It’s funny that Union lifetime warranties their baseplates because they never break in my experience anyways. Meanwhile I’ve broken over half a dozen Burton baseplates over the years and they don’t help you replace them unless it’s the exact same year they released the binding. Rome and Union definitely make the best bindings, they genuinely are built to last
took out a new pair of these yesterday on the ProtoSynthesis...thats a match made in heaven! These bindings are incredibly comfortable and very responsive. I need to try them on a stiffer board too but with the response I would be comfortable doing so. My mind was blown with the feel on these bindings...the one thought running thru my head as I was riding the combo mentioned was "this is what snowboarding is supposed to feel like!" Other bindings I have or have ridden: Now Drive and Pilot, Falcor, Atlas, New Force, Cypress and Hemlock, Flow NX2....and out of all of those I love these bindings. I am sure I will need the stiffer bindings for freeride stiff flex boards but i am tempted to run these on every board I can. Mind blowing feel!
Glad to hear it. I like my Hemlocks but I've always wanted them to be just a touch more responsive, a touch damper, and definitely a bit lighter. I just ordered these and was wondering if I'm splitting hairs but they seem to be a decisive upgrade.
I got a killer deal on the 23 ultra and I absolutely love them. Super comfortable and good about it response. I am an all mountain free rider. Had about a foot of pow and the bindings didn't get the best rating for powder but I thought they held up just great. I really liked the tweak ability and flex. I was a little nervous these bindings would be too felxy but they were just perfect for me. I use. These bindings on a never summer harpoon with Burton ruler boots and they worked great with my set up. The ultras were a huge change for me but in a good way. I have been riding Burton cartels for over a decade, so I'm excited to try out unions this year. I'll keep everyone posted. I'm curious how the ultras with feel charging at high jacket flapping speeds Is my only concern but time I'll tell.
Thanks! Def for ankle injuries haha..Kinda cool seeing Longo actually say he prefers them now. Not sure about believing marketing…seen kids stomp switch and ride out the icy landings of 80+ foot jumps on these…takes more control and stability than most “freeriders” know of…
Definitely will be reviewing the new Force soon, first impressions video first. I'll see about a comparison between the Atlas and Force later this season
Been riding these about 15 days now. In my opinion these COULD be the best bindings ever, but with some of the weird decisions with design, currently is not. I used to be 0 forward lean rider, which im not anymore, im still not 100% confident with these just because of that. Also, you only have 2 options if you want to rotate the highback in the heelcup, you can only line up the highback with your edge (as you should) with riding very high or very low angles. Not that big thing but still. The feel of a baseplate is amazing, thats a big plus, BUT the cover which you push in to hide your screws, feels like it will definitely break at some point, you have to basically rip it off every time you need to access the screws. Also, one of my toe strap snapped close to where its attached to the baseplate. Now, that happens with every binding, right, no big deal. BUT its not replaceable, or it kind of is, but you have to cut a piece of the damping rubber from the bottom of the baseplate with a knife just to get the strap off, and then get a new strap from Union Stratas, because they dont sell those for ultras. My local reseller told that the correct way is to send a complaint to union and they will send a new baseplate which includes a fresh strap. Thats insanity.
I also hate fwd lean on Ultra - so much so that I even decided to leave Ultras for my son (after couple of years he's gonnna grow into them) - but then tested old Contact Pro highbacks on Ultras and the combination works like a charm - now I ride more Ultras then Stratas. Planning to test Ultras with Force highbacks vs Stratas, since Ultra has stiffer base plate than Strata, maybe Ultra+Force combo will replace Strata for my stiffer boards
I went from 15 year old Burtom Missions to last year Union Strata... The difference is world aparts. I thought my boots were hurting me... Turns out it was the pressure from the bingings
Haha I have some 2008 Missions that I've repaired a number of times that I keep for backups. But looking at them side by side to the new tech I'm just like how did they not consider that we might need some padding in there? Did comfort not exist in 2008. 10 years before that it was unpadded metal trays so I guess it was still an upgrade 😂
I couldn’t decide between these or strata so I’ll be interested in what you find. I ended up with strata’s as I didn’t want to give up too much response.
I have both the stratas and ultras. Strata hands down. They have a better cusion underfoot, and the foot bed is longer. The buckle system on the top strap has a smoother system that connects the straps as well, which reduces the pressure points.
@@andrewhendler6621 yea the strata felt like the better bet for all mountain and his previous review had them as his best binding with the bent metal transfers as second. So I was torn between ultra, strata, transfers. Ended up getting strata and transfers and hopefully I’ll get to try both close together and decide which I like best. Now just have to hope the PNW actually gets snow.
Something you didn't do was flex the binding. These are very soft. and you can flex the base like a board. And Union are not for big feet guys. Size 12-12.5 max other then The Force XL.
@@carmycuhl i shoes i wear a 13. in snowboard boots i go down a size to 12. And heatmolde or just break them in. Burton Vans Nidecker among others have a reduced footprint. Maybe you can fit these if you don't have to big of a boot. the say up to mondo 31 that's the same as 13 🙂🙂
@@Runetone I have some nidecker 13 boots that barely fit in my battaleon e-stroyer bindings. I’m just looking for something I don’t have to max the setting out on and still have to force the buckles to ratchet. The binding say they go to 13, and they technically do it’s just bordering uncomfortable. I see the union force have xl and maybe that’s what I’ll have to do. Bent metal size chart goes to 14 on the L so maybe that’s another option for big feet people?
@@carmycuhl The you should look at the Union force XL they go up to mondo 32 thats euro 14. Moste bindings you need to max out the straps even with 12 or 12,5 that i use
Mini disk isn't bad, this is a fun freestyle binding. I think for a do-it-all binder I do prefer the standard base plate slightly. The new Force seems to be a happy middle ground for me so far.
@@BoardArchive the thing i dislike most about the minidisc is the reduction in adjustment. Having a long foot means i tend to push my binding back alot and you just cant do that with a mini disc (or est)
@@BoardArchivethe quality and the price tag dont match for me. Union reminds me of tech nine’s quality. (Yes im old) I always find myself going back to brtn cartels. I miss the Brtn Triad though..
I’m using both the astro aw and the ultras on my boards, but if I really had to pick one of them it would be the astros, but its a really hard choice ! 😁
@@Adam-on9ob how lighter than the Bataleon AW are they? I use a Astro Asym but was thinking about getting an Ultra because I find the Astros pretty heavy.
@@dvsday684 Yo how'd you find the ultra's on the beast, I just got some Ultra's to stick on my Salomon Man's Board which is about a 7 or 8 on the stiffness scale..
@@JD-gc7lt liking them so far, but definitely more flex than my previous setup. Feels less locked in on high speed stuff and there's a lot of side to side flex. But they are pretty comfortable, no major pressure points, and hard hits / chop are noticeable softer. For my skill level they are good but for an advanced rider, the flex might be a little too much.
@@JD-gc7lt honestly, it revealed the weak point in my setup is my boots. Definitely looking for a stiffer boot next since my current pair is pretty worn.
Have you ever had issues with the binding loosening and spinning a little bit left and right? Im almost certain I have set up the mini disc properly but it seems to loosen a little bit throughout the day to where it starts to spin a bit. I can't seem to find any answers to this anywhere lol
You may wanna check the Screw Washer, women and men's bindings are different, check the ridge on the washer, if you are using men's binding washer pair with screws on women binding, you will not fit perfectly, and that might spinning sometimes even you tight up 100%.
Out of curiosity, I have a Yes Typo, would you say the Union Ultra or the Union Falcor is a better match for the board? I am running the K2 ender boots.
found my answer on the www ... exiting 2022 Union Bindings : Contact Pro - the longstanding Contact Pro is no longer with us! It's a binding I really liked for softer freestyle boards and it's sad to see it go. In terms of pricing, the Strata has dropped down to where the Contact Pro would have been - so it has caused a good price drop for the Strata (which is mostly unchanged - see end of post for changes). But there isn't a Contact Pro like binding in the lineup - though in some ways the new Ultra is actually a closer flex/feel to the old Contact Pro than the Strata.
@@jaegansummers2384 yea thanks for the help, but I was just in Japan with the medium bindings and they were still fine. going to japan at the end of the year for 4 months so will be elite.
Я катался в этих креплениях весь прошлый сезон и мне они не понравились. Эта мягкая подушка под ногой становится как камень при отрицательных температурах и не демпфируют как пена эва. Мой выбор - юнион страта.
Out of all the snowboard gear review channels out there I prefer yours the most.
Made a few board/binding purchases based from your videos
Thank you so much, I truly appreciate that. I hope you enjoy this seasons reviews
@BoardArchive No worries. I give credit where it's due.
Looking forward to this seasons for sure👍
It’s funny that Union lifetime warranties their baseplates because they never break in my experience anyways. Meanwhile I’ve broken over half a dozen Burton baseplates over the years and they don’t help you replace them unless it’s the exact same year they released the binding. Rome and Union definitely make the best bindings, they genuinely are built to last
took out a new pair of these yesterday on the ProtoSynthesis...thats a match made in heaven! These bindings are incredibly comfortable and very responsive. I need to try them on a stiffer board too but with the response I would be comfortable doing so. My mind was blown with the feel on these bindings...the one thought running thru my head as I was riding the combo mentioned was "this is what snowboarding is supposed to feel like!" Other bindings I have or have ridden: Now Drive and Pilot, Falcor, Atlas, New Force, Cypress and Hemlock, Flow NX2....and out of all of those I love these bindings. I am sure I will need the stiffer bindings for freeride stiff flex boards but i am tempted to run these on every board I can. Mind blowing feel!
Glad to hear it. I like my Hemlocks but I've always wanted them to be just a touch more responsive, a touch damper, and definitely a bit lighter. I just ordered these and was wondering if I'm splitting hairs but they seem to be a decisive upgrade.
Been using these for almost most of last year and this year so far and it’s just such a good binding. So stoked on these!
I got a killer deal on the 23 ultra and I absolutely love them. Super comfortable and good about it response. I am an all mountain free rider. Had about a foot of pow and the bindings didn't get the best rating for powder but I thought they held up just great. I really liked the tweak ability and flex. I was a little nervous these bindings would be too felxy but they were just perfect for me. I use. These bindings on a never summer harpoon with Burton ruler boots and they worked great with my set up. The ultras were a huge change for me but in a good way. I have been riding Burton cartels for over a decade, so I'm excited to try out unions this year. I'll keep everyone posted. I'm curious how the ultras with feel charging at high jacket flapping speeds Is my only concern but time I'll tell.
Does ultra 2024 has been improved a lot compared to ultra 2023?
@@x1angyuwang829 looks like the toe strap is different other than that it looks basically the same to me.
Thanks! Def for ankle injuries haha..Kinda cool seeing Longo actually say he prefers them now. Not sure about believing marketing…seen kids stomp switch and ride out the icy landings of 80+ foot jumps on these…takes more control and stability than most “freeriders” know of…
Great vid. I’ll get these for my wife. Review the new forces vs atlas please.
Definitely will be reviewing the new Force soon, first impressions video first. I'll see about a comparison between the Atlas and Force later this season
Been riding these about 15 days now. In my opinion these COULD be the best bindings ever, but with some of the weird decisions with design, currently is not. I used to be 0 forward lean rider, which im not anymore, im still not 100% confident with these just because of that. Also, you only have 2 options if you want to rotate the highback in the heelcup, you can only line up the highback with your edge (as you should) with riding very high or very low angles. Not that big thing but still. The feel of a baseplate is amazing, thats a big plus, BUT the cover which you push in to hide your screws, feels like it will definitely break at some point, you have to basically rip it off every time you need to access the screws. Also, one of my toe strap snapped close to where its attached to the baseplate. Now, that happens with every binding, right, no big deal. BUT its not replaceable, or it kind of is, but you have to cut a piece of the damping rubber from the bottom of the baseplate with a knife just to get the strap off, and then get a new strap from Union Stratas, because they dont sell those for ultras. My local reseller told that the correct way is to send a complaint to union and they will send a new baseplate which includes a fresh strap. Thats insanity.
YO. Good info right here. Btw, I absolute hate that the is no FLAD and it's not zero as well. And the snap on mini disk cover seems silly too.
I also hate fwd lean on Ultra - so much so that I even decided to leave Ultras for my son (after couple of years he's gonnna grow into them) - but then tested old Contact Pro highbacks on Ultras and the combination works like a charm - now I ride more Ultras then Stratas. Planning to test Ultras with Force highbacks vs Stratas, since Ultra has stiffer base plate than Strata, maybe Ultra+Force combo will replace Strata for my stiffer boards
Ultras are amazing, they have the power of the strata but more lateral play.
i just picked a set up in green camo with the orange buckles .... 7 days ... sooooooo goood
Nice review i was hesitating beetwen the rome vice and those one
We need an Endeavor Pioneer Legacy review asap ! Ideally in combination with the Union Ultra ..
vs the Strata?
awesome vid, loving the graphics
Nice review thanks - would love to hear your thoughts on how the nidecker supermatic for park and freestyle
Very tempting to pick these up but already have strata’s as my daily with forces and atlas’ collecting dust. Side by side vs strata would be toight
I went from 15 year old Burtom Missions to last year Union Strata... The difference is world aparts. I thought my boots were hurting me... Turns out it was the pressure from the bingings
Haha I have some 2008 Missions that I've repaired a number of times that I keep for backups. But looking at them side by side to the new tech I'm just like how did they not consider that we might need some padding in there? Did comfort not exist in 2008. 10 years before that it was unpadded metal trays so I guess it was still an upgrade 😂
I couldn’t decide between these or strata so I’ll be interested in what you find. I ended up with strata’s as I didn’t want to give up too much response.
deciding between ultra and strata too
I have both the stratas and ultras. Strata hands down. They have a better cusion underfoot, and the foot bed is longer. The buckle system on the top strap has a smoother system that connects the straps as well, which reduces the pressure points.
@@andrewhendler6621 yea the strata felt like the better bet for all mountain and his previous review had them as his best binding with the bent metal transfers as second. So I was torn between ultra, strata, transfers. Ended up getting strata and transfers and hopefully I’ll get to try both close together and decide which I like best. Now just have to hope the PNW actually gets snow.
Have these they are awesome!
Can confirm these are the best bindings ever
very comfortable
Hey its a binding video.. kewl. Lots of fun stuff with bindings right now.
Are reviews for flux bindings planned? The flux xf or flux DSL maybe?
Something you didn't do was flex the binding. These are very soft. and you can flex the base like a board. And Union are not for big feet guys. Size 12-12.5 max other then The Force XL.
Can vouch for that. Once I found my force XLs I haven't changed binding since then. Been riding union ever since
Thank you for saying that, been looking for info on this sizing. As a 13 man I won’t be enjoying this lovely binding 😢
@@carmycuhl i shoes i wear a 13. in snowboard boots i go down a size to 12. And heatmolde or just break them in. Burton Vans Nidecker among others have a reduced footprint. Maybe you can fit these if you don't have to big of a boot. the say up to mondo 31 that's the same as 13 🙂🙂
@@Runetone I have some nidecker 13 boots that barely fit in my battaleon e-stroyer bindings. I’m just looking for something I don’t have to max the setting out on and still have to force the buckles to ratchet. The binding say they go to 13, and they technically do it’s just bordering uncomfortable. I see the union force have xl and maybe that’s what I’ll have to do. Bent metal size chart goes to 14 on the L so maybe that’s another option for big feet people?
@@carmycuhl The you should look at the Union force XL they go up to mondo 32 thats euro 14. Moste bindings you need to max out the straps even with 12 or 12,5 that i use
any big difference between this years and last year that youve noticed?
Nah they feel the same, the added grip in the toe strap may help if you had issues with slippage last year but I never had that problem
i may need to try a set of em on my scott stevens
Will this bindings go well with Bataleon Disaster+?
Also curious about this
Interesting i do like the solid highback lood :) not such a fan of the mini disc
Mini disk isn't bad, this is a fun freestyle binding. I think for a do-it-all binder I do prefer the standard base plate slightly. The new Force seems to be a happy middle ground for me so far.
@@BoardArchive the thing i dislike most about the minidisc is the reduction in adjustment. Having a long foot means i tend to push my binding back alot and you just cant do that with a mini disc (or est)
@@BoardArchivethe quality and the price tag dont match for me. Union reminds me of tech nine’s quality. (Yes im old) I always find myself going back to brtn cartels. I miss the Brtn Triad though..
@@Mtree40agree. Just meh. Cartels too stiff for me but a better quality binding imo. I’d try these tho..
I need new binding 😢
Have them in the Army green 🔥🔥
Hi Tj i think the Bataleon Astro Asymwrap are much better than Ultras
What do you think?
I’m using both the astro aw and the ultras on my boards, but if I really had to pick one of them it would be the astros, but its a really hard choice ! 😁
@@Adam-on9ob how lighter than the Bataleon AW are they? I use a Astro Asym but was thinking about getting an Ultra because I find the Astros pretty heavy.
7:14 makes me grateful I have no problem in ankles.
yes I hope it stays that way for you!
What’s your binding and boot size?
Does it makes sense to put Ultra's on a mind expander? or union strata or force might be a better fit?
can you testing burton step on lowback ?
I ride the Nitro beast, do you think the union ultra would be a good choice for me or should i go for a stiffer binding??
I ride a 2020 Beast and just bought the Ultras, I can let you know. Seems like rider preference though
@@dvsday684 Yeah i just got the ultras last month and tbh i didnt really like them. im thinking of getting the nitro team pros instead
@@dvsday684 Yo how'd you find the ultra's on the beast, I just got some Ultra's to stick on my Salomon Man's Board which is about a 7 or 8 on the stiffness scale..
@@JD-gc7lt liking them so far, but definitely more flex than my previous setup. Feels less locked in on high speed stuff and there's a lot of side to side flex.
But they are pretty comfortable, no major pressure points, and hard hits / chop are noticeable softer.
For my skill level they are good but for an advanced rider, the flex might be a little too much.
@@JD-gc7lt honestly, it revealed the weak point in my setup is my boots. Definitely looking for a stiffer boot next since my current pair is pretty worn.
If I’m a size 12 boot and gonna get a 161w what size should o grab ? A L or XL ?
I want canted footbeds and zero degree highbacks..
Have you ever had issues with the binding loosening and spinning a little bit left and right? Im almost certain I have set up the mini disc properly but it seems to loosen a little bit throughout the day to where it starts to spin a bit. I can't seem to find any answers to this anywhere lol
You may wanna check the Screw Washer, women and men's bindings are different, check the ridge on the washer, if you are using men's binding washer pair with screws on women binding, you will not fit perfectly, and that might spinning sometimes even you tight up 100%.
Were you friends with a guy name Ernie up on Beech Mtn?
Out of curiosity, I have a Yes Typo, would you say the Union Ultra or the Union Falcor is a better match for the board? I am running the K2 ender boots.
How do you like the typo? I was thinking of getting that board in a few days.
@@forthehomies4195 great board, I really enjoyed it in Austria! I am sure you will enjoy it too!
Does the ultra replace the contact pro ? Everywhere i search they are all out of stock :(
found my answer on the www ... exiting 2022 Union Bindings :
Contact Pro - the longstanding Contact Pro is no longer with us! It's a binding I really liked for softer freestyle boards and it's sad to see it go. In terms of pricing, the Strata has dropped down to where the Contact Pro would have been - so it has caused a good price drop for the Strata (which is mostly unchanged - see end of post for changes). But there isn't a Contact Pro like binding in the lineup - though in some ways the new Ultra is actually a closer flex/feel to the old Contact Pro than the Strata.
Union bindings last
I’m a size us 11 and 1/2 in a normal shoe. What would I be in a snowboard boot. And I have medium union bindings and I’m not sure if I need a large.
large is ideal
@@jaegansummers2384 yea thanks for the help, but I was just in Japan with the medium bindings and they were still fine. going to japan at the end of the year for 4 months so will be elite.
Does anyone have a size 10.5 boot that has these bindings in a medium size? If so how do they fit or should I stick with large bindings?
I have size 11 boots and use medium Ultras. Identical toe and heel overhang. For size 11.5 should size up to large
I wear 7.5 boots what size binders should i try?
You're right on the edge of small and medium, you should be able to get away with a small though and reduce the footprint on your snowboard
@@BoardArchive thanks. I run small burton malavita est. I love a tight fit on my binders!
What size do you ride for bindings? And boot size ? @boardarchive
Я катался в этих креплениях весь прошлый сезон и мне они не понравились. Эта мягкая подушка под ногой становится как камень при отрицательных температурах и не демпфируют как пена эва. Мой выбор - юнион страта.
straps are deffenitely not the most comfy, also, defenitely not the most responsive nor adjustable binders. Id go strata all day above ultra.
円安で買えないよ！
Anyone riding the ultras on the superdoa? Do they pair well together?