The 2023 Union Ultra Snowboard Binding Review
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- Опубліковано 10 січ 2023
- Written Review Here: bit.ly/3QweaaY
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Filmed and Edited by Avran LeFeber
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I love these bindings. Paired with my Mt. Twin and Vans HS OG pro boots. I am loving the set up. Did great in POW, groomers and even towards the end of the day with everything tracked out. Performance was much better than anticipated.
Good review. I’ve been on Forces for over a decade. Then went to ride C8. Broke a high back within two seasons. I’ve been itching to pull the trigger on these next. Hail Cthulhu!
Save time and order these bindings!! Best bindings I’ve ever rode. They will make your riding feel and look better! Super responsive, good flex, great damping and rebound. Big jumps feel like small ones. Deep carves feel solid.
Already bought these and they're in the mail can't wait to rip around on them
I rode a few unions in the past and never really liked the feel/ankle straps. The ankle strap isn't crazy comfortable, but it's solid when I make sure I don't accidentally crank it down. So far I have ridden this on east coast ice/crud for 4 days and 6 days in CO and they have been a good do everything binding. Great addition to my mountain twin.
Great in-depth review. This pushed me over the edge to pick a set for $150 along with a Scott Stevens Pro. Lord knows I need more shit but spring sales are in full effect. 🤘🏼
Thanks for the Vid review. Have a pair of Union Stratus on my 2022 T.Rice Golden Orca. The Stratus seem just Ok. I like these... Maybe I will give them a GO. I think you are onto something with your own NEW DIY snowboard equipment Video once a week.. Cheers.
Love these bindings, road flight pros for two seasons and finally upgraded this season to the ultras and I love them. The dampening is something I noticed right away, you can pretty much slap these on any board and they will perform well.
How would you say they compare to the flight pros? I have ridden flight pros for 5-6 season now, and desperately need something similar that has more dampening and a lil bit more performance/stiffness.
Coming into this I was kind of nervous...but man am I glad I just picked a pair!
Riding them on a mega merc in a pair of DC Judge boots. They steer amazingly precise when throwing some fast paced carves down on hard packed snow and they keep ugly vibrations away in the vast majority of conditions. They also come with just the right amount of flex in the highback to give you the tweakabelity you’re craving for in your park runs or for whatever shenanigans you’re doing over side hits. Highly recommend.
Any reason why you went with these over union atlas for your mega merc? I see most people recommend the mega merc / atlas combo
@@thomaskong5 just comes down to personal preference really. I personally prefer my bindings to have a hint more flex. So far I didn’t feel that they are a bad compromise, as they are still very reactive.
Ordered these for my Asymulator for park riding! Seem super solid, but from the Midwest and now Mother Nature keeps pissing on us with all this rain ! I’m ready to travel back out to Breck !
Love these bindings, super comfortable , I was worried about the ankle strap being too soft, but not only does is it have a locked in feel but super comfortable and responsive. Great feel and an amazing Binding~
Hello. Is this bindings softer than Fix Magnum or Union Atlas?
@@RiderPlay8bmx yes
my size 13 DC heels have a hard time coming out of cups on the Stratas but the bindings are super solid
Bought a set of these after using forces for years then STRs for a year. More comfortable than either of those, and handles up well to my riding style. Dont do any freestyle or jibbing, just pow and tree riding, and some roller hits every now and again. Amazing binding in my opinion, and fits boots great
Been a hard core strata guy for about 4 years now. Just bought a pair of these this season and I actually like them.. damp, and all around a sold binding. Just rode them on a 3-4ft pow day and they didn’t disappoint!
flex-wise... is Strata softer? thank you!
@@JihwanFive I feel they are very similar. Hard to tell any major difference. But I would have to say these are a little softer maybe.. just my opinion.
@@davewolf3751 so you more like Ultra now? I mainly carve groomers and simple 180-360 jumps but no jib at all, and considering upgrading my 6 yr old union binding. Thank you very much for the reply!!!
@@JihwanFive if I had to choose one binding to ride all day.. I would still choose the strata.
So I too have rode the strata for years on all my boards and got the Ultra. I really like the spring you get and how Cush they are. I ended up putting the strata ankle strap on them for a little more support and love this setup on my Yes standard Uninc.
I slit the bottom of my Ultras on day 1. I thought mine were a goof, but since the remedy was easy I was not going to go through the bother of exchanging them. Interesting to see it was the same on all of them. I burn through ladders every year, long before the base or heal cup die. The don’t always tear/break; they get worn down and don’t hold as well. So making the binding without the ability to replace parts in such a simple way is just bonkers.
The Ultra are the most comfortable Unions I’ve tried. I own Force, Strata, CP, and Atlas. I thought I would be turned off by the lack of high back adjustment, but it never really came into play because i put them on my pow board. The setup is super surfy, mellow, and comfortable.
What’s your favourite binding out of the ones you own?
Which ladder did you use to replace the toe? Mine broke today and have no clue how to get the replacement
Maybe drill through from the top with a fine bit for the toe...?
Rocking these on my outerspace living. I think i got like 15 days on em so far, CO VT & PA. They're fun to jib with, fo sho.
Personally, they do not make me feel any type of way. Its like, yepp, its a binding. I think I would prefer my nitro teams if we're talking $300 bindings. More features, tech, adjustability...
Like I get its a 'park focused' binding... but like how come you can adjust forward lean or easily replace the toe strap on knock off $50 Walmart bindings, but not Union's flagship new product..?
My friend picked up a set of these for his new arbor Shiloh. Figured it was a good match
Any review of the updated Black Label binding?
Do you think this would be good on a standard uninc on the east coast?
How do these compare to the Arbor Hemlock? Or even Cypress? I am used to damp bindings with response and might be interested in these for a mid to soft flex pow board but not sure if its really an "upgrade". Looking for surfy feel with response.
I haven't been on those bindings so can't compare.
Great information. I've never owned Union bindings and thought I was set on getting Force (new 2024 version). But now I'm seeing this review and other people say that the Ultra is a great binding. Being an old man now (52) I'm just taking it easy riding with my daughter so I won't be doing anything crazy. I like the idea of the dampening because I broke my tibia on a butt check landing in the park at Snoqualmie back in 2000 and it still bothers me. It sounds as if the Ultra's will help absorb some shock & jolts to my leg/knee.
Get the force.
@@AngrySnowboarder Thanks for the info. Last question; if I can get a deal on last years Force, should I do that or is the 2024 model that much better? (I found last years model for $239 instead of $339 for the 2024).
Looks like the 2024 and isn’t the force classic? Then I’d say go for it.
@@AngrySnowboarder 👍. Just ordered them along with the 2024 Rasman 159, thanks.
Are these a good choice for Keystone Surfclub inspired riding or should I look elsewhere? I’m looking for something to pair with my Niseko Pleasures. Currently I just move my Katanas from deck to deck. Thanks!
For surf turns it’ll definitely work. I’d also look at the k2 lien at.
Thank you!
Would you recommend this for a Capita Mercury over the Strata (which you suggested in your Mercury video)? Thanks
No.
Hi Avran! Would you recommend these for Telos Back/Slash?
100%
Hey Avran. What do you think about these on a Capita Kazu? are they too soft for the board?
No
Just got a pair of these to throw on my headspace. Hoping they live up to the hype
How does it ride? I’m currently thinking of getting the same setup with the headspace 2023
You mention "box style boots" and "pointy toe boots" in many binding reviews... what would you say your thraxis boots are? Are K2 shapes consistent throughout their lineup? I had thirtytwo and now K2 maysis wide (very happy with the switch). In my opinion the thirtytwo are bulky especially around the ankle. Would they be classified as a box shape in your opinion? Thank you.
Look at the boot does it have a point at the big toe? Pointy. More uniform all the way across? Boxy.
when I was using some k2 maysis boots the toe strap fit perfectly on them, but once I switched to vans boots this season I noticed it doesn't fit as well. still straps down and holds fine, but the way the strap contours around the boot isn't as good.
With the Strata’s dropping to 250 instead of 300+, in your opinion which is the better bang for the buck, or even the better overall binding?
I'd rather own this than a Strata.
Would this be a good combination with the Bataleon Evil Twin + or what binding would you recommend? Thanks
It'll definitely work if you're looking for something more forgiving.
Currently riding 2018 SP slab one. Idc much about the entry. Is it worth to switch to the Ultras?
If you’re looking for a more freestyle flexible binding, then sure.
Do you plan on reviewing the Amplid Mutant binding? Can’t find much about them but the specs look intriguing and Amplid makes good shit.
It's just an SP binding.
Do you recommend this over the force or would the strata be a better step-up for a stiffer binding?
Not a fan of the Force.
Didn’t like the force either..
I would think you'd go Falcor if you need that much drive and want to stay mini disc/playful.
Gonna retire my malavita for this, sounds like this will be a good fit for the bottle rocket. Haven't rode no canting binding, will it make any difference?
Might feel something.
Got this binding for this season, looking for new board to pair with it, do you have any recommendations on which all mtn/freestyle board it will go well with? How about the Bataleon whatever? Thanks!
Generally speaking you pick the board then the bindings.
@@AngrySnowboarder my old binding ripped and it was not worth to repair. Had to do the opposite approach
I ride the Bataleon whatever with the union ultras and I love it! Awesome board, awesome Binding. They perform well everywhere
This might be kind of a nitpicky thing but with some bindings like Burton ESTs on a channel and you get the flex and it allows crap to get under your binding like ice or sand gravel garbage for the parking lot and it's a pain ass. So the idea of a gasket that might prevent all that. I kind of like that
What's up angry, I got a pair of 2021 contact pros i feel I've outgrown and aren't as responsive as id like, these worth the upgrade? I was thinking about grabbing the stratas
These are more responsive and damp, but it's an incremental amount. Strata's are probably what you need.
@@AngrySnowboarder thank you sir
Hey Angry, looking to branch out since the Vita is going away. They have been my go to for years. I find the cartels to constraining laterally. I did try the contact pro a few years ago but they were to soft, especially in the straps. Are these a good replacement/comparable to vitas? Also, my legs and feet don't seem to like real canting all that much, just tried some nitro phantoms (like elements of the binding) but the canting isn't fantastic.
250lbs, canadian rockies, ride everything depending on conditions, including bigger jumps for here.
Any other ideas are welcome as well.
No and here's why. You're used to a unibody binding. A two piece binding isn't what you need. I'd look at the Bent Metal Axtions honestly.
@@AngrySnowboardercan you explain this a bit more? What effects are different from unibody vs two piece? I to am switching from Vitas simply because of width adjustment so I want two piece for the adjustment. I tried strata’s a few days now but call me crazy they seem to leave me beat up and fatigued, I thought the big cushy footbed would take out all the impacts but doesn’t appear so compared to Vitas. I’ve done a half day so far on bent metal transfers and I liked those so far, didn’t seems to send shock into my knees and have a good response where I could ride more relaxed similar to how I remember the Vitas last season. I’ll be doing a full day on them this Sunday but so far seem promising. Is this what people mean when they say it’s more damped like your review of new force? Which one is better for all the ruts and crap for old knees, dampness or cushioning?
I’m thinking about buying the ride shadowban and need to buy a set of bindings as well. I’m an all mountain style rider with occasional park runs. More enjoy carving and aggressive riding but stay on groomers. Do you recommend these for someone who will plan to have the board and bindings for multiple years but only visit the mountains 1-2x a year
No, I’d look at something stiffer for what you’re describing you want performance-wise.
@@AngrySnowboarder Board or bindings? Or both? thinking about the board and maybe Union Stratas instead since I got a good local deal on a set of those bindings. I’ve seen the shadowban as super soft flex but also medium. Algorythm a better choice?
Hi Avren. I just bought a Yes Hel Yes snowboard, do you think Ultra is good to pair with this board? Thanks!
It's a little soft.
@@AngrySnowboarder Thanks! Then which Union binding would you recommend on Yes for all mountain (maybe a little free ride)? Hope to hear your advice!
Legacy or Juliet.
Thank you for the review, I learn a lot looking for new gear. I just bought nitro team pro and I want to pair it with union ultra. Would it work well? If not what would you recommend? I do not like nitro binding with it's oldfashion straps and ratchet.
It's not the best choice.
@AngrySnowboarder thanks for the answer, I'm a bit limited to what is currently available. What do you think about Bataleon Astro Fullwrap or Jones Mercury? I mostly hit resort and high speed curving, ocasionally pow and butters.
Astro all day.
Ultras or Bataleon Astros for Powder riding? Which would you pick if you only had those 2 options?
I'm definitely an Astro Asym kind of guy. More power out of the binding.
Did you ride these in M or L?
Thanks for the content as always Uncle Avran
Medium.
These bindings eat hard landings for breakfast!
Grabbed these for $200 as my second binding to compare against my cartels. Interested to see how they compare. Going to try them on my Yes Standard and Lib Tech Box Knife! Stoked, hope they work for me!
Better match for the Box Knife than the Standard.
updates?
@@siarez theyve been real fun on my park board, only 2 east cosst days on em so far.
I heard you mention drake, I'm about the same age as you and remember them being really nice bindings in the late 90's early 2000's, are they still any good?
Fuck no, straight trash.
Anyone ride these with Adidas Superstar ADV boots? Toe strap fitment issues?
heey i have a dc pbj 2021 snowboard do you recommend these bindings on this board? thank you joost
Yeah.
I use 1 notch of forward lean, and have been used to the canted footbed of the strata. Will I miss those features with the ultra?
Maybe?
@@AngrySnowboarder ok thanks, I’ll stick with the stratas.
I noticed it doesn’t have canting, is this going to be an issue for knee pain?
No.
How would you compare the shock absorbtion and dampening and the stiffness of the baseplate in the ultra to the strata?
Would you recommend putting strata or falcor highbacks on these to give them more highback adjustment and a bit more drive, or would you say it will have a negative effect?
Grab a screw driver and find out for yourself.
@@AngrySnowboarder well better get started on spending money and supporting the industry
Hi angry, do you think ultra's will match GNU's riders choice 2024 for a all mountain - freestyle (jumping carving buttering mainly) setup? thanks in advance
If you're going full freestyle focused it'll be fine just playful. If you're looking for precision might want to go to the Strata or the new Force.
which did you end up going with ? Im between Ultra and new Force for 2023 RCC3
I went with 2024 Ultra's@@tyler13923 but new forces seem like half of the way between Ultra's and something more Stiff like Atlas. Maybe for that Camber Hybrid C3 New Forces are a better choice? I bought C2, let me know how it ends for you!
How does the flex compare to the strata? Softer?
Cheers Avren.
Little bit.
@@AngrySnowboarder thanks :)
Does the katana have better dampening?
Yes.
Vice or ultra for 70% all mountain 30% park/ side hits?
I don't know how this would compare with the Vice as I have not ridden them, but I would think it depends on what your "all-mountain" means. I ride a mix of laying out carves and buttery riding, both switch and regular for my AM, but my friend's AM is going as straight as possible as fast as possible 😂
Vice.
how do you think the union ultra would preform on the golden orca
Not the best.
Nitro team pros or these?
Would you take these or the Nitro One on the capita indoor survival?
These.
I have these bindings in white on my Capita indoor survival 156" 2023 and it is absolutely perfect. From what ive read about the indoor survival and the union ultras they are basically meant for each other. They look so good paired up too.
How do these compare to the discontinued contact pros
Well personally I hate the Contact Pro, it's a super soft binding with 0 dampening and rides so mediocre.
@@AngrySnowboarder looks like I’ll be buying some ultras
How would they be on the capita doa 2023?
Just fine!
Thank you for all the great work!! For Shadowban (155w/155lbs/5'8/11boots) one quiver board all mountain ride, fun and comfort oriented, carving & pow, occasional easy park would you prefer Ultras or C-6 or Cartel or others?
Around here we size boards based on weight not height.
@@AngrySnowboarder Was thinking that and did not yet made a purchase. Suggestion?
@@gregorkozelj1969 I think you're fine with that 55w for what you want for bindings I'd probably push you towards the Cartels for what you want.
How does the base plate come apart? Just pull it out? I don’t feel like breaking new bindings 😂 and see no videos
Reach down, grab it, pull harder than you think, be a man, don't sweat the small stuff, pop the cover plate off, if your grip strength is weak put a screw driver under it and use leverage to make it pop out.
Why don’t these have canting? is it because canting is less desirable for freestyle riding? Did you notice any negatives from no canting?
Because they decided to not design it with them.
@@AngrySnowboarder Did you notice any negatives from lack of canting while riding with them?
I fucking hate canting in bindings.
@@AngrySnowboarder Oh I didn’t know that. Can you explain why you dislike canting in bindings? I’m new to snowboarding so still learning the finer details.
@@12f8ewfo Cause it hurts my knees.
I've heard the way to go is slapping these on the Mercury which seems counterintuitive but I'm gonna try it next season.
It's an option, if you're looking for something with a ton of lateral flex.
I think I have a man crush on Avran
do they match the capita super doa?
If you want it soft, sure, otherwise bump up to the Strata's or higher.
Thanks
Heel cup comes lose no matter how tight I screw the strap down :(
I experienced a bit of loosening after my 5th day or so. I put some thread lock glue and worked just fine.
Not sure why they don’t do the double heel cup screw like on the Atlas & Force. My Strata heel cup would slide out from time to time. If you have to loctite a single screw to keep your heel cup in place then that seems like a design flaw to me
There is a small plastic washer on the screw for the heelcup to prevent it from coming loose - an old Union problem that was solved with this plastic piece. If this plastic washer is mounted incorrectly, however, the screw always loosens and with it the heelcup.
Which are better…Ultras or Nitro teams?
Depends.
On new korua transiiton finder…between ultras, nitro team, and now select pros
Select Pros.
Much appreciated
Forgot about bent metal transfers too…better than select pros on transition finder?
Setting these up on shadowban, thanks Avran
Best bindings with the worst toe strap
I actually like the minimalistic of this toe strap. For my boot, it stays solid and secure which I really enjoy.
Ok so I see now what about the toe strap as it allows to much foot/toe slippage. I ended up putting my Union Strata toe straps on and Solves that problem perfectly
If you sont blow the straps out you aint riding hard enough…
These toe strap is shit imo, I have one of them broken just after like 5 or 6 days of riding. 😤 ride with burton ion boot, always felt not fitting well.
First and tommie is a bot
How is Tommie a bot? Lol!
Bird eating bot.
I lost my toe strap for mine and had to go back to a pair of Burton missions Jesus Christ I didn't realize how much the ultras were doing to my feet. Union sent me two extras and hardware for just the price of shipping. You won't even notice them on your feet.
How did you get the new toe start parts? I just broke mine and have no clue how to get a replacement
@@montereylocalguide4811 well you can buy a new one on their site for most pairs of bindings they make but I couldn't find one for the ultra so I emailed them and they sent me two for the price of shipping.
@@plead_da_fif-420 ohh I will do that right away then because I couldn't find it also. Thank you!