If you’re looking into snowboard bindings, you’ll inevitably come across the two big names, Union and Burton. Both are well-known in the snowboarding world for their quality and features.
Union bindings, particularly the Strata and Atlas models, have made a strong mark. In recent years, Union has improved their design.
The Strata model is popular for its flexibility and quick response, a crucial aspect for effective board control.
Burton, with the Malavita and Cartel, is praised for comfort and how well the bindings connect you to your board. The Malavita has a slightly softer flex compared to the Cartel.
Burton’s bindings are known for their board feel, how well they transfer your movements to the board, allowing for precise control.
One thing snowboarders often mention with Union bindings is their adjustability. This means you can change how they fit your boots and board.
Burton bindings, on the other hand, are recognized for their comfort. Their design helps the board to flex naturally, which makes your ride smoother.
Both brands have updated their designs to address past issues. Union improved their hardware to prevent loosening, and Burton worked on their ratchet systems, which had problems in older models.
Union Strata |
Union Atlas |
Burton Cartel |
Burton Malavita |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flex Rating | 4-6 (medium-soft) | 7-9 (stiff) | 5-7 (medium) | 7-9 (stiff) |
| Mounting System | 2×4, 4×4 | 2×4, 4×4 | Channel, 4×4 | Channel, 4×4 |
| Price | $260 | $370 | $280 | $360 |
| Riding style | All-mountain | Freeride | All-mountain | All-mountain, freeride |
| Straps | Boa | Boa | Traditional | Boa |
| Weight | 2 lbs 4 oz | 2 lbs 12 oz | 2 lbs 12 oz | 2 lbs 12 oz |
| Additional Features | Ankle strap, toe strap | Reinforced highback, ankle strap | Ankle strap, toe strap | Ankle strap, high |
Performance and flexibility
The Union Strata bindings are used as daily bindings by many riders for multiple seasons without any major problems. The Strata is particularly good at absorbing chatter – it reduces the vibrations you feel from uneven terrain.
The Strata are also known for their hard pop, essential when you’re looking to launch off features.
Union’s Atlas model is praised for its robustness and has been a reliable choice for riders over several years. Its sturdiness and responsiveness are often noted, especially on aggressive terrains.
However, some riders point out a lack of shock absorption compared to Burton’s bindings.
On the Burton side, the Cartel and Malavita bindings are also solid choices. Older Cartel models (e.g. 2016) had issues with ratchets, particularly in powdery conditions where they could get blocked or freeze, making it hard to strap in. Newer models have improved on this though.
The Malavita offers slightly softer flex compared to the Cartel, which is preferred by riders who want a more forgiving binding. The Cartel, meanwhile, offers a balance of stiffness and responsiveness, making it a versatile choice for various styles of riding.
Riders sometimes note that Burton bindings, while providing excellent board feel, lack the extensive adjustability that Union offers. This can be a factor if you’re looking to fine-tune your setup for specific riding styles or conditions.
In short, Union’s Strata and Atlas are great for their durability and response, especially in rough conditions, while Burton’s Cartel and Malavita give you a balance of flex and board feel suitable for different riding preferences.
Comfort and board connection
Burton bindings, particularly the Cartel and Malavita models are designed to evenly distribute pressure across your foot, reducing discomfort during long rides. This comfort is enhanced if you pair them with Burton boots.
The Malavitas have a dual ladder system which reduces wear on the ladder over time. Their size medium can fit larger boots (up to size 11), which is a notable advantage for riders with bigger feet.
Many riders find that Burton’s EST (Extra Sensory Technology) adjustment system, available on models like the Cartel, enhances the natural flex of the board. This system allows the binding to move in unison with the board, providing a more connected and responsive ride.
Some riders, however, have noted a “dead spot” on Burton bindings due to the extended base, which might affect the board’s flex pattern.
Union bindings, on the other hand, have a strong following for their solid feel once buckled in. The newer models, like the Strata, come with biting washers on the straps, making them less likely to come loose.
While Union has traditionally been critiqued for comfort issues, particularly in the ankle strap area, recent models have seen improvements in this area.
The Union Atlas has been a popular choice for its responsiveness, though some riders note it’s not as comfortable as the Burton Cartel. The Atlas has a stiffer response, which some riders prefer for aggressive riding styles.
Overall, Burton excels in comfort and natural board connection, especially with their EST system, while Union offers a solid, responsive ride with improved comfort features in their newer models.
Adjustability and durability
Union bindings are known for their adjustability. You can tweak them and adjust multiple parts of the binding to fit just right with your boots and board. Many riders like this about Union, especially with models like the Strata and Atlas.
Union had some issues in the past. Riders mentioned problems with screws and ratchets coming loose. However, Union has worked on this and redesigned their hardware a couple of years ago. Now, these problems are much less common.
Burton bindings, like the Cartel and Malavita lack heel-to-toe adjustability with the Re:Flex disk. This can be a problem if you need to center your boots on wider boards.
On the other hand, many riders find Burton bindings more comfortable and better for board feel. They’re also very responsive, which is important when you’re making quick moves on your board.
Durability-wise, both brands have their strengths. Union is often said to be a bit more durable, but Burton bindings are also tough. A good point about Burton is that you can find replacement parts easily at most ski hills.
So, Union is great for adjustability and has improved their durability. Burton, while not as adjustable, scores high on comfort, board feel, and ease of finding replacement parts.
Rider experiences with Union and Burton
Many riders who use Union bindings, like the Strata and Atlas, talk about how well they hold up and how they handle the snow.
The Strata, for example, is known for being good at soaking up bumps and jolts from the ground, which makes for a smoother ride. People also say they pop well so they’re great for jumping and tricks.
The Atlas is liked for its toughness and how it responds when you’re riding hard and fast. But some riders feel it’s not as good at absorbing shocks as Burton’s bindings.
Burton riders often talk about the comfort of the Cartel and Malavita. These bindings spread the pressure on your feet evenly, so they’re comfy even on long rides.
Again, Union fans often talk about how you can adjust the bindings a lot, which is great for getting them just right. Burton fans, on the other hand, appreciate the easy-to-find replacement parts, which is super handy if something breaks while you’re on the slopes.
Final decision in binding selection
First, think about what kind of riding you do. If you’re into aggressive riding and need something tough, Union’s Atlas might be a good pick. It’s known for being responsive and reacts quickly to your moves.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that absorbs shocks better, Burton’s options like the Cartel could be better. They offer a smoother ride because they help lessen the jolts from rough terrain.
Next, consider the fit and comfort. Burton bindings, especially the Malavita, are praised for their fit and feel. They’re comfy and distribute pressure well, which is great for longer rides.
Union has worked on their comfort too. The newer models like the Strata have improved straps that are less likely to come loose.
Also, think about how you like your bindings to flex. Burton’s Malavita has a softer flex, which is more forgiving. Union’s Strata is known for being flexible but also gives you a good pop for tricks and jumps.
Union’s bindings, like the Atlas and Strata, are often seen as more durable. But Burton is great because you can easily find parts if something breaks. That’s a big plus if you’re often riding far from shops.
Finally, Union bindings let you make lots of adjustments, so you can tweak them to fit just right. Burton’s adjustability isn’t as extensive, though they still offer a good fit and feel.