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 2019
Price: $349 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain-Freeride
Flex Rating: Baseplate =6/10, Highback = 8/10
Flex Feel: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 94.1/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Out of the 13 men’s all-mountain-freeride bindings that I rated:
- The average price was $321 (USD)
- The average score was 82.6/100
- The highest score was 94.1/100
- The lowest score was 57.4/100
- The Falcor ranked 1st out of 13!
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: | Super Light |
Mounts To: | 2 x 4 | Channel |
Sizing
SIZE | US Boot Size Range | Euro Boot Size Range | UK Boot Size Range |
Small | 5-8 | 37-41 | 4-7 |
Medium | 7-10 | 40-43 | 6-9 |
Large | 10+ | 43+ | 9+ |
Who are the Falcor Most Suited To?
The Falcors are great for anyone who want great response out of their bindings for quick edge to edge speed but also want to have good board feel with a minimal “dead spot" feel underfoot.
They are great with boards that are rated 6 to 8 in terms of flex.
Not for the beginner, but anyone from a solid intermediate rider to an expert should really enjoy these bindings.
Not park specific by any means but you can definitely ride the park with these bindings. They have great board feel and great pop.
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 2019, Medium (M)
Date: March 21, 2018
Conditions: High cloud but still good vis. Wind was light but cold. Snowed for like 20 minutes, but very light snow. Was a bit bumpy and lumpy on groomers and quite crunchy off groomer.
This was my initial conditions, I have since bought these bindings, and have ridden them in various conditions.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance Width: 555m (21.85”)
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 22.5cm on the underside of the baseplate (the bit that attaches to the board)
Highback Height: 21.2cm (8.35”)
Weight: 780 grams (lbs, oz)*
*a.k.a. super-light! This is per binding and includes disc and screws. For perspective, the average weight of a small sample size of 10 bindings I took was 864 grams. And 5 of those were Union bindings, which are all really light. The lightest was 760 grams and the heaviest was 1,000grams.
Flex
Union rate the baseplate as 6/10 and the highback as 8/10. The feel I got from them was about a 7/10, so that seems about right to me. They certainly had more forgiveness overall than the Ultra, particularly in the highback – so maybe even highback stiffness 8 is a little stiffer than what it feels. But yeah an overall feel of around 7 for sure.
Responsiveness
These bindings respond so well. They improve the speed of changing edges on my Rossi One more than most bindings I’ve ridden. For a really stiff board, you might want stiffer bindings to get that response – but for boards in that 5-8 flex range, the Falcors respond amazingly well and provide great spring out of turns.
Board Feel/Butterability
The Falcors get that elusive mix of board feel and response. Despite being relativey stiff and really responsive they still provide great board feel. You can definitely butter well in these bindings and just general feel is great. A lot of that is down to the mini-disc – but there’s something extra in there that I can’t put my finger on, but it might just be the lightness of them.
Pop/Ollie Power
Great pop and I noticed an increase in pop on the Rossi One LF compared to a lot of other bindings. I would put that down to a combination of being super-light, the canted footbed and just the general springiness and responsiveness of them.
Adjustability
You can adjust the heel cup of the Falcors, which I really like. It helps you to achieve more even toe and heel overhang.
They are compatible with both the Channel and 2 x 4 mountain systems but not with 4 x 4 because of the mini-disc but not a lot of boards use the 4 x 4 pattern anymore.
The highback lean is tool-less, as are the strap length adjustments. There are 2 different toe strap positions and you can use it as an over the toe cap or over the boot.
What they’re missing in terms of adjustability is that there is only one ankle strap position, you can’t adjust the highback rotation (well you sort of can but not independently of the heel cup position and I’m not sure the heel cup adjustment is designed to also let you rotate the highback but it can be done). Also you can’t adjust the baseplate length – no toe ramp extension.
Shock Absorption
They aren’t the most shock absorbing of Union’s bindings but still have really good shock absorption overall.
Entry/Exit
The Ratchet system is nice and smooth which makes it easy to get in and out of them. Not the smoothest on the market but still very smooth.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Comfort
These bindings are really comfortable and that’s no surprise given how light they are. Their lightness makes a noticeable difference on the lift (compared to the same board with heavier bindings).
As well as their lightness, they have a canted footbed which helps to keep them comfortable for longer periods of time, by aligning your ankles, knees and hips better.
The straps are also really comfortable and conform really well to your foot.
Ankle Support
Their not the most supportive in terms of your ankle but their pretty good. Better than a lot of others in the Union line – but still not up there with some other brands. But that can be a good thing or a bad thing. If you like a more surfy feel with more freedom of movement in your ankle then you might prefer less support around there.
Price/Value for Money
They’re a little more expensive than the average price for bindings in this category – but they’re also better than most. So raw price they’re not the cheapest but for their performance they’re still good value-for-money.
Changes from the 2018 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.
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Response | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Board Feel | 5.0 | 15/15 |
Adjustability | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Ankle Support | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
Shock Absorption | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Comfort | 4.5 | 9/10 |
Entry/Exit | 4.0 | 4/5 |
Flex | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.1/100 |
Overall, the Falcors are one of, if not the best all-mountain-freeride bindings.
They’re best for boards with 6-8 flex, IMO and are most suited to riding the groomers, off-groomer or backcountry, but you can definitely take them in the park, with their great board feel, shock absorption and pop.
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.
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, 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
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
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
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
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.