So I have a predicament that I don't think I can go wrong on, but would appreciate the forum's input.
I currently own two brand new sets of bindings - 2011/12 Union Atlas' and 2012/13 Burton Cartels. I know these models have been debated back and forth and folks have their personal preferences. With that said, which pair should I keep?
Caveat about my riding - I'm 5'10 220 with 9.5 boot. I have a Rome Anthem 163. I ride all-Mtn but stay away from the terrain park and pipe (too many close calls on head injuries in the past). I love powder, bombing steeps, and cruising with a focus on improving my carving. With that said, which bindings should I stick with?
I could always hang onto both, but I'll probably stick with one and sell the other. What say you?
Yea, I was hesitant to post this question, but could use some advice. I know I can't go wrong, but would appreciate some feedback. I'm sure it'll end with the knives but maybe we can be a little civil for a few posts!
Cartel's personally. The auto cant and the toe straps are just sexy. The Unions are great, but the tech is old. But really it's all a matter of preference. Some hate Union some hate Burton..ride what you enjoy.
Like stated before both bindings are awesome and you can't go wrong here so here are my pros and cons first.
Union, Pros; base plates are bomb proof, best sole length adjustment around, aluminum heel loop making the stiffer and a bit more responsive, high back itself is killer also. I also like the slot disc that can easily slide the binding to adjust in smaller increments when it comes to stance.
Cons; straps themselves SUCK they are a pain in the ass to open especially the toe strap, and to me one of the worst toe straps on the market. High back rotation is very limited, no canted base plate padding, hardware on straps seem to constantly loosen, strap location cannot me adjusted, non flexing base plate.
Burton; Pros, auto can't base plates, plush straps with smooth glide buckles easy to get in and out of, high back height and stiffness makes for powerful heel side turns, forward lean adjustment is much smoother, depending on model flex able base plate, best high back rotation around, toe straps are much better and stay in place better.
Cons, no sole length adjustment, not a fan of the plastic heel loop, no toe or heel ramps to adjust, not as stiff as the Unions base plate wise.
To me either is an awesome choice but when you list it out I think I just talked myself in a set of new Cartels one day. But I do like the union for full on reliability due to simple design also. For an All-Mountain rig sorry to say but Union wins in my mind.
Appreciate the feedback and the pros and cons. Really insightful and this was what I was hoping to get.
Someone else recommended I try both...since I've got 4-5 days in Vail/Breck coming up, I think that may be a good option. Couple days on both should give me a pretty good idea of what I like.
Keep the Atlas. I'm pretty impressed with how they performs for all mountain. A couple of clicks of forward lean and the highback grips your boot like a glove. More power transfer in the highback and toe strap. The Unions are the way to go.
Plus if you ever decide to step up your freestyle game you can run the Atlas highback stright up with no forward lean and it's fully torsional and move the toe strap back into a cap and you have a solid park binding.
Cartels for sure, with the great straps, buttery ratchets, and that soft footbed.
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