2023 Union Ultra Bindings Review
By: Jesse Audije, Inbound Administrator | November 11, 2022
The Lowdown
The 2023 Union Ultra Bindings are designed with the hard charging snowboarder in mind. The overall design is simple but when you strap them on and take that first lap, you soon realize that looks can be deceiving. These bindings pack a potent punch! The bindings are responsive edge to edge and have a snappy feel to them. Overall flex of the binding is on the high medium-to-low stiffness side.
In my opinion, the best way to think of the Union Ultra is as a cross between the Union Strata and Union Force on the flex scale. Union Bindings kept the design simple and shaved off weight where they could. A fixed highback, gutted straps and use of magnesium buckles were part of the weight reduction formula. The simplistic design spawned a lightweight binding (even lighter than the Strata and Force) without sacrificing performance. The Union Ultra Bindings are the perfect blend of simple design and performance rich features all fused into one package. These snowboard bindings can handle anything on the mountain. Whether you’re an intermediate rider looking to take it to the next level or if you’re an advanced rider looking for performance out of the box, the Union Ultras checks off all the boxes.
Technical Details
Built for intermediate to advanced snowboarders, the Ultra is comprised of Union's asymmetrical Stage 11 baseplate for increased torsional board flex, their Molecular Bushing for enhanced cushioning on hard landings, and a new Stage 15 Ultra Duraflex ST highback for a more freestyle flex that's preloaded for fast edge-to-edge performance. Holding you to this mid-stiff chassis are Union's TS 4.0 SL toe straps and Forma X ankle straps for extremely durable yet comfortable performance.
The included Mini Disk mounting pucks are compatible with both 2x4 insert patterns as well as The Channel™ system. If you're looking for that bombproof durability that Union is beloved for in an extremely versatile and approachable package, the Ultra Bindings are an excellent choice and one that we fully expect to soon be one of there most popular and best-selling snowboard binding models.
| Ability Level | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Flex Rating | 6.5 (1 Soft - 10 Stiff) |
| Binding Style | Strap |
| Mount Pattern Compatibility | 2x4, Channel |
| Weight | 815g (Size M) |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime (Baseplates & Heelcups), 1 Year (All Other Parts) |
Ride Impressions
If I could describe the Union Ultra bindings in a few words, I would say they offer extraordinary performance wrapped in a simple package. I was pleasantly surprised after my first few initial laps on the mountain. I feel like Union took the technical specs of the Strata and Force and fused them together to find a happy medium. Literally the best of both worlds.
Majority of my riding days with the Ultra bindings were on groomers. This is where the Ultra really shines. These bindings thirst for hard charging days on fresh groomers. The qualities of the Ultra start to show at higher speeds. The moderate flex throughout the chassis of the bindings gives them accentuated edge to edge response. The Ultra loves all types of side hits. These bindings have a cushy footbed for those side hit landings.
The Ultra loves taking laps around the park. The twitchy response allows you to make micro adjustments before you hit that kicker, box or feature. The mid-stiff flex will work in unison with your board to give you more pop and power. And when you hit that landing, rest assured that the footbed and chassis will absorb the shock and vibration. Your legs will thank you in the future.
In the pow, the Ultra did pretty good. I didn’t get much ride time in the pow nor was I in anything more than 4 to 5 inches. They are decently responsive. I did tomahawk a few times after nose diving and the bindings were still strapped in snug to my boots. I can attest to Union's bombproof ratcheting system.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Pros
- Responsive - Edge to edge, the bindings just flow with your snowboard.
- Flex - Good flex for any type of situation on the resort.
- Lightweight - Minimalistic design saves some weight throughout the bindings.
Cons
- Color - I have the white bindings and my red Nike boots stained the heelcup after the first ride.
- Adjustability - Screws to adjust the heel strap and toe strap are difficult to loosen and tighten.
- Plate Cover - The cap that covers the screws and plate are a stiff latching system. Difficult to remove.
Who Is It For?
The Union Ultra bindings are ideal for the intermediate to advanced all-mountain freerider and freestyle ripper. A snowboarder who enjoys freshly groomed runs and is always on the hunt for some sick side hits. Someone who likes to go fast to maximize the potential of the Union Ultras.
The Bottom Line
The Union Ultra bindings are perfect for that intermediate rider who wants to level up. Although more advanced riders can also rejoice in a binding that they can pull out of the box, strap on to their fun stick and have full confidence that their bindings will perform across the spectrum of conditions and terrain types. The team at Union found a perfect intermediate design to their fan favorites, the Stratas and Forces.
Their simple design shaves off some weight but the binding doesn’t lose its DNA. It is in a class of its own and is akin to a light heavy-weight boxer. It is literally agile and packs a punch. The Union Ultras can tackle anything the mountain has to throw at it. It is comfortable on groomers, light pow and park. However, the best qualities of the bindings really shine on high-speed groomers. You can feel the confidence building at your feet as it jolts up your body to feed that ego in your brain. These bindings are the perfect tool in your arsenal to get you hard charging down the mountain and keep a grin on your face the whole day.
About the Reviewer
Name: Jesse Audije
Age: 35
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 182 lbs
Size Reviewed: Medium
Location(s) & Conditions: Snoqualmie Pass, WA / White Pass, WA / Crystal Mountain, WA
Boots: Nike Vapen (Size 10)
Riding Style: Surfy. Loose. Playful. I enjoy pressing and carving down groomers. I’m always on a constant hunt for side hits along the groomed trail. When I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll bring out a shorty board for some tree runs.