Union Flite Pro Snowboard Binding Review

The Union Flite Pro is the next step down from the Union Contact.  It’s a good binding for the price but if you can swing it go for the Contact.

The 2019 Union Flight Pro is pretty much the same as 2018 so the old review still stands. Only one change happened that really stands out and that’s the washers that connect the heel cup/ankle strap screws.  They now do a really good job at keeping the screws from coming loose so you no longer have to be diligent when it comes to keeping them tightened.

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.

Union has other straps at C3 here and if you don’t like their existing straps you can get different ones.

2014-2016 Union Flite Pro Review

The Union Flite Pro is a watered down version of the Union Contact Pro and a good binding for the price. While we like the Contact pro better the Flite Pro offers up a really good ride for the price and gives you a solid taste of what the Contact Pro is all about.

The 2014 and 2015 Union Flite Pro are very similar.

Flex: Same easy flex and feel as the 2013 Union Contact Pro but with cheaper ankle straps.

Adjustability:  Most of the binding companies have 3 sizes but Union has 2 sizes and have an adjustable heel loop so you can get the binding to fit your boot better.  That is actually pretty helpful for dialing out the binding to your boot size but because of this adjustable heel loop you can’t rotate the high back much.  You also can’t adjust the ankle strap angle where most have 2 or 3 options So some really won’t care about this and others might.

Comfort: the whole binding is pretty comfortable and it works well with most boots.

Turn Initiation: For a binding with such a soft high back you would think the Union Flite Pro would have average response but Union does a good job allowing you to get much more edge to edge response than you would think.  The Contact Pro is a little better but they are pretty close.

Buttering: Union’s reduced dead spot technology is right there with Burton’s Re:Flex tech and it allows you to flex the board lengthwise very well.  It’s great for those who like to butter, press, and incorporate a lot of screwing around. The less supportive ankle strap takes it down a notch from the Contact Pro. The 2014 Contact Pro also has a mini disc so it’s reduced dead spot is even better than the Flite Pro.

Boot Support: This is pretty loose and the Ankle strap with these bindings have been around for a while. There is a lot of freedom of movement on the inside and outside of these bindings. If you want more support the Contact Pro is going to be the call but some will prefer this softer ankle strap.

Ratchet System: The ankle strap has always been pretty good with Union but the toe strap has always had a history with Union of being a bit sticky at times. The Union Flite Pro incorporates the same easy release lever on the toe strap that is on the ankle strap so you get a much easier release.

Shock Absorption: Excellent Shock absorption. There is lots of padding throughout the entire base plate.

Here is a quick look at the 2014 Union Flite Pro

Unions Toe straps can be a bit sticky and especially so for those that like to crank em down tight. 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.