Hello and welcome to my Union Contact Pro Binding review – part of my Freestyle bindings review series.
In this review I will assess the Contact Pros for all of the freestyle relevant factors of the bindings to see how they perform as freestyle bindings.
As is custom at SnowboardingProfiles.com the bindings will receive a rating out of 100. This is not an exact science but will give some idea of how good the Contact Pros are as a binding for freestyle riding.
Overall Rating
Bindings: Union Contact Pros
Price: $229
Style: Freestyle
Flex Rating: Baseplate = 3.5/10, highback = 4.5/10 (roughly based on Union’s flex slider graphs)
Flex Feel: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Rating Score: 92.6/100
Compared to other Men’s Freestyle Bindings
Out of the 20 Men’s Freestyle bindings that I rated:
Overview of the Contact Pro’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Contact Pro’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freestyle |
Price: | $229 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Edge-to-Edge: | Medium |
Weight: | Light |
Mounts To: | 2 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.+ | 43.5+ | 9.5+ |
Who are the Contact Pros Most Suited To?
The contact pros are great for anyone who likes to ride freestyle in the park and over the whole mountain. They are great for anything freestyle but also are definitely suitable for riding the whole mountain and have decent response for a freestyle binding.
They are particularly great for anyone looking for great board feel (the mini-disc the contact pros use really helps with this) but still want plenty of shock absorption.
The Contact Pros in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Contact Pros are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: Union Contact Pro 2019, Medium
Date: March 22, 2018
Conditions: Puking snow! A lot of fresh powder and everything just filling in all day. Being a weekday, nothing was getting too tracked out anyway, but even if it did it would have just filled in again. Visibility was of course not ideal, but far from whiteout as well (mid-level vis). It was cold (had to be for the snow) but not super freezing. Just nicely cold – and superbly powdery!
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance Width: 555mm (21.9”)
Board demoed with: Rossignol One 2018, 159cm
Baseplate Length: 24cm (9.5″) – that’s measured on the top of the footbed. 23.5cm on the underside of the baseplate – it angles up just a little to the top of the footbed.
Baseplate with Toe Ramp Extended: no extension
Highback Height: 20cm (7.9″)
Weight: 800 grams (per binding, including disc and screws [720g without]) (1lbs, 12oz)*
*Lighter than most of the bindings I weighed (average of a small sample was 864g)
Butterability/Board Feel
The Union Contact Pros (CPs) have great board feel and a big reason for this is that they have very minimal board contact because of the mini-disc they use. This allows the board to flex more naturally with the bindings.
Flex
The CPs have a medium-soft flex – I would say a 4/10. This is an awesome flex to have in the park and for riding freestyle on the rest of the mountain too.
This gives you enough movement and tweakability and are forgiving enough for tricks but also not so soft that you can’t ride freetstyle outside the park and so you have that little bit more support for landing bigger jumps.
The mini-disc in the binding also allows for minimal hard contact with the board to give you extra feel for the flex of the snowboard you are riding – this helps the binding to adapt to the flex of the board better. So if you’re riding a softer board, then the flexiness of that board will be felt with the Contact Pros and if you’re riding a stiffer board you will feel that extra stiffness – that makes these bindings very versatile.
Union rate the flex as follows:
Baseplate: 4/10
Highback: 5/10
Adjustability
The CPs have plenty of options for adjustability. There is 3 way adjustability in the ankle strap and two way in the toe strap. You can of course adjust the forward lean too. And these adjustments are all tool-less.
But my favorite adjustment with Union bindings is being able to adjust the heel-cup, which makes it easier to center your boots over your board (i.e. even heel and toe overhang).
You can now also rotate the highbacks independently of the heel loop adjustment.
There is no gas pedal/toe ramp adjustment and there is only one height position for the ankle strap. But otherwise they are very adjustable.
Let’s Break up this Text with a video!
Check out the video below for a visual look at these bindings and some more info.
Shock Absorption
Hugely important for freestyle bindings (IMO), is how well they absorb shock. Lap after lap in the park you are landing jumps, tricks, hitting jibs etc so you want your bindings (as well as your boots) to absorb the shock as much as possible.
The CPs have a very generous amount of EVA padding on the base and this leads to some awesome shock absorbing – perfect for the freestyle rider.
And all of this padding does nothing to the weight of these bindings which are super-light at just 715grams (1.57 pounds) – so the rest of the binding is incredibly light and allows for heaps of EVA padding for great shock absorption.
NOTE: I weighed the 2019 model (Medium size) at 800 grams, including disc and screws – 720 grams without disc and screws. So my best guess is that Union weighs them without disc and screws and my weighing isn’t going to be as accurate as theirs.
Comfort
All that EVA padding also adds to the comfort of these bindings.
But in addition to that the ankle strap and toe strap are nice and comfortable too. I didn’t notice any pressure points and they conformed well to my boots. The ankle strap isn’t as nice as others in the Union line, but they’re pretty good. They provide quite a loose/surfy feel, so if that’s what you’re looking for then these are spot on.
Responsiveness
The CPs have pretty decent responsiveness for softer flexing bindings.
They’re not going to be, and aren’t designed to be, super-responsive and won’t give you the response that a good stiffer binding will but they do a pretty good job which is a nice bonus.
Snowboard Compatibility
The CPs come with a mini-disc, which is compatible with 4 x 2 binding mounting systems and Burton’s channel system. It’s not compatible with 4 x 4 mounting but that’s less common these days.
Compared to Past Season’s Models
2021 Model
The 2021 model has a new “Forma Elite” ankle strap, replacing the “Forma” ankle strap on the 2020 model. Lesser of an upgrade than the Forma versus the Classic Lite, but still a subtle upgrade there.
2020 Model
The 2020 model have a new ankle strap. Now has the “Forma” instead of the “Classic Lite” it had on the 2019 model. This is a nice little upgrade. Otherwise pretty much the same as the 2019 model.
2019 Model
The 2019 Contact Pros have a couple of small changes from the 2018 model.
- No more vaporlite bushings (now thermoformed EVA bushings)
- Aluminum ratchets – replacing the Magnesium ratchets that were on the 2018 model (magnesium is lighter)
These things are likely part of the reason the price has reduced on these bindings. But honestly didn’t make a massive difference to the ride. Not that I noticed anyway.
2018 Model
As far as I can tell the 2018 model is the same as the 2017 model, with the exception of some slight changes to the colorways.
2017 Model (compared with 2016 model)
The 2017 model is virtually the same as the 2016 model, except for some minor tweaks – but there’s no complaints here because the 2016s were so good. The 2016s had the following improvements from the 2015 model and these have been kept for the 2017 model:
- Ultra grip toe strap: For better forming around the toe of your boot
- New Vapor Light shock absorption tech: Extra shock absorption without adding extra weight. The 2016 model are still just 720 grams (715g for the 2017 model) but with extra shock absorption – best of both worlds!
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
BOARD FEEL | 5.0 | 30/30 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 5.0 | 25/25 |
RESPONSE | 3.0 | 9/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.6/100 |
The Contact Pros are a great option, if you're looking for bindings with great board feel, great shock absorption and are mostly looking to ride freestyle.
They have a looser, more surfy feel too, so you could also use them for surfing powder if that's the feel you like in powder.
If you're after a softer flexing, freestyle binding, the Contact Pro is the best going around in that medium-soft flex range, IMO - and they're really reasonably priced, as softer flexing bindings tend to be, so that's a bonus if it's the type of binding you're looking for.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you are interested in the Contact Pros, check out the links below for more info, user reviews, current prices and availability.
If you want to check out some other freestyle options or see how the Contact Pros compared to other men’s freestyle bindings check out the link below.
Hello and welcome to my Union Contact Pro Binding review – part of my Freestyle bindings review series.
Hi Nate,
I was wondering if you could explain the highback rotation on these. You say they can’t be adjusted independently. And could you maybe explain the differences between the highback rotation on these vs the Strata (which I think can be adjusted).
Thanks Nate
Matt
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
I believe you can rotate the highback independently on these now. My apologies and I will update the adjustability section here now. Previously you could only rotate the highbacks by moving just one side of the heel loop forward (which is still the case on some Union bindings – like the Falcor), so you couldn’t do it independently of the heel loop. But with the new models and I believe last year’s models too, you can rotate it independently now. I believe these work the same as the Strata.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate
Sorry a little late off the mark here but I’ve just picked up a bataleon fun kink 154 and have been looking at union contact pros our union force. I’m just torn because I haven’t ridden the board yet and I like to ride all mountain incorporating a little buttering and hits on slope and of course I like to charge for shits and giggles. So I have no idea which bindings is going to suit me best….
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
I don’t test Bataleon boards, so I’m not sure how it feels flex-wise, in reality. But looks like it’s rated 4/10 for flex. If that’s fairly accurate, then I think the Contact Pro would be a good match for it. The Force are a little stiffer. They would work though. If I have to go stiffer with one or the other, I would prefer to go with stiffer bindings on softer board than the other way around. The Contact Pros are better for buttering, IMO. The Force would be better for charging, IMO, so there’s that to consider too. If you were happy to go for that stiffer kind of flex, but wanted to maintain that butterability, the Strata is also a good option. Similar flex to the Force, but more buttery. But I would probably go Contact Pro on the Fun Kink, assuming the flex-rating is accurate.
Hope this helps
Nate,
I would like to know your top 3 bindings that would fall into this same flex / quality category?
Is there anyone out there that makes a hybrid binding with interchangeable base plate dampening and choices of high backs, all of them working with the same frame? That would be the …. It would be cool to go back to the truck and make some adjustments depending on mood or conditions.
Hi MC
Thanks for your message – and apologies for the slow response. A bit behind and trying to catch up after vacation.
To go along with the Contact Pro, the other 2, that have around that 4/10 flex, that I would put in for a top 3 would be the Ride Rodeo and the K2 Lineup. But I would add that the Contact Pros, IMO, are a good step up from them. In terms of quality at this flex, the Contact Pros are the best I’ve seen. Typically softer bindings like this are less quality. The other one’s that spring to mind actually are the Flux DSL and the Flux SR.
In terms of interchangeable components, I’m not sure of a particular brand that does this specifically. But within a brand, often some things are interchangeable – like the ankle straps and toe straps. And in some cases I think highbacks can even be changed. But I’ve never tried this personally and don’t know specifically which brands or models you can do this with. And also, I suspect you would have to buy 2 sets of bindings to do this. Not sure if you can buy separate components individually, but you could always inquire as it might be possible.
There are some bindings that you can change the feel of the bindings. E.g. with NOW bindings you can change the bushings on some of their bindings. They come with 2 sets of bushings – like medium and hard – and you can adjust that way. Would be pretty cool to have a binding that can do what you’re saying though and have multiple highbacks and other components that you can mix and match – just don’t know of anyone that does that specifically.
Hope this gives you more info to go off
Hello Nate,
I am thinking of buying medium sized Contact pros. My boot size is 10.5 US ( Ride Rook boots ). Will I be fine with medium or should I pick up the large ones?
Thanks for your help
Hi Joe
I would say you should be fine in Ride Rooks. Ride typically have a smaller footprint than the average boot – and, IMO, Union is pretty conservative just going to 10 for medium. I haven’t had ride boots in Union bindings, so I couldn’t say for sure. But I would be willing to bet that they would be fine length wise. And most likely should be any issues with the width of the boot either.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Appreciate the reviews. I’ve been riding Ride Rodeos for the last 6 years. They’ve served me pretty well but I’m considering switching to the Contact Pros. Mostly park jibs and medium jumps, with a little freestyle focused all mountain.
They both seem pretty similar. Any input on the differences you noticed between them?
Thanks
-Lou
Hi Lou
Thanks for your message.
Both good bindings for Freestyle riding, IMO. The main differences would be as follows, IMO:
1. Contact Pros a little better in terms of board feel
2. Contact Pros lighter in terms of weight
3. Ride Rodeo has a canted footbed, where the Contact Pro doesn’t
4. Contact Pro’s ratchet system a little smoother
So, overall, I find the Contact Pros a little better, but both are great bindings. However, compared to 6 years ago Rodeo’s both the current models would be an improvement, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the reply Nate!
That definitely helps.
I meant 3 pairs of Rodeos over the last 6 years. Didn’t realize the Contacts didn’t have canted footbeds though.. Might have to stick with the Rodeo’s or find something else.
You’re very welcome Lou.
You could look into the K2 Lineup if you wanted a change but still wanted to keep the Canted footbed. Or the Burton Malavita or Ride LTD, if you wanted to go a little stiffer flexing.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the review.
I would like to ask for advice about sizing of this binding.
I am looking to buying contact pros 2018. Im not sure about sizing. I am a size 10 US, 28CM MONDO so it looks like i just fit into the medium size or lower end of the large size. After reading some comments/recommendations from you I think Medium should be ok. Im wearing Northwave FREEDOM SL boots.
What size would you recommend?
Thanks for your answer.
Fridrich
Hi Fridrich
Thanks for your message.
I ride 10s and I personally prefer Union in medium. Unfortunately I haven’t had any experience with Northwave boots, so I couldn’t say first hand what they’re outersole reduction is like – but from a brief bit of research, it sounds like they actually have a reasonably low profile outsole, so, based on that, I’d say they’d be fine with Union’s mediums.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate thank you for your review.
I’m hesitating between the contact pro, the atlas or the Burton mission.
I went to the store and i was able to see all. I noticed that these bindings are very lightweight but they seem a little fragile compared to the atlas or the mission.
Also I don’t know what suits me better because the contact pro has short and soft higbacks but the other ones aren a lot more tall and stiffy.
I like to ride all the mountain sometimes very fast. Often I prefer to hit the powder outside the track and go for some little jumps and boxes on the park. I’m not an advanced rider but I’m improving.
Do you think that I should go for this ones? They are all on the same price range.
Thank you for your help
Hi Gustavo
Thanks for your message.
These are quite different to the Atlas. Like you say the Atlas are stiffer. They are also more responsive and more suitable for riding fast. The Contact Pros are more freestyle oriented – hence the shorter softer highback – and they also have better board feel, and help the board to flex more naturally underfoot. This is something that I really like the feel of, especially for freestyle riding. I’d say contact pros would be the better option for your jumps and boxes in the park, but the Atlas better for everything else.
The Missions are kind of in-between in a lot of ways. They have pretty good board feel (better than the Atlas but not as good as the Contact Pros, IMO) but aren’t as responsive as the Atlas – similar in response to the Contact Pros. But a little more suitable for higher speeds than the Contact Pros.
So, you’ve got to weight up whether you want to loose some board feel, for a more responsive ride like the Atlas or if you want to loose some response and have all the board feel – then the Contact Pros. For something kind of in between, the Missions.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
I’m looking at buying a pair of these but unsure about sizing. I’m a size 8.5 shoe so it looks like i just fit into the small size or lower end of the medium. What size would you recommend? Is there a huge difference in weight and functionality between the different sizes? Thanks mate.
Hi Nolan
I haven’t tried other sizes except the Medium but I’m pretty sure that the difference in weight and everything is negligible – as in, you wouldn’t notice it. I think the most important thing is to get the size right for your boots.
I think your best bet is to go with the medium. Depending on your boot brand, you could end up being a bit big for the small. If you were in 8s, I’d say small but 8.5s go with medium.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the advice Nate! Sorry I posted twice – thought that the first one didn’t work but realised afterwards that you probably vet the comments before they are posted haha
You’re welcome Nolan. Yeah I vet the comments – or else I’d end up with a bunch of spammy stuff in the comments.