Hello and welcome to my Union Strata review.
In this review I will take a look at the Strata as all-mountain snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Strata a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain bindings.
Overall Rating
Bindings: Union Strata 2020
Price: $279 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Baseplate = Medium (6/10), highback = Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 92.5/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain Bindings
Out of the 22 men’s all-mountain bindings that I rated:
Overview of the Strata’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Strata’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain |
Price: | $279 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Edge-to-Edge: | Medium-Fast |
Weight: | Light |
Mounts To: | 2 x 4 | Channel |
Sizing
SIZE | US BOOT SIZE | EURO BOOT SIZE | UK BOOT SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
S | 5-8 | 37-41 | 4-7 |
M | 7-10 | 40-43 | 6-9 |
L | 10+ | 43+ | 9+ |
Who are the Strata Most Suited To?
The Strata fill the gap that’s in between the Contact Pro and Falcor nicely, in terms of flex, and has the mini disc the same as those two models.
But it’s completely its own binding and sits perfectly in the middle ground of do-it-all, IMO. They’re soft enough to play around on the groomers or in the park, but their stiff enough and responsive enough to lay down big carves too and play off-groomer.
You can take these anywhere on the mountain and ride any style.
They are best suited to boards with a 4/10 to 7/10 flex, and even better for boards with a 5/10 or 6/10 flex.
The Strata in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Strata are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: Union Strata 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 (21.85”)
Board demoed with: Rossignol One LF 2018
Baseplate Length: 25.8cm (10.16”) – that’s measured on the top of the footbed. 24.0cm on the underside of the baseplate – it angles up to the top of the footbed.
Highback Height: 20.6cm (8.11”)
Weight: 860 grams (1lbs, 14oz) – per binding, including disc and screws
Lighter than most bindings, but heavier than some Union bindings (like the Falcor, Ultra, Contact Pro and Flite Pro).
Flex
Overall the Strata feels a touch softer than the Falcor. The highback is noticeably softer but overall, on snow it’s what I would consider 6/10.
Responsiveness
The Strata’s have great response. They can really drive your board from edge-to-edge, quickly and effortlessly. Not quite as responsive as the Falcor’s but great level of response for anything from a 4/10 to a 7/10 flexing board. Ideal for 5/10 or 6/10 flexing boards, IMO.
Board Feel/Butterability
As with every Union binding that has a mini-disc (which the Strata has), the Strata’s provide great board feel and are easy to butter with.
Pop/Ollie Power
I didn’t feel they had quite the pop power as the Falcors, but they came very close. Great pop overall and made my board feel poppier than it usually does.
Adjustability
You can adjust the heelcup, which I am a big fan of. Really helps to make it easier for boot centering.
The highback lean, ankle strap length adjustments and toe strap length adjustment are all tool-less.
There isn’t any toe ramp (aka gas pedal) adjustment and there’s only one position for the ankle strap (you can adjust the length but not the position – so you can’t move it so that it sits higher on your ankle). But there are two different positions for the toe strap, so you can wear it either as a toe cap or over your boot.
So, most of the adjustments you expect from bindings these days, but not everything – but that heel cup adjustment does get a big tick from me.
Shock Absorption
These bindings are super-cush and will keep absorbing shock all day. They feature a new technology from Union, which they’re calling Fused Vaporlite™ which is basically supposed to be super-dampening, but also light weight and doesn’t interfere with board feel.
I don’t know the technical reasons for this, but from riding these bindings, they felt really damp, had great board feel and at just 780g (860g with disc and screws), they’re certainly pretty light (though not the lightest that Union has).
Entry/Exit
Really smooth ratchets that go on and come off really easily – as is the case with most Union bindings.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Comfort
These bindings are super comfortable and I really didn’t notice them on. The ankle strap and toe strap both conformed really nicely without pressure points and that dampening and lightness really add to the comfort too.
I did feel like you can just keep tightening these bindings, they almost conform so well that you can get them too tight and then it starts to cut off circulation! But so long as you don’t over tighten them, they’re super comfortable.
Ankle Support
The ankle support is fine and they give you a little more support than the likes of the Contact Pro. Similar in ankle support to the Falcor. Not as much support as Burton bindings, most (maybe all) of which have a position that’s higher on the ankle which can provide more support – and not as much as Flux (which have even better ankle support, IMO). But nothing like super loose or unsupportive by any means. Was enough for me, for sure.
Changes from the 2019 Model
The Ankle Strap and toe strap are different. The ankle strap is the Forma Elite Direct Connect – which was on the 2019 Falcor. It’s now moved onto the Strata. I own the 2019 Falcor’s and love that strap, so no complaints from me for that change. Otherwise everything else is pretty much how it was.
Changes from the 2018 Model
There was no 2018 model – this is a brand new model!
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 4.0 | 16/20 |
BOARD FEEL | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 5.0 | 15/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.5/100 |
Overall a great pair of bindings that can do a bit of everything. If I had to choose I’d still go Falcor, but very little in it – and if you’re looking for something that has great board feel, still really good response and is nice and damp but you want something just a little softer flexing than the Falcor, then the Strata fit that bill nicely.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Strata, are ready to buy or want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Strata compares to other men’s all-mountain bindings or want to check out some other options in that category, check out the next link.
Hi Nate. I’m still on the hunt for some very damp bindings for my Explorer. Looking at these stratas and also cartels. Would either pair better with the Explorer? Is one more damp or vibration reducing? I’m all mountain rider, no park but old knees. Anything else you’d suggest for the dampness that is a match? Thanks so much.
Hi dd
Both are good matches, IMO, for the Explorer. Wouldn’t say one over the other in terms of a match. In terms of dampness, both are pretty good in that area, with the Strata just pipping the Cartel, but both very good none-the-less. If you’re looking for ultimate in dampness, then the most damp bindings I’ve ridden are NOW bindings. You could look at the following that would be good matches with the Explorer:
>>NOW Pilot
>>NOW Select
Or if you wanted to go a little stiffer, then the:
>>NOW Drive
>>Jones Mercury (Jones bindings are very similar to NOW)
I haven’t ridden the Select, but I’ve ridden the Pilot (just haven’t published my review for it yet). But check out the reviews on the NOW Drive and Jones Mercury to get a better idea of whether NOW or Jones might work for you. A lot of the characteristics are similar for the Pilot, but it’s just a bit softer flexing.
Hope this helps
Thank you Nate. Much appreciated!
Hi Nate, thanks again for the great advice. I picked up a pair of the Stratas and have one follow up question on sizing. I wear a 10.5 Northwave Legend boot and bought the medium Strata size. The boots fit fine (straps not close to max) and with the heel cup extended to largest setting they are pretty well centered inside the binding. That said, I do have approx an inch or so of boot extending past each end (heel and toe). I’m not sure if there is a rule of thumb on how much boot overhang within the binding footbed is ok? With no gas pedal extension on the Stratas, this will be as good as I can get it, but as mentioned, they are pretty centered so maybe that’s what really matters? Board is Jones Explorer 159 if that factors in the equation! Thanks
Hi dd
Thanks for your message.
I wouldn’t be worried about that level of boot over binding overhang. If your boots are centered and the overhang of boots over the edges of the board is good, then there’s no issues with an inch on heel and inch on toe in terms of boots overhanging the bindings, IMO.
If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on with the Strata’s once you’ve got them on snow.
Thank you Nate, I will update you on my Strata experience!
Hi Nate! I just purchased a set of Union strata size large. I have size 11 ride fuse boots. I mounted them on a lib tech brd 162w but they hang over the edge of the board slightly. The base plate is way longer than my size large cartels. I also had to push in the heel loop all the way to center my boot on the board. Could I get away with using a size medium instead? According to their size chart it does not fit, but it seems like the sizing is off. Thanks
Hi Aaron
Thanks for your message.
Yeah Union base plates are typically quite long – and the Strata is the longest Union base plate I’ve measured. Even the medium Strata is longer than the Large Cartel (I usually ride Burton medium, but I measured my brother’s Large Cartels).
When you say it overhangs the edges, does it just overhang the edge of the top sheet, or does it actually overhang the outside of the metal edge? If it’s inside the metal edge but just overhangs the top sheet edge a little bit, it should be fine, but if it actually goes over that metal edge, then maybe not. What you could also do is tilt the board on edge and if the binding comes into contact with the ground before the boot, then you’ve got issues. One thing I did notice with the Strata is that the underside of the base plate isn’t as long – it angles down from the top of the footbed, which helps mitigate any potential drag issues.
In terms of fitting an 11 into a medium, I couldn’t say with confidence. In your favor is that Ride boots are typically quite low profile (I haven’t measured the Fuse specifically, but the other Ride boots I have are). I ride low profile 10s in Union Medium. I always ride Union medium, and I’ve got plenty of leeway there. I would take a guess that you could get 11s in there – but having not ridden ride 11s in a Medium Union, I can’t guarantee it.
Hope this gives you more to go off
It overhangs the edge by about 1/16” in my front foot toe side and about 1/8” back foot heel side. I know the inner side is tapered but I just don’t like long it is. A local shop has a medium I will test fit to see if it will work. I really liked the cartels, but my gear was just stolen and so I thought I’d try something different.
Hey Aaron
Sounds like a good plan. Let me know how you get on in the mediums.
Hi Nate,
I am on Smokin Superpark and K2 Maysis boots.
I’ve ridden on 1999y Burton Freestyle for 10 years and finally broken up.
I’m looking for the Union Strata and Flux XF to put on my gear.
I would love to play high speed flat tricks, jump, carving and sometimes tree runs with long slope.
What do you think is a better fit?
Thanks.
HAPPY A NEW YEAR.
One more binding I want to add Flux TT.
Thanks.
Hi Danny
Happy new year!
I haven’t ridden the Superpark, but based on specs it looks like it’s a mid flexing board. If that’s the way it feels for you, then I would be looking at the Union Strata. I think that would be the best flex match between the XF, TT & Strata. If you feel it’s a little stiffer or if you want to drive the board a bit harder, then the XF & TT are certainly doable too. Flex feel for the 3, from my experience:
Strata: 6/10
XF: 7/10
TT: 7/10
XF is certainly nicer than TT. A little more responsive, a bit more board feel and a little more comfortable. I prefer the waffle strap on it versus the honeycomb on the TT. But the TT is certainly still a quality binding – and the price I’ve seen on a binding in this flex range. Both the XF and TT, like all Flux bindings, lack a little in terms of shock absorption, which is really their biggest downside, otherwise very good bindings.
The Strata, IMO, has it over the XF in terms of board feel and shock absorption, but not quite as responsive. The XF (and TT) have better ankle support. Flux bindings typically have some of the best ankle support in the industry, in my experience.
So, yeah I would go Strata for the Superpark, based on the Superpark’s specs, but certainly the others are options.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
I’m upgrading my gear out of season and i have opted for the KWON DWD board 159. Purpose is all mountain, with still the ability to play and butter round the mountain. I am looking at the cartels and the strata. With this board what bindings would you recommend
Old setup is very much a beginner setup with Burton Hate 157 with Burton Custom bindings. I actually loved the flex and play in this board but im not the biggest fan of the bindings after demo’ing misson and cartels. Opting for a little longer board for a little more speed and getting stuck on less flats in Europe.
Hi Dan
Thanks for your message.
Both those bindings are great options for the Kwon, IMO (I haven’t ridden that board, but based on specs) and for what you’re describing, and both will be an improvement over the Customs, as you already know having demoed the Cartels. So, I don’t think there’s a bad choice you can make between them.
I preferred the Strata’s just a little more in terms of response and slightly better board feel (though I’ve heard others say they prefer the board feel of the Cartel’s, so there’s not much in it). The Cartel’s with just a bit more in terms of ankle support and just a fraction more comfortable overall.
A tight call, and there’s not a bad call you could make between the 2, IMO. Perhaps one thing that might lean you one way or another, is that you’ve tried the Cartel’s and you know you like them.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate
Thank you for your amazing work here, it is very helpful !
Im getting my first setup this season ! I’m intermediate rider and I’m going everywhere from powder to hard snow, even park occasionally. I went for the Jones Mountain Twin 157, Ride Lasso boots and i’m between Union Strata and Falcor for the bindings.
I’m 180cm, weight 67kg, footsize 42EU-9US.
A pretty responsive binding might be a good idea for that board. Falcors might slightly reduce heel/toe drag and the Stratas look more playful and I like that as well. What do you think ?
Cheers !
Hi Cyril
Thanks for your message and apologies for the slow response – just back from vacation.
Both bindings would certainly work with the Mountain Twin and both are great options.
For both you would be sized a medium, so there should be no issues with that on the 157 Mountain Twin, in terms of the length of the bindings – both will fit fine, so I wouldn’t worry about that as part of your decision.
The main difference, IMO, is that the Falcor will be slightly more responsive and the Strata slightly more playful – so depending on which you value more, would be the decision I would make between them.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you for your answer, I bought the Falcor and they look great ! I can’t wait to try them next season
Hi Cyril
Nice one! Hope they treat you well – and hope you have an awesome season when winter rolls around
Hey Nate,
Looking at the Union Strata and Burton Malavita to put on a Capita DOA. What do you think is a better fit? I currently ride Union Atlas and looking for something with better board feel, what do you think?
Hi Jordan
Thanks for your message.
I would go with the Strata. The one reason is that it’s a little more responsive than the Malavitas. Not by heaps, but by a little bit – and I personally prefer a slightly more responsive binding for the DOA. Both the Malavita and Strata should give more board feel than the Atlas, but the Strata just that bit more responsive. The Malavita perhaps a touch more board feel, but Strata’s are a definite improvement over the Atlas in that sense, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
hello Nate!
I bought the Lib Tech terrain wrecker 157, union strata large and have bootsize 10.5 US. The bindings do overhang a bit at both sides. It’s about 1,5 centimeter at toe and also at heelside. Should I switch to strata Medium?
Cheers
Hi Fred
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, personally I would switch to Strata medium if I was you. The way the footbed on the Strata angles up from the baseplate helps and allows a little more leeway in terms of binding overhang. But even so, I wouldn’t be that comfortable with that much personally. For most brands of boots I would be confident that 10.5s would be fine in Medium Strata. But if you could let me know the make model and, if you know it, year of your boots, that would help to better predict whether they’ll fit or not.
Thanx Nate! My boots are Solomon Malamute from the year 2012.
Hi Fred
Salomon boots don’t tend to be that low profile (although it looks like they are bringing out some low profile 2020 models) – I wouldn’t expect Malamutes from 2012 to be anyway. So there’s some risk they wouldn’t fit well in a Medium Strata. If you have a way to test to see if they do, that would be ideal, because if they do fit, then I think the Mediums would be best for the board.
Hi Nate,
Bit of a specific question for you here about this binding. I’ve got a Capita Outerspace Living in 158 and was looking to pair it with the Union Strata. Only issue is I’m in size 11 boots, so I’m a bit worried about the large size Strata (which is what is recommended for my boot size). If I got into some footprint reduction boots or something like a 10.5 Adidas Tactical ADV maybe, should I go with the medium? Or would the overhang from the size Large Strata be ok on a 158. I believe the waist width on that board is 253.
Thanks!
Hi Josh
Thanks for your message.
I would predict that the width at inserts of the 158 Outerspace Living to be around 262mm (based on measuring a different size). The Medium Strata baseplate is 25.8cm on the top of the footbed (and 24cm on the underside of the base plate, closest to the board). So that would be a really good fit, IMO. The large is likely to be a little wider than the width of the board, I would say (though haven’t measured it but pretty sure it would be). It’s the top of the footbed that’s this wide, which gives you some leeway in the fact that it’s higher off the board – so that allows more angle. But there’s still risk there that the binding will be too long for the 158.
If you got into a 10.5 Tactical ADV, then I would be very confident you could fit that into a medium Strata, which, IMO would fit the board very well.
Hope this helps
Just FYI, the Large Stratas will hang over the edges of that board. I don’t know why they made the baseplates so long on this binding, a good portion is useless unless you have like size 13 boots. It seems like a pretty major oversight.
Thanks for the clarification.
I like the idea of them being able to go that long – but I think they need to make the base plate a little shorter – but then add a gas pedal extension (the Strata is unable to be extended at all) – that extends it to the kind of length it is now.
Hey Nate,
156 19 DOA do I go with the Strata or the Atlas? I mostly ride groomers to the park.
Enjoy your content. Thanks for the help!
Hi Stan
Thanks for your message.
Personally I would go Strata, mostly because I prefer the board feel of the mini-disc. The DOA is a board that I like to have fairly responsive bindings on – and although the Atlas are a slightly stiffer binding than the Strata, I didn’t find them any more responsive than the Strata. So, personally I would go Strata.
Hope this helps with your decision
It does thank you!
I know youve commented on the issue of riders with a size 10.5 boot and which size to go with in Union. I wear a burton moto imprint 1 and a dc control. I have a pair of old Union Forces, the burtons fit nice, but I do notice the DC is a little on the snug side. I think you’re going to say go with the medium in your opinion. Is that safe to say?
Hi Stanley
Yeah, safe to say, I would go medium if I was you. The Large would be fine for your boots – both pairs – but I would be concerned that you would get binding overhang on the 156 DOA with large Stratas (which have quite a long base plate on them). The Mediums will fit better to the board. I would be riding the DC Control on the DOA personally, but even if they’re a bit snug, I think that’s better than the bindings not fitting the board properly.
Hello Nate
so I bought a new setup (heavily influenced by your reviews among others), consisting of a Yes Greats 159 and Adidas Tactical ADV boots in US11.5. I’m 6’4 and around 185lbs. Judging from your comments, I reckoned it should be a good fit? Rather aggressive All-Mountain-riding on an intermediate-advanced level, so far mostly carving up groomers and some pow here and there, although getting on to the more playful side of things recently, incorporating more and more switch riding and freestyle elements.
The question I actually have for you, is whether you would recommend Stratas or Falcors in this context? I would guess Stratas, but I’m debating on Falcors for that little bit more aggressive ride. Although I have doubts of the Falcors overpowering the Greats.
Thanks for your advice
Sascha
Hi Sascha
Thanks for your message.
Based on what you’re describing, I think you’ll like the Greats as a one board quiver maintaining a balance between being able to ride aggressively but still slow things up and play around with.
Usually I would say Stata on this board, but Falcor certainly aren’t way off in this case. Personally I would be happy to put the Falcor on this board – and would certainly add some response vs the Strata. I wouldn’t personally be too worried about overpowering it with the Falcor, but I’m not an overly powerful rider. If you are quite a strong/powerful rider, then there’s a chance you could overpower it with the Falcor, but it’s not that likely, IMO. The Falcor is also something that I found isn’t prohibitive to playing around in and riding freestyle in, so they still have that going for them. The Strata would be the safe pic, but the Falcor could work for you too.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
Thanks for the feedback a couple of months ago.
Since then I spent around 60 days on the mentioned setup with the Stratas and enjoyed it very much!
I have the issue of not being able to perfectly center the boot on the snowboard though. As in – even with the heel cup moved all the way forward I still measure around 2cm overhang on the heel side compared to 1cm at most on the toe edge. I figure this is an issue of using very low profile boots in a borderline size.
I’m considering to try to sell my L Stratas and buy a pair in M instead. Do you figure that would solve the issue at hand? Or do you have any other recommendations?
Thanks again, your advice is much appreciated 🙂
Hi Sascha
Thanks for your message and the update.
I only ride Union bindings in M, so I’m not completely sure if going from L to M would solve that issue. Also with 11.5 boots (even if they are probably the lowest profile going around) there’s a chance the M doesn’t fit your boot properly. The biggest concern I would have would be the heel loop being too narrow. Again, might be OK, but couldn’t say for sure.
I wouldn’t be too concerned about that overhang difference to be honest. Having 2cm on the heel side isn’t that much and if not centered I prefer to have a little more overhang on the heel side. For 2 reasons:
1. it’s way less likely to get any boot drag on the heel edge and
2. it’s easy to get leverage on the toe end, so having a bit more overhang on the heel edge gives you a bit more leverage there
Also, I’m not sure about where it is that Adidas saves length to make there boots so low profile, but if it’s more so at the toe end vs the heel end, then chances are that your feet are actually centered on the board anyway. And ultimately it’s your feet, rather than your boots that are applying leverage to the boards edges. So yeah, I wouldn’t be too worried about not being 100% centered. I rarely ride 100% centered – usually with a little more overhang on the heel side.
Hope this helps
Hello Nate
Thanks to your excellent reviews I have purchased a Jones Mountain Twin and Union Strata. I see that you ride with +15/-15 angles. Have you rotated your highbacks or no?
I ride +15/-9 and mostly on groomers… I am not sure if I need to rotate those highbacks or not. It seems like there are only 2 positions : normal or fully rotated, which looks a little too much rotated… I don’t know.
Thanks for your advices
JT
Hi JT
Thanks for your message.
I don’t usually rotate Union bindings – as technically the only way you can really do it is having the heel cup position in different slots on either side of the bindings. Not sure that’s what they’re designed to do, so I just leave them. If I have Burton bindings I rotate the highbacks. But I usually don’t necessarily rotate them all the way to parallel with the edges – I actually find that feels weird when you’re riding +15. But I do rotate them a bit. But they’re the only ones I rotate on, and to be honest I’m not sure I even notice any difference. Most bindings I don’t rotate at all. IMO it’s not a big thing.
Hope this helps
Got you thanks 😘
Hey Nate, Thanks a lot for the reviews they are awesome.
So I really like the sound of the union strata and was hoping you can give me a steer on either these or the Union Falcor (similar to many people above!)
I use the adidas tactical ADV boots and I’ve just bought a 154 Yes Optimistic and have an older 157 NS proto. Planned to use the Rome Katana on both boards but they broke on my last trip away.
So the main questions where I would appreciate your thoughts are; (sorry if there are too many!)
Which union binding out or Strata and Falcor recommend as my one binding for both boards?
Which one would be closest in terms of flex, responsiveness to my old Katana (2016)bindings?
When you mentioned above that Strata may be best suited to the PT2 and falcor to the PYL, could you explain what would be the downside of having the Falcor on the PT2 compared to Strata and vice versa on the PYL or Optimisic in my case?
As I mentioned, I was interested in the strata but worried it’s not responsive enough for the Optimistic.
Any thanks for any input you have!
Kyle
Hi Kyle
Thanks for your message.
In terms of similarity to the Katanas, I couldn’t say for sure as I haven’t ridden the Katanas. Based on specs I would say maybe more like the Falcor in terms of flex/response. But it’s hard to tell having not ridden them and also when the Rome site rates them as a 6-9/10 (which one is it?!). And then they mention them as being medium in the description. And I’ve seen them elsewhere rated as 8/10 flex and “medium” in other places. So it’s quite hard to compare based on that, but my overall feeling is that they’re probably more like the Falcor in terms of flex.
I would say that the Strata is best suited to the PT2, just because it’s the closest flex match. I would rate the Strata 6/10 in terms of flex and the PT2 5/10. I know this is comparing boards and bindings flex, and it’s definitely not an exact science but form years of testing, there are certain binding flex that match board flex and I try to rate them as close as possible to reality. The main reason that I try to get close with flex between bindings and board is that a binding that is too stiff for a board can overpower the board and be too unforgiving for what the board wants to do – and a binding that is too soft for a board doesn’t transfer enough energy to drive it properly. For me, I prefer either matching the flex of the board with the binding or going slightly stiffer. I’m more likely to underpower a board than overpower it. But if you’re a more powerful rider, it might be different for you.
So, the biggest downside of going Falcor on PT2, is the Falcor potentially overpowering the board (which can make it feel twitchy). Personally I wouldn’t worry about overpowering the PT2 with the Falcor, but I wouldn’t go any stiffer. And some more powerful rider’s might overpower it on those bindings.
The biggest downside of going Strata on the Optimistic is that they don’t transfer enough power to drive it. Which can make it feel slower to turn and take more energy to initiate turns on it. I rode the Optimistic with Malavitas, which aren’t any stiffer than the Strata and whilst I would have preferred stiffer bindings, it was doable. If you’r a more powerful rider you might not have any problems driving the Optimistic with the Stratas, but I would go Falcor over Strata on the Optimistic personally.
So based on everything I would go Falcor to pair with those two boards over the Strata. But it’s a close call. If you feel you are quite a powerful rider, then the other way around would also work.
Hope this helps/makes sense
Hi Nate, I have a dilemma as I have a DC controo boot size 10 im looking to see which size i should get as based on the size chart im between a medium and a large. Which one should i get? looking for advice
as i have to buy it online since non of our local shops here carry it. More power to you and we appreciate your honest reviews.
Hi Ian
Thanks for your message.
For DC 10s, I would go Medium for Union. I ride 10s and prefer the fit of the Mediums and they typically fit better on regular width boards too. I’d go with Medium if I was you.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Great review. I have a NS Proto 2 and Yes PYL. Ideally want one pair of bindings for both boards but can’t decide between these and the Falcors.
Should add that I also have a Capita Scott Stevens with Contacts.
Appreciate any advice you can give.
Hi Rick
Thanks for your message.
Tough call. Both would work well. The Falcor’s being slightly more suited to the PYL and the Strata more suited to the PT2. But the Falcor would still work for the PT2 and the Strata would still work for the PYL (not helpful I know!).
I would be leaning towards the Falcor personally. And if you really didn’t like them with the PT2, then you could always shift the Contacts from the Scott Stevens. But even if you were wanting to leave the Contacts permanently with the Scott Stevens, I think Falcor, but going Strata wouldn’t be a bad call either.
Awesome quiver by the way!
Hope this helps
Thanks, Nate…really doesn’t help, was leaning towards Strata :’D
This is because I feel the Contacts would be too soft for the PT2 and the Falcor too hard, the PT2 is probably the board I ride the most. Also I believe DCP rides the PYL with Now Yes bindings, would I be right in saying these are more equivalent to Strata than Falcor?
Not having ridden both, like you, I’m questioning my reasoning :/
Anymore advice? 😀
Hi Rick
Sorry 😉
Like I said, neither would be a bad choice, so if you’re feeling Strata, I wouldn’t steer you away from there. I haven’t ridden the NOW Yes (hope to get on the 2020 model but haven’t ridden it yet) but based on specs I would say more similar to Strata than Falcor, yeah.
Hi!
Fairly new snowboarder here, but picking it up pretty quickly (after 2nd time, felt very comfortable on greens and alright blues in very icy conditions). Started with a Burton Instigator 165W with Union Flite Pro bindings, but just invested in a Lib Tech Skunk Ape 165W. I’m 6’6″, 200 pounds with a size 13 boot (adidas adv response). Not interested in the park at all. I’d guess I’m still at the high end of beginner/low end of intermediate.
Which bindings would you suggest? The Skunk Ape 165W says it has a flex of 7.7 (but Good Ride says it has a medium flex) with a quick turn initiation, but since I’m taller and weigh more, should I be able to flex it easier? Do I need a binding stiffer than Union Strata or Burton Cartel/Genesis? I looked at the Falcor, but its labeled as Advanced-Expert and I am definitely not that (unless being taller and weighing more helps there?). How will a binding with med/fast to fast turn initiation play with a board with a med/fast turn initiation?
Thank you for your time!
Hi Austin
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, I think the 165W Skunk Ape is a great size for you. That’s the size I would have likely recommended. Flex-wise, whilst it’s a board I’ve never ridden (as I can’t test a board that’s that wide properly, with size 10s), typically Lib Tech tends to overate their flex, compared to other brands (IMO). So probably closer to a 6/10 based on other Lib Tech boards.
With the Strata/Cartel also being 6/10 (by my feel), I think they would be a good match. The Genesis more like a 5/10, so probably a little soft. But yeah, certainly with more weight against the bindings, the flex will feel a little less. But at 200lbs, I wouldn’t say it’s that big a difference (I’m 185lbs for reference). So I think the Strata or Cartel would be good bets, rather than going to something like the Falcor. The Falcor would work with the Skunk Ape, I would say, but for you, I think the Strata/Cartel would work better. Of course, this is based on some assumptions about the Skunk Ape.
Hope this helps with your decision
I picked up a 157 lib tech terrain wrecker
and a size 11 dc judge boot. Tried to pair
it with some burton cartels but all having
a very hard time centering my boots, even
with the bindings mounted all the way
towards the toe edge, l’m still getting
considerably more heel hang. So l’m looki
for a binding with an adjustable heel cup to
remedy that, which union binding is most
similar to the cartel? Thanks!
Hi Nicholas
I would say that the Strata is the closest Union binding to the Cartel. The Force would be the next closest.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate – thanks for the informative, easy-to-read review.
I’m quite keen on the Union Strata bindings, but struggling to pick the right size! Hoping you might be able to offer some feedback if you have a minute.
I have a pair of Burton Ruler boots in the Wide fit, brand new model, in size US 8.5. Union’s size chart says:
– Small -> boots 5-8
– Medium -> boots 7-10
So while technically I’m in the Medium range, I’ve been told that my boots can probably fit in the Small (since Burton boots are meant to have a smaller footprint) – and this would give me better response.
I can’t find any stores around me that stock the Strata, so my best bet would be to order them online.
But that leaves me with the dilemma – which size should I go for? Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Shaker
Usually I would say go for the smaller size, if you can – and I would imagine that 8.5 Burton boots would be fine in small bindings (though I couldn’t say for sure as I haven’t tried that combination.
Only thing is if the the wide models are significantly wider in the toe box, on the outersole of the boot, whether that would cause any issues. But I couldn’t say for sure.
In terms of response, a snugger fit might help with response, but also a longer base plate can also help with response, so going Medium gives you that. And I don’t think you’re going to have a sloppy fit at all, in the Medium. So I would go Medium, if I was you.
Hope this helps
I’ve followed your reviews on everything I’ve considered buying. Keep up the great work. It’s nice to see you answering everyone’s questions. Not many people would take the time to do so. How would the Stratas match up with a NS Proto TT 158x? I’m an All-Mountain rider who visits the jumps in the park frequently.
I also have a pair of Rome SDS 390’s. I like them, but I adjusted them multiple ways, and I’m still getting a lot of ankle pain where the highback meets the baseplate? Any thoughts on that and the bindings in general.
Lastly, the strata hyperblue – red – black for the 18/19 proto 2 top sheet? I like the red, but all my friends favor the hyperblue.
Thanks man, keep up the good work.
-Cody
Hi Cody
Thanks for you message.
I think the Strata would be a good match for the PT2. The flex is a good match, IMO and the board feel of the Strata would work well with something like the PT2, IMO.
I don’t currently test Rome gear, unfortunately, though I’m hoping to be able to soon. But currently I’m not sure what could be causing that with the 390’s.
Not sure I’m qualified to recommend color match! But black goes with everything. Certainly the safe bet. But I think the Red would go with the board – just an opinion though. The Hyperblue probably would too. It’s a more unique color. So I guess it depends if you want to stand out or not.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, love your work and great reviews! How do these compare to the cartels? I read your review for both of them and it seems like this one got an overall higher score, but I still have a few questions:
1. The cartels have a canted food bed as you have mentioned, do the stratas have them too? How important is this? I would like to take care of my knee if im going to be snowboarding every season every week.
2. Based on pictures, the stratas look like they have a very thin and uncushioned/unpadded high back. Any issues/concerns there?
3. Which ankle strap do you like better?
4. Have you experienced any of the rumored union bindings’ screws becoming loose issue? I hear that is an issue for some people and that has me worried.
Thanks!
Hi Nelson
Thanks for your message.
These and the Cartels are both quite similar in a lot of ways. I found the Strata’s just a little more responsive and just a bit better in terms of board feel. But they’re really very close in that sense. The Cartel’s marginally more comfortable and a little more in the way of ankle support, but again, subtle differences.
To answer your questions, from my experience/opinion:
1. The Strata does also have a canted footbed. I don’t notice this in terms of comfort over the short term but over the long term it’s supposed to be better for your knees, hips and ankles. Also you get a bit more pop from a canted footbed. I wouldn’t say it’s a must-have but it’s something that I like to have.
2. I didn’t notice any issues with the highback, in terms of comfort, but perhaps over a longer period of time you could start to notice it, but I own the Falcors, which also don’t have much in the way of padding (except a little at the top) and I haven’t noticed any calf discomfort with those
3. I would say I slightly prefer the Cartel’s ankle strap, but the Strata’s isn’t bad by any means. You can over crank the Strata’s ankle strap which makes it feel less comfortable, but so long as you don’t over crank it it’s very comfortable. I prefer the toe strap on the Strata vs the Cartel. I don’t believe the Cartel got Burton’s new toe strap which some other Burton models, like the Genesis got.
4. I’m assuming you’re referring to the screw that connects the highback, ankle strap and heel cup? This has apparently been an issue for Union in the past. I’ve never had any issues with this but I have heard about it. But apparently this issue has been fixed on the 2019 models (they’re apparently using different washers now).
If you’re referring to the screws that mount the binding to the board, then whilst I have had screws come loose here, I’ve had the same thing with every brands bindings, and it’s just down to use. Screws come loose over time, especially if you’re riding hard, doing ollies etc. Key is to make sure you tighten your screws regularly. Union’s screws do tend to be shorter than other brands and for a lot of their bindings you have to mount one or two screws without washers first, to compress the cushioning and then mount the others with washers, then take out the ones without and replace the washers. A bit of a pain, but not too bad. And I haven’t noticed this making the screws come loose any quicker. If you were really worried on this front you could try to get screws from another brand of bindings – though the only caution here would be whether Union use shorter screws for their bindings for a reason. I’m not sure.
Hope this answers your questions and helps with your decision
Will the strata match well with the yes ghost? Should I be looking at Falcor?
Cheers nate!
Hi Tim
The Strata would be a good match the Ghost, IMO. By my feel, I would rate the Ghost a 6/10 in terms of flex – and the same for the Strata. Of course this isn’t an exact science feeling flex for boards and bindings, but I would say that would match very well. In saying that the Falcor would also work very well for the Ghost, IMO. I would be leaning towards Strata though, but not much in it.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks nate
Got the black strata, looks sick, look forward to trying them both out.
Sweet! If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on with your new setup, once you’ve had a chance to get them on snow.
Hey Nate,
I’m looking for a binding to match my Rossignol Sushi.
I’m currently on an Arbor Coda Rocker with Flux DSs and really enjoy it.
Would you say I could switch to Union without a complete shock and is the Strata stiff enough for Pow-Days on the Sushi? Maybe go stiffer(Falcor)? Maybe stay with Flux(TM)? Help me out with this one.
Cheers Dan
Hi Dan
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Sushi, so I’m not familiar with how stiff it feels. But looking at the Rossignol catalog it says 6/10 flex for the Sushi. If this is accurate, then I would say that the Strata would be a really good match for it. If it’s stiffer than that in reality, then I would be looking between the Union Falcor and the Flux XF. I would go for the XF over the TM for the Sushi, just because it has a slightly more surfy feel. Still a really responsive binding, but just slightly softer flexing than the TM and the highback is a little shorter, just giving it more of a surfy feel in comparison. Assuming that’s something that you want for the Sushi. If you do want something more locked-in feeling, then the TM would work for sure.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey mate,
Tossing up between these and the 2019 Genesis (or Genesis X) for this upcoming season, and keep changing my mind between them.
I ride mostly groomers/powder in Japan, have zero interest in park/rails. Currently riding a Capita Mercury and Bataleon Surfer.
Any advice?
Hi Pablo
Thanks for your message.
I would probably say Genesis for the Bataleon Surfer would be best bet, but for the Mercury I would go either Genesis X or Strata. So it’s a tough choice. But there isn’t really a bad choice either, IMO. The Genesis would work for the Mercury too, I just think the Strata or Genesis X would be slightly better. I think I would go Strata over Genesis X for the Surfer.
So, I think I would be choosing between the Genesis and the Strata, with the Strata slightly better for the Mercury and the Genesis slightly better for the Surfer.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate! This is Marco… congrats for your reviews which i ever found so useful!
I would like to ask to you one doubt: i’m going to buy a Jones Explorer 161 wide, what type of the following bindings could you recommend?
I’m following: Burton Cartel Re:Flex 2019, Union Atlas 2019, Union Strata 2019… i’m a low intermediate snowboarder and i like doing slopes/pistes and backcountry pow!
Any advice will be so useful!
Thanks in advance
Cheers from Italy
Marco
Hi Marco
Thanks for your message.
All of those would certainly work for the Explorer. I would personally be weighing up between the Strata and the Cartel, just because I really like to have good board feel and those 2 bindings provide really good board feel. The Atlas isn’t as good in terms of board feel. But the Atlas is otherwise a nice binding and certainly suitable for the Explorer. If you’re not really doing any buttering or freestyle stuff, then board feel becomes less important, but I still like a bit of board feel, even for non-freestyle stuff.
The other thing to think about is a Burton binding on a non-Burton board has limited stance width adjustment options – i.e. you can only move each binding by 2cm at a time, meaning no micro-adjustments. If you are happy to just ride reference stance (which is what I do 90% of the time on a board), then it’s not a big deal, but if you were wanting to experiment with your stance width, then it makes it trickier. Just one thing to consider if going Cartel.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate, for sure it will help for my decision. I think that i will go with the stratas for having a more responsiveness… the highback stiffness is so different according to your opinion?
Thanks in advance!
You’re very welcome Marco.
I would say that the Strata’s highback is a little stiffer, but not massively stiffer, than the Cartel’s but the baseplate on the Cartel is a little stiffer than the Strata. But both even out to a 6/10 flex feel, IMO.
Thanks a lot… i would like to ask to you the last question i promise:
Have you tried both of them in powder? Could you define some differences or analogies?
Best regards
Hi Marco
Without having directly ridden both bindings back to back in powder conditions, it’s hard to say for sure. But in my head, a softer baseplate would lead to an overall surfier feel – i.e. the baseplate would have more influence on a surfier feel than the high back would, but that’s just a theory.
Heya Nate!
If you had the choice between the 2017/2018 Burton Cartel or the new Stratas, which one would you choose?
My profile: High-beginner, low intermediate rider with a Slash Brainstorm. I am primarily riding groomers and off-piste and want to get into doing jumps off of sidehits and such.
Thanks for the vast amount of Information you provide here!
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
Both great options, so you couldn’t go wrong with either, but I liked the Strata just that little bit more. Also Check out my Burton Cartel Review – and look at the score breakdowns and you can get an idea of what I thought of the performance of each for different factors.
But yeah, both are highly recommended and both are a good match for the Brainstorm, IMO.
Hope this helps
Heya Nate,
thanks a bunch, once again.
I’ve read through your Cartel & Strata reviews and have gone ahead and ordered the Strata. I think that one is gonna be a better fit for me right now – and where I want to go.
Great day to you and a good 2018/2019 season, mate!
You’re very welcome Michael.
If you think of it, let me know how you get on with the Strata, once you’ve had a chance to ride it.
A great 2018/19 season to you too!
Hey Nate, Nice review man really appreciate your opinions.
Do you think these would be better paired to a Capita OutterSpace Living or Burton Mission Bindings?
I am a advanced beginner/ Intermediate rider.
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
I think the Strata would work well with the Outerspace Living, for sure. The Missions would also work though. I would say the Missions are a similar flex too.
The Statas give a bit more responsiveness, a little better board feel and a little more in terms of shock absorption, IMO – but the Missions are still good bindings in those departments and would suit the Outerspace Living. I’d personally go with the Stratas, but both would work.
Hope this helps with your decision