Hello and welcome to my Union Falcor review.
In this review I will take a look at the Falcor as all-mountain-freeride snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Falcor a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain-freeride bindings.
Overall Rating
Bindings: Union Falcor 2021
Price: $349 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain-Freeride
Flex Rating: Baseplate =7.5/10, Highback = 7.5/10 (based on Union’s new flex slider graphs)
Flex Feel: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 94.1/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Out of the 16 men’s all-mountain-freeride bindings that I rated:
Overview of the Falcor’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Falcor’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freeride |
Price: | $349 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Edge-to-Edge: | Fast |
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 | 10.5+ | 43.5+ | 9.5+ |
Who are the Falcor Most Suited To?
The Falcors are best suited to anyone looking to ride the whole mountain, but want good board feel wherever they go - and for mid to high level freestyle.
They match best with boards around a 6/10-7/10 flex, IMO, but could work for 5/10 or 8/10 depending on the feel you're going for.
Too stiff for beginners, but could work for solid intermediate riders, depending on style.
The Falcor in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Falcor are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: Union Falcor 2021, Medium (M)
Date: February 27, 2020
Conditions: Snowing! Quite nice amount of snow especially up higher. Wetter snow in car park which was unpleasant for changing over bindings and taking notes on lift but all good with that pow up high!
8cm in last 24 hours.
-2°C (28.4°F) with wind – didn’t feel overly cold.
Groomers were a little cruddy but with some nice pow on top spots to the sides. Off groomer was nice with that 8cm layer.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance Width: 565mm (22.2”)
Board demoed with: Rossignol One LF 2018
Baseplate Length: 25.2cm (9.9”)*
*but this was measured on the top side of the footbed. Was 22.7cm on the underside of the baseplate
Highback Height: 21.2cm (8.35”)
Weight: 820 grams (1lb, 13oz)*
* 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 Falcor is a good bit lighter than the average of those I weighed.
Flex
Union appear to have changed their ratings for the Falcor to an 8/10 for both baseplate and highback, where they used to rate the baseplate 6/10 and highback 8/10. In any case, it still feels, overall to be around a 7/10 flex as per previous models.
Responsiveness
The Falcor’s give a dynamic/explosive response to your board. I found that they made my board more lively, but not to the point that it felt twitchy or anything. This is on a 6/10 flex board. Going too much softer and it might start to feel a little twitchy. On a stiffer board, wouldn’t be quite as lively/explosive, perhaps, but to me they just had this feeling like they offered more spring out of turns than my board otherwise would – and worked well whether riding fast or slow.
And more spring/explosiveness versus other similar flexing bindings and stiffer bindings too. If you prefer a more subtle/smoother response, then they may not suit you as well, but for me, they just had me buzzing – made my board feel like it suddenly had more energy.
But you could still certainly hold a nice deep carve on them too. A little more so than what you can on the Strata (which I also rode the same day), but without sacrificing too much in terms of maneuverability at slow speeds.
Board Feel/Butterability
Really good board feel, especially for how stiff they are. That mini-disc feel isn’t for everyone, but for me, I love it and that combination of response and board feel, just feels like the perfect combo to me.
Pop/Ollie Power
The Falcor is one of the few bindings that I actually notice a difference on in terms of pop. Most I don’t really notice the difference, but the Falcor just seemed to give that little bit more pop. Made my board feel slightly more poppy than it does with most other bindings.
Adjustability
Heel Cup: Yes (which is really nice to have for easy centering of boots)
Stance Width: With the mini-discs you can’t run the disc vertically – but there’s no need to have that, with the adjustable heel cup (you’d typically only run vertically for boot centering). So with the disc running horizontally it gives you some stance width adjustability. However, being a mini-disc it’s somewhat limited.
Highback Lean: Not tool-less. This is slightly annoying if it’s something you like to change, depending on the conditions that day. But if you keep it in one setting, then you can just set it and forget it.
Ankle Strap Position: No
Toe Strap Position: Yes
Ankle and toe strap length: Yes tool-less
Gas pedal/toe ramp extension: No
Highback Rotation: Yes-ish
Compatible with: 2 x 4 | channel (not compatible with 4 x 4, which means doesn’t work on “slam back inserts” “float packs” – anything that has an extra set of holes 4cm behind the main insert pack and not compatible with boards with 4 x 4 insert packs, though those are very rare these days).
Shock Absorption
The Falcor’s absorb shock really well. The foot bed doesn’t feel particularly plush when you squeeze it, but when riding the bindings do well to absorb chatter and absorb shock from flat landings.
Entry/Exit
Typical ratchets from Union – in other words very good. Maybe not quite the best in the industry, but not far off either – and as smooth as you’d ever need them (you know maybe in 2040 when your bindings self tighten to the perfect pressure at the push of a button, we might look back and say they were cumbersome, but compared to the earthling tech we currently have, they’re right up there).
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Comfort
I found the Strata super comfortable overall.
Ankle Strap: Really nice ankle strap. One of my favorite ankle straps now. Just conforms really nicely with the boot, with no pressure points, whilst still giving a nice secure feeling. Same as on the Strata.
Toe Strap: Toes straps are great too, IMO.
Canted Footbed: Yes
Padded Footbed: Not overly plush feeling but absorbs shock and chatter really well, which is the main thing, IMO.
Highback: Some good padding at the top of the highback, which is nice, but the main thing is that I hardly felt the highback. No calfbite or anything like that, and that’s the most important thing. And something that’s not always the case with stiffer highbacks.
Ankle Support
The Forma Lab strap does a great job supporting the ankle. It’s something that these, and other Union bindings, have really improved on over the past few years, and this is another step up, IMO.
Changes for the 2021 Model
- New ankle strap
- New toe strap
- New bushings
Changes for the 2020 Model
THe 2020 model gets a new ankle strap and new toe strap in addition to new bushings. So a few upgrades/tweaks there for the 2020 model.
Changes for the 2019 Model
As far as I can tell the 2019 model is very similar to the 2018 model.
They have “Forma Elite” ankle straps whereas the 2018 model had the “ExoFrame/Air” ankle strap. But I didn’t notice any difference, so it feels like it’s just a name change, maybe? They still have the “exoFrame” ankle straps for 2019 but they look a lot different.
The toe straps are different, with the new “Hexgrip” toe strap on the Falcors. The “Ultragrip X” toe strap that it had on it last year was great, but the Hexgrip is a small improvement, IMO. Not a major thing but a subtle improvement.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 5.0 | 30/30 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 9/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.1/100 |
Overall, the Falcors are an awesome set of bindings, that bring more life and energy into a board.
If you like an explosive/springy feel out of your bindings and need something around that 7/10 flex range and like good board feel, then the Falcor should be on your radar.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Falcor, are ready to buy or want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Falcor compares to other men’s all-mountain-freeride bindings or want to check out some other options in that category, check out the next link.
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Falcor are capable of.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the interesting reviews! Reading these is my favorite winter pastime when not riding a snowboard – to the extent that I sometimes almost miss the riding opportunity 😀
Right now I’m reading these with a purpose too, though. I have a Custom X on the way and I’m trying to decide a binding to go with it. The main intention is to learn carve more aggressively than with my current boards, so that’s what the binding should also be up for.
You recommend the Falcor for boards in the 6-7/10, possibly 8/10. How about the Custom X, it being around 9/10 flex I guess? Could I still get the most out of the boards carveability, or should I go for a stiffer binding?
I’ve also read through and through your freeride binding reviews and those are on the short list as well, particularly the Atlas FC. I’m however a bit hesitant, whether that would be “too much binding” for me, whether the stiff, non-rotating highback will bite into my claves and whether it’s worth the extra dime.
One reasoning for a notch “mellower” binding is also that I could upgrade to a super-responsive binding for Customer X later on if needed and then use this one with my easier flexing boards. I understand from your review and the others that the Falcor would be pretty good for buttering, jumps etc. as well?
As options to the Falcor I also have e.g. Atlas and Cartel X EST, as well as Flux XV (though I wonder whether the lack of shock absorption would eventually be harmful to my joints).
I’m also considering the X EST and the X-base (available in Re:Flex version only), which I suppose wouldn’t quite match the responsiveness of the Atlas FC, but would be more responsive than my “mellow” options?
Any thoughts on these bindings and the direction to go for?
Hi Jussi
Thanks for your message.
I think ideally with the Custom X, going a bit stiffer is a good idea. Atlas FC, X-Base, or Flux XV would all be great options. But the Falcor is surprisingly responsive for it’s flex, so it’s certainly doable on the Custom X. The 2022 Falcor is a little stiffer than previous models too, so if you were waiting for that one, then that would be a good bet. But also to your point, that if you felt you needed to go stiffer, you could and then use the Falcor on one of your more forgiving boards, so that reduces the risk of going Falcor now. So long as your more forgiving boards aren’t super soft flexing.
I would go Falcor before I went Atlas for the Custom X. I found the Cartel X EST (which I just rode recently) to be nice and responsive, so that would certainly work too – it would be another that I would put in the same category as the Falcor – borderline too soft, but if it didn’t work you could use it on another board. However, that said, in that case it would have to be on another board with the Channel. I find Burton EST bindings to be more responsive on the channel than Burton Re:Flex too – so the Cartel X Re:Flex potentially not as suitable.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate –
Recently got the Skeleton Key 154 on your recommendation. Absolutely loving it! Such a blast riding that board. I’ve got Burton photon boots, and have been borrowing a pair of Union Ultra’s for that board atm. Would the falcor’s be a solid choice for the SK? I’m 5’11, 160 lb. like to carve, do trees, and pow. Since I believe the Union Ultra’s are pretty stiff, would the falcor’s be a similar feel? How is that combo of SK/falcor in your opinion? Thanks man
Hi Robin
I think the Falcor would work well with the SK. Falcor’s aren’t as stiff as Ultra – certainly not in the highback anyway, maybe a little stiffer than Ultra in the baseplate, but overall they feel more forgiving than the Ultra, by my feel. But the Falcor is a very good binding for carving, whilst at the same time giving enough forgiveness so that you’re not having to battle them too much when you’re taking things slower. I think they would fit what you’re describing well and fit the SK well too.
Hi all,
I have ridden a pair of Falcor 2018 for about 100+ days.
After breaking the 3rd Falcor highbacks, I decide to switch to Team highbacks. All of those three are broken at the connection from carbon to nylon. Awesome service from Union (thru Deeluxe Austria) who sent me a spare pair but again one of those is broken…
Sick bindings but apparently not for me…
hi Nate’¡¡¡¡
Last season you recommended me a nicolas mullair 161 and it was a great decision!
I go with some union atlas bindings .. and I have very good feelings.
But according to your opinion, which do you recommend between atlas, strata and falcor?
Thanks a lot
Hi Javier
Thanks for your message and awesome that you’re still loving the Mullair (hard not to, IMO).
I think ideally the Falcor would work best with the Mullair, but the Atlas are a good match too. I think you would get a little more out of the Falcor, but it would most likely only feel like a subtle improvement, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thank you very much Nate!
Your opinion about the mullair and the exact size for me last season was very helpful. Thanks a lot.
I will try to get the union falcor and test sensations.
And what do you think about union strata and mullair?
thanks
Hi Javier
I’d probably go a little stiffer than the Strata for the Mullair personally. For reference, I feel the Strata at about a 6/10 flex, the Atlas at about 6.5/10 and the Falcor at about 7/10.
OK, thank you very much friend. you are amazing
You’re very welcome Javier. Happy riding!
Hey Nate,
Thanks a lot for your reviews. They are very interesting and helpful to read.
I’m searching for a new binding for my Amplid unw8 from last year. The falcor seems to be a good match in my opinion?!
Do you agree or have any other suggestions that will fit?
I would mostly use it as a full speed setup on Piste.
Greetz from Germany.
Tobi
Hi Tobi
Thanks for your message.
I don’t test Amplid boards so I’m not super familiar with them, but on paper, based on specs, I think the Falcor would be a good match.
Hope this helps
Hey man, I have the ‘19-‘20 falcors for my orca but just picked up a capita super doa and lib tech t rice pro and want bindings to throw on those decks for more pro riding. Thoughts on just moving my falcors from board to board or getting the team forces
Hi Ricki
Thanks for your message.
I would ride Falcors on both the Super DOA and T Rice Pro before I rode Forces on them – so if you’re happy switching the Falcors around, I would stick with the Falcors on both of those boards. The Force would work on them, but I would personally prefer to ride either of those boards with the Falcor.
Hope this helps
Hey, I have a 2020 flagship and I’m currently on some 5 year old Atlas bindings. I was looking to update to something a bit stiffer to help drive the board, but not something too stiff. I was looking at the Falcors and the Jones Mercury. Would you recommend one over the other for the flag? Is there another one I should be looking at? Thanks and happy holidays!
Hi Rob
Thanks for your message.
I’m personally a big fan of the Falcors, so that’s what I’d personally go with. I just find they have better board feel and a bit more liveliness/spring in them. Both are a little stiffer than the Atlas, without being too much stiffer. Both would work on the Flagship for sure, but I’d be leaning Falcor. The Mercury’s do have better dampening (the Falcors aren’t un-damp or anything, but the Mercury is really next level in that department) – so if you value that more than other factors, then they’d be worth a shot.
If you wanted more options, you could also check out:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Do you think the flag would be even better suited to something even stiffer than the Falcors? I’m also getting an Orca, so I’m hoping for something that works well on both. I really appreciate the help and input!
P.S. between the mercury and falcor, which did you find more comfortable? Especially around the ankle strap area?
Hi Rob
I preferred the ankle strap on the Falcors versus the Mercury. Really nice ankle straps on the Falcor now – it’s undergone a couple of upgrades the last couple of years and now one of my favorite ankle straps.
Hi Rob
You certainly could go a little stiffer for the Flagship – and for the Orca. I think the Falcors/Mercury are in a good range, but going a little stiffer would also work. Given that you don’t want to go too much stiffer, I would say no more than something around 8/10 flex. But I think anything 7/10 to 8/10 flex is a good range to look at for those boards/what it sounds like your preference is.
I think I’ve settled on the Falcor! Thanks for the advice!
You’re very welcome Rob. Happy riding!
Thanks for the review! How did the size medium fit with your size 10 boots?
Hi Jordan
Thanks for your message.
I found with my test boots for last season (Salomon Lo Fi Size 10) that I maxed out the toe straps – i.e. was on the longest setting. It fit well on the longest setting, but wouldn’t go any longer in the Lo-Fi. Ankle strap still had a couple of holes to go longer. In terms of fitting on the footbed they felt fine. But the Lo-Fi’s aren’t particularly low profile. They’re not super bulky either though. So I wouldn’t go longer than a 10 in most boots, but a 10 should be OK, depending on the boot.
My previous year’s test boots were Vans Aura’s and they fit very easily into the 2019 Falcor Medium. Plenty of room to spare in all aspects. Those are a little more low profile though – both in terms of length and in terms of the height of the toe box. But I would say most 10s would be fine in the medium and some 10.5s and even some really low profile 11s. But yeah for most 10s, you shouldn’t have an issue with mediums.
Hope this helps
Thank you for the detailed response!!
You’re very welcome Jordan. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
thanks for your reviews, they are really well done and helpful in the gear jungle!
Do you think that the Falcor is stiff enough for a board like the Slash ATV or the Jones Aviator (esp. in the highback)?
Did you notice the missing highback rotation when carving backside turns? I have never ridden a binding without highback rotation, I always took it as a given to rotate it, thats why I dont know what to make of it.
And the canted footbeds … is this even noticable when riding? I am wondering whether this might cause the knees to bend inside if this is something one is prone to.
Thanks in advance and best wishes!
Wolfgang
Hi Wolfgang
I would say they’re stiff enough for the ATV and Aviator and would be a good match for those two boards (as per my other reply). I probably wouldn’t put them on anything stiffer. Like if you had a super stiff board, then I would be looking for a stiffer binding, but for those 2 (7.5/10 and 7/10 flex respectively, from my feel), I would personally be happy to have the Falcors on them.
In terms of highback rotation, I often don’t bother even when it is an option. I do have my test bindings highback rotated, but I don’t really feel the difference. So, it’s not something that I see as a big deal. Some people are different though. I have heard from people who wouldn’t get a binding without rotation, but personally it’s not a big factor for me. But, I do get the impression it’s more of a factor for those with quite big calves, which I don’t have. I don’t have small calves either, but average sized. But if you have big calves, then it might be more necessary.
I don’t notice the canted footbeds while riding. The biggest thing with them is that they can reduce fatigue over the day. It’s pretty hard to really know how effective they are at doing that, but that’s the main thing that they’re designed to do. They’re also supposed to help with getting more pop out of a board. Again, I wouldn’t say that they conclusively do that either. I think it’s pretty subtle. But I do like having the canted footbed, just for those touted benefits, but how much of a difference it really makes is hard to say with certainty. Can definitely see your point on the knees bending inside, but don’t know if it could exacerbate that issue, if you have it. I don’t think I’m prone to it, but it’s something I certainly having noticed being a thing when riding canted footbeds. Usually it’s pretty subtle, so I don’t think it would be an issue.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
first of all thank you for your reviews, I think they’re really well done and helpful.
I have a question regarding the Mini Disc system of the Falcor. I’d like to pair it with a stiffer board like the Jones Aviator or the Slash ATV. Does the Mini Disc system hold up well on these boards or should I rather choose a binding with a regular disc, like the Atlas or look for an even stiffer binding? I’ve ridden the Strata the last two years and I really liked the board feeling of it, so I’d be happy to take the Falcor for a stiffer board.
And another question: Do you think that the Slash ATV and the Jones Aviator are comparable boards (the Aviator being a bit more playful and maybe easier in powder)? I am looking for a board with lots of camber, but if it’s a bit more on the playful side I’d appreciate that, too. I’ve ridden very stiff camber boards for most of my snowboarding “career”; right now I am on a Salomon Assassin, however, which I really like, but I have started to miss the feel of a stiffer real camber.
I had the Slash ATV in my hands recently and for some reason it did not feel good to me, although I think the specs and also the reviews sound very good. I am going to be carving mainly or ride steep terrain, but I also like to do medium size jumps and tricks like handplants or front flips over small features, but no jibbing and hardly any buttering. But for the tricks I like to do, it would be good if the board was a bit playful/forgiving, since I am not a super expert rider.
Anyways, thanks in advance!
Wolfgang
Hi Wolfgang
Thanks for your message.
I’ve never felt any issues with having a mini-disc on stiffer boards. In fact, I really like it, because it gives you a bit more board feel, there. But I prefer things not to be too stiff/planky feeling, so having that extra board feel gives a stiffer board more life, IMO. So, I think it works really well. If you want a more rigid connection with the board, then you could go for something with a regular disc, but given that you like the feel of the Strata, I think the Falcor is a great option in terms of a stiffer binding but still with that good board feel and something that would match the Aviator and ATV well.
The Aviator is, IMO, a bit more forgiving and softer flexing than the ATV. The ATV isn’t like a completely unforgiving board though. It’s quite stiff, but it’s also quite snappy for how stiff it is, if that makes sense. In terms of flex I felt the ATV at around a 7.5/10 and the Aviator at around 7/10 – so not a massive difference, but ATV just a little stiffer. Aviator a little better in powder and just that little bit more forgiving. Note that it does have a little bit of rocker in the profile, it’s not completely camber, but it’s predominantly camber. For more details on my experience with both check out:
>>Slash ATV Review
>>Jones Aviator Review
If you wanted to go a little more playful again, but still full camber you could check out something like:
>>Burton Paramount
Salomon Ultimate Ride
Niche Crux
But from what you’re describing, if you want something stiffer, then I think the ATV is a good bet.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I like your reviews and patient answers. With so munch options on the market, you guys really help lots of riders 😉
You wrote about tool-less highback lean adjustment on the Falcors. Did they put it on? I have the first edition of this binding… and,for highback lean, there is a screw in a piece of metal, with 3 positions. Maybe they went for a more contemporary solution on later models.
Indeed, Falcors work great driving boards like Capita Mercury.
However, for few of us, they have a slight downside in the ankle strap: it can cause pressure points, even on freeride boots. Probably that’s one of the reasons Union keeps changing that strap, year by year (yep, new one next year, too).
Personally, I found lots of that pressure redistributed better when I swept the original straps with Atlas ones (ordered from Union website).
I am also looking for a piece of advice.
I have this other board, a Rome MOD Rocker. And is paired with 2017 Union Travis Rice bindings. The drive well, but I feel they kind-of limit the board flex.
I’m looking for some bindings with the same power transfer, but with more board feel and allowance for the flex.
What would you say? New Falcors? Nitro Team PRO? Flux XF, can that be an option? I’m also open to any other option that ticks the boxes.
Thanks!
Hi Crizze
Thanks for your message.
I actually just finished testing the Union Falcor 2021 today (with that new ankle strap)! I found the new ankle strap really nice. But I liked the old one anyway (on the 2019 model, I didn’t ride the 2020 model). But it is an improvement, IMO.
I’m not sure about the production model, but the demo model I have still has that same highback lean adjuster. A shame really on otherwise super nice bindings, to have a non-tool-less highback lean adjuster.
I don’t test Rome boards currently, so I have no experience with the mod-rocker, but in terms of bindings that have a similar power transfer, but improved board feel, the Falcors are definitely an option. No guarantee that you would prefer the ankle strap on them, but at a guess I think you would. And certainly better board feel vs the 2017 T Rice. I don’t test Nitro bindings, so I’m not sure there. The XF certainly an option too. Maybe not the same board feel as the Falcor but pretty close. Same power transfer though, for sure. Burton Genesis X or the Salomon Highlander also worth looking at too, in that category of binding.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate,
As always, great that we can share complementary info. It really helps.
I think I’ll go for next year’s Falcors. And their straps 😉
Untill then, as a test, I am going to move the Falcors that I have, from the Mercury to the MOD Rocker, while retaining the comfortable straps from the T.Rice. We’ll see how that goes.
If the virus doesn’t stop our trip, I’ll come back with feedback.
Ride on,
Crizze.
You’re very welcome Crizze.
Sounds like a great plan, to try out your Falcors on the mod first, with the T Rice straps and see how you get on. Looking forward to the feedback – hopefully you’re trip goes ahead!
Hey Nate,
I recently picked up a Jones Flagship demo board at a great price as an addition to my quiver for free ride charging and pow days. I’m looking at bindings and trying to decide between the falcor and flux xf bindings. Which of these do you feel will match the Flagship better or is there some third option I should be looking at?
Thanks Again,
Other Nate
Hi Nate
Both of those are great options for the Flagship and I wouldn’t say either one is better suited to the board per se. I think the main things to factor between those 2 bindings comes down to priorities for what you want. I would say that the following are the main differences between those two:
– The Falcor has better shock absorption, which is the XFs biggest weakness. If you’re not necessarily going to be catching air on that board, then that’s less of an issue – although shock absorption can be nice for chatter too
– The XF is better in terms of ankle support. The Falcor isn’t bad there, but it’s one of the stronger points for the XF and Flux bindings in general.
Some other similar bindings worth considering are the Salomon Highlander and the Burton Genesis X.
Hope this helps Nate
As always, it really helps and I appreciate it. I’m actually a huge fan of Salomon bindings and have spent a lot of time on the districts and holograms. The Highlanders look like a solid candidate. It looks like the Highlander took the place of the old defenders. Do you happen to know how much the Highlander changed from the defender’s? The defenders are going for about $200 compared to the Highlanders that are around $350, if the difference is worth $150 I’m willing to go the Highlander route but the defenders seem like the best deal I’ve found so far.
Hey Nate
Yeah the Highlander is fits in the space that the Defender left. Their certainly not the same binding though. Quite a few changes made all-round. I would say the Highlander is a good improvement over the Defender in a number of small ways. Whether it’s worth $150 better is hard to say. The main things I would say that feel improved are:
– The Highlander has slightly better board feel and slightly better shock absorption. Not sure how they get those two things simultaneously but it felt that way to me.
– The Highlander feels just that little bit better on deeper carves, but maintains maneuverability at slower speeds similar to the Defender. Technically I think the Highlander is supposed to be a little stiffer, but it felt around the same to me.
Note that this is all comparing back to a control set of bindings. I haven’t ridden them back-to-back.
I think the Highlanders are supposed to be a little lighter too.
In none of those areas is there any massive difference, but just some small improvements in a few different areas.
Nate,
I have ridden 2 days on these, with a Never Summer West and my Burton ions size 11 (4 years old). At first i noticed the heel was snug on boot it just fits in, and half way through day had awful heel pain (not on bottom but on sides of front foot). So i suspect it is from the binding having no leeway and pushing boot in. Is this something you have heard of before? I am within the window where I can return – what would you recommend? Previously i rode Burton Cartels from about 2012 with no issue.
Hi Adam
Thanks for your message. I haven’t experienced this with the Falcors, but I haven’t ridden them with Ions. And I haven’t done so with that size combo either. I ride Medium Falcors, with Vans boots. Some Burton boots are quite wide at the heel, so that might be one thing. I assume you’re riding Large Falcors?
But yeah, if you have this issue and you have ridden the same setup, but with different bindings with no issue, and you’re pretty certain it’s the bindings, then I would return. The Cartels are a safe bet, given that you’ve ridden them no issues previously – and a good match to that setup, IMO. If you did want to go a little stiffer but wanted to be sure of sizing, then the Genesis X would be a good option (all be it not that cheap an option). Or you could look at some other brands, but there’d no guarantee in terms of how they size with your Ions. For some other good options with a similar flex to the Falcor, you could check out:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Love your site, super super helpful. I’m in need of your help if you dont mind. I’m a freerider, no park, love my blacks and trees and I just bought myself a YES PYL and I’m having trouble picking my bindings. I was going back and forth between the Union Falcors and the Stratas. Do you have any thoughts?
Thanks you!!
To add… the reason for my debate is that I heard the Falcors can be a bit unforgiving. But given my board is more to the stiff side that they might be the best option.
Hi Steve
Thanks for your messages.
I think the Falcors are the best bet for the PYL. You could certainly ride it with the Stratas, if you were really worried about the forgiveness of the Falcors. I find the Falcor’s have enough forgiveness to them – they’re not ultra unforgiving – but they can drive a board like the PYL harder, IMO. I have ridden the PYL with Burton Malavita’s and really enjoyed it – which are a similar flex to the Strata’s. So their not a no-go or anything, but I would personally match it up with the Falcor’s if it was me.
Hope this helps
Quick update, I switched to the burton Flight Attendant since the PYL wasn’t wide enough for my size 12’s.
I’m going back and forth between the Strata, Atlas and Falcor.
I’ve also just bought the Adidas Acerras, a pretty med-stiff boot. I’m mostly going to be going to Mammoth and Big Bear.
Any suggestions for the bindings on this board would be great.
Thanks!
Hi Steve
Thanks for the update. I would still go Falcor for the Flight Attendant. I think that’s the best match. But the other 2 are certainly doable, like they would have been with the PYL. But I would personally be leaning Falcor.
Hi Nate
I was gifted some falcors for christmas and am going to take them out for my first runs. My two options are a libtech orcas or yes pyl. I typically dont swap bindings so one board will be keeping bent metal transfers. I’d love your recommendation on pairing.
Jess
Hi Jesse
Thanks for your message. Apologies for the slow response – a bit behind after vacation.
Awesome gift! And a really tough choice. I think they would go well on both of those boards. I haven’t ridden the Orca, so I’m not sure on how it feels in terms of flex vs the PYL, but I imagine it’s similar, looking at specs. If so, then I would be leaning towards the Falcor on the bigger 164W PYL. But if you find the Orca stiffer than the PYL, then it might be an idea to put the Falcor on that.
Hope this helps with your decision
Got a pair for xmas, large, would you pair them with a orcas 159 or pyl 164w?
Hey Nate,
I recently bought the Falcors for the upcoming season because I was in the market for a more lightweight high quality responsive binding, and am also looking for a good board to compliment them with. I want a board that will be best suited for narrow trails/trees, because the one I have now is a little too stiff and responsive which is good for just cruising some groomed runs; and in my mind, I feel like it will be best to get a smaller more flexible board to help with uneven terrain and tight spaces to whip it around. The board I’m almost set on for these reasons is the Capita Outerspace living. I feel since the Falcors are extremely responsive, and the Outerspace Living is pretty flexible, that it would be a good balance to compliment what I’m looking for in terms of forgiveness with the flexible board, but responsive with the bindings when I need it to be. In your experience with these bindings and riding multiple boards, do you think the Falcors will compliment a board like that? If not, what other boards do you think will best suit what I’m looking for? I am currently riding an Arbor Coda Premium Camber that is a 159, which IMO is too responsive and “grabby” for winding tree trails. I’m 6’1″ 215. The size in the Outerspace Living I was looking for is a 157W to help with maneuverability in tight spaces. Also, let me know if you disagree with any of my opinions on what works best for maneuvering through winding tree trails. That is just what makes sense to me in my mind after riding through the trees with my current board many times and doing research.
Thank you,
Jonah W.
Hi Jonah
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, certainly a softer flex can give you more maneuverability, particularly at slower speeds. The same is typically the case for bindings. That said, I find the Falcors are pretty good at slower speeds for their flex.
In terms of going with stiffer bindings on a softer board, it can work depending no what you’re looking for. I usually recommend to try to match flex as much as possible, but I would always prefer to have the bindings (and boots) slightly stiffer than the board, if not matching.
With a big difference in flex, I find that if the bindings are too soft for the board, they don’t have the power to drive the board properly and if the bindings are too stiff for the board, the setup can start to feel “twitchy”, if that makes sense. I find if things are too twitchy it makes it harder to hold smooth, longer carving lines. Since the Falcor’s are, IMO, a 7/10 flex, and the OSL, IMO, a 5/10 flex – I think it will create that feeling to an extent, but they’re not miles difference in flex, and if you’re really looking to maximize your setup for tight spaces it could work.
Size-wise, for your specs, I’d usually say to go longer – more like 162-164. Again, going shorter will help with getting those tight turns in. But just note that it will also affect your stability at speed and float in powder – and if you’re looking to do long arcing turns at times, it will affect how long you can hold onto a carve too. So, I think again, if you really want to maximize that quick edge to edge transition in tight spaces, it’s doable, just note that you will be sacrificing in other areas.
Width is also important for quick edge-to-edge transitions, so making sure you don’t go too wide, without going so narrow that you end up with boot drag. What’s your boot size? That will help determine if the 157W is a good width or if you’re better off going with a regular width board.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks for the reply, that makes sense.
I am only able to go off of what I have experienced so far with the board I use, and I feel like the board I am using now is not really viable for tree runs (which might be my favorite kind of runs). Whenever i see my current board flex while I am on uneven terrain in those tight spaces it just makes me cringe because of how stiff it is, so that’s why I was looking for one that is a little more playful in terms of flex and shape since the OSL kind of has both a camber/rocker profile.
My boot size is 11, and I already get a little bit of overhang on my current board, so that’s why I figure the wider width will treat me a little better especially if I am to go with a shorter length. Which speaking of length, I think you talked me into getting either the same length as my current board, or longer to help with float because I also wanted my new board to handle powder better than my current one.
I appreciate all the helpful feedback!
Hi Jonah
A bit of overhang is good. I like it so that my feet go as close to edge to edge on the board as they can (not too much inside the edges or over the edges) as it’s the feet where the leverage comes from. So a little of boot overhang is necessary for that to happen – and as long as it’s not too much, so as to cause boot drag, then it’s usually fine. The 159 Coda Camber (at least the 2020 model anyway) is 266mm at the inserts. The Capita OSL 160 (if you were to go for that size) is 256mm at the waist and roughly 265mm at the inserts. So, if you’re not having any issues with drag on the Coda Camber, then you might be OK on the 160 regular width OSL. The advantage of going narrower is that you get that extra leverage on the edges which enables faster/easier edge-to-edge transitions. If you were worried about that width though, then the 159W wouldn’t be too wide for 11s, but if you can squeeze onto the 160, then there are advantages. Of course, with the 159W you will get more float again vs the 160, as it will have more surface area overall. The OSL does have that rocker in the profile which helps with powder too, so I think in either size you would be gaining a little in terms of float – all be it somewhat negated by the fact that the OSL is a twin. But overall, size-for-size, I’d say the OSL is a little better for powder.
Another note, is going 160 on the OSL, you’re getting a very similar (actually slightly less) effective edge vs the 159 Coda Camber, so it’s probably going to feel a very similar length if not a touch shorter.
Hi Nate, i have ADIDAS TACTICAL UK 9.5.
For the Union Falcor M or L.
Sorry for my English…
Thanks
Hi Alberto
Thanks for your message. With US10s (equivalent of UK9s), I ride in M for all Union bindings (with Vans Aura boots). I still have plenty of room, so I would imagine that UK9.5s would be fine in the M. But in saying that I haven’t ridden the Tactical ADVS (or any Adidas boot) in Union bindings, so I couldn’t say for sure for them. Different boots often fit differently. I don’t think you’d have any issues with strap length at all, especially given the low profile nature of Adidas boots, it’s just whether the heel loop is wide enough.
So, I think L is the safe bet, but if I had to make a guess, I’d say you’d be fine in the M.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate. I recently bought a 2019 Jones Ultra Mountain Twin 154 (I’m 5′ 7″ approx 160 lbs) and was wondering if I should buy stiffer bindings to pair with it. I have been riding with Burton Cartels (size Small) for the past eight years or so and thought it might be time for an update, so I was looking at the Union Strata or Falcor. I’m an intermediate/advanced rider primarily into carving on groomers, powder, trees (not much interest in park). So I was wondering which of those bindings (or another binding you could recommend) would best suit the UMT. A possible issue is that I wear a size 7 Salomon Dialogue boot which might be too small for the Medium size binding on the Falcor (I don’t see a Small available), although it looks like I would be ok with the Strata size Small. Anyway, any input you have is greatly appreciated. This website is a really great resource. Thanks! – Val
Hi Val
Thanks for your message.
I would personally go at least 7/10 flex for the UMT. It’s a board I found to be quite stiff. I feel like the Strata would be too soft to be ideal. It would certainly work, but I would personally go for a slightly stiffer binding than that. Also, you wouldn’t be gaining a lot in terms of response, and wouldn’t be upping your flex at all, with the Strata vs the Cartel. So, I would be leaning more towards the Falcor, or something from the following list:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Union Falcor mediums size from 7-10, according to Union’s website, so I’d say you’d be fine fitting in the medium. I have seen some sites say 8-10. Not sure why they differ from Union, but I guess that’s a reason to be concerned. So yeah no guarantees, but I’d say you’d be fine.
But yeah anything from that list would work well, IMO, or even something from here:
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
If you’re worried about size, there should be something in one of those 2 that isn’t as fine a line, size-wise.
Hope this helps with your decision
Awesome. Ok I’m definitely leaning towards the Falcor. Thanks for the quick reply!
You’re very welcome Val. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate, the past couple seasons, I’ve been riding the Burton Genesis X but i picked up a pair of Falcors at the end of last season. I have a 2019 Jones Mind Expander and a 2020 Jones Flagship. Which board would you pair up with the Falcors?
Hi Casey
Thanks for your message.
I would probably put the Genesis X on the Mind Expander and the Falcor on the Flagship. Both would work on both boards, but I find the Falcor just that little bit more responsive, so will likely do a better job of driving the stiffer Flagship. The Genesis X would still work well on the Flagship, but just for that reason. The Mind Expander is an easier turning board (though the 2020 Flagship is certainly easier turning than in the past), so I’d go with the subtly less responsive Genesis X on that.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the quick response Nate. I’ll give that a shot!
You’re very welcome Casey. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi,
I have a Rossi One LF board . I’m thinking between Falcor and Cartel.
I am intermediate (closer to advance) and I only want to improve my carving skill. Could you tell me if you think Falcor performs better or Cartel? (I am ice coast).
Hi Ali
Thanks for your message.
Both certainly work for the Rossi One, but given that you’re looking to focus on carving and that you’re intermediate going on advanced, I think the Falcor would be the best option. It’s a bit more responsive and helps you to hold on to a carve a bit deeper/longer, IMO, so in your case I would go Falcor.
Hey Nate, thank you so much for your reviews.
I have a NS Proto 2, 157 (with a waist width of 25.2mm).
I have size 10 feet but wear a size 11 K2 and size 10.5 DC travis rice boots.
I’m looking at the falcor, burton mission, burton cartel, ride rodeo as my bindings to pair it all with.
Would the Falcor medium fit my boot? I can’t try it on (buying it all online as I’m far from shops that stock union). Would it be a good match for the Proto?
I’ve been out 10-20 times, I’m good with the heel, toe transition and I’m learning how to carve so I want more response.
Thanks.
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
A size 11 K2 would be pushing it to fit in the medium Falcor, I would think. Going large Falcor might be pushing it in terms of the width of the 157 PT2 – so preferable if you were to get on the medium. The 10.5 DC Travis Rice would most likely (but no guarantees) fit in the Union Medium.
The Large Cartels would fit on the board no problem, and they would be my next choice for the PT2, given that you’re looking for more response (and are a good match to the PT2 in general, IMO). Not sure that the Rodeo would give you any more response than what you’re already getting (what bindings are you currently riding?).
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hey Nate,
Thanks for your response! I contacted the shop and they tried the 10.5 DC’s on the Medium Falcors and they held in just fine.
That’s good to know about the Rodeo, I’ll narrow my search between the best deal I can find on the Falcor’s or the Cartels.
I was riding Fix High Lux’s but the straps kept coming loose so I brought them back to the store.
Thanks again! I appreciate it.
You’re very welcome Matt. Happy riding! Let me know what you go with and if you think of it at the time, how you get on on the snow.
The base on Falcor are less damps than strata? i notice the strata base is more large than falcor on same size. On strata the rubber base seems more soft than the falcor.
The contact pro have the same shock absorpion than strata or less?
Thanks
Hi RST
Thanks for your message.
Yeah I would say there is a little more shock absorption in the Strata vs the Falcor. But the Falcor still has good shock absorption/dampening though. The Contact Pro about the same as Strata.
I measured the Medium Falcor’s base plate (at the base of it) at 22.5cm on the underside. On the top of the footbed it measured 25.2cm.
I measured the Medium Strata’s base plate at 24cm on the underside and 25.8cm on the top of the footbed.
Hope this helps
Having a tough time deciding between the Union Ultra and the Falcor. Currently riding a capita Mercury 161. It says you purchased the Ultras. Why’d you choose those over the falcor?
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
Are you asking RST or me? Sorry a little confused over who bought the Ultras? I personally own Falcors but not Ultras.
In any case I would say go Falcor for the Mercury. I think that would be the better match for that board. The Ultras are less forgiving and the Falcor are a better better flex/feel match to the Mercury, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey, deciding between Union Strata versus Falcor to put on a Lib Tech Orca. Seems I could go either way but I’m curious which you’d recommend pairing. Riding groomers, side hits, and tree runs mainly, Thanks a ton!
Hi Jake
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Orca, so not sure what it is flex-wise, but going by the specs, I would say the Falcor. But Lib Tech boards, in my experience, tend to be a little softer than what the specs say, so, like you say, you could go either way. If it’s a genuine 7/10 flex, then I would say Falcor, if it’s more like 6/10 flex, then either one but maybe leaning towards the Strata in that case. How stiff do you find it – know it’s hard to put a number on it, if you don’t ride a lot of different board, but would you say it feels stiff to you, or has it got a bit of flex to it?
Hey Nate – thanks for the reply. I feel like the Orca is right on that line, feels pretty stiff but with just enough flex. I’m curious what the potential downsides would be of pairing a slightly stiffer binding (falcor) with this board versus how a binding with more flex (strata) could negatively affect riding.
Overall wondering about the pros/cons of having a stiffer binding compared to the board versus pros/cons of having a more flexing binding comparing to the board. Really appreciate your insight!
Cheers,
Jake
Hi Jake
I would say that the Falcor is around 7/10 flex. From what you’re describing the board as, I would guess that it’s a little more than medium too, if I’m reading that right – so possibly roughly about that 7/10 flex kind of feel. In which case I would say go Falcor.
Generally, I find that a softer binding on a stiffer board, it feels like the binding doesn’t transfer enough power to really drive the board. On a stiffer binding on a softer board, it can feel like the bindings are overpowering the board, and can make the board feel a little “twitchy” rather than smooth. I also like to take into account strength. I would say I have average strength legs – so for me, I prefer to have a slightly stiffer binding for a softer board, so that that power transfer is maximized (well I try to match flex for flex when possible, but if I had to go softer or stiffer in the binding, I would go slightly stiffer). But someone with a good bit of power in their legs, I would still try to match when possible, but going too much stiffer than the board could make it feel twitchy. Obviously the extent of how much stiffer or softer the binding is will make this more or less obvious. Since the Strata and Falcor aren’t that far off in either direction, this would be quite subtle, IMO, given a 6/10 or 7/10 flex with the Orca.
So, long story short, neither would be a bad choice. I would personally go Falcor, based on the specs of the flex, and how you’re describing the flex feel.
Hey! I have an orca as well but not sure which binding to put on these. Was leaning toward the Falcor but I’m afraid of those carbon highbacks breaking. How’s the durability with those? Also, I would say the orca is 6.5/10. Knowing that would you still lean Falcor? Or strata? Thanks!
Hi Rob
It’s really a tough call. between those 2. I would personally go Falcor myself. I prefer to err slightly on the stiffer side with binding compared to flex of board, but really you could ride both at that flex level. Couldn’t say for sure having not ridden the Orca, but if it was me I would choose the Falcor to match it. Not sure about durability – I don’t usually comment on that, since I don’t have gear that long. I did buy some ed-demo Falcors, which would have done a bit of time before I bought them – haven’t ridden them a lot myself yet, but with the demos they would have had plus the days I’ve put on them so far, there are no breakages so far – and no signs of any yet.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate! I’m looking into buying a whole new setup this year, narrowed it down to Capita Mercury or the Yes Typo, still deciding on the boards and it driving me crazy! But for bindings would the Falcors pair good with those boards or would something like the Atlas or Strata work better? I currently have the Atlas on my 2015 Capita board and I love that setup. I haven’t rode very many other boards so that’s why I’m in the crossroads or staying on what I know it good or adventuring out to different setups. I’m a free-ride all-mountain boarder that like shredding grooms(not as much as tree runs), pow, side hits and tree runs whenever possibly. Any suggestions on board/binding setup? Thank you!
Hi Kyle
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning towards the Mercury for the style of riding that you’re describing. And I would go Falcors for the Mercury. Though the Atlas would also work on it too. But the Falcors a step up, IMO.
If you were to go Typo, I would pair that with the Stratas over the Falcor or Atlas. I think that would be a better match for the Typo. The Strata would also go with the Mercury but I would personally go Falcor for the Mercury.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi, with the Mind Expander better the Falcor or Strada?
Hi Francesco
Both would work based on flex (I haven’t ridden the Mind Expander, but assuming 6/10 flex is fairly accurate), but I would be leaning towards the Strata for it. But like I say I haven’t ridden the board yet, but based on specs I would go Strata, but both would certainly work, IMO.
Hope this helps
Cheers Nate,
Like your Reviews! I‘m in the market for a new Binding. In a few days I get the New YES greats in 154. I‘m 5.11 with 9.5 Boots.
Therefore I would like to have a new Binding, my old Travis Rice Union suits my Jones MTN Twin very well, but my new Board should have their own binding.
Would you recommend the Falcor for my YES greats, or should I look for a binding which isnt that responsive, beacuse the greats already have that characteristic? Maybee the Union Strata suits better in that case or any other one? I like the Unions very well…
Thanks for reply and best pow for the upcoming season.
Regards from germany
Andre
Hi Andre
Thanks for your message.
The Falcor would certainly work on the Greats. It would be a good option. But I think the Strata would be an even better match. In my books, the Greats rates around a 5/10 in terms of flex (YES rates it 7/10 but I get a softer feel from it). The Falcor rates a 7/10 flex and the Strata a 6/10 flex (IMO). Going 2 steps above flex of the board can certainly work fine and I’d rather go 2 steps stiffer than 1 step softer. But I think the Strata would be about the ideal match in terms of flex. And other than just the flex match it’s also a great binding.
But yeah, both would work, but the Strata would be my pick for the Greats (great board choice by the way – love that board!).
Hope this helps
Yeah thx man, Sounds good and makes sense. Maybee I pick the Strata, I got an offer 20% less by a Dealer here in Germany, but the Falcor is only available in Size L, so I‘m gonna pick the Strata in M for my Bootsize 9.5.
I‘m very exited but I have to wait until december for the first ride in the alps.
Thank you very much for your opinion!
All the best, André
You’re very welcome Andre.
Yeah, Strata in medium sounds like a good call to me.
If you think of it at the time, let me know what you think of your new setup, once you get a chance to ride it in December. Happy riding!
Hi friend. Firstly, to tell you that I found it to be an incredible website and that it really works and you solve the rider’s doubts. My question is the following: I want to change the board, and I had thought of the CAPA DOA 2020 for my riding style, (if you give me your opinion on this board I would also appreciate it) but I do not know what bindings to mount, my first option It is the UNION FALCOR but it does not convince me much, what would be similar in characteristics and benefits? Are FALCOR really reliable? A huge greeting from Spain.
Hi Vicente
Thanks for your message.
You can check out what I thought of the DOA at the following:
>>Capita DOA Review
Whilst the Falcor aren’t on the face of it the ideal flex match, I think they’re a good match for the DOA. I’ve enjoyed riding the DOA in the past with stiffer bindings. So, I actually think the Falcor would be a great match with the DOA. In terms of being reliable, I own some 2019 Falcor’s and haven’t had any issues with them so far (they’re not my test bindings so I haven’t ridden them that much – maybe a dozen days on them). That’s all I can really say in terms of reliability as I don’t test long enough to really comment on reliability/durability.
Hope this helps