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:
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.
Let's Break this Text Up with a Video
This video is for the 2022 model. Since the 2023 model got a new highback, it will look a little different in this video.
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.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in Union’s Atlas bindings, are ready to buy or want to research current prices or availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other all-mountain-freeride type bindings or want to compare the Atlas to others, check out the next link.
Hello and welcome to my Union Atlas bindings review.
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Atlas are capable of.
Hi Nate,
Great review! Like many others, I am struggling to make a decision between the Atlas’ and the Falcors. My standard riding style would lead me more toward the Atlas’ but I’m wondering if the Falcors (or another binding) would be better for my setup. I have a very unique board: K2 Fastplant (2010). It’s more of a park board but I use it on groomers, in the trees, in powder, etc. I would like to create more of an all-mountain board but don’t want to rig something up that just doesn’t make sense. For what it’s worth, I currently have Rome SDS 390 bindings (2011). Any help on this would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi Kyle
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Atlas. Typically I would be thinking Falcor for the Fastplant, between the two (though I would actually go with a softer binding on it, ideally), but in your case, for your riding style, I think the Atlas is probably the better bet. My biggest concern would be, with either Falcor or Atlas, is that they could make the board a little twitchy, with the Fastplant being a softer board, sometimes when you pair a soft board with stiffer bindings, it can get a little twitchy.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! I have a 2023 capita bsod 159 and paired it with 2023 medium union atlas bindings. I wear a 2022 burton photon boa wide boot in size 10. Do you think I made the right decision for medium over large bindings? I have the bindings centered but the toe and heel has more overhang than I’m used to vs my old bent metal transfers in medium. Not sure if a size large would be too big? I have the medium extended all the way out with the heel cup and and will have to do the opposite with the large. From what I’ve been reading, Medium atlas fit size 8-10 and large 10.5 and up. My existing boot is supposed to be low profile and the toe strap is on the last setting extended all the way out. Please let me know what you think? I appreciate your time and look forward to your reply.
Hi Ryan
Thanks for your message.
I tend to prefer going on the smaller option – so whilst you might fit in the L, I would stick with the Medium. A little bit of boot overhang over the bindings is all good and personally I prefer the fit of being on the big end for a medium than being on the small end for a large. Have you adjusted the heel cup on the Atlas? If you move the heel cup back, that might allow you to have the toe strap not on the last hole. That said, if it fits well on the last hole, then there’s no issues with it being on that – and also if you have good boot centering in terms of heel and toe overhang on the board, then it wouldn’t necessarily make sense to move the heel cup back. But if you have a little more toe overhang, then it’s a good idea to move the heel cup back (if you haven’t already).
Hope this helps
Thank you for your quick reply Nate. Yes, I moved the heel up all the way back and the boot is completely centered with equal toe
and heel. About 1.5-2” overhang on the heel and toe. Just the toe strap is on the last hole and all the toe straps are moved towards the front or toe side of the binding since you can adjust the strap setting by pushing down and pulling up into 3 different positions to make it fit over the toe better. I made all the possible adjustments and just want to be sure since I can easily exchange for the size large. I’ll stick with the medium. I appreciate your knowledge and advice. Hope you have a great season
Hey Ryan
Yeah, I think you should be good – does sound like you’re fully maxed out on it, but as long as you have the toe strap in a good position I think it’ll be fine. Hope you have a great season too!
Hi Nate,
I have 157 decks (254 waist width), and 10.5 Vans infuse boots.
Is Atlas size L a good choice? Is footbed size ok with the deck waist width? Or is large size safe?
I found some reviews that Medium may be ok with 10.5 boots.
I am not sure which size I need to pick.
Thanks,
David
Hi David
Thanks for your message.
Hard to say for sure, as I haven’t measured an L Atlas before. I measured the M at 24.4cm on the top of the footbed, with the gas pedal not extended – and then down to 22.7cm on the bottom of the baseplate. Based on other Union bindings that I’ve measured, the L will likely be around 26.4cm with no gas pedal extension on the footbed and around 24.7cm on the underside of the baseplate.
Assuming your boards is around 264mm at the inserts, then you’ll likely be OK with the L on them.
In terms of fitting the Vans Infuse 10.5s into an M, I think you’d get them in. No guarantees because I haven’t tried that exact combination. But had a bit of leeway with 10s in the M, so I’d guess that it’s fine but can’t say for sure.
Hope this gives you a little more to go off
Hi Nate,
Do you think Atlas is a good choice for T.Rice Pro board? I was going to get a Terrain Wrecker bit ended up with Travis board (better core, base and graphics). I have a good deal for the Spring Break version of atlas and I am a bit worried that it could be too stiff for all around riding. Also the spring break has some strap upgrades over regular Atlas.
Thanks!
Hi Jakub
Assuming the overall stiffness of the spring break version (which I haven’t tested) is the same as the regular version, I think they should work well on the T.Rice Pro. I felt the Atlas at around a 7/10 flex and the T.Rice Pro around 6.5/10, so they’re a good flex match together, IMO. And in terms of all-round riding, unless you’re doing a lot of slow riding or a lot of creative freestyle/park stuff, I wouldn’t say they’re too stiff.
Hey Nate,
Thanks for all the reviews, they are very very helpful.
Currently riding 2022 NS Snowtrooper 159 (5’10”/190lbs/10 Burton photon BOA)
I have Union Atlas in medium from 2020-2021 but looking for slightly softer bindings specifically in union lineup. Doing less freeride than I thought when bought this board, and don’t have that much powder in Tremblant, got more into glades when good conditions, small/medium jump, side hits and groomers.
1) is that 159 big for what kind of boarding I’m doing (considering my weight)?
2) would strata be a good choice?
3)is atlas too stiff for ST flex and camber style?
4)is it worth the switch?
5)passed up on ride algorythm 157. Bad move?
Hi Nick
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Algorythm but from what I know of the board, I think the Snowtrooper is a better bet for how you’re describing your riding. I think you’re good in the 159, assuming at least a solid intermediate level. I wouldn’t go longer than that for what you’re doing, but I think you’re good to stick with that. You could go a little shorter, but it’s not what I would call too big.
The Strata would be a good match – as would the new Union Ultra. I felt the Snowtrooper at a 4/10 flex and the Ultra at a 5/10 flex and the Strata at 6/10. So, IMO the Ultra is the best match. The Atlas, at a 7/10 flex by my feel is a bit too stiff for that board, IMO. The Strata is the stiffest I’d put on it, but still in a good range.
Yeah, I would say it’s worth the switch, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the response.
I think 158 cm is perfect To be honest (learned to board on a NS SL 158). You’re not first the person I see rate the NS ST closer to 4/10 (although NS claims it’s 5/10).
I did look at the Ultra’s but not crazy about the toe strap. I like the more web/hexagonal-style strap pattern the Strata has (more grip) especially since I sometimes have issues with my Atlas toe strap staying gripped on my boot.
– What would you say is the stiffest board you should use with Strata?
-If not in Union, do you have another few options of bindings ?
Thanks again!
Hi Nick
The stiffest board I would use the Strata on would be a 7/10 flex. The softest board I would use it on would be a 4/10 flex. So they’d certainly work on the ST, IMO. And if you’re used to the Atlas on it, then they should feel noticeably softer.
Not from Union, the following would be good bets. I’m taking into account that you’ll be incorporating the likes of side hits etc and that you’ll want decent board feel and decent shock absorption (flex in brackets):
– Strata – has to be mentioned because they should work well
– Burton Malavita (5.5/10)
– Burton Genesis (5.5/10)
– Burton Mission (5/10)
– K2 Line Up (4/10)
Hey Nate. Thanks for all the reviews. I’m looking for new bindings and was considering the new Atlas after the remodel (had a pair in 2018 but didn’t like them. Trying to switch from my Burton Cartels. To be clear, I love my Cartels! I love having board feel and Burton bindings give the best board feel IMHO. The problem – I can’t center my boots on the board and ride the stance I prefer. I like to ride a narrower stance (21 inches). With cartels, I have to either center the bindings on board (which means my stance ends up to wide or too narrow), or ride with my heels dragging since there’s no heel cup adjustability on the Burtons. I have a knee issue and I’m old (lol), so really need to dial my stance in or I will be in pain, lol. I also ride lots of boards (10+ board quiver), which is another reason I need the adjustability. I saw you gave the Atlas a 3.5 on board feel and a 4.0 for the cartels. Would it be worth considering these an an alternative? If not, are there any bindings that offer the same or close level of board feel and allow me to adjust stance and center my boot on board? I’ve ridden Union Stratas and Falcons, but don’t like them unfortunately. Would anything get me the board feel I get from Cartels or close to it? Thanks!
Hi Ethan
The Atlas could work, but I think you’d probably miss some board feel. And yes, they are different to what they used to be, but they’re not any better board feel-wise, IMO. And still a very similar personality. I’ve also replied to your comment on the Cartel review, and I think the Rome Katana could suit you well – more details on the reply over there.
Hi Nate,
I have 2 boards terrain wrecker and the yes greats. I have the union stratas and I want to purchase another pair of bindings. I want to put the stratas on my terrain wrecker and get new bindings for my greats. What’s do you suggest.
Im 5,8 195lbs and size 8 boots.
Hi Nate,
Appreciate all the work you do for these reviews. Very helpful with what I purchase.
I have a few boards that I need your suggestions for and they are the following:
2022 yes greats 154 – all mountain / park
2021 asymulator 154 – all mountain (when I wanna change up from riding the greats). I feel this spins better than the greats.
2022 libtech orca 153 – all mountain / tree / pow
I’m in a toss up on what to throw on each of the boards.
-Union strata 2022
-Union falcor 2022
-Union atlas 2022
-Union force pro 2022 (with falcor straps and team high back)
My specs are 5’7” / 170 lbs / size 9 adidas tactical / advanced rider but I mostly mess around all mountain (70% all mountain 30% park)
Which binding would you throw on each board and why? I have been riding the stratas for two full seasons now and I pretty much threw it on all my boards but I’m tired of moving the bindings. Id rather just marry the right binding to the right board now.
Thanks! Looking forward to your suggestions for me.
Hi Jon
Thanks for your message.
I would go:
Greats with Falcor
Asymulator with Strata
Orca with Atlas
You could certainly also put the Atlas on the Greats and Falcor on the Orca. But I like the board feel more from the Falcor for something you’re going to be riding freestyle, like the Greats. I often pair my Greats with Falcors and love that setup. The Orca, for me is a board I don’t feel need as much board feel for, because it’s not something I’m going to be buttering or doing ollies on as much – and the smoother response of the Atlas would work better with the style of riding I’d be doing on the Orca. The Asymulator, from my experience is the softest of the 3, in my experience, so the softest bindings make the most sense on it, IMO. Also, because the Asymulator is something I’d also be doing freestyle stuff on, the extra board feel of the Strata comes into play there as well.
Hope this helps
I actually agree with those pairings 100%
I read that the 2021/2022 asymulator has been stiffened up a little bit compared to the original one. The flex scale according to capita even says that they beefed it up a little bit. I’m not sure if that’s true as I haven’t ridden the original asymulator.
Do you know if this is true? If so would the beefed up asymulator almost be the same overall flex of the current greats?
I am going to be returning my force pros because I feel like the strata/atlas/falcor overall are definitely in their own world of amazing. Union makes such good bindings it makes it difficult to choose but that’s a good thing right? Lol
Hi Jon
I wasn’t aware they’d beefed up, or made any changes to the Asymulator from the 20/21 model to the 21/22 model. I was wondering if I’d missed something (I compare specs when the new catalogs come out so I can decide which boards I’m going to try to ride (i.e. I don’t re-test a board that hasn’t changed), but when I look at the Catalogs from 19/20, 20/21 and 21/22 and currently on their website, the Asymulator is rated 6/10 from Capita in terms of flex. I personally felt it at a 5/10 flex. But I don’t think Capita has changed their ratings on it. Capita’s ratings are also based on their cores (or so I was told by someone from Capita) – and don’t take into account the additives and type of fibreglass used etc. But the glass doesn’t seemed to be changed or anything on the Aysmulator either. The only thing that seems to be different (based on the specs) is the alloy skid plates (which looks like they just lightened them up). But there could be something they changed that they didn’t publish. But as far as I’m aware they haven’t changed it.
But if they did beef it up a touch, then it would be similar to the Greats, in terms of flex, I would say.
When there are so many good choices, it’s definitely a high quality problem to have!
Thanks for all you do!
will you be testing the 2022 force pros this year?
Would love to read your rating on it.
Hi Jon
I will make an effort to get on the Force Pros this year. Typically I get stuff from Union anywhere between early Feb and late March. If they have the Force Pros available I’ll get on them for sure (will likely be the 22/23 model though) .
Hi Nate! First of thanks for all the great reviews! I think your content is very valuable for the snowboarding community.
Regarding the Union bindings I have a burning question. Sadly I can’t find much info about how they fit size 13 boots. I have Burotn SLX boots in size 13 and I’m looking into buying the Atlas. Will they fit my boots or are my boots to big?
I currently own the Warpig (154) and the Twinpig (156W). I have Burton Genesis bindings for one board (currently mounted on the Twinpig) and looking into buying the Atlas for another (probably for the Warpig). I like my Genesis a lot except for the disks wich lack a bit of adjustability imo.
As a side note, would you rather recommend getting the Strata instead of Atlas? In that case I would put the Strata on my Twinpig and Genesis on the Warpig. Would the Strata also fit my 13 boots well?
Thank you so much for your answer and keep up the excellent work man!
Hi Mat
Thanks for your message.
Can’t say for sure, because I’ve never had 13s in Large Union bindings, so I can’t guarantee anything. But given that you have Burton boots, which are pretty low profile, I would be surprised if Large Union couldn’t take Burton 13s.
I’ve ridden boots with a 31.3cm length in Union medium. I would predict your boots to be between 33.5cm and 33.8cm (I haven’t measured the SLX specifically, but I’ve measured a majority of their other boots, so it’s based on that). I would be surprised if their large couldn’t accommodate at least 2.5cm more in length. And in terms of footbed length you should be all good there. The Atlas L will likely have a longer footbed on it than the Genesis L. If you went Strata, you’d get an even longer base plate, but I think the Atlas will be just fine.
I would go Atlas on Warpig and Genesis on Twinpig, like you say. Even if you went Strata, I would still go Genesis on Twinpig and Strata on Warpig. To me the Strata are stiffer than the Genesis, and with the Warpig being the stiffer board, I think that would be the better match. The other way around would still work, but that’s the way I’d do it.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
Oh it helps a lot and thank you so much for your reply!
Regarding Burton SLXs I actually measured them at 33.3cm (or borderline 33.4cm) so pretty reduced footprint imo. I contacted a local shop and they assured me Union bindigs fit size 13 boots well so you are right about it being fine. On the plus side I also ordered a new pair of Adidas Response in size 12.5 or 30.5 which is actually my true mondo. I’m really hoping they will fit me well and I will get an even more reduced footprint.
I agree with you and Genesis will stay on the Twinpig but I now have a new dilemma regarding Unions. I started leaning more and more towards the new Falcors for my Warpig. In my experience the Warpig (I own a 2021 model) is stiffer than marketed so I’m looking for a more responsive binding with better ollie/pop power. The mini disc and Falcor straps also appeal to me more. I like to do side hits, medium jumps, butters and I’m also liking my Warpig in pow. What’s your take on that? Would I be making a huge mistake by going with the falcors?
Thanks man!
Hi Mat
I love the Falcor’s, so I think the only reason you wouldn’t is if the board was too soft for them. I probably wouldn’t put them on a board with less than 6/10 flex. So, if you feel the Warpig is at least 6/10 flex (I’ve had others say they feel it’s a bit more than medium too – I haven’t ridden it in too long, hoping to get back on it soon), then I think you could put the Falcor’s on there for sure. Note the 2022 model Falcor is a little stiffer than previous models (7.5/10 by my feel versus 7/10 previously).
Hi Nate!
You have helped me a lot with your advice and I can honestly just say thank you. I ordered the Falcors and I’m sure I’ll love them to. By my feel the Warpig is right around a 7 flex or maybe a solid 6.5 at least. You should definitely review it again as they have made some changes from the old models. I also see a lot of riders putting Rides A-8 or C-8 bindings on it so I think the Falcors will be great also.
Appreciate your work a lot man! You do great things for the community. Take care!
You’re very welcome Mat.
I even more want to get back on it now. I have a Twinpig coming my way right now, so hopefully I can get on both this winter. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your comprehensive review, it helps a lot.
I’m an intermediate rider and just got a Jones Mountain Twin 157, I was wondering which binding among the Strata, Mercury, Meteorite, Falcor, and Atlas would be the best choice for all-mountain/freestyle riding?
Hi Saeed
Thanks for your message.
I would be looking to pair it with the Strata for all-mountain/freestyle riding. It’s a really good flex match to the MT and they’ve got great board feel (something that I really appreciate for freestyle riding). The Falcor also has good board feel, but it’s a stiffer binding. Doable on the MT, but bordering on too stiff – and bordering on too stiff for intermediate too. The Mercury isn’t quite as stiff as the Falcor, but not too far off. And, in my experience the board feel isn’t great, IMO. Otherwise, it would match the MT. I haven’t tested the Meteorite yet, but flex-wise, it looks like it could be similar to the Strata, or a little softer. I think it’s a match to the MT, so an option, but again, the board feel is likely not to be as good as the Strata. The Mercury has amazing shock absorption and the Meteorite is likely no different. But the Strata also has decent shock absorption, so all round that’s what I’d be leaning towards.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate I’m gonna be on a 155 capita mega mercury this year (I’m 5’8, 150lbs size 8 boot), I like laying trenches and bombing the mountain. Also like to get in tree runs and mess around on side hits/natural features, rarely in the park. Would the latest atlas or falcors work best for that board?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Jon
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Falcor, just because it’s a little stiffer, by my feel (Union rates the Atlas quite a bit stiffer than what I felt it at). The Mega Merc is stiffer than Capita rate it (again, by my feel), so I’d want fairly stiff bindings on there to drive it. So yeah, I would go Falcor personally. I don’t think the Atlas are completely wrong for it or anything, but the Falcor a better match, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Sounds good, thank you! Also would a 157 mega merc for my weight and boot size feel very planky? Not sure if you’ve ridden it but I’m a little worried the 155 might not be stable enough to bomb. I do value maneuverability but not at the cost of stability at high speeds. Thanks again!
Oh and just yesterday published my review of the Mega Merc, if you wanted to check out more details on what I thought of it.
Hi Jon
Yeah, IMO, the 157 would be too big and planky. The 155 should be well stable enough for your weight and boot size. The board is a beast and I think the 155 will be plenty stable enough – and a much better balance between stable at speeds and maneuverability than the 157. I think the 157 would be sacrificing too much maneuverability to get a little more stability.
For all mountain riding with a bit of freestyle would you recommend the atlas or the falcor . Which binding would also be compatible with more boards if you wanted one binding to do it all and switch between boards ?
Hi Mike
Thanks for your message.
I prefer the Falcor for freestyle, just because I like the feel of that mini-disc. I prefer having less deadspot underfoot for loading up ollies and for butters. Plus I really like the more explosive/springy response I get from the Falcor (versus a more even, smoother response from the Atlas). But it also really depends on the board your riding it on. The 2022 Falcor to me is around a 7.5/10 flex, versus 6.5/10 flex. Depending on the board the Falcor could be too stiff or the Atlas too soft. Note that the 2021 Falcor and prior were more like 7/10 flex (by my feel).
In terms of binding to switch between boards, it depends on a couple of factors. The flex range of the boards in your quiver. Like if you’ve got something that’s like 8/10 flex and something that’s 6/10 kind of thing, then I’d probably be leaning Falcor to cover those boards best. But if you’ve got like a 7/10 and a 5/10, then Atlas might be better. Also depends on the board in terms of compatibility. The Falcor uses a mini-disc and can’t be mounted on 4 x 4 insert patterns (whilst most boards are 2 x 4 these days, there are a few boards that have “slam back” or “blower stance” inserts, which is a set of holes that’s setback 4cm back from the main insert pack – mini-discs can’t be setup on those extra holes). The Atlas will go on those boards fine (fits 2 x 4, 4 x 4 and the channel, but Falcor 2 x 4 and the channel but not 4 x 4.)
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your review, I have a Nitro Magnum and size 13, would you think the Union Atlas would be a good binding for me or would you advise another binding? I am an advanced rider, pretty much doing a bit of everything (more freeride than parks though),
Thanks a lot and keep up the good work,
Alevio
Hi Alevio
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Magnum, but based on specs and my experience with other Nitro boards, I think the Atlas would be a very good match for it. And for the style of riding you’re describing it definitely works too, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Do you know the baseplate length of size L Atlas. I made a purchase of Capita Kazu Kokubo 157+Union Atlas L. My foot is mondo 280cm, but my current boots are 285. I ride front foot +15deg and back foot -9deg. Will i have binding overhang?
So i am wondering whether I should’ve purchased size M bindings.
Great site, keep up the good work.
Hi Niko
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t measured the baseplate on the L Atlas, just the M. But I would say you’re probably fine there – just based on the M and on the difference between M and L in other Union bindings. The bottom of the baseplate on the Atlas is 23cm. The bottom of the baseplate on the Force M is around 24.5cm. The bottom of the baseplate on the L Force is 26.3cm (from what I’ve been told by others, but I haven’t measured it myself). So my guess would be that the L Atlas would be around 24.8cm give or take. The footbed on the Atlas is longer and based on other sizes, the footbed is likely around 26.5cm.
The Kazu is around 26.2cm at the back insert, but with a 9 degree angle, I don’t think you would get any binding overhang. And if you do it would only be the footbed, which of course sits higher up, and only very very minimal and nothing that would be worried about. Of course no guarantees, but based on this I think you would be fine with the L Atlas on the 157 Kazu.
In terms of fitting into the M, depending on the brand/model of your boots you might be OK to fit in the M, but I think you will be fine with the L on that board anyway.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I just bought the 2021 Yes Standard (in large part thanks to your review) and I am looking for some new bindings to pair with it. I do a little bit of everything when I ride, from powder to park, which is why I wanted the versatility of the Standard. I am looking at both the Union Atlas and Falcor. Which of those two would you recommend for the Standard? I’m also open to suggestions if you think another binding might be better. Also, would there be any issue with the Falcor’s mini disc in using the Standard’s slamback inserts?
Thanks!
Hi Jake
Thanks for your message.
Glad you mentioned the slam backs. Before I read that part, I was going to say go Atlas, because you won’t be able to use the slam backs with the mini disc on the Falcor. Also I think the Atlas is very subtly a better flex match to the Standard. Very little difference, IMO, but just subtly. And yeah, because you can use the Slam Backs with the Atlas, that’s the way I would be leaning for you, with the Standard.
Hope this helps
Great thank you! Keep up the awesome work with these reviews, they really helped me out a lot.
You’re very welcome Jake. Happy riding!
Hi Nate
I have a Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker 2021 – 161W.
Which binding would you recommend me? The Atlas or the Strata? I ride more relaxed.
Hi Paul
Thanks for your message.
Not really a wrong choice there, but I would be leaning towards Strata in this case. Just mildly softer and subtly a better match for the Terrain Wrecker.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, would the 2021 Atlas Kazu share all the upgrades? I noticed that the ankle strap is different from regular Atlas. In fact, it appears to be the same strap as the 2021 Strata. Thoughts? Thanks.
Hi Ben
Thanks for your message. I hadn’t looked closely at the Kazu Atlas until you mentioned it there – but you’re right it does have a different strap, which is the same as the strap on the 2021 Strata (the Forma Lab ankle strap as opposed to the Exoframe 3.0 on the Atlas. Everything else looks to be the same as with the regular Atlas, but it gets that upgraded ankle strap.
Both straps are really nice, so there’s not going to be a huge difference there – however, I do slightly prefer the Forma Lab over the Exoframe 3.0 personally.
So yeah it shares all the upgrades that the regular Atlas got, in addition to one extra upgrade, by the looks of it.
Oh and I just noticed it’s also got a different toe strap to the regular Atlas. I don’t notice a massive difference between the Hexagrip and the TS-3.0 Ultragrip Wide, so not really a downgrade or upgrade there, IMO.
Hello I have bought a lib tech orca and I am between union falcor union atlas and burton cartel x .who would you suggest to me and why?
Hi Giannis
Thanks for your message.
I would personally probably lean towards the Falcor, because I really like those bindings – but also because I think they’re a slightly better flex-match for the Orca and they’re a harder driving binding, and I think the Orca needs a hard driver. All would work, but I would be leaning Falcor. I haven’t ridden the Cartel X yet, but on paper they would be suitable too. I would likely still lean Falcor, just because they have a longer baseplate and the Orca is a wider board (just to gain a little more leverage on the edges). Not a deal breaker, but that would be one thing I would be considering for that board, depending on the size of bindings and the size Orca that you have.
Hope this helps
thanks nate you help me very much i found the ultra union 2020 with 60 %sale and i took it.
i believe its very similar with falcor.and i believe its a good choice.What is your opinion?
Hi Giannis
I wouldn’t say the Falcor and Ultra are super similar. They’ve got a different feel. They have a similar flex to the baseplate, but a stiffer highback, and from my feel felt stiffer overall than the Falcor. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though on the Orca. I think it will match the Orca just fine. But will feel a little stiffer than the Falcor would have, IMO.
Hi
What Do u think Abou matching Jones Flagship 19 with Atlas 20 or 21? I am thinking about Falcor as well. Cant really decide which one to buy.cheers
Hi Jakub
I would go Falcor over Atlas for the 2019 Flagship. Just that little bit more drive out of the Falcor, and the 2019 Flagship needs a hard driver, IMO. The Atlas would work, but I think the Falcor would be the slightly better option. The Atlas FC would be a really good match too, but I understand the price of the Atlas FC is pretty prohibitive to most.
Hope this helps
How do you think this would pair up with the new Capita Black Snowboard of death? Thinking about these or the new Rome D.O.D. bindings, but also open to other suggestions.
Hi Kenny
I think the Atlas would work well on the BSOD. I don’t test Rome gear, so not sure about the D.O.D. In general, I would try to match the BSOD with anything around a 7/10 flex. The Atlas is close to that, and would work, IMO. And is a very good pair of bindings, IMO, outside of just looking at flex.
Check out the following if you wanted to look at other options:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the review. I’m a high-intermediate rider who likes all-mountain freeriding, tree-runs, powder, jumps on natural kickers.
I currently ride a 2018 Salomon Sight with Salomon District bindings and a 10.5 Salomon Hi-Fi (28.5 cm) boot. Both the board and bindings are quite soft and I’m considering making that combo into my park/freestyle board and using my 2020 Yes Pick Your Line (159) as my do-everything board.
For this I need to pick out a good pair of bindings and I’m trying to decide between the Union Falcor, Union Atlas, and Burton Cartel. Which do you recommend?
Hi Zee
Thanks for your message.
For the PYL, I would be leaning towards the Falcors. I think they’re the best flex match and overall a very good pair of bindings. The Atlas and Cartel would certainly work with it, but, IMO, the Falcor would be the best choice of the 3.
Been riding unions for years but really have been thinking of making the switch to Flux. Have you ridden the tm’s? You obviously like the XF’s, comparison?
Hi Rob
Thanks for your message.
I have ridden the TMs – and they’re also very good bindings. Flux are pretty consistently good across their line I have found, from the models I have tried. I slightly prefer the XF over the TM, but mostly because of personal preference I think. I found the XFs were just that little bit more forgiving, and with slightly better board feel – partly because they’re slightly softer flexing and partly because they have slightly shorter high backs. But forgiveness is a personal preference thing. I found the XFs struck a really good balance (for me) in terms of being responsive but still with enough forgiveness.
But for more details, check out the following:
>>Flux TM Full Review
>>Flex XF Full Review
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your reviews. The breadth of your coverage really helps me make informed decisions. Please keep up the great work.
Question. I urgently need to replace my Union Atlas for an upcoming trip. I’m riding a Jones Ultra Mountain Twin and am considering my binding options. I’ve never been a park rat, but have enjoyed hitting natural features all around.
In an ideal world, I’d be hitting back country pow day in day out. Given weather conditions, the reality is that towards the end of last season, I’ve enjoyed bombing/ carving a lot more technically on groomers and have enjoyed dialling all my gear super tight and responsive. How would the Flux XF compare to the Atlas? Should I go for a Union Falcor or Flux XV if I want an even faster response?
Hi Rafael
Thanks for your message.
I would personally prefer the XF or Falcor on the Ultra Mountain Twin than the Atlas. Just a little bit more responsive, and better in terms of board feel, IMO. But if you really want dialled-in, stiff and responsive, then something like the XV would be the way to go.
Something like one of these would be good options in that case (which includes the XV):
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
If you want just that little bit more forgiveness but still great response, then I would say the XF or Falcor are the best bets.
Hope this helps