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Cartels, 390 Boss, Union Atlas.

10K views 30 replies 15 participants last post by  quicklx 
#1 ·
I'm look at the Cartels, 390 Boss, Union Atlas. All 2012-2013 models

Can people way in on:
Stiffness
Comfort
Flex
Overall experience?

I'm looking for a binding that's good all around.
I'm a down hill longboarder, this is my off season. So if any longboarders want to share their input it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
#10 · (Edited)
I've ridden all three and like them all but like the atlases the best.

Soft enough or stiff enough to be on any board you own.
Quick Forward Lean Adustment.
Lightweight.
Straps don't get in my way and are comfy.
You can rock them over the toe or old school convertible. Deathgrip when rocking them on your toe.

Simple, awesome bindings.



I do agree with supra though, you can't really go wrong with any. Pick the color that stokes you out the most, or the pro, philosophy you like best.
 
#14 ·
I think Union bindings are pretty good, but I'm a big fan of canting footbeds, which Union doesn't seem to offer so I could never use them for long. I think Romes canting options are perfect for me, but overall I think Rome is like Union, pretty good. As much as I hate giving my money to Burton, I've always been impressed with their bindings more so than Union or Rome.
 
#15 ·
It's great to live in a free world.

Bottom line, all 3 of these are great bindings. Here are some of the main differences in my OPINION.

Burton - Unibody baseplate.
Rome & Union - Adjustable heelcups.

Union & Burton - Anatomic baseplates.
Rome - Anatomic everything, except the actual nylon baseplate is symmetrical.

Regarding canting - We've been working on this for a while, and will have canting on a model or 2 next year. The reason we haven't pursued it is simply because none of the team guys have wanted it. I think until we see a significant amount of guys asking for it, it's not going to be something we offer across the line. Out of 100 people we give bindings to, I've heard the request from maybe 4. The reason for this is probably because non of them ride huge stances. It's a non issue.

Back to work. Just wanted to share my thoughts.

Have a good day!
 
#16 ·
I had a huge boner for canting a year or so back and when I finally got some bindings with canting....they felt fucking weird. I had to bang my stance out wider for it to not feel weird, but then I didn't like having such a wide stance. I guess my knees felt better after a long day, but could have been conditions, iono.

Bottom line I could take it or leave it.

/cool story, bro.
 
#19 ·
CArtels and Atlas = secks. Haven't tried last yrs Rome Boss.

Stiffness - Med, highback is not soft and doesn't fold. good response on both
Comfort - secks, plenty of cushioning (footbed) and no pressure points (ankle and toe straps.)
Flex - middle, not stiff or soft
Overall experience = hot secks for both.
 
#21 ·
I have never been a fan of Union in general but i must say just from looking at the Altas they are a solid binding. THe bosses and cartels are great binders as well. You really can't go wrong. If your more into jibbing/jumps i would get the bosses if your more into mountain shit the cartels might be a better fit. Can't speak for the altas because i haven't ridden them but they seem to be a good do everything binding.
 
#22 ·
I have all three of these bindings. Rode the 390 bosses all last year....decent but i had several times where the binding felt loose and had to keep tightening them... to the point the ankle strap was killing my foot. I bought the cartels this year and i have really tried to like them...but they just seem cheap and they make way too many strange noises.. ..clicking like something is broken...i have had the apart a dozen times and could not find and issue. Also the relfex is a nice thought but there is too much slop in the fit of the disc to the baseplate. This results in too much lifting of the binding during edge to edge movement. Regardless they got removed and got replaced by the Union Atlas . Much better built binding. More adjustability. Allows the board to flex under foot but doesnt have excessive play like the Cartel's . Gonna ride the Atlas' next weekend...4 days should give a decent idea of where they stand.
 
#23 ·
You sound like me.

I didn't feel like the Cartels were cheap or anything though, they definitely didn't feel as "locked in" as the Atlas. That's really all it was though, just a feeling, as I had ZERO problems riding in them, I just liked my Unions better.

I had the same issues with my 390s from 2010-2011. I liked them, but at times, they wouldn't stay dialed all the way down the hill. I started getting superstitious and sketched out on every run. I heard they addressed that for last/this year.

You're gonna love your atlases.
 
#31 ·
Ok, so just got back from the weekend trip. got 3 full days of riding in. The Union Atlas bindings are just awesome! I took them everywhere from the park to groomers, to the trees, and steeps. They did not loosen up once...they felt just as tight at the beginning of the run as they did at the end. very comfy and responsive binding. They were not harsh on landings and felt very secure on the steep stuff at speed. Great control.

The only thing I would like to see if possible is a little less forward lean. I am 1 notch away from the least amount of lean.... a couple more towards zero lean would be nice.
 
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