up they aren’t as good as trad split bindings Did I sum that up correctly? If the downhill experience is more important to me than the uphill would you say this is the way to go? If you put these on a solid board, what is the difference in feel between this and say Atlas? I need to buy a split setup for a trip, I think I’m going with the Weston Japow split you recommended but I’m struggling with choice of bindings
Man detailed questions of this nature are better answered here shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/ but I'll try to address most of your questions. First off bottom line is yes to most of your questions and these are better for the down. If that's most important then yes these are the best options. That being said. When I split and I'm mainly riding pow I'd just go with Spark Arc's or Surges. I can't trust Karakoram. There are too many parts and too many points of failure. I thought I touched on that with Atlas vs. Charger in this review but they are a shit ton more damp, more shock absorbent, way more responsive and have better adjustability. The Chargers are more comparable to the Flite Pro and STR in Unions line but they still get the nod over the charger on the down.
Dude, what a great review! Not a fan of Union here. I am a Flux and Spark guy, but I see Union has improved a lot in the last few years. Also, I got those power straps years ago and I haven't used so them so much because I am a lazy bstard lol, but yeah, they are a great thing if you are out there and you like boa like me, and it breaks. I never tried them to ride though. Maybe the feeling is like those Burton bindings from years ago with a third strap. But as I said, I am too lazy to put them on lol.
Many thanks! Yeah they really have improved. I never would have thought the Union Atlas would be my daily driver 10yrs ago. Regarding the Strapins I mainly use them for redundancy and side hilling. They have great response though if you want to take the extra time to set them up though.
Do Boots Break? I have not yet bought into the BOA system yet. Because I don’t want to Boots Break. I Am Heavy Handed and Can Imagine Snapping a BOA one way on another…
Yes. BOA boots break if you aren't careful with them. I would consider speed lace or traditional lace if you are heavy handed. Speed Lace can be repaired by yourself if you get a lace guide. Traditional lace is super easy. BOA usually has to go to a shop or be sent back. Also get Strap Ins if you break shit a lot. They can act as back up laces.
I've dug deep into your videos researching the Rover - I'm just not convinced by Drifts... the lack of a decent edge feels like it's a problem waiting to happen when my inexperience gets the better of me.
I'm hoping I haven't screwed up on the compatibility though - I'll be mixing the new Burton step on split with a Union Rover for early morning hikes and turns. Coffee in the backpack the other vital bit of kit.
Thanks for all the great content - much appreciated!
Thanks and you might really like the Union Rover with the Drift Bindings (perfectly compatible since 2024) so you don't have to use split bindings when the lift opens. You get a lot better feel underfoot and massively better shock absorption/dampness
Thanks for the great review, James! I also tried Union and Burton, but always go back to Spark. Nitro Vertical may be a good alternative as they already come with the padding (which cost extra when buying spark). Next time you do a video about splitboard binding you might also include a part on how to use your crampons with the different systems. For me, Union totally fails here while Spark delivers a relatively easy to use solution. Keep it up!
Thanks for your take and suggestions. Spark is the binding I use too when I go split boarding. I have a dedicated split reviewer now so he'll test crampons in harder conditions.
I got the same set up! The union with drift fix! I was looking for the charger set up because i was not sure if i like to ride and have the rover in my back with the fix but with your review i think i will give a second chance to de atlas (for climb i have nothing to say i love it its perfect). Are you using the union backpack with the rover ?
Good review i like the way that you explain ! Easy to understand for a french guy from canada !!!
Many thanks. So now Drift Board bindings are 100% compatible out of the box and you don't need to order anything to make them fit. I really like the Jones Descnt 19 for my short runs up and it has super burly straps for vertical carry. Where I go it's difficult to horizontal carry. The Union Pack works better if you horizontal carry but everything else about Jones Packs I like better. They are so durable and long lasting but also carry a board so well on the back.
I just impulse bought a 167 Rossignol XV split. It arrived yesterday.
Can't decide what bindings to buy. Mostly resort riding and I got quite a bit of vertical out my back yard.
Leaning towards the Union Chargers. 2024 on sale for $410 cdn total. Or 2023 Union Explorers for $300 before tax. Somebody please help. I've been going over posts complaining about the pin systems. I still have my 2015 unions and I love the bindings, replacement straps etc.
I bought the XV cuz it is 2022 with magna traction. Thinking about buying a Trapper Ursa Major 170. They're local and I want to support them. Thinking I can just swap the Union Chargers over, that they're sturdy enough to handle hard riding.
I would buy Spark R&D Surge or Arc. They are the most reliable split bindings you can buy. Or you could go Burton or Nitro as they are Spark but with different straps and highbacks. Then get Union Force for your solid. Its massively better.
@@thegoodridesnow I ignored your sage advice and ordered the chargers. Gonna buy a pair of force or alphas later this week, or sort out my 2015 union straps. Just bought a 172 Jones flagship. Got the gear fever. If my backyard mountain touring and my trip down to Nelson wins me over to the split boarding, I'll get into the spark platform.
Thank you for replying
Thanks for the review James. You covered it all.
You mentioned that you need to carefully slide the pin in or it can become twisted. I’ve read other reviews where this has been an issue, and similarly where the holes the pins thread into then become damaged. In this case the pins are easily replaceable, but the base of the binding is not. Have you noticed any wear around these holes?
I picked up a pair of Chargers earlier this summer knowing I’d have to pay attention to how I used them, but wondering if Union had anything to say to you about these potential issues.
Cheers
Many thanks. I haven't noticed any binding pin hole wear but don't have a lot of days on them. My testing is mostly done so I would love to hear how these hold up for you after 30+ days.
Thanks, and ya let’s see how these go come November. I think for nearby slackcountry access these could be great… and probably what they were aiming for.
Excactly!
Definitely had some minor galling on my binding from a twisted toe pin, not enough that it doesn’t work with the replaced toe pin but something i am very conscious of the binding definitely made me feel like I was beta testing for union, but they did send me replacement toe pins so that was nice.
Is that The Surge Pillow Ankle Strap? I want to upgrade my Dakine’s.
Yep! I took off the Burton Straps and highback and put on Surge. Soo much happier with the retrofit.
I ended up getting these on sale and they came with a union version of those strap-ins.
I’m still debating between the Powgoda, new Hovercraft or Pencil splitboard.
Were those the straps to hold a split together with some foam sewn in or were they just like Strapins?
@@thegoodridesnow good question, I just assumed that they were additional support straps but ya maybe they’re what you said. They’re at my office so I can hide all the shit I’ve been buying from my wife 😂
Haaaa!
Would be interesting to hear something about the rossignol xv splitboard bindings .
Nice review btw!
Thanks and I'll for sure ask next time we review Rossi.
How did you fix the problem of bending the two little pins? My Charger keep coming out in touring mode.
Apparently, they weren't perfectly vertical even though I was always careful
I wish I had a good answer for you, but unfortunately, I didn't. Union just sent out new pins and I think they will do the same for you. What I found is they have to be all the way in as well as perfectly vertical without any ice/snow on em before you pull them down.
First off, good review... Secondly, how do they compare with the Explorer/Expedition? Specifically, any difference in the ride feel on the way down?
Thanks! So very similar feel down. I do like the new high back a touch better but the base plates have a very similar feel. The main change was the design for uphill travel. If you already have the Explorer/Expedition and like the feel not sure you want to upgrade.
I grabbed spark highbacks for my hitchhiker bindings but they don’t fit, any idea what I’m doing wrong?
Interesting. Worked perfect for mine. Hit me up through the site with pics or a Loom so I can figure out what's wrong. thegoodride.com/contact-us/
The Burton bindings use spark bases so basically you just used a spark binding, don't blame you for that!
Thats why I bought Burton Hitchikers. Spark was sold out at the time so I bought these and then added spark parts. Now I have an all Spark binding.
How much better is the ride down compared to the spark in your opinion? Is it so much better that it's worth the uphill compromise?
In powder it's pretty comparable. Especially if you get the foam topper. If you see a lot of variable terrain you might prefer the Charger as long as the up isn't that long and/or has a lot of varied inclines that merit 2 risers.
good thanks ! I wasn't aware of the foam for the spark@@thegoodridesnow
So many questions… So if I heard you correctly: 1) It tries to be a similar binding to their regular bindings but just don’t get it done. 2) Heavier than trad split bindings like Spark/Karakoram 3) On the down they are better than trad split bindings but not as good as regular Atlas/Ultra 4) On the up they aren’t as good as trad split bindings
Did I sum that up correctly? If the downhill experience is more important to me than the uphill would you say this is the way to go? If you put these on a solid board, what is the difference in feel between this and say Atlas?
I need to buy a split setup for a trip, I think I’m going with the Weston Japow split you recommended but I’m struggling with choice of bindings
Man detailed questions of this nature are better answered here shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/ but I'll try to address most of your questions. First off bottom line is yes to most of your questions and these are better for the down. If that's most important then yes these are the best options. That being said. When I split and I'm mainly riding pow I'd just go with Spark Arc's or Surges. I can't trust Karakoram. There are too many parts and too many points of failure. I thought I touched on that with Atlas vs. Charger in this review but they are a shit ton more damp, more shock absorbent, way more responsive and have better adjustability. The Chargers are more comparable to the Flite Pro and STR in Unions line but they still get the nod over the charger on the down.
One minus for me is just that thing with pins in hiking mode. Except that it's a solid binding.
Thanks for your take.
Dude, what a great review! Not a fan of Union here. I am a Flux and Spark guy, but I see Union has improved a lot in the last few years.
Also, I got those power straps years ago and I haven't used so them so much because I am a lazy bstard lol, but yeah, they are a great thing if you are out there and you like boa like me, and it breaks. I never tried them to ride though. Maybe the feeling is like those Burton bindings from years ago with a third strap. But as I said, I am too lazy to put them on lol.
Many thanks! Yeah they really have improved. I never would have thought the Union Atlas would be my daily driver 10yrs ago. Regarding the Strapins I mainly use them for redundancy and side hilling. They have great response though if you want to take the extra time to set them up though.
Do Boots Break? I have not yet bought into the BOA system yet. Because I don’t want to Boots Break. I Am Heavy Handed and Can Imagine Snapping a BOA one way on another…
Yes. BOA boots break if you aren't careful with them. I would consider speed lace or traditional lace if you are heavy handed. Speed Lace can be repaired by yourself if you get a lace guide. Traditional lace is super easy. BOA usually has to go to a shop or be sent back. Also get Strap Ins if you break shit a lot. They can act as back up laces.
Have you tried the french brand plum? Looking at buying a split from Stranda and they come with Plum bindings
No but I'll look into it.