Our Top Freeride Bindings From Burton - Union - Jones

[@TuljoOobik]

I think you are my favorite snowboard gear reviewers already although I've seen only three videos. Fantastic analytical stuff, detailed, meaty and with the best of vibes. AND you guys from the clips you've shown, you can RIDE. Personally interested to see what you think about the rest of the Korua line up.

[@nachotronics]

great review! I just bought a set of mercurys, looking forward to testing them this season

[@TwistedAnkles]

Another great review, keep up the good work gentlemen. Love the different opinions on the different bindings. Totally unbiased, love it.

[@piner74]

Had the Falcor. The 'Y' on the highback broke and on all four buckles the spring didn't work after one season. I also found the ankle strap not comfortable at all.

[@mattving61]

Really enjoyed this review. I just ordered these and the Aviator 2, and cannot wait to try them out. Haven't ridden in a few years, and interested in seeing how much this tech has changed.

[@jriding6161]

"If you have bindings over 6 years old, replace them" I'm riding 17 year old gear and I'm looking at the Custom X and the Genesys bindings. I can only imagine how different it's going to feel with new tech in both board and bindings.

[@WontSeeReplies]

I’ve heard boots are more important than bindings. I’m riding 15 year old Customs and can’t complain.

[@jriding6161]

@@WontSeeReplies I've heard the same. My 20 year old DriverX boots are still in good condition but I'm told if I get a newer boot, they'll be smaller so less overhang. Next season I'll be getting the Burton Bola setup.

[@IvanGorn]

I'm riding 7 years old Genesis! Do I need to replace them???😁

[@jriding6161]

@@IvanGorn I would hope not. I still have 20 year old boots I plan on upgrading next season but going from old to new bindings is really nice.

[@mackakiwinz4353]

Such a good review lads thanks subscribed 🤙

[@tributeboardshop]

Thank you!

[@michalbrzezinski2958]

Such a great review guys !

[@griffincui]

The back design of Union is a copy of Burton Co2 that were made in 2005 or 2006, I still use them until today......LOL

[@bigmack10]

I have the Falcor, Genesis, and X-Base - I like the Falcor the best, I bought a pair of team high backs that I can switch for a more casual ride if I want.

[@TheKillerPURPLE]

Which highback did you get? The force?

[@emartinezr]

Unless you have 6yr old Genesis... because they're the same. Minus the toe strap. And still awesome 👌

[@mmikhail123]

Or even 8 year old )))

[@reefer772]

Have 6 year old genesis, they’re still my favorite binding. No difference between the model from six years ago till now (have the newer toe straps). Just picked up a set of Union Atlas, don’t know what to think of them.

[@hamishrhodes5108]

Nice one fellas, ive just picked up a 160 Endeavour Scout, i already have EST Genesis bindings but want to try something different. Do you think the Union Falcor would pair with this deck?

[@tributeboardshop]

100% - And next Years Falcor is re-designed and looks amazing!

[@mmikhail123]

My 2014 year genesis look exactly the same as these except toe-strap

[@tributeboardshop]

Yes - seems there has been less and less updates to the binding line - possibly because they are so focused on the Step -On product

[@ChronicSurfer]

Thanks for the review. I have Falcors on a 156 Orca, Forces on a 158 SDOA, and Contact Pros on a Skate Banana. I’ve ridden the Forces on the Orca, but the Falcors have been a game changer. I love how light they are which complements the board well, although I sometimes feel like I’m going to rip the bindings off the board. I just picked up a 156 Orca for the steep and deep days, but have been debating between the Falcors again, or trying something like the Atlas Pros or Atlas FC? Any suggestions would be welcomed and appreciated. I also average about 50-days a year. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@tributeboardshop]

We love the Mini disc and have seen Next Seasons Falcor ! Thats the one!

[@Max_Bu12]

@@tributeboardshop will the mini disc hold up when charging hard? I’m 6ft 210 and wanna try something responsive but am worried about ripping off the baseplate. Have people complained about failure that you are aware of? Thanks!

[@tributeboardshop]

@@Max_Bu12 we have sold so many of those / not one persons has had that happen / you are good to go ! 👊

[@Max_Bu12]

@@tributeboardshop Thanks for the reply!

[@CapsuleFilms]

i heard the forged carbon backs on the union falcor break easily - is this covered under lifetime warranty ?

[@noahtodd9524]

they are not covered by warranty if they break. Only the heelcups and baseplates are covered by the lifetime warranty

[@chriswoodard8813]

That was on the older falcors. They redesigned the Highbacks in 2022. The y on the highback that is made of carbon is thicker. On the forums everyone I read this happening to got a new highback from Union.

[@noahtodd9524]

@@chriswoodard8813 Union has a 1 or 2 year warranty on all their other parts, so that makes sense

[@racerx3669]

The Halldors high back is removable.

[@jwooldridge]

Is the union falcor binding white in person? It looks like it has a grey hue to it.

[@tributeboardshop]

Off White , not a true white :)

[@nicklarson801]

I wouldn't classify these bindings as "Freeride", more "All Mountain Freestyle" The Union Atlas is more of a "Freeride" binding over the Falcor. The Cartel X is Burton's best "Freeride" binding. Jones "Apollo" is their top "Freeride" binding.

[@Guenounovitch]

You mean jones apollo/atlas ?

[@nicklarson801]

@@Guenounovitch yeah, I meant to type Jones Apollo, not Atlas.

[@pierre-emmanuelettori9778]

I am actually trying to decide between those exact threes (atlas/cartel/Apollo) how would you compare them ?

[@stevef4930]

100% agree. I have the cartel x so was surprised they didn't put it on here

[@drsteee]

Would you recommend the Cartel X over the Cartel for all mountain Freestyle or is it too stiff?

[@racerx3669]

What are the lightest bindings you can recommend for moderate riding

[@markfawcett8142]

The Union Atlas Pro or FC. Carbon where it should be, and not where it shouldn't.

[@JDenim88]

Where do Flow NX-2 Carbon bindings fit in terms of use? It seems reviewers don’t really like those type of bindings?

[@markfawcett8142]

I use to use flow bindings. Quite good perfomers overall. The highbacks use to be rather "hard" and uncomfortable, as a result of having to over build them to accomodate the latch system. Tough to get the snow out of the footbed too comnpared to normal bindings. We have not tested newer models however. I'll see if we can get our hands on some 2024's this spring.

[@JDenim88]

@@markfawcett8142 thanks in advance. 🙏

[@thesharkmobile]

How do the Falcors campare to a full aluminum bindings when carving?

[@tributeboardshop]

Hi jason , we actually have very little experience with full aluminum bindings ( RIDE i assume ?) We tend to avoid those at the shop - our terrain here lends to a bit more of a free flexing base tray system and we don't see much demand for the full metal baseplates .... likely those will respond even faster but also adding a large "dead zone' to your board flex!

[@MrSpiralout]

great review! what´s the name of the song at the beginning?

[@tributeboardshop]

Cheers ! Thats a song from shane’s band ( the revverie) - should end up on an album at some point 🤙

[@angelob2163]

Is the jones mercury compatible with 4x2 boards

[@markfawcett8142]

Yes. No prob.

[@TropicalG87]

So the Falcor is attractive to me but I wear a size 6 Burton Ruler boot and they only make the Falcor in M/L sizes. Given the boot size challenge would it make more sense to go with the Genesis given they come in a size S or would it be worth trying the Falcor if money wasn’t a factor?

[@markfawcett8142]

size 6 is probably a bit small for a med falcor unfortuantely. I'd go with genesis.

[@TropicalG87]

@@markfawcett8142 ended up with the cartel x’s. Very happy

[@michalbrzezinski2958]

@@TropicalG87good but not…. Very good. Had one last year and to be honest, they are just „pretty good”. For wzampkw Flux XF were way better. This year I’m going to test Falcors with K2 Excavator - we Will see :)

[@hec_2020]

The genesis has been very faulty for me. The toe strap is absolutely garbage. The rest of the genesis is super solid. But unfortunately the toe strap coming off mid ride is a deal breaker for me.

[@Diesel0807]

The jones bindings have pretty junky ratchets on them, they are loose and rattle while you ridel, the toe strap is boot specific and doest like boxy toe caps, the ankle strap is decent but crudely finished and the sharp edges around the holes in the strap will likely ruin the cuffs on your pants in time.. they are very damp though.. the unions will fall apart the fastest of the three.. not a burton fanboy but their bindings are probably the most dialed and comfortable with the best balance of comfort and performance

[@beardedbehr4105]

Just to clarify, the Jones Mercury does not have a canted footbed, correct?

[@tributeboardshop]

Yes and No - you can actually add the softer inserts to the inside of the binding which , in theory , would cant the binding !

[@beardedbehr4105]

@@tributeboardshop Gentlemen and scholars! We're gonna need an official report on this experiment and how it compares. Haha, thanks for all you do.

[@johntheguru]

I run softs on the insides of my Now bindings but the cant effect isn't something you notice to be honest. On paper it must help, but reality is you can't feel it. I'm so stuck between these three as my next bindings for this coming season though. Always run skatetech on my Jones Hovercraft and Explorer, but Id like some cant as it helps my knee. I am leaning towards the genesis but losing skatetech seems a big deal. Not even minidisc which hits double hard then, but the rest of the binding I love. Hard decision! Predominantly carving with the odd pow IF we have good snow, but UK based and only 3 weeks per season, so usually resort days.

[@beardedbehr4105]

@@johntheguru I'm in the same boat, and as well with my knee. The NOW Select Pro's have a canted footbed if that's an option

[@himboslice_]

jones mercury vs now drive?

[@markfawcett8142]

Sooo Similar in reality. Straps and the very top of the high-back pad the only small differences. This is one you go with graphics, or if you have a preference of main binding strap.

[@davidalvarez847]

How does the atlas compare to these?

[@shredape]

Same question

[@therevverie7844]

My Take on it was the Atlas was slightly " less stiff" as in the highback was more tuned for POW than Aggressive Corderoy ! It likely should have been the model we used in this talk ( similar to the others) BUT! we are already SOLD OUT so that should also tell you how good ....and how popular that Altas is in our area!~

[@davidalvarez847]

Awesome. Appreciate the response. I def will be running the atlas this year. Great vid. 👍

[@jeffstewart4162]

Similar to falcor but has a full size disc vs mini disc so overall feels stiffer

[@matthewcheung5136]

Performance first, comfort second. 🤣

[@AK-bw8xk]

Jesus this constant environmental virtue signaling is annoying 🙄

[@Damster587]

I know right....Until I see them inventing a water gun to cool down the Sun or Travel To China to successfully guilt trip their economy into halting all production, any save the planet talk in product marketing, is pathetically naive or completely disingenuous.

[@snowbdr89]

The unions are the only decent biding on that table.

[@racerx3669]

They should be cheaper with the molded straps. Better doesn’t al2ays mean more costly to make. Leather and padding and sewing is more expensive and it’s on the cheaper bindings😁😲🫢

[@angelob2163]

Is the jones mercury compatible with 4x2 boards

[@markfawcett8142]

Yes, No prob.