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Past Reviews of the Union Atlas
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Union Atlas 2023-2024
Hello and welcome to my Union Atlas bindings review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Atlas as all-mountain-freeride snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Atlas a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain-freeride bindings.
Overall Rating
Binding: Union Atlas 2024
Price: $369
Style: All-Mountain-Freeride
Flex Rating: Stiff (8/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 85.6/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Out of the 20 men’s all-mountain-freeride bindings that I rated:
- The average score was 84.2/100
- The highest score was 93.1/100
- The lowest score was 77.1/100
- The average price was $360
- The Atlas ranked 9th out of 20
Overview of the Atlas’s Specs
STYLE:
ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREERIDE
PRICE:
$369 - BUYING OPTIONS
$369 - BUYING OPTIONS
Ability Level:
flex:
weight:
Felt normal
Mounts to:
2x4 | 4x4 | Channel
SIZE | US BOOT SIZE | EURO BOOT SIZE | UK BOOT SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
S | 5.5-7.5 | 37-40.5 | 4.5-6.5 |
M | 8-10 | 41-43 | 7-9 |
L | 10.5-13 | 43.5-46 | 9.5-12 |
Who is the Atlas Most Suited To?
The Atlas is best suited to anyone looking for a stiffer than average binding that provides good support and carveability while at the same time rides well when riding slower/more casual.
Best matched to boards in the 5/10 to 8/10 flex range and even more ideal for that 6/10 to 7/10 flex range, IMO.
The Atlas in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Atlas are capable of.
Demo Info
Binding: Union Atlas 2024, M
Date: March 16, 2023
Conditions
Sunny, barely a cloud in the sky. Perfect visibility.
Temperature was -1°C (30°F) and -6°C (21°F) with wind, in the morning and 2°C (36°F), which was -2°C (28°F) with wind, in the afternoon. NW winds 5kph (3mph) morning and afternoon.
24 hour snow: 0" (0cm)
48 hour snow: 2" (5cm)
7 day snow: 16" (41cm)
On groomer: Hard pack but not icy. Overall really quite nice. And fast.
Off groomer: Doable but not ideal. Hard and crunchy.
Set Up
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Board tested with: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
Boots tested with: Adidas Response ADV, size US9.5
Footbed length: 24.5cm (9.7”)
Footbed Length Fully Extended: 25.5cm (10”)
Baseplate Length (underside): 23cm (9.1")
Highback Height: 20.8cm (8.2”)
Weight: 1020 grams (2lbs, 4oz)
* for one binding, including screws and disc. The average weight of a small sample size of around 80 bindings (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 models) I have weighed is 920 grams (2lbs). So the Atlas were heavier than average on scales, but on snow they felt normal weight-wise.
Flex
I had the Atlas FC, Atlas Pro, Force, Force Classic and Strata with me to test, so I was able to compare against all of them, plus the Burton Malavita (my control bindings).
In Hand: In terms of high-back twist, they are what you'd expect vs the other Union bindings in the line. They had a little more twist flex than the Atlas FC and Atlas Pro but not as much twist as the Force and Force New. They were pretty similar to the Strata in terms of twist flex. There was virtually no pull back flex, but just a touch more than the Atlas FC. About the same as the Atlas Pro, which was very very little. Vs the Malavita there was a touch more twist in the Atlas' high-back, but pretty close (note that the Malavita has quite a stiff high-back but softer baseplate).
Ankle strap flex is a little flexier than all of the Atlas FC, Atlas, Force New, Force Classic, Strata and Malavita. They weren't ultra flexy or anything, but the flexiest of all that I had with me.
The toe strap's flex was stiffer than on the Atlas FC, Atlas Pro and Force New and very similar to the Strata, Force Classic and Malavita.
On Snow: Overall they felt stiffer than medium, but very similar to other bindings I've ridden with 7/10 flex. I think the 8/10 flex rating they get is a little exaggerated and I would say they're right there at that 7/10 flex mark on snow.
Responsiveness
On a higher speed carve, there was more stability and could carve a little harder vs the Malavita, but not quite as good as the Atlas Pro.
In terms of slower speed agility, they were very close to the Malavita. If I had to choose I'd say the Malavita were a little better, but not much in it. They were quite noticeably better at slow speeds than the Atlas Pro.
The response feel is a nice even, consistent smooth, predictable feel.
Board Feel/Butterability
Not quite as good as Malavita in terms of board feel but still decently good. This is likely aided by the quite hard, not very padded footbed. Very similar to the Atlas Pro in terms of board feel, but the Atlas, just a hair better in terms of tweaking and buttering.
Pop/Ollie Power
Popping ollies or popping off rollers/jumps was easier to initiate vs the Atlas Pro, with a similar amount of overall power. Very similar in terms of power as the Malavitas but not quite as easy to initiate, but very close.
Adjustability
The Atlas have really good adjustability. Most things are adjustable on this binding.
Heel Cup: Yes - which is great for boot centering.
Stance Width: Micro adjustments possible - can run disc horizontal and that allows micro stance width adjustments. And given you can use the heel cup for boot centering, you're pretty much always going to be able to run the disc horizontal, as the only advantage of running the disc vertical is to adjust for boot centering.
Highback Lean: Yes and tool-less
Ankle Strap Position: No
Toe Strap Position: Yes - 2 position options
Ankle and toe strap length: Tool-less
Gas pedal/toe ramp extension: Yes - a 1cm range.
Highback Rotation: Yes - 2 position options
Compatible with: 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | Channel
Shock Absorption
Footbed Thickness: 2.1cm toe and 2cm heel (on one side then 2.2cm toe and 2.1cm heel on other side) – some subtle canting there. There’s padding in the toe and heel, but it’s very hard, not cushy at all. That probably helps with board feel, but not shock absorption.
On Snow: They didn't absorb shock absorption as well as my control bindings. Quite noticeably down. Nothing terrible - but a step down. Felt very similar to the Atlas Pro, which in turn felt very similar to the Atlas FC.
Entry/Exit
Ratchets are nice and smooth. Not the smoothest ever, but as smooth as you'd ever need them. No issues unstrapping on the move, approaching chairlift.
Comfort
Good comfort overall. Not a lot of cush in the footbed, but otherwise very comfortable.
Ankle Strap: Felt really nice, conformed well and no pressure points.
Toe Strap: Ditto ankle strap.
Canted Footbed: Yes, subtly.
Padded Footbed: Some padding but quite hard/solid feel.
Highback: Minimal padding but felt good riding. No calf-bite.
Ankle Support
Ankle support was good. Felt very similar to the Atlas Pro and the Malavita.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.6/100 |
Overall, the Atlas are really solid bindings without any weaknesses. They are a good mid-stiff binding that can take you anywhere you want to go and are overall just great quality and feel good for both carving and slower speed riding.
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Union Atlas 2023
Hello and welcome to my Union Atlas bindings review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Atlas as all-mountain-freeride snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Atlas a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain-freeride bindings.
Overall Rating
Binding: Union Atlas 2023
Price: $349
Style: All-Mountain-Freeride
Flex Rating: Stiff (8/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 85.1/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Out of the 17 men’s all-mountain-freeride bindings that I rated:
- The average score was 84.8/100
- The highest score was 93.1/100
- The lowest score was 77.1/100
- The average price was $353
- The Atlas ranked 6th out of 17
Overview of the Atlas’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Atlas’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freeride |
Price: | $349 |
Ability Level: | |
Flex: | |
Weight: | Felt normal |
Mounts to: | 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | Channel |
Sizing
SIZE | US BOOT SIZE | EURO BOOT SIZE | UK BOOT SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
S | 6-7.5 | 38-40.5 | 5-6.5 |
M | 8-10 | 41-43 | 7-9 |
L | 10.5+ | 43.5+ | 9.5+ |
Who is the Atlas Most Suited To?
The Atlas is best suited to those who like to do a bit of everything but a little more fast/aggressively than the average rider. They're a little stiffer than medium and like a bit of speed under them and hold up well on deep carves. But they're still fine for those times when you need those quicker turns at slower speeds.
Not for beginners, but anyone intermediate and up in need of bindings of this flex, they are suitable.
Best matched to boards with a 6/10 to 8/10 flex.
The Atlas in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Atlas are capable of.
Demo Info
Binding: Union Atlas 2023, M
Date: March 25, 2022
Conditions
Sunny with clouds. More cloud than blue skies - high cloud. Unlimited visibility.
Temperature: 37°F (3°C)
24hr snow: 0" (0cm)
48hr snow: 0" (0cm)
7 day snow: 27" (69cm)
On groomer: Nicely groomed mid-soft pack. Some glints of slush to start with and then got slushier as the day went on.
Off groomer: A little icy and crunchy to start in spots but not too bad. Got progressively softer.
Set Up
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 555mm (22″)
Board tested with: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
Footbed Length: 24.4cm (9.6”)
Footbed fully extended: 25.4cm (10")
Baseplate Length: 22.7cm (8.9") - quite a bit of angle down from footbed to underside of baseplate.
Highback Height: 20.6cm (8.1")
Weight: 980g (2lb 3oz)*
* for one binding, including screws and disc. The average weight of around 60 bindings (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 models) I have weighed, was 913 grams. The lightest was 680 grams and the heaviest was 1,240grams. So the Atlas was a little above average on the scales, but felt normal when riding and on lift.
Changes for the 2023 Model
The Atlas gets a new highback for the 2023 model. The "S14 Duraflex CB" highback. It also gets new ratchets and a new forward lean adjuster.
Flex
It's a little stiffer than the Force but not hugely so. I don't feel it at 8/10 like it's rated, but I think 7/10 is right on where this binding is.
Responsiveness
Versus my control bindings (Burton Malavita), these weren't quite as good for quick turns at slower speeds. But they were noticeably better for holding deeper carves at higher speeds. And they were surprisingly as good at slower speeds as the Union Force (which I also rode that day) but that little bit better on a big carve.
They share the same smooth, even consistent (as opposed to explosive/springy) response personality as the Force - just with a little bit more burliness.
Board Feel/Butterability
Felt the same as the Force. Not as good as the Malavita. Not awesome board feel, but no devoid of it either.
Pop/Ollie Power
Normal. A touch down from Malavita and about the same as the Force.
Adjustability
The Atlas have really good adjustability. Most things are adjustable on this binding.
Heel Cup: Yes - which is great for boot centering.
Stance Width: Micro adjustments possible - can run disc horizontal and that allows micro stance width adjustments. And given you can use the heel cup for boot centering, you're pretty much always going to be able to run the disc horizontal, as the only advantage of running the disc vertical is to adjust for boot centering.
Highback Lean: Yes and tool-less
Ankle Strap Position: No
Toe Strap Position: Yes - 2 position options
Ankle and toe strap length: Tool-less
Gas pedal/toe ramp extension: Yes
Highback Rotation: Yes - 2 position options
Compatible with: 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | Channel
Shock Absorption
I felt the Atlas absorbed shock well. Not quite as well as my control bindings, but a little better than the Force.
Entry/Exit
I found the release on the toe strap a little grabby a couple of times, but nothing major. All round pretty smooth.
Comfort
Overall nice and comfortable.
Ankle Strap: Really like the ankle strap on the Atlas. Looks and feels nice, produced zero pressure points and conformed nicely to my boots. Relatively firm feeling, without being overly stiff.
Toe Strap: Toe strap also nice. Very soft and malleable in the middle of the toe strap with the outer sections more firm.
Canted Footbed: Yes
Padded Footbed: An OK amount of padding. The padding is fairly firm for the most part - with the heel section a little squishier. But overall absorbs shock and chatter pretty well.
Highback: A little padding from near bottom up through the middle – but nothing on the top section. And that padding is quite firm. I felt zero calf bite and that's the main thing.
Ankle Support
Decent without being amazing.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 4.0 | 24/30 |
BOARD FEEL | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.1/100 |
Overall, the Atlas is a quality binding, particularly when it comes to freeride and carving up the groomers. It's not ideal as a freestyle binding - but it's not horrible for it either.
A good all-round binding, that's a little stiffer than medium, is comfortable and has a lot of adjustability. And basically zero weaknesses.
--Union Atlas 2021-2022--
Hello and welcome to my Union Atlas bindings review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Atlas’ as All-Mountain-Freeride snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Atlas’ a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other All-Mountain-Freeride bindings.
Overall Rating
Bindings: Union Atlas
Price: $349
Style: All-Mountain-Freeride
Other Uses: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Baseplate = 7/10 | Highback = 7/10 (based on Union's flex slider graphs)
Flex Feel: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 85.6/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Out of the 15 Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride bindings that I rated:
- The average score was 84.3/100
- The highest score was 93.1/100
- The lowest score was 77.1/100
- The average price was $323
- The Atlas ranked 4th out of 15
Overview of the Atlas’ Specs
Check out the tables for the Atlas' specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freeride |
Price: | $349 |
Ability Level: | |
Flex: |  |
Edge-to-edge: | Medium-Fast |
Weight: | Normal |
Mounts to: | 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | Channel |
Sizing
SIZE | US BOOT SIZE | EURO BOOT SIZE | UK BOOT SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
S | 6-7.5 | 38-40.5 | 5-6.5 |
M | 8-10 | 41-43 | 7-9 |
L | 10.5+ | 43.5+ | 9.5+ |
Who are the Atlas Most Suited to?
The Atlas are best suited to anyone looking for a versatile binding, that's a little stiffer than medium, but not too stiff. Something that will match well with medium to medium-stiff flexing boards (ideally 5/10 to 7/10 flex boards) and offers a large amount of adjustability and comfort at the same time.
Too stiff for beginners, but anyone intermediate and up, looking to match to a mid to mid-stiff flexing board should be well suited to this binding.
The Atlas in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Atlas are capable of.
Demo Info
Binding: Union Atlas 2021, size M
Date: February 28, 2020
Conditions: No fresh overnight but there was the previous night. Groomers were nice. Well enough groomed with a medium snow base and a soft layer on top.
Off groomer good too - not fresh like it was the previous day but medium - not hard or crunchy or anything.
Visibility variable. Temp was -3°C (26.6°F) with wind but didn't feel overly cold to start. Wind picked up and was quite a chilly wind later on.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 550mm (21.7″)
Board demoed with: Rossignol One LF 2018, 159
Baseplate Length: 24.4cm (9.6")*
*measured on the top side of the footbed (gas pedal all the way in) - a little bit of angle down to underside of baseplate which was 23cm (9.05").
Baseplate with gas pedal extended: 25.4cm (10")
Highback Height: 21cm (8.3")*
* from bottom of heel cup to top of highback.
Height from Bottom of Baseplate to top of Highback: 27.2cm (10.7")
Weight: 940 grams (2lbs, 1oz)*
* for one binding, including screws and disc. The average weight of a small sample size of around 30 bindings (2019, 2020 & 2021 models) I weighed, was 895 grams. The lightest was 760 grams and the heaviest was 1,020grams. So the Atlas is just slightly heavier than normal based on those samples.
2021 Model
I tested the 2020 model and I wouldn't don't test a binding two years in a row unless there have been significant changes. But there have been significant changes between the 2020 and 2021 models, so I had to retest them (see end of this section for details on the changes).
Sizing
With my old Vans Aura snowboard boots (size 10), I easily fit in a Union medium with plenty of room to spare - would definitely be confident getting a 10.5 and possibly even 11 of that, and other low profile boots, into a medium Union. With my Salomon Lo-Fi (size 10 but not very low profile), it maxed out the toe strap.
Still fit in fine in the Lo-Fi size 10, but I wouldn't be that confident going to a 10.5. So for a bulkier boot, I would go to the large size for the Atlas for 10.5 and up - but for lower profile boots, you should be able to get a 10.5 in the medium fine.
Flex
Whilst the new flex ratings from Union for the 2021 Atlas look to show the Atlas as stiff as the Falcor, I would say that they're still just a hair softer. Not by much at all, very similar, but subtly softer overall, IMO. 6.5/10 vs 7/10 for the Falcor.
Also on the flex slider from Union, it makes the Atlas look just a touch softer than the Atlas FC, but I rode the 2 the same day and the Atlas FC felt considerably stiffer - more like 9/10.
Union also now rates the highback and baseplate as stiff as each other, but I would still say that the highback is softer.
Responsiveness
These bindings allow you to get into a deeper, harder carve than the average binding. But they balance that well with still allowing maneuverability at slower speeds. You get a little more on a carve vs my test bindings (Burton Malavita) but just that slight bit less maneuverability at slower speeds.
Board Feel/Butterability
The board feel is decent, given they don't have a mini-disc or anything. But not as good as say the Strata or Falcor (or my test bindings).
Pop/Ollie Power
Didn't notice any less or more than my test bindings or typical bindings. I find it's only very few bindings that actually make this better or worse. The Falcor just that little bit better in this respect.
Adjustability
One of the more adjustable bindings going around.
Heel Cup: Yes - which is great for centering boots - which in turn frees up the disc to be run horizontally for more stance width options.
Stance Width: Can run disc vertically and horizontally
Highback Lean: Yes, tool-less
Ankle Strap Position: No
Toe Strap Position: Yes
Ankle and toe strap length: Tool-less
Gas pedal/toe ramp extension: Yes
Highback Rotation: Sort of
Compatible with: 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | Channel
So basically the only adjustability it doesn't have is being able to move the position of the ankle strap.
Shock Absorption
Really good in this area. Probably a little better than the old Atlas. The footbed doesn't feel overly soft to the touch, but it's thick enough and the most important thing is that it does provide good dampness against chatter and good shock absorption on flat landings.
Entry/Exit
I found the ankle strap to be smoother than the previous Atlas - and even a little smoother than on the Strata and Falcor. Similar in smoothness to the Malavita (my test bindings) - and I found the Atlas FC to be the same.
Comfort
Overall nice and comfortable.
Ankle Strap: Nice strap and a good upgrade. Still prefer the Falcor/Strata strap, but I really like those, so this is a really good ankle strap.
Toe Strap: Had no issues with the toe strap - seemed to do the job nicely.
Canted Footbed: Yes
Padded Footbed: Some good padding in the footbed and good shock absorption.
Highback: Some padding there, but the main thing is that there's no calf bite or anything like that. The highback feels quite soft flexing compared to the overall flex feel of the binding, and that helps too with comfort.
Ankle Support
Good ankle support on these bindings - this has really improved over the years on this and other Union bindings. Still no option for a higher ankle strap position, which some might like, but I liked it where it was and wouldn't change a thing.
Changes for the 2022 Model
2022 model looks to be identical (bar the colorways) to the 2021 model, which is no surprise, given how much change the 2021 model got.
Changes for the 2021 Model
What's changed for the 2021 model - well basically everything. The easier question might be to ask what hasn't changed. Well overall, the flex feels about the same, strangely - given all the changes they made and given how Union rates the flex. But to me it seems very similar flex-wise.
But to sum up the changes:
- The Ankle strap is new
- The toe strap is new
- The baseplate is new
- The highback is new
- The heelcup is new
- The bushings are new
So, basically everything!
Changes for 2020 model
There were a few changes for the 2020 model:
1. The ankle strap has changed to the "Exoframe 2.0 Direct Connect with hinge" from the "Exoframe" on the 2019 model. This is a subtle improvement. It's a bigger improvement vs the 2018 model (which were already pretty good, IMO). So yeah basically really nice ankle strap!
2. New "Hexgrip w Secure Lock" toe strap. This is a good improvement from the "Ultragrip X" on the 2018 & 2019 models.
3. The baseplate has changed from a "Duraflex ST" to a "Duraflex CB". This essentially means there is there is now some carbon in the material for the baseplate to help to make it stiffer but also reducing the weight.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 4.0 | 24/30 |
BOARD FEEL | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.6/100 |
Overall, the Atlas is a great all-round binding, that's nice and responsive and really comfortable and nice and damp, with smooth entry/exit and good ankle support... you get the picture, it's basically good across all areas.
And it's one of the more adjustable bindings you'll find, so should have no problem fitting any boot well and any board well, given you get the right size.
--UNION ATLAS 2020--
Hello and welcome to my Union Atlas bindings review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Atlas’ as All-Mountain-Freeride snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Atlas’ a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other All-Mountain-Freeride bindings.
Overall Rating
Bindings: Union Atlas 2020
Price: $309
Style: All-Mountain-Freeride
Other Uses: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Baseplate = 8/10 | Highback = 6/10 (based on Union's flex slider graphs)
Flex Feel: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 85.1/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Out of the 14 Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride bindings that I rated:
- The average score was 82.1/100
- The highest score was 94.1/100
- The lowest score was 57.4/100
- The average price was $320
- The Atlas ranked 5th out of 14
Overview of the Atlas’ Specs
Check out the tables for the Atlas' specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freeride |
Price: | $309 |
Ability Level: | |
Flex: | |
Edge-to-edge: | Medium-Fast |
Weight: | Normal |
Mounts to: | 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | Channel |
Sizing
SIZE | US BOOT SIZE | EURO BOOT SIZE | UK BOOT SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
S | 5-8 | 37-41 | 4-7 |
M | 7-10 | 40-43 | 6-9 |
L | 10+ | 43+ | 9+ |
Who are the Atlas Most Suited to?
The Atlas are best suited to anyone looking for a versatile binding, that's a little stiffer than medium, but not by much. Something that will match well with medium to medium-stiff flexing boards and offers a large amount of adjustability and comfort at the same time.
Too stiff for beginners, but anyone intermediate and up, looking to match to a mid to mid-stiff flexing board are well suited to this binding.
The Atlas in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Atlas are capable of.
Demo Info
Binding: Union Atlas 2020, size M
Date: March 29, 2019
Conditions: Not a cloud in the sky (OK maybe 1 or 2). Perfect vis.
Snow was quite hard first thing but with some softer spots but predominantly harder with a few icy patches. Pretty cruddy for the most part but smoother sections too.
Got softer and a little sticky as the day went on.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 550mm (21.7″)
Board demoed with: Rossignol One LF 2018, 159
Baseplate Length: 24.0cm (9.45")*
*measured on the top side of the footbed
Baseplate with toe ramp extended: 25.0cm (9.84")
Highback Height: 21.3cm (8.4”)*
* from bottom of heel cup to top of highback
Height from Bottom of Baseplate to top of Highback: 27.0cm (10.63")
Weight: 920 grams (2lbs, 0.5oz)*
*for one binding, including screws and disc. The average weight of a small sample size of 26 bindings (2019 & 2020 models) I weighed, was 894 grams. The lightest was 760 grams and the heaviest was 1,000grams. So, the Atlas is just a little heavier than the average.
Flex
Union rate the flex of the baseplate at 8/10 and the flex of the Highback 6/10. Certainly, the flex feel on snow is a little more than what you'd expect with the feel of the highback in hand, so it's not surprising that the baseplate is rated as stiffer. I would say the Highback is even a little softer than 6/10. In fact at the very top of the highback it's quite flexy - maybe more like 4 or 5 out of 10, but then it stiffens up a lot towards the base of the highback. Which is typical, but the Atlas is this way even more so. Overall flex feel is around 6.5/10.
Responsiveness
Really good response, typical of Union bindings. Not quite as maneuverable at slower speeds as my Malavitas or the Union STR, which I tested on the same day, but felt I could hold a carve deeper and long vs both of those. Made it easier to get higher on the edge and execute a deeper carve.
Board Feel/Butterability
The board feel of the Atlas is much better than I remember it being when I tested the 2018 model. Not sure that much has changed in terms of board feel, but I got a much more dead feeling from it the last time I rode them, but this time more. Certainly not as much as you get from Union bindings with the mini-disc or my Malavitas, but OK.
Pop/Ollie Power
Made my board feel about as poppy as my Malavita's, which is good - notiveably more pop vs the Union STR.
Adjustability
These bindings are very adjustable - in most ways you can think of - as well as being compatible with all major binding mounting systems - 4x4, 2x4 and the channel - out of the box.
Heel Cup: Yes - which is great for centering boots - which in turn frees up the disc to be run horizontally for more stance width options.
Stance Width: Can run disc vertically and horizontally
Highback Lean: Yes, tool-less
Ankle Strap Position: No
Toe Strap Position: Yes
Ankle and toe strap length: Tool-less
Gas pedal/toe ramp extension: Yes
Highback Rotation: Sort of
Compatible with: 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | Channel
So basically the only adjustability it doesn't have is being able to move the position of the ankle strap. This isn't as big a deal as I found on the 2018 Atlas. On that model, I would have liked the option of a higher ankle strap position for better ankle support. But the new ankle strap used on the Atlas does a better job of supporting the ankle and holding the boot in place.
Shock Absorption
These bindings absorb shock and chatter well, which isn't surprising with a good amount of padding underfoot. There's about 2cm of padding. The padding is quite firm and does a good job.
I found them a little more shock absorbing than the STR but not quite as good as the Malavita.
Entry/Exit
Good smooth ratchets, like all Union bindings, so getting in and out is smooth and easy.
Comfort
Really comfortable bindings overall.
Ankle Strap: The ankle strap feels really stiff in hand and I was wondering how comfortable it would feel. But I didn't notice them when riding (which is a good thing) and when I purposely paid attention to how they felt, it felt like they conformed really well to my boots, without any pressure points.
Toe Strap: I really like Union's toe straps and this was no exception. Conforms to the boot really well and feel like you're nice and secure and no pressure points. Easy to adjust to fit it just right across the toes.
Canted Footbed: Yes
Padded Footbed: As mentioned above under "shock absorption" there is some good padding. Not really soft padding - more firm, but still adds to the comfort vs no padding
Highback: A good amount of padding on the highback. Didn't feel any kind of calf bite whilst riding. Perhaps having that softer top part of the highback (see flex section above) helps there too.
Ankle Support
Ankle support feels very good. Feel nice and secure in them without feeling so locked down that it's uncomfortable.
Price/Value for Money
The Atlas come in just a little under the average price for this category of bindings - and they perform very well, so I would say good value for money. They're still not ultra-cheap, but good value for what you get and good value for a mid-stiff binding.
Changes from 2019 model
There have been a few changes for the 2020 model:
1. The ankle strap has changed to the "Exoframe 2.0 Direct Connect with hinge" from the "Exoframe" on the 2019 model. This is a subtle improvement. It's a bigger improvement vs the 2018 model (which were already pretty good, IMO). So yeah basically really nice ankle strap!
2. New "Hexgrip w Secure Lock" toe strap. This is a good improvement from the "Ultragrip X" on the 2018 & 2019 models.
3. The baseplate has changed from a "Duraflex ST" to a "Duraflex CB". This essentially means there is there is now some carbon in the material for the baseplate to help to make it stiffer but also reducing the weight.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 4.0 | 24/30 |
BOARD FEEL | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.1/100 |
Overall, the Atlas is a super versatile binding that can work with a wide range of boards - medium to medium-stiff in flex - can adjust to your boot and board easily and fits on pretty much any board out there.
Performance-wise, I got a much better feel from the 2020 model than I did from the 2018 model I tested previously. The board feel was the biggest difference I noticed. It's just a solid all-round binding.
--UNION ATLAS 2018-2019--
Hello and welcome to my Union Atlas bindings review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Atlas’ as All-Mountain-Freeride snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Atlas’ a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other All-Mountain-Freeride bindings.
Overall Rating
Bindings: Union Atlas 2018
Price: $309 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain-Freeride
Other Uses: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 80.3/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Out of the 13 Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride bindings that I rated:
- The average price was $321 (USD)
- The average score was 82.6/100
- The highest score was 94.1/100
- The lowest score was 57.4/100
- The Atlas ranked 8th out of 13
Sizing
Check out the table below for the available sizes for the Atlas.
| Size | Fits Men’s US Boot Sizes | Euro Boot Sizes | UK Boot Sizes |
| Small | 5.0 – 8.0 | 37.0 – 41.0 | 4.0 – 7.0 |
| Medium | 7.0-10.0 | 40.0 – 43.0 | 6.0 – 9.0 |
| Large | 10.0 & up | 43.0 & up | 9.0 & up |
Who are the Atlas Most Suited to?
The Atlas are best suited to anyone who wants to ride all-mountain but is leaning more towards bombing the groomers and exploring the backcountry, and not as interested in hitting the park.
They are for anyone who puts more emphasis on response then board feel.
Too stiff to be for beginners. Good for anyone who is a solid or high-end intermediate rider and up.
The Atlas in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Atlas are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: Union Atlas 2018, Medium
Date: March 23, 2017
Conditions: Snowing! Plenty of powder around from previous snow too. Snowing relatively heavily too. Visibility was average to low. Snow was soft and nice but quite slow in patches.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Board Ridden: Flow Era 2013
Flex & Responsiveness
These bindings are rated as a 7/10 on Union’s flex scales. Union, uniquely, publish base plate flex and high-back flex separately rather than just one overall flex rating – which is cool, I think.
The Atlas’ get a 7/10 for both base plate flex and high-back flex.
And I would say that’s pretty accurate – they felt like a 7/10 overall to me. This is great for all-mountain riding when you want that little bit more responsiveness and great for freeriding when you want a little more forgiveness, compared to a super-stiff flexing binding.
I was able to get more responsiveness out of my board compared to a lot of bindings and you could really get some quick edge to edge transition out of them, without them being overpowering or hard work.
Board Feel/Butterability
They are better than some when it comes to board feel but they weren’t amazing in my opinion. This is where I definitely prefer the mini-disc on the Falcors, Contacts, Contact Pros, Ultras and Ultra FCs (in the Union line-up).
Adjustability
You can adjust a lot of things on the Atlas. The only thing I wish you could adjust that you can’t, is the position of the ankle strap (or at least I couldn’t figure it out, if there was a way). That is, I’d like to see the option to move it so it sits higher on your ankle. The ankle strap is really supportive but it sits quite low on the ankle.
What you can adjust though is:
- Forwards Lean
- Highback Rotation
- Heel cup – there are 3 different positions for the heel cup so you can get the perfect fit for your boots in terms of length. This is a nice feature
- There are 5 different holes for the toe strap and 7 different holes for the ankle strap so you can get both centered and this accommodates a large range of boots
And these are all tool-less as well.
I like the fact that the footbed completely removes too – this makes it a lot easier to mount the bindings. But if you’re someone who doesn’t tinker with their setup that much this isn’t a big thing. For me, where I’m always demoing gear, it’s nice to have bindings that are easy to mount (not sure I should have put it that way 😉 )
Shock Absorption
As with all Union bindings that I’ve tried, the Atlas have great shock absorption. Maybe not quite up there with the Contact Pros, Ultras and T.Rice but really good nonetheless.
Entry/Exit
The ratchets are really smooth and these bindings are pretty easy to get in and out of. This is just a small thing but it’s always nice to be able to strap in without hassle and to be able to do it quickly.
Comfort
I definitely like the canting in the footbed – and the shock absorption also helps to make these bindings comfortable.
I also really like the feel of the ankle strap in terms of how it wraps around the boot and the feel of the toe strap.
The only thing that would make these bindings more comfortable would be if the ankle strap was a little higher on the ankle, in my opinion. Some might like this ankle strap position. I like a little bit of ankle freedom – a good balance of freedom and support – but they are just a touch too low for my tastes.
Ankle Support
As mentioned above, I feel like the ankle support could be better. Not because the ankle strap isn’t supportive – because it is. In fact, it’s more supportive than most bindings. When strapped in at the top of a run, they felt really supportive – it was only when riding that I felt like the position of the ankle strap was too low to effectively support my ankle.
Price
The Atlas’ are really reasonably priced for this category of binding. Of the 16 bindings I looked at in this category the average price was $315 and the Atlas’ come in at $289.
Changes from the 2017 Model
The ankle straps are new on the 2018 model and they are super nice. I have no issue with the straps themselves – just their position.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Responsiveness: | 4.0 | 24/30 |
| Board Feel: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 80.3/100 |
I like these bindings and I want to like them more. There are just some things that I like better about some other Union bindings that wouldn’t make me run for these.
Don’t get me wrong, they are obviously quality and that’s something your can rely on with Union, and they are nice and responsive and provide quick edge-to-edge transitions and a snappy response.
But I just like a bit more board feel and I’d like to see a way to move the ankle strap higher on the ankle – at least to have the option to do so.
Personally, I’d go with the Force over these and the Force are a little cheaper too. That’s going against what a lot of people would say but that was my experience.
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