Positives

  • Excellent Adjustability
  • Excellent Stance Width Adjustability
  • Great Response
  • Very Damp
  • Very Reliable

Negatives

  • Mid Tier Shock Absorption
  • Forward Lean Adjuster is Finicky

Summary

The Union Atlas lacks upper tier shock absorption but overall is a very damp, adjustable, responsive, and versatile binding. It is the binding I prefer to use.

Update 2024: I have ridden the Union Atlas 2024, which did not change at all, so this review still stands.  

Where To Buy

No obligation, but these links support the site.

Riding Level Intermediate - Expert
Quick Release No
Manufactured in China and Italy
Canted Footbed Yes
Burton Channel Compatible Yes
Mini disc No
Approx. Weight Feels Light
Flex

Medium

Boot Support

Firm

Turn Initiation

Medium/Fast

Buttering

Medium

Binding Adjustability Excellent
Stance Adjustability Excellent
Comfort Great
Ratchet System Excellent
Shock Absorption Good

Where To Buy

No obligation, but these links support the site.

Snowcountry.eu
Union Atlas FC 22/23
€ 549.95Buy it
Snowcountry.eu
Union Atlas 22/23
€ 319.95Buy it
Snowcountry.eu
Union Atlas Pro 22/23
€ 429.95Buy it

Union Atlas 2023-2024 Written Review Review by The Good Ride

You have arrived at the Union Atlas Snowboard Binding Review from a site where its not about our pride but just about how it rides. 

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer 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 riders’ perspective.

A Breakdown of How it rides and who it is for

Union Atlas 2023 Snowboard Binding Review

How This Review Happened:  Borrowed this for an extended demo and sent it back. Only because I already own 6 Union Atlas.
Days: More than I can count. Had it almost half of the winter.
Conditions:  Everything from spring snow, hard snow, deep pow, excellent groomers, uneven snow, and an early morning slackountry time on groomers and all kinds of pow with Drift Boards & Union Rovers with Chargers
Riders:  James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs)
Boots: Burton Kendo, Ride Triad, ThirtyTwo TM-3XD, Nidecker Rift APX
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers
Boards: Capita Spring Break 158 Powder Glider, Burton 3D Fish, Soul Blower, Korua Dart, Korua Pencil, Korua Café Racer, Weston Japow, Gentemstick Mantaray 156, Yes Hybrid, Endeavor Scout, Lib Tech Orca, Yes Hybrid,  Gnu Gremlin, Telos Backslash, Salomon Dancehaul, K2 Excavator, Yes Pick Your Line, YES PYL Uninc, Weston Backwoods, Cardiff Powgoda, Jones Mind Expander, K2 Manifest, Ride Algorythm, Yes Basic Uninc, Cardiff Lynx, Never Summer Proto Synthesis, Yes Greats, Stone Message,

Jacket: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Tusk Jacket, Volcom TDF Infuse 3L Gore-Tex Jacket
Pant: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Hover Pant, Burton AK Gore-Tex 2L Swash Pant, Burton Gore-Tex Ballast Pant
Helmet: Smith Maze
Goggle: Smith 4D Mag
Gloves: Burton AK Clutch Mitt, Burton AK Clutch Glove, Burton AK Tech Leather Glove, Burton AK Tech Glove, CG Habitats Work Glove, Drop Tahoma Mitt, Drop Web Glove,

Similar (but not the same) Bindings: Union Atlas Pro, Union Force, Union Strata, Union Falcor, Salomon Hologram, Nitro Phantom Carver, Rome Katana, Rome Vice,

How It Was Tested

I did same-day tests with the Atlas Pro on one foot and then the Atlas on the other. Then I switched feet. I did same-day sampler tests with the same board and several different bindings like the Atlas FC, Union Atlas, and many others just to see how they compared.

Weight

2.2 Lbs. Not super light but not super heavy either. Same weight as the Atlas Pro.

Highback Flex

So this is the main change from the 2022 Atlas. There is a stiffer high back that is the same flex as the Atlas Pro. I personally liked the softer high back of the 2022 and below Atlas bindings as it had a very unique feel that made the response feel a touch more symmetrical. On top of that, it had such an easy feel against the boots. I like the new shape which seems to be a combo of the old Atlas, Strata, and Force. Just wish it was softer.

Flex Underfoot

Union Atlas Base Plate

Same flex underfoot as before with a very damp rubber on the bottom. It does very well for a full-sized disc because the rest of the binding has rubber underfoot in contact with the board. You can butter pretty well. The Force is a little bit easier with the softer EVA foam but both are close and they make the board feel stiffer underfoot but still not dead. In comparison to the Mini-Disc line like the Stratos the Union Atlas is not as buttery but more damp.

Turn Initiation/Response

The Union Atlas does great things when it comes to response. The Force is a touch faster with initiation but the dampness of the base plate makes it a little more responsive throughout the turn. When it comes to the Falcor the 2023 Atlas feels a little more responsive but they are very close. The Atlas Pro is a little more responsive but less damp.

Shock Absorption & Dampness

Union Atlas Shock Absorption

The more responsive you go up the line of Atlas for 2023 the less damp they feel. That is why I prefer this Union Atlas over the Pro and especially the FC. I do wish the rubber on the top was not as dense as the rubber on the bottom so it has a little more shock absorption like the Force and Falcor do. Even the Strata has softer heel padding.

Boot Support

Love this support. Union has really dialed out its ankle and toe straps over the years. This is a great balance between support and freedom of movement.

Ratchets

Not a fan of the thinner more flexy ladders in comparison to the older thicker ladders but this still ratchets on and off super smoothly. They are some of the best in the business.

Adjustability

Union really understands how important adjustability is. The Atlas has an adjustable heel loop and gas pedal. It is very easy to center your boot in the binding. Then you can turn your discs sideways and slide the binding tip to the tail so you can get almost any stance width you want. Not many bindings can do this. The Forward lean adjuster doesn’t seem as reliable as the old forward lean adjuster but the rest of the binding is like most others with tooless adjustability.

Conclusion

So I’m a little more partial to the 2021-2022 high back but I might be a minority here. Despite liking the older highback, the Union Atlas is still an excellent binding and I didn’t notice too much difference ride-wise in same-day testing.

If this Union Atlas review helped, we’d appreciate if you:

 
Union Atlas Past Reviews

Union Atlas 2021-2022 Review

The 2021 Union Atlas had a major overhaul and it seems the only part that is the same is the heel loop. 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: Much more damp compared to the older model. Super comfortable ankle strap. Soft highback has zero calf bite. Excellent boot and stance width adjustability. Very responsive well rounded binding.

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: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer 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 riders’ 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
InsolesFootprint Insole Technology Gamechangers,
Boards: Jones Mountain Twin 2021

Similar (but not the same) Bindings: Union StrataUnion Falcor, Union ForceBurton Genesis X, Burton CartelSalomon Highlander, Salomon Hologram, Now DriveRome Crux

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

Weight

2lbs and on the light side of bindings.

Highback Flex

Even softer than the older Atlas and its more on the medium soft side. You realize how much response is generated by the base plate. If you get calf bite these might be your binders. They are all party in the high back and business in the base.

Binding to Boot Adjustability

The way the 2021 Union Atlas Integrates with almost any suggested size where most boots out there in the industry don’t. The adjustable gas pedal and heel loop allows almost every boot in the suggest size range to fit.  This is one of the best options out there for those that want there 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 is a little better with one continuous channel but I was wrong. A reader, Ingo, pointed out that there is actually a longer channel and more adjustability with the new Camber Disc. 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 mini-disc style if you want.

Boot Support

The new ankle strap of the 2021 Union Atlas has just about the same surface area of 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 completely 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 the way the older ladders worked with the ratchets better.

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 where the older model felt a little sharper. Then once it gets going its 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 in some ways it’s more responsive.  Both bindings turned the Jones Mountain Twin quickly which isn’t easy to do with most bindings.

Flex Under Foot/Buttering

Because of the more dense rubber the 2021 Union Atlas doesn’t quite butter as easy but it isn’t a slouch either. It just takes a little more effort. If you want an easier binding to butter with 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 soo 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.

 

Union Atlas 2020 Snowboard Review

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

The 2020 Union Atlas has a slight upgrade to the base and a new more supportive ankle strap with more pre-curve than the 2019.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer 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 riders’ perspective.

Days: Many to come on the 2020, 50+ on the 2019 and 80+ on the older models.
RidersJames
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV
InsolesSandsole 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 and the 2020 seems even softer than the 2019 high back. It has a very good twist to it and that is one of the more unique things about this 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 is doing a good job at improving the 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 it doesn’t have much side bite and like we discussed above not much or any 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 than before.

Turn Initiation/Response: More about the ankle strap with the 2020 Union Atlas. Not only does it wrap around your boot better than before it is a little stiffer in the middle giving it a little bump in response. The base plate is almost the same as last years but some might feel it 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: There aren’t many bindings we have come across in the industry that can conform to most boots in the recommended size range. You really have almost everything you need from the Atlas. You can’t really adjust the angle of the ankle strap but that is about it. 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 all you have to do is 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. Often times 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, with the Union Atlas you can center up any size almost perfectly with minimal compromise. Another thing to mention if you are just looking at Union again after a few years is the screws don’t come loose any more 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 weather set back or centered and that is a great thing for picky riders like myself that 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 our 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.

 

The Union Atlas is one of the most recommendable bindings we have ridden because it works with such a wide variety of boards, boots and continues to evolve bit by bit every year.  It’s middle-ground for buttering but it’s very damp and responsive, even with a more 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.  For me, 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’s just got 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: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer 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 riders’ perspective.

Days:  50+ on the 2019 and many more to come. 80+ on the older models.
RidersJames, and Grant
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV, Burton SLX
Insoles: Sandsole Custom Insoles, Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers
Boards: OZ Custom WoodyJones Ultra Mountain TwinCapita Mercury, Capita Black Snowboard of DeathRome 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 bite.  What’s great about the Atlas is it’s still a very responsive binding.

Boot Adjustability: I’m riding mediums with 2018 Adidas Tactical ADV’s size 8.5’s that have a very reduced footprint. I could slide the heel cup in most of the way and make the size medium’s fit perfect.  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 when rotated, it can poke at your boots and cause wear. 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 from being perfect here is you can’t adjust the angle of the ankle strap without changing your position of the boot 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 set up.  It can fit an extra pair of set back inserts too like boards that have 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 the strap 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: When it comes to boot support, the toe strap really 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 that like a little freedom of movement to tweak it out but for those that want more support and response might be a little 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 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 powerful base plate that compensates well for the somewhat softer high back. It’s got a somewhat sharp transition that can power most boards but not be so sharp that it overpowers the board.  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 to dampen up the board between the feet and turn really well then the Union Atlas is a great choice.

Ratchet System: Super smooth and easy.

Shock Absorption: The Union Atlas is not only pretty damp but also 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 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.
RidersJames, 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 OptimisticYes Greats, Yes Pick Your LineJones Mountain Twin, Jones Ultra Mountain Twin, Jones Flagship, Jones Hovercraft, Loaded Algernon, Rossignol One Magtek, Rossignol XVLib Tech TRS, Lib Tech Hot Knife, Burton Flight Attendant, Burton Skeleton Key, Gnu MulairCapita 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.

 

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 Review

Days: 40+
RidersJames, 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 to dial out the binding to your boot’s size.  The only real issue is 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: Super comfortable and I love how the binding fit’s around our boots.

Turn Initiation: Sharper turn initiation than you would think for it’s 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 some bindings can be too responsive so they make the board turn so quickly that it makes the slightest lean respond way too fast and it turns the board too much.  AKA it makes you look like you have a tick when you ride.

Buttering: Pretty good flex under foot and it doesn’t hinder the boards 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 as they are longer, a touch wider and wraps 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 Below Union Atlas Review

The Union Atlas took over for the Union SL this year and this is fine because the Atlas and SL were 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 previous years making the 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 what so ever. It’s more medium/stiff over all. 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 and more adjustability for the high back and ankle strap. Also most of the binding requires a tool where 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.

Heel to Toe 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 Unions line but it does a lot 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 their 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 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 and works pretty well.

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

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

 

2012 Union Atlas Review (same as 2013)

The Union Atlas is new for 2012 and quickly became one of our favorite bindings.  The Union Atlas uses all of Union’s new tech and solves many issues the old tech has.  It’s hard to characterize this binding, but it seems to be a smoother more comfortable version of the Union Force and is one of the best bindings we found in the low $200 price range.  It’s right there with the Burton Cartel when it comes to a good do anything binding 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 higher end tech than the Union Force.  There is a new base plate, new ankle strap, new high back and new toe strap.  The only old tech on the binding is the heel loop.  The 2013 and 2014 Union Atlas is almost exactly the same.

One of our biggest complaints was the old ankle straps from 2011 and below; they are just too narrow and didn’t provide the support that many other ankle straps out there have.  The Ankle strap of old used to give you this insecure feeling in chop or at higher speeds because it was so thin and small. These new larger asymmetrical ankle straps really make this ride a lot more comfortable and give much more support than the older ankle straps. It really changes the ride.

We feel the Union Atlas is a great all mountain do anything type of binding that we feel will do a great job with a wide variety of snowboards and riders.  It’s a binding with some quirks but over all it’s a really fun ride and we will be using to test many boards this year.

 
Union Atlas Specs

 
Union Atlas Images

We try to get as many images of the Union Atlas, but forgive us if they're not all there.

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2014

2013

2012

Union Atlas User Reviews

Union Atlas 2012-2024 Snowboard Binding Review SKU UPC Model

Great response, great bindings

Jan 30, 2021 by Ryan
Ability Level: Intermediate • 
Riding Style: All Mountain • 
Days You Ride A Year: 20 • 
Height, Weight And Boot Size (for Boards, Boots & Bindings): 6'1", 180lbs, Size 12 boots 

I'm riding the 2020 version of these bindings and I love the feel and response. I paired them with my Neversummer Westbound board and they have been able to handle everything I've thrown at them so far. I was concerned based on the reviews of loosening hardware, but they must have fixed that issue because I have had no problems, and every time I checked, they are tight and ready to rip.


Union Atlas Bindings

Jan 13, 2021 by Rob Listy
Ability Level: Advanced • 
Riding Style: All Mountain • 
Days You Ride A Year: 50 • 
Height, Weight And Boot Size (for Boards, Boots & Bindings): 5’9” 200lbs. Size 10 Ride Trident Boots and Medium Union Atlas Bindings 

Absolutely love these bindings! I didn’t understand all the hype about these bindings until I bought a pair and tried them. Perfect combination of a soft high back but is still super responsive that really helps drive the board. Also, in 2019 Union started to install different hardware to attach the ankle strap to the binding. This new hardware has fixed the issues of the screws coming loose and eventually falling out. You can also purchase the new screw hardware for an affordable price through Union. I have done this practice on a pair of my pre 2019 bindings. Total game changer!


Atlas 2018 VS 2019 VS 2020

Aug 29, 2019 by Aria Shahmirzadi
Ability Level: Decent • 
Riding Style: Powder, Turns, Jumps • 
Days You Ride A Year: 80 • 
Height, Weight And Boot Size (for Boards, Boots & Bindings): 5’9 180lbs 10.5 

My favorite Union binding by far and the best binding on the market.For reference I ride the Size Medium and Im a 10.5 size boot in Thirtytwo’s.

It has the perfect balance of flex response and comfort. Easy to match with pretty much any board and use it in any condition. The 2017/2018 model are my favorite to date because of the ankle straps. I found that the 2018/2019 model was lighter, but I the the plastic on the ankle straps just didn’t mold and the straps themselves were so large even for my 10.5 boot that it sat on the hard plastic sat on the top of my foot which created pressure points for me. This might not be the case with everyone but it was my experience. The 2017/2018 ankle straps weren’t necessarily perfect but they were comfortable and I didn’t think about at all when riding as they were just comfortable, and I didn’t notice weird pressure points as the season went on. I haven’t ridden the 2020 versions yet looking forward to the added carbon for weight reduction and hopefully they’ve slimmed down the straps material to help the conform a little better. I have a feeling the 2020 version will be the best version yet, not sure how I feel about the hinge on the ankle strap, i like innovation but in my opinion hinging an ankle strap that hinges is just annoying.

If anyone has a pair of 2017/2018’s in size medium preferably in the black or white color I will buy them off you for a fair price.


4.3 5.0 12 12 I'm riding the 2020 version of these bindings and I love the feel and response. I paired them with my Neversummer Westbound board and they have been able to handle everything I've Union Atlas 2012-2024 Snowboard Binding Review

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