Union Atlas 2021-2022 Review

The 2021 Union Atlas had a major overhaul, and the heel loop seems the only part that is the same. It isn’t quite as fast initiating a turn, but you get a lot more dampness.  So it still has that Atlas personality that you get from a soft high back and very responsive base plate that blends well with a wide variety of board types.

Turn Ons/Swipe Right

This model is much damper than the older model. The ankle strap is super comfortable. The soft highback has zero calf bite. The boot and stance width adjustability are excellent. The binding is very responsive and well-rounded.

Turn Offs/Swipe Left

The toe strap doesn’t conform to the boot like it used to. The ratchet ladders are softer and not as smooth as in past years. The screw in the gas pedal isn’t secured.

Ethics Statement: The manufacturer doesn’t pay us to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average rider’s perspective.

How This Review Happened:  We borrowed this for an extended demo and then returned it, but we want to own a few as it’s a favorite.

Union Atlas 2021-2022 Snowboard Binding Review – How it Rides and who its for

Days: 2 but many more coming next season
Riders:  James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-195lbs)
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers,
Boards: Jones Mountain Twin 2021

Similar (but not the same) Bindings: Union Strata, Union Falcor, Union Force, Burton Genesis X, Burton Cartel, Salomon Highlander, Salomon Hologram, Now Drive, Rome Crux

One thing we like about Union is that almost every part is interchangeable in their line. You can order different ankle/toe straps, highbacks, discs, etc. at C3 here. We don’t get paid for this link.

Weight

2 lbs and on the light side of bindings.

Highback Flex

It’s even softer than the older Atlas, and it’s more on the medium soft side. You realize how much response is generated by the base plate. If you get calf bites, these might be your binders. They are all party in the high back and business in the base.

Binding to Boot Adjustability

The 2021 Union Atlas Integrates with almost any suggested size, where most boots in the industry don’t. The adjustable gas pedal and heel loop allow almost every boot in the suggested size range to fit. This is one of the best options out there for those who want their boot centered in the binding.

There is also high back rotation, forward lean, toolless straps, and all the rest you would expect from a good snowboard binding.

Stance Width Adjustability

I thought the older disc was a little better with one continuous channel, but I was wrong. Ingo, a reader, pointed out that the new Camber Disc has a longer channel and more adjustability. The channel is wider and has more range than before. The Union Atlas can provide any stance width you want. You can even switch out the dual screw washer, put in old Union Washers from C3 here, and set up a mini-disc style if you want.

Boot Support

The new ankle strap of the 2021 Union Atlas has just about the same surface area as the 2020 ankle strap that is now on the Union Force for 2021 but is a little softer, so it really conforms to your boot on a forward flex without any pressure points. I couldn’t get the toe strap to fit entirely around my boot. The top and bottom would stick up a bit, but they held just like the older straps. I really like the ankle strap on this binding, but if you prefer a different type of strap, there are usually other options here, and I might get the older toe straps if I can’t get used to the new ones.

Ratchet System

The ratchets on the Union Atlas are just as smooth as the older models, but the ladders are softer. I can’t speak to long-term reliability, but I like how the older ladders better worked with the ratchets.

Turn Initiation/Response

On one run, I put a 2018 Union Atlas with 2020 Ankle straps on one foot and a 2021 Union Atlas on the other. The older Atlas initiates a turn a little faster, but the new Atlas is more damp and powers through the turn better.  I think it is because the older model Atlas has soft EVA foam on the bottom, so there is less solid contact with the board. That allows more easily accessible leverage to start the turn faster.

The Union Atlas new base makes it a touch slower to turn. It makes the initial part of the turn more smooth, whereas the older model feels a little sharper. Then, once it gets going, it’s just as, if not a little more responsive throughout the rest of a turn. With the damper base plate, the new Atlas can hold a more aggressive turn than the older model, so it’s more responsive in some ways.

Both bindings turned the Jones Mountain Twin quickly, which isn’t easy to do with most bindings.

Flex Under Foot/Buttering

Because of the dense rubber, the 2021 Union Atlas doesn’t quite butter as easily, but it isn’t a slouch, either. It just takes a little more effort. If you want an easier binding to butter, then the Falcor and Strata are a better call.

Shock Absorption

What I really like about the new 2021 Atlas is how much it dampens up the ride. The full-size disc and rubber-like base really dampen up the ride.  When I had the old Union Atlas on the back foot and the new Union Atlas on the front, it was really surprising to feel how much better the new Union Atlas was. In the soft, uneven snow I was in, the front foot gets a little more chatter because it’s hitting the bumpy snow first and smoothing it out for the back foot. This was the biggest change to the 2021 Union Atlas over the older models. It’s just so damp now.

Conclusion

So overall, the 2021 Union Atlas still has almost all the response and adjustability of the older model but added a shit ton more dampness to the ride.

2020 Review

The Union Atlas is one of the few full-sized disc bindings left in Union’s line. It works with a wide variety of board personalities, insert configurations, and boot sizes. We own it and often recommend it to those who want a do-it-all binding.

The 2020 Union Atlas’s base has been slightly upgraded, and a new, more supportive ankle strap with more pre-curve than the 2019 version is included.

Ethics Statement: The manufacturer doesn’t pay us to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average rider’s perspective.

Days: Many to come in 2020, 50+ in 2019, and 80+ in the older models.
Riders: James
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV
Insoles: Sandsole Custom Insoles
Boards: More than I can reference.

Highback Flex

As you can see from the video above, the Union Atlas has a very soft, flexible high back. The 2020 seems even softer than the 2019 high back. It has a very good twist, which is pretty unique for this kind of binding. It’s soft up top, so it doesn’t bite into most calves but stiff and responsive on the bottom. It’s like a sensible mullet.

Comfort

No binding is comfortable to everyone, but the Union Atlas does a good job of improving comfort every year. Most of the comfort comes from the ankle strap, and the Union Atlas has a pretty comfortable strap. Also, most boots fit inside the footbed, so there is little side bite and, as we discussed above, little or no calf bite.

Boot Support

The ankle strap is the most supportive we have tried on the Atlas to date. The 2020 Union Atlas has more pre-curve than the 2019, so it wraps around the boot better and makes you feel more locked in.

Turn Initiation/Response

This is more about the ankle strap with the 2020 Union Atlas. Not only does it wrap around your boot better than before, but it is a little stiffer in the middle, giving it a little bump in response. The base plate is almost the same as last year’s, but some might feel it to be a touch more responsive. Most won’t, though.

Buttering

The Union Atlas can butter, but it isn’t the binding you get if you butter a lot. You need the board to be good at buttering, and then the Atlas won’t hinder or accentuate the board’s ability to butter. If you want more butterability, then check out the Strata or Falcor instead.

Binding to Boot Adjustability

We have not encountered many bindings in the industry that can conform to most boots in the recommended size range. The Atlas really has almost everything you need.

You can’t adjust the ankle strap’s angle, but that is what matters. Getting your boot to fit centered on your binding makes it utterly simple to center on the board. If it is centered up in binding, then you have to turn the disc sideways, and you will be centered on the board. If you are all centered up, then you will have a better time riding. This is accomplished with an adjustable toe ramp/gas pedal and heel loop, where most bindings only have one of those options.

Oftentimes, some bindings are great if you are a middle size in the suggested sizing, like a size 9 in the 8-10 recommended range, but 8 and 10 are a little off and hard to center on the board. However, you can center up any size almost perfectly with minimal compromise with the Union Atlas. Another thing to mention if you are just looking at Union again after a few years is the screws don’t come loose anymore, thanks to a newer, better washer. That’s been the same for 2 seasons now.

Stance Width Adjustability

These discs can find most stance widths you want, whether set back or centered, and that is a great thing for picky riders like myself who want to be in a certain place on the board with a certain width. The full-size disc with long open channels makes that happen. Unlike most Union bindings with mini-discs, the Union Atlas works with boards that have an extra pair of inserts set approximately 40mm back from the nearest insert instead of 20mm for powder days because those only work for full-sized discs. The Union Force can do this, too, and has the same disc if the Atlas is out of your price range.

Ratchet System

Very smooth and reliable. I haven’t had an issue for many years now and they are some of the best in the industry.

Shock Absorption

The Union Atlas has very good shock absorption with all the EVA foam from the gas pedal to the heel. It’s not quite the best in the business but it’s definitely in the upper tier. Also, the canted footbed aligns your joints better and reduces fatigue for most. If you have unique injuries it might cause more stress on the joint though.

So, all in all, the Union Atlas keeps tweaking and refining the ride but keeps that general responsive baseplate with a mellow high-back theme that we really like.

2018-2019 Review

The Union Atlas is one of the most recommendable bindings we have ridden because it works with such a wide variety of boards and boots and continues to evolve bit by bit every year.  It’s middle-ground for buttering but very damp and responsive, even with a mellow high back. This is why I own 4 pairs.

The 2019 Union Atlas Updated its ankle strap this year, and it’s a nice improvement over the 2018 strap.  It’s almost a tossup between the old strap (now the team strap) and this, but I think with a little time, I will prefer the 2019 model. It just has more support/response and doesn’t seem to have pressure points. Hopefully, the production model will have a little more pre-curve, and then it will be a great addition to the Union Atlas. Another welcome addition is the new washer around the ankle strap screws that keeps the screw from coming loose like it used to.

Ethics Statement: The manufacturer doesn’t pay us to write these reviews.  No one is perfect, and we do make money from the “Where To Buy” links below, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average rider’s perspective.

Days: 50+ in 2019 and many more to come. 80+ on the older models.
Riders: James and Grant
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV, Burton SLX
Insoles: Sandsole Custom Insoles, Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers
Boards: OZ Custom Woody, Jones Ultra Mountain Twin, Capita Mercury, Capita Black Snowboard of Death, Rome Powder Division 157

Highback Flex

The Union Atlas Highback is soft at the top, and it’s great for people like me who hate calf bites.  What’s great about the Atlas is it’s still a very responsive binding.

Boot Adjustability

I’m riding mediums with the 2018 Adidas Tactical ADV’s size 8.5 that, have a very reduced footprint. I could slide the heel cup in most of the way and make the size medium fit perfectly.  Conversely, Grant, With a size 11 reduced footprint SLX that’s about the same as a size 10 on the outside, can fit the medium if he slides the heel cup all the way out.  It’s one of the best bindings out there when it comes to dialing out the binding to fit your boot perfectly.

The only minor issue I have is with the high back rotation because it can poke at your boots and cause wear when rotated. I can rotate the high back with the heel cup.  It’s not as good, but it’s pretty close, and it doesn’t bite into your boots. Even better is every Union binding get’s a new washer that makes the screws around the ankle strap hold super well when in the past, they would come loose. The only thing keeping it from being perfect here is you can’t adjust the ankle strap’s angle without changing the boot’s position in the footbed and, therefore, make it un-centered. That being said, I can do without the ankle strap angle adjustability if I have a centered boot and good straps.

Stance Width Adjustability

The discs on the Union Atlas are great from heel to toe but really great from tip to tail, and you can pretty much get any kind of stance width.  You can put the screws close together like a Mini-Disc for a little more flex underfoot (still not as good as mini-disc, though) or go with the normal setup.  It can also fit an extra pair of set-back inserts, like boards with a 5×2 insert pack per binding but then an extra 1×2 1.5″ inches back instead of the normal .75″.  They fit Burton Channel and any board out there.

Comfort

The new ankle strap had minimal issues for my comfort.  The only thing I’d like to see is for the strap to soften up, which I think it will. It’s really all about the ankle strap with Union, as the toe strap doesn’t really hit any parts that can cause foot pressure on your feet. The heel cup and base plate seem to understand that many boot manufacturers come in many different widths, footprints, and shapes, and the Union Atlas seems to accommodate more boot brands than most.

Boot Support

Regarding boot support, the toe strap locks your heel into the heel cup and holds down the front part of your boot. The ankle strap didn’t seem to have the pre-curve that the other straps in the line did, and even though it’s much bigger than any other Atlas strap I tried, it doesn’t feel like it has a really supportive wrap. That’s good for those who like a little freedom of movement to tweak it, but those who want more support and response might be disappointed.

This is a demo strap, and we might see changes in the production model.  I’ll let you know when I get mine.  Regardless, the 2019 Union Atlas Strap is much better than the 2018 one, and I’d say it’s pretty close to being a tossup between the 2019 and the team strap (2017 Atlas Strap).  If you don’t like the new strap or want to change out an older model, you can always order a Team Strap from the C3 shop, and it’s softer/more comfortable than it used to be when it was the 2016-2017 Atlas ankle strap. If you want more support, and let’s say you are a size medium like me, you can order the size large, and they will work, too.

Turn Initiation

The Atlas has a robust base plate that compensates well for the somewhat softer high back. Its somewhat sharp transition can power most boards but is not so sharp that it overpowers them. It can work with a wide variety of boards, and it’s a good choice for all but the super easy turners.

Buttering

It’s not the best buttering binding, and if you want that, you can go with a mini-disc or other technologies, but if you want a binding that dampens the board between the feet and turns really well, then the Union Atlas is a great choice.

Ratchet System

It’s super smooth and easy.

Shock Absorption

The Union Atlas is pretty damp and shock-absorbent. It does a very good job at keeping the bad stuff happening between the snow and board from coming up into your joints.  Every year, as I get older, I appreciate bindings like this more and more.

So, the best way to sum up this binding is to say I own 4 pairs, and I use these more than any other binding in my quiver.  I can get any binding I want, and these are my choices. Yeah, they aren’t perfect, but as my father always says, you love your friends despite their faults, and what few faults the Union Atlas’ have, I can easily live with. Also, Union is the kind of friend that listens to other friends and keeps improving their shit.

The 2018 Union Atlas kept the same body but upgraded the straps.  The biggest change is the ankle strap as it’s a little longer and a little more supportive.

Days:  More than I can count. I own 4 pairs and use these more than almost any other binding when it comes to testing/comparing boards and boots.
Riders: James, Jimbo, Peter, Matt,
Boots: Burton Almighty, Adidas Tactical ADV, Burton SLX, Burton Rover
Boards: OZ Custom Woody, Korua Puzzle, Salomon Assasin, Rome Agent Rocker, Yes Optimistic, Yes Greats, Yes Pick Your Line, Jones Mountain Twin, Jones Ultra Mountain Twin, Jones Flagship, Jones Hovercraft, Loaded Algernon, Rossignol One Magtek, Rossignol XV, Lib Tech TRS, Lib Tech Hot Knife, Burton Flight Attendant, Burton Skeleton Key, Gnu Mulair, Capita Mercury, Capita Outerspace Living,  Capita Spring Break Powder, Gentemstick Stingray, Never Summer Proto Type Two, Never Summer Chairman, Never Summer West,   Never Summer Ripsaw and a lot more.

2016-2017 Review

The 2017 Union Atlas is pretty much the same binding as the 2016 Atlas and still a binding that we love to use because it blends well with a wide variety of boards.

2016-2017 Union Atlas Written Review

Days: 40+
Riders: James, Peter, Jimbo, Stephen
Boots: Burton SLX, Burton AMB, Burton Imperial Salomon F3.0, Burton Fiend LTD, Burton Ambush, Nike Lunarendore
Boards: Yes Optimistic, Yes Greats, Yes Pick Your Line, Yes Jackpot, Jones Mountain Twin, Jones Ultra Mountain Twin, Jones Flagship, Jones Hovercraft, Loaded Algernon, Rossignol One Magtek, Rossignol XV, Lib Tech TRS, Lib Tech Hot Knife, Burton Flight Attendant, Burton Barracuda, Capita Mercury, Capita Spring Break, Gentemstick Stingray, Never Summer West, Rome Agent Rocker, Never Summer Ripsaw,

Flex

Nice mid-flexing high back, but the response is more than you would think by just flexing the high back.

Adjustability

You know it’s not perfect, but I really like the adjustable heel loop, which allows you to dial out the binding to your boot’s size. The only real issue is that the ankle strap angles are fixed, but you can rotate your high back as well as do everything else you might want. It just takes longer to dial out than some bindings.

Comfort

It’s super comfortable, and I love how the binding fits around our boots.

Turn Initiation

Sharper turn initiation than you would think for its flex.  The base plate is pretty responsive, and it’s just a little shy of being rated fast when it comes to edge-to-edge transitioning.  For example, when I had Cartels on my Jones Ultra Mountain Twin and then switched to Union Atlas, there was a noticeable improvement in turning response.

Even when paired with boards that are easier to turn, it doesn’t overpower the board and make it twitchy. So, the best way to describe it is sharp but not overpowering or twitchy.  What I mean by twitchy is that some bindings can be too responsive, so they make the board turn so quickly that the slightest lean responds way too fast, and it turns the board too much.  AKA, it makes you look like you have a tick when you ride.

Buttering:

It’s a pretty good flex underfoot, and it doesn’t hinder the board’s natural ability to flex.  It’s a little less than some bindings like the Contact Pro with it’s mini disc or Burton’s re:flex but it’s still pretty easy to butter with.

Boot Support

So, these ankle straps are pretty good. I love the width, and the only thing I wouldn’t mind is a longer ankle strap so it wraps around more. I tried the size L/XL ankle straps on my M/L bindings and kept them on because they are longer, a touch wider, and wrap around the boot more. Still, with the regular ankle straps, it’s a nice balance of support and freedom of movement.

Ratchet System

Much smoother than the older ones, and we have no issues with these. Very reliable, and I’ve had no issues with sticky or broken ratchets.

Shock Absorption

The EVA foam is pretty stiff but it’s still got a lot of shock absorption.  It’s not perfect but we always get a really damp ride.

So, all in all, these bindings do a great job and work well with a wide variety of boards.

2014 and Earlier Union Atlas Review

The Union Atlas took over for the Union SL this year, and this is fine because Atlas and SL are pretty close. The Atlas hasn’t changed much over the last 3 years and remains pretty much the same binding from 2012-2014. There is one change, though, with the 2014, and that is the toe strap pressure was reduced from 10lbs to 7lbs, which makes it easier to un-strap. Also, a reader pointed out (I missed it) that there is more padding this year in the heel than in previous years, making 2014 a little better than previous models.

Weight: Size M/L 4.0 lbs with discs and screws.

Days:40+

Riders: Most of us

Boards: Many, but here are some. Jones Mountain Twin, Gnu Impossible Series, Yes Greats, Rossignol One Magtek, Never Summer Proto, Never Summer Cobra, Lib Tech TRS, Lib Tech Lando Phoenix

Approx Weight: 3.8lbs

Flex: Like with some Union bindings, the flex doesn’t match the response. It’s got a medium torsional flex, but when you pull straight back, there is no give. Overall, it’s more medium/stiff. It allows a good torsional flex for a little tweakability but really is stiff when it’s time to transition from edge to edge.

Adjustability

Like all union bindings, the adjustability is not there if you compare them to a binding like Burton, but you can make some tweaks that will adjust it to your liking. You can rotate your high back a little bit, but you can’t adjust the angle of the ankle strap like you can with other bindings. Instead, the heel loop is there to adjust to the exact size of the boot. Some might like that, and some might prefer 3 sizes instead of 2, with more adjustability for the high back and ankle strap. Also, most of the binding requires a tool, which many these days don’t.

Comfort

We were pretty amped on the larger ankle strap when it first came out but now we feel they are about mid level in terms of size, support and comfort. The ankle straps hold well without pressure points if you have good boots and the toe straps have minimal contact and good support as well.

Edge-to-Edge Response

The Union Atlas, along with most Union bindings, offer rather sharp responsive turn initiation that seems to be more than you would think after playing around with them in the shop. They make the board feel more responsive edge to edge. It’s not the most responsive in the Union line, but it does much better than you would think. It’s not as responsive as the Factory, Charger, and MC, but it’s got a quick snap edge-to-edge. The bottom line is the Atlas has a ride that can make boards turn easier and seem more responsive than they are.

Tip to Tail Response

The ankle strap gives you enough leverage for buttering and such, and combined with the reduced dead spot under foot, you get a pretty good flex from tip to tail. It’s right there with the mid-level Burton Re:Flex tech.

Boot Support

The larger asymmetrical ankle strap was a huge improvement over the older ankle strap, but now that it’s been around for a few years, there are larger ankle straps that provide more support. This is still a good balance of freedom and support, and in 2014, it’s kind of medium-sized now.

Ratchet System

The Union Atlas ankle ratchet is fine, but the toe strap can be sticky when trying to undo it. The 2014 is easier to un-do and they have made some improvements there. It’s still not the best toe ratchet out there, but now it works pretty well.

Approximate Weight

We didn’t put these on a scale, but they felt on the light side of the middle.

Shock absorption

The footbed is very damp and provides great sock absorption. It used to offer a hollow heel, but this year, it’s got more padding, so it’s pretty much not hollow under your heel anymore. Instead, it’s got a little more padding from top to bottom, making it even better than previous models.

Union’s Toe straps can be a bit sticky. This is a big problem for some, 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.

2012-2013 Review

The Union Atlas, new for 2012, quickly became one of our favorite bindings. It uses all of Union’s new tech and solves many issues the old tech has. This is a smoother, more comfortable version of the Union Force. It’s one of the best bindings we have found in the low $200 price range.

The Union Atlas is right there with the Burton Cartel when it comes to a good do-anything binding. It works for a wide variety of boards, and it’s one of our favorites.

The Union Atlas arrived on the scene in 2012 and offered a ride with a little more high-end tech than the Union Force. It has a new base plate, ankle strap, high back, and toe strap. The only old tech on the binding is the heel loop. The 2013 and 2014 Union Atlas are almost precisely the same.

One of our biggest complaints was the old ankle straps from 2011 and below; they are too narrow. They don’t give you the support you need in varied conditions.

These new, larger, asymmetrical ankle straps provide much more support than the older ankle straps. They really change the ride.

The Union Atlas is a great do-anything binding. It works well with a wide variety of snowboards and riders. It has some quirks, but overall, it’s a really fun ride. We’ll be using it to test many boards this year.