Union Contact Binding

Union Contact In Depth Review

The Union Contact Snowboard Binding Review by The Good Ride

For years now, the Union Contact has been a good entry level or freestyle binding for riders of almost any level.  Union does a good job at any price point and we only have a few minor complaints about the binding.

The 2013 Union Contact has a nice upgrade that makes this a better binding.  The ride is still very close to the 2012 and below but the 2013 design adds a little extra in 2 places.

1.  The high back is wider at the top and it makes for easier lateral movement as well as slightly better response.  It also looks a little better.
2.  The Ankle strap is now much larger and more asymmetrical.  It’s similar to the Union Atlas and makes for a much more supportive ride.

These two changes make the 2013 Union Contact the call over the 2012 and below models.

Unions Toe straps can be a bit sticky. For some this is a big problem and for others it’s not that big of a deal. Until Union addresses this issue here are some pointers on how to make the toe strap less sticky so you can enjoy the bindings better qualities.

Flex-This is a medium to soft flexing binding and although you don’t get as much response per flex as the Union Force SL or Union Atlas they do a very good job for their price.

Adjustability- Some of our riders really crank their straps down to the point of pain and they seem to have issues with all Union Bindings they try.  The straps seem to get stuck if you do.  If you don’t crank down your bindings then don’t worry about this. Another issue with the Union Contact bindings is they can adjust for your size shoe very well but you can’t adjust the position of the ankle strap very well.  The reason is the heel loop adjustment piece also holds the ankle strap.  Most have three holes for multiple ankle strap positions but this only has one unless you want to reposition your foot on the binding. It also has one screw to hold the heel loop in place instead of two with the Force lines.  The removable toe ramp is different from the Force bindings as well.  It provides the same effect but isn’t anywhere as easy as the Force’s to remove and adjust.  Another difference is the toe straps have 2 positions where the Force only have one position.

Comfort- These bindings are pretty comfortable and other than some complaints about the older ankle strap there are no issues with pressure points.  The new 2013 ankle strap is great and just like the Ankle straps on the Atlas, Charger, SL and Force.  It’s a much better fit and provides much better support than the older models.

Response- We like the base plates responsive nature and the stiffer high backs. The Contact’s base plate is lower to the board and a more mellow than the base plates on the Atlas, Force and other higher end bindings.  The high back is also softer than all the Force High Backs. The older models were ideal for reverse camber boards and soft park boards that tend to turn a little easier.  We were surprised to see that these can handle a mid flexing hybrid camber board without any issues as well.  The 2013 models have a little more response due to the newer better high back as well as the better ankle strap.  It’s just easier edge to edge. These bindings ride incredibly well and have a similar but slightly less ability as the Atlas to bend the board torsionally and make it incredibly easy to turn. It’s pretty easy to flex a board and make it butter or press well too.  It turns a four hole board just like a Burton EST binding on a Burton Board.  We were really impressed with how it turned camber to even continuous rocker boards.  These bindings make turning easier and therefore make it easier to accomplish more in the park or mountain.

Weight- These didn’t go on a scale but they are pretty light.  They seem comparable to the Burton Custom’s and other bindings in their price range.

Lateral Movement- The base plate only truly touches in a few place so that part of the binding is good for lateral movement.  The old ankle strap from 2012 and below doesn’t make the best board to bend your board longitudinally when it comes to butters, etc.  It seemed to handicap the bases ability to let the board naturally flex. The 2013 ankle strap and high back similar to the Atlas makes for a much better butter.

Dampening and Shock Absorption- Like the Atlas Force MC and Force SL, the heel has been milled out to provide a lot of room for EVA foam to give you lots of shock absorption which is far superior to the Force.  It also has EVA across the top of the base plate like all Force bindings. This is just as or more shock absorbent as almost any top binding out there in its price range.

Union Contact Gallery

2013

2012

2011

2010

Union Contact User Reviews