Union Atlas Step On Snowboard Binding Review

A Detailed Written Breakdown of the Union Atlas Step On Review by The Good Ride

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A Detailed Breakdown Of How the Union Atlas Step On Rides And Compares

About the Tester James Biesty

I’ve tried and compared hundreds of bindings over the years. I’m an average rider with exceptional gear knowledge so my take translates to most riders out there vs. the rippers.

How The Union Atlas Step On Was Tested:

I borrowed the Union Atlas Step On for an extended demo and plan to keep testing this throughout the season and update this review.
I was not paid by to do this review and this comes from an honest objective perspective with no brand oversight.
Size: Medium
Days: 2
Conditions: Mainly good groomers and some microbumpy uneven snow.
Riders:  James (Size 9, 5’10”, 185-195lbs). I’ve tested and compared hundreds of bindings.
Boots: Burton Ion Step On
Insoles: Footprint Kingfoam Orthotic Fluidx
Redundancy: Strapins in case boots or bindings break.
Jacket: Skyline Fuse Jacket,
Pant: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Hover Pant
Helmet: Smith Method
Goggle: Smith 4D Mag
Gloves: Burton AK Clutch Mitt, Burton AK Tech Leather Glove

I rode the Union Atlas Step On 2 Mid Wides and 1 normal width board(see below) I put the Atlas Step On on one foot and then the Burton Genesis Step On on the other foot for a run and then switched. I tried these Step On’s with the Camber Disc they came with and the traditional Camber Disc that comes with the regular Atlas.

Boards:
Yes Standard Uninc, Capita Black Snowboard Of Death, Amplid Singular

Similar (but not the same) Bindings: Burton Genesis Step On

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Weight

1lb 15oz

Highback Flex

The Union Atlas has a Medium Soft flex with a bit of give straight back but much more of an easy twist. It’s pretty comparable to the Genesis High Back.

Flex Underfoot

The Union Atlas Step On is Almost there with the Burton Genesis Step On when it comes to how easily the board flexes underfoot. It’s almost like it isn’t interfering with the board’s natural flex, and I could really feel the difference when I compared these to the Union Force and Nidecker Supermatic Carbon. The board felt so stiff underfoot and was stiffer overall.

It was so easy to butter the boards I was on with the Atlas Step On, and I didn’t expect this to be so close to the Burton Genesis.

Shock Absorption

The Union Atlas Step-On is nothing like the regular Atlas. There is a lot of EVA foam, and they moved away from that hard rubber.

Turn Initiation/Response

The Union Atlas Step On is super responsive, just like all Step On bindings, and you wouldn’t think that by feeling it in the shop. Being attached to the high back really improves the response, and the Ion Step On/Atlas Step On combo was very responsive. If you want a more mellow response, it’s best to get a much more mellow boot than the very responsive Ion.

The response was felt not only in turn initiation but the way it Ollied. It was so easy, and it helped my old bones go higher.

Limited Range Of Motion

The Union Atlas Step On, like all Burton Step On bindings, limits your natural range of motion when riding. It’s because you are locked into the high back. I found I needed to narrow my stance by about 1/2 inch to feel more normal because I couldn’t move my legs like I usually can from tip to tail. Some people will get used to this, and some won’t.

Adjustability

When it comes to adjustability, it’s a big step down from other Union Full-size disc bindings, and it’s not much better than Burton’s Step On system. Step On needs to line up boots tabs into the receptors near the gas pedal so I get it but it doesn’t mean I don’t miss having a heel loop that adjusts to the size of your boots footprint.

The heel loop is fixed and you only have a Gas Pedal that slides. You need to use the Discs to center the boot in the binding.

The forward lean is also limited, with two interchangeable screw-in pieces to get the forward lean you want. Not that Burton’s Step On Re:Flex is much better with two screws that address both high back rotation and forward lean, doing neither very well.

Regarding stance width adjustability, you have a very different disc with the Atlas Step On vs traditional full size/camber discs. The Camber disc is set up with mini-disc spacing that allows for a little easier flex underfoot vs. the flex point in the disc on the Burton Re:Flex. It’s also made only to slide tip to the tail so you can center your boot on the board but not the binding. If your boot can fit centered in the binding, you could get traditional Camber Discs, like the disc in the first pic, to adjust the actual stance width. However, you can’t slide the discs to get your perfect stance width.

On & Off/Why Most Buy Step On Bindings

Stepping on is so easy. I must admit, it’s really satisfying to just click in like a skier and go. It’s an addictive feel, but getting out isn’t. There is just an awkward out with Union Atlas Step On or Burton Genesis Step On. It’s contrary to how you get out when you unstrap a normal binding. I don’t like that more aggressive forward step to get out.

Conclusion

So overall, The Burton Atlas Step-On is an excellent option for those who like the Step-On System. My takeaway from testing this Atlas Step On is how much I liked the easy flex underfoot of this new base plate construction. I want this new easy flex tech and base plate construction on Union’s traditional strap bindings.