mate, love your reviews. very detailed and clear. always learn a lot and really like that you keep your biases at a minimum. imho, you are among the most trustworthy SB reviewers on youtube atm. keep it up.
You could look at something like the Flite Pros bit.ly/3uGcDbo - they are simple, cheap and basic, but will do the job. If your budget goes a bit further the STRs, or even the Stratas won't be overkill.
Just picked up skeleton key and have choice between strata’s and cartel x…….. you said you rode both ….. what’s your take? …… I ride no park and just like to cruise groomers , trees and pow
Both are safe, and not a night and day difference between the two really. Cartel X has nicer straps (toe especially) and a more direct feel which I think is why I like it a touch more. If you wanted a bit more playful ride then go for the Strata.
Thanks! I was about 70kg then. I don't think that it is going to be way too soft, but if you were going to step up from the Strata I would skip the Force then and go straight to the Atlas.
Really nice review. I have been riding an old Burton cartel binding for a long time. Would you advies the union strata for all mountain (carving, small jumps and some pow) as well?
Yeah it is going to be a good match for that sort of riding, and I think you will notice it will feel a little smoother overall than the older cartels.
In general they are probably fairly standard sizes, or a bit bigger - though the narrower stance might make it look a bit different. I'm 6ft/183cm, 155lbs/70kg. In that video the Ride Zero is a 155cm, the Korua Shape Pin Tonic is a 164, though in general unless it is a volume shift board I would be on 155 or bigger.
you claim that Union Strata is a good binding for transition finder? maybe for 70kg body weight. Close to 90 on hard pack snow you don't wanna ride it a single second on Transition Finder 157, which is a super stiff , wide tapered board. Responsive stiff binding needed for a responsive stiff board.
@@SnowboardRobotyes sure, maybe worth a notice that the 157 Transition Finder on 10kg heavier rider shall chose a stiffer binding for Transition Finder than strata, even the Union Force that I have is a bit too weak, Atlas recommended. And you were completely right about the stiffness of korua transition finder, I own now one myself. it is stiffer than Ride Mtnpig (flex 8) and for sure stiffer than Ride Superpig, would say Transition Finder is a solid 8.50 out of 10 Flex,.pretty stiff board.
Thanks! Overall they were very similar. The Ultras did seem to have a tiny bit more cushioning though not noticeably softer, but I did like the new straps and ratchets compared to the ones on my Stratas. The Ultras did have a nice finish, and felt like an expensive binding, but you could safely go with either if you wanted something mid flex.
Great review! I just picked up a Never Summer Harpoon. Do you think the Strata would pair nicely with it? I have some Burton Cartels and Rome Katanas I could move over, but kinda wanted something new. :) Thanks!
The Stratas bit.ly/3Rf7r5Z would be a good match for the Harpoon I think. Still having plenty of response toe to heel, with just a bit of play flexing them side to side.
Hi curious what your thoughts are on the Beyond Medals Atlas mashup with the Strata high back. Think that is a good mix of strength and playfulness still?
Hmm, although it has a mix of parts, I think that the overall feel would be closer to the normal Atlas, just because of the same baseplate and the big disc. Probably a good choice if you don't ride too much park, and want something pretty responsive.
Thanks for that feedback. I love the surfing feel the mini disc provide but without a lot of park laps. I felt I needed more response in the Big White trees and glades.
The Ultras do feel like an expensive and cushioned binding should, though other than the new nice ratchets and straps, you could go with either if you want the mid flexing/small disk feel. If the price wasn't different I would go with the Ultras.
I prefer to have my boots centered on the board, and that's where it gets difficult with the Burton Re:flex bindings. With Burton Imperials in US8 and medium Cartels I can't offset the bindings enough towards the toe-side. I could of course have bought a pair in small to see if that solved the problem, but I went straight to Union instead.
Yeah that is fair - I always go for the smallest bindings that are an option for the size of my boots, but any with adjustable heelcups do make it all pretty easy.
Hey Lochie. Did you try the stratas on your mercury. I have a mercury and found it really hard to turn particulary frontside. A detune of the tips and moving the heelcup in helped, but I still wonder how much different an atlas or cartel would be. Im 73kg and on the 157. Thanks, love your reviews.
Yeah I did have them on the Mercury for a bit - no issues for me. Other than small things like differences in the flex between Strata/Cartels, they acted the same on the board for me. When you have your boots in the bindings, and look at the board from the bottom - is the boot centered with an even toe and heel overhang? Would you say you are generally comfortable on 157cm length boards?
@@SnowboardRobot Hey thanks for the reply. Yeah not probs on longer boards. I started out on a 161 full camber. Im going to try my malavitas on the mercury and see how that goes. Yup centred the bindings, initially they weren’t so sorting that made a bit of a difference. I do ride a bit on the slower side and i think the merc might not be the best board for that. I also found it way more work in powder than the 158 burton custom flying v I owned prior. Cheers mate.
mate, love your reviews. very detailed and clear. always learn a lot and really like that you keep your biases at a minimum. imho, you are among the most trustworthy SB reviewers on youtube atm. keep it up.
Thanks! I really appreciate it!
What would you recommend between the force's strata's and ultra's
For all mountain but mainly Park.
Would these be an okay binding to combine with the Dancehaul?
Hey. What would you recommend a beginner for binding? With the YES Basic board? I am fresh, debating which one of the unions to go for? Thanks.
You could look at something like the Flite Pros bit.ly/3uGcDbo - they are simple, cheap and basic, but will do the job. If your budget goes a bit further the STRs, or even the Stratas won't be overkill.
Just picked up skeleton key and have choice between strata’s and cartel x…….. you said you rode both ….. what’s your take? …… I ride no park and just like to cruise groomers , trees and pow
Both are safe, and not a night and day difference between the two really. Cartel X has nicer straps (toe especially) and a more direct feel which I think is why I like it a touch more. If you wanted a bit more playful ride then go for the Strata.
Hi, nice review! I'm not sure if Strata is too soft for me because I'm 85kg. For your weight it seems ok - can you please specify your weight? thx
Thanks! I was about 70kg then. I don't think that it is going to be way too soft, but if you were going to step up from the Strata I would skip the Force then and go straight to the Atlas.
Hey, what are your thoughts on canting with bindings? Do you tend to change your stance depending if you have canting or not?
Would it be practical pairing these with the k2 excavator, mainly for carving, slower casual, surfy riding?😊
Yeah, that actually sounds like a very suitable match
Just got a pair im looking forward to see how they ride
Really nice review. I have been riding an old Burton cartel binding for a long time. Would you advies the union strata for all mountain (carving, small jumps and some pow) as well?
Yeah it is going to be a good match for that sort of riding, and I think you will notice it will feel a little smoother overall than the older cartels.
Hi mate! Thanks for the video! Would you pair these strata or the burton cartel for the mercury? Thanks! 😊
I would choose the Cartel X as the first choice, then Strata, then regular Cartel.
Hi, it looks like your boards are smaller than they should be? Could you give us info of your set up and height?
In general they are probably fairly standard sizes, or a bit bigger - though the narrower stance might make it look a bit different. I'm 6ft/183cm, 155lbs/70kg. In that video the Ride Zero is a 155cm, the Korua Shape Pin Tonic is a 164, though in general unless it is a volume shift board I would be on 155 or bigger.
you claim that Union Strata is a good binding for transition finder? maybe for 70kg body weight. Close to 90 on hard pack snow you don't wanna ride it a single second on Transition Finder 157, which is a super stiff , wide tapered board. Responsive stiff binding needed for a responsive stiff board.
Yep heavier guys will want stiffer stuff, but I review things based on my weight
@@SnowboardRobotyes sure, maybe worth a notice that the 157 Transition Finder on 10kg heavier rider shall chose a stiffer binding for Transition Finder than strata, even the Union Force that I have is a bit too weak, Atlas recommended. And you were completely right about the stiffness of korua transition finder, I own now one myself. it is stiffer than Ride Mtnpig (flex 8) and for sure stiffer than Ride Superpig, would say Transition Finder is a solid 8.50 out of 10 Flex,.pretty stiff board.
Thanks for a good review. I still find them quite responsive with the stiffer highback. How do you compare them with the new ultras?
Thanks! Overall they were very similar. The Ultras did seem to have a tiny bit more cushioning though not noticeably softer, but I did like the new straps and ratchets compared to the ones on my Stratas. The Ultras did have a nice finish, and felt like an expensive binding, but you could safely go with either if you wanted something mid flex.
Great review! I just picked up a Never Summer Harpoon. Do you think the Strata would pair nicely with it? I have some Burton Cartels and Rome Katanas I could move over, but kinda wanted something new. :) Thanks!
The Stratas bit.ly/3Rf7r5Z would be a good match for the Harpoon I think. Still having plenty of response toe to heel, with just a bit of play flexing them side to side.
@@SnowboardRobot I ended up going with the new Union Forces. Hearing good things about them and can’t wait to try them!
how much foward lean do you personally use with these?
None at all, I don't add any forward lean to any of my bindings actually
Hi curious what your thoughts are on the Beyond Medals Atlas mashup with the Strata high back. Think that is a good mix of strength and playfulness still?
Hmm, although it has a mix of parts, I think that the overall feel would be closer to the normal Atlas, just because of the same baseplate and the big disc. Probably a good choice if you don't ride too much park, and want something pretty responsive.
Thanks for that feedback. I love the surfing feel the mini disc provide but without a lot of park laps. I felt I needed more response in the Big White trees and glades.
thanks for the great review. Which one do you prefer strata or ultra ?
The Ultras do feel like an expensive and cushioned binding should, though other than the new nice ratchets and straps, you could go with either if you want the mid flexing/small disk feel. If the price wasn't different I would go with the Ultras.
Jake! ❤
What pants are you wearing? Loe the purple color!
They are the Quiksilver Snow Down Gore-Tex pants from last season
Hows the ultras compared to stratas? Are they mid flex as well?
Yeah, similar flex overall, just with nicer straps
@@SnowboardRobot thanks man! Appreciate the help!
I prefer to have my boots centered on the board, and that's where it gets difficult with the Burton Re:flex bindings. With Burton Imperials in US8 and medium Cartels I can't offset the bindings enough towards the toe-side. I could of course have bought a pair in small to see if that solved the problem, but I went straight to Union instead.
Yeah that is fair - I always go for the smallest bindings that are an option for the size of my boots, but any with adjustable heelcups do make it all pretty easy.
Hey Lochie. Did you try the stratas on your mercury. I have a mercury and found it really hard to turn particulary frontside. A detune of the tips and moving the heelcup in helped, but I still wonder how much different an atlas or cartel would be. Im 73kg and on the 157. Thanks, love your reviews.
Yeah I did have them on the Mercury for a bit - no issues for me. Other than small things like differences in the flex between Strata/Cartels, they acted the same on the board for me.
When you have your boots in the bindings, and look at the board from the bottom - is the boot centered with an even toe and heel overhang? Would you say you are generally comfortable on 157cm length boards?
@@SnowboardRobot
Hey thanks for the reply. Yeah not probs on longer boards. I started out on a 161 full camber. Im going to try my malavitas on the mercury and see how that goes. Yup centred the bindings, initially they weren’t so sorting that made a bit of a difference. I do ride a bit on the slower side and i think the merc might not be the best board for that. I also found it way more work in powder than the 158 burton custom flying v I owned prior. Cheers mate.
how do you adjust them
Straps or heelcup?