Hi guys! I have another dilettante question ) I was able to take a look at Union bindings at shop and since i want a pretty stiff bindnig i haven't felt noticable difference at highback stifness between Atlas and T.Rice. And even compare to Contact, that is positioned like much softer model in the line. So what the real difference between them? Or it's not about just twisting them and I need to ride it to feel it?
I'm not that familiar with Union bindings but I can tell you this; there's more to flex than the highbacks. The straps are also a determining factor in the stiffness of a binding. Obviously, yes actually riding them will give you the true test between the models but since, short of catching them at a demo day, you can't do that without buying them I would see if you can get a shop to let you bring your boots and board in and mount up. Play with em on the floor, do some presses and torsion tests and so forth. Best thing I can suggest short of buying them.
In Russia shops are demo you! I'm kidding ) But for shure it's almost impossible to find a demo days for Union bindings here. Only Now avaliable to demo in Sochi. But i should try it in the shop at least. Thanks for advice!
I'm a big fan of Union bindings. Been riding the Atlas' for 4 or 5 years now. Absolutely love 'em! Also have an older pair of Asadachi (essentially old Force's)... pretty sweet as well.
If you're looking for a stiffer Union binding, the Ultra or UltraFC... or even the T. Rice is the way to go. The Atlas is a bit softer, but only slightly.
I've ridden the Ultras as well... they're stiffer than the Atlas' for sure, but the difference is minor... and it'll also depend on how hard you crank down on your straps, as well as your boots. I like to go medium-tight for most conditions... and I ride in Salomon Synapse boots... for me, it's a perfect combo.
Another plus for Union... all binding parts are covered under warranty. When a buckle or strap starts to crap out, just contact Union and they'll send replacement parts pretty quickly.
So it's seems like not too much noticable difference between Force and T.Rice. The question is why I should pay so much more for the Rice? @UNION_INHOUSE what do you say? If you please )
Actually I prejudice that Now bindings is just a gimmick ) I can't explain for myself how to redused edge angles help me to drive my board. But I haven't try it yet, so maybe I'm mistaken.
In 31 years of riding, NOWs are the best bindings I've ever ridden... with that being said, I feel that all Unions suck ( as do any binding that is modular ) it doesnt matter what binding it is in a modular setup, it is never as responsive as a unibody binding ( Burton, Flux, etc )
It's different strokes for different folks for sure, but as stated 31 years, with over a decade of being a commission shop buyer...
Modular bindings just always feel squishy/flex, no matter what the model... high end /low end I can always feel the difference in comparison to a unibody binding
unibody bindings can feel squishy/flexy as well, but it is in the ones that are described to be that way ( I.E. low end and or freestyle models ) and the unibody bindings that are supposed to be stiff and high end, feel stiff and responsive
YMMV
Demo and or buy a bunch and figure out what works for you, then just sell what doesn't work for you... with the sale posts on here and Snowboard Trader on Facebook, trying a bunch of different bindings these days isn't really that expensive of a deal if you do it right
Nows are definitely nice. I prefer rear entries but Nows are the only ones I'll really ride otherwise. I agree Unions are mad overrated. They're made decently enough but goddamn I hate their toe straps. They're terrible and fit poorly on almost every boot out there. Blows my mind that they're still making them the same way.
Get yourself a set of Rome katana and call it a day.
I've went from katana to the competition (now pilot) back to katana. Then tried out more competition (burton genesis,Union atlas,Rome DOD, union superforce) then recently back to katanas. Couldn't beleivehow much better than unions they were for me. That I bought two sets of katanas this time around (40% off and no changes for next years models.)
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