Union Ultra 2023 Snowboard Binding Review

[@KashHussain]

Have had them for a month or so. Found the ankle straps they come with caused pressure points. Swapped them out for the atlas ones (exoframe 5.0). Game changer. These are now super comfy bindings.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take and glad the Exoframe worked for ya.

[@timhunt7155]

Funny I love the atlas just not the new straps, sometimes had a pressure point bottom of strap on top of foot. I swapped them over with forma lab same as strata instead, same as my kazu atlas 2021s. Think I’ll just keep my last years stratas over the ultra.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take.

[@mpix00]

@@timhunt7155 Put the Ultra Straps on the Ultra and see how they feel~ SOmetimes having just the right strap on another binding makes a world of difference. I have intuitive Lines in my BUrtons and it makes the BUrtons feel Insanely comfortable and responsive

[@chriswoodard8813]

I put the strata ankle straps on my Ultras for a little more support/response and love the feel.

[@m3dbs]

Great review, as always. Would you pair these with a Yes Greats?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! I've tried that and really like it. One of my favorites.

[@maxgomez-wright7007]

Love the review dude I got some ultras in the mail cannot wait to strap em on!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks and hope they work for you like they did for me.

[@IHatePikeys]

Just gonna say I rode these in packed out chutes in Verbier…not going back to Atlas ever. Shock absorbing is unparalleled. These feel so good at the end of a long day.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take!

[@mihaelkordic4117]

Just ordered these to pair up with my Capita Ultrafear 2022 i hope it will be a nice combo for freestyle and butters.

[@thegoodridesnow]

That should be a great combo but would love to hear how it works for you after a few days on the hill.

[@jacobsabourin2450]

How is it so far??

[@alexlj09]

I am actually glad they use the screw type for the toe straps. the toolless toe straps on my 2022 falcor both popped out every now and then. I asked my local distributor for a refund they sent me the screw type straps. problem solved but they are black not matching the original colours. Now i am ordering this for my softer board.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take.

[@timhunt7155]

Think these would compliment a yes hybrid? I had the uninc hybrid with malavita and thought the paired very well with it, ultras similar?

[@thegoodridesnow]

If you liked the malavitas the ultra should work well

[@wifiworker]

thinking about getting these ultras to pair with my capita mercury this season

[@thegoodridesnow]

I really liked Atlas, Force and Falcor's better with the Merc but its all about personal preference. If the Mercury is easy for you to turn then the Ultra will be fine.

[@eedom69]

Could you explain what you mean by "cush" and "dampness" when referring to this and the strata? Few years ago I got the strata and the force. Rode them both and then kept the force. Kind of liked the idea of the mini disc but the force just felt more powerful and maybe more "cush" despite the strata supposedly having some special rubbery material. Didn't like how the strata foot pad was so wide and the boot didn't hug the inside of the bindings. Think I got some foot pain with the stratas initially but not sure if that was the boot the binding or just first runs.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Cush='s shock absorbent and better at slower speeds. Damp ='s chatter absorption at higher speeds and in uneven snow. You might like the Ultra then as it has the best of the Force and Strata. It does have a similar foot bed width but not sure if that was the cause of your pain. If you want to get into it more hit me here to give me the info I need to help you much better. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@siarez]

Thank for the review. How do you differentiate between dampness and shock absorption?

[@thegoodridesnow]

No problem. Dampness is what absorbs the chatter/vibrations from uneven snow. Shock absorption is more about how it will absorb a bad landing or deal with uneven snow at slower speeds. The Ultra has upper-tier shock absorption and good but not great dampness. It's a pretty well-rounded binding.

[@maness2112]

What's the difference between cush and damp?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Cush='s shock absorbent and better at slower speeds. Damp ='s chatter absorption at higher speeds and in uneven snow.

[@richardhoangxd]

Just got a Jones Mind Expander Twin….. based on your review, it sounds like these would pair well with my board, am I correct? Not really a park rider but want to start incorporating freestyle riding, but also want something that’ll be good for charging down the mountain and be good in Pow. Was debating between this and the Force.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah the Ultra or Strata could for sure work if you want a little easier flex underfoot. If you sized the ME Twin well for your specs those will work very well. If you want the board to feel a little more stiff but not dead go Force or Atlas.

[@banzaigtti]

Hi there just watched your excellent review of the Ultras. Would you recommend pairing the ultras with a never summer Harpoon? Thanks in advance!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks and yeah they could for sure work. Especially if you want to make the board feel softer and more playful. If you want to stiffen up the ride a little bit go Force or Atlas.

[@xPHxGM]

Hey, What of those 3 (Ultra, strata, flite pros) would you say beginner should pair with? YES Basic + 5-6 flex boot double boa. Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

If you can go Ultra or Strata that is the best because its upgrade proof. The Flite Pro's are great but you might grow out of them. Only get those if you are on budget.

[@dayrae500]

Great video!! I’m torn between ultras and cartels for my Lib Tech Glider I love the idea of great dampness but need control at high-ish speeds when on steeps with this softer board. Any recommendations?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks! Don't think I know the Glider so hard to say what would be a better fit but they are similar in response. I would say the Ultra has more adjustability and I think the response is more consistent board to board. The Burton's have a great feel too and I love the cushy foam. Just not the limited stance width adjustability.

[@edshao2572]

Would the ultras be good on a ride peace seeker to mellow it out a bit for resort cruising? I have a pair of katanas on my other board (jones aviator 2.0) and a spare pair of ultras. It would be great if I can use the ultras on peace seeker without having to swap bindings.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Its not the first binding that came to mind but I would for sure give it a try. If you sized the Peace Seeker right I think the Ultra should turn it well enough.

[@hannesdoornaert2426]

Great review! I'm torn between the Ultra or the Strata bindings. Looking to pair it with a Yes greats and spending majority of the time doing all mountain but doing some park as well. Which of the two would you go with? Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! Both match up super well with the Greats. I personally liked the Strata better on the mountain with the Greats just because it was a little more damp underfoot and they absorb chatter a little better. That being said if you like getting air a lot the Ultra has better shock absorption for landings than the Strata. Ultra also butters a bit easier but not sure if that matters with the Greats as you can butter that with any binding.

[@hannesdoornaert2426]

@@thegoodridesnow Awesome, that solves my dilemma. Stratas it is :). Thanks for the helpful input! Love the channel.

[@jessecrichton2943]

@@thegoodridesnow Love the channel as well! Very curious as to what you think about the hologram vs the strata in an all mountain setting. Mounted on an Assassin with buttering being high priority as well

[@popescudragos7376]

I would like to have a reccomandation for didding to pair it with Yes Dicey 2020-2021. I am begginer to intermediate level, riding style is all mountain free style. I am 1,65 cm tall and I have 98 kg

[@thegoodridesnow]

I would check out reviews of the Union Strata, Ultra, Burton Cartel, Genesis, Salomon Hologram, District, Arbor Hemlock or Rome 390 Boss or Vice. Then go with the one that appeals to you the most.

[@aarr12358]

Love the detailed review! I’m an intermediate rider getting comfortable with riding faster, carving, switching/buttering and small jumps.. I just got the new Ride Algorythm. I was thinking of the Ultras to help counter the chatter from the carbon of the Algorythm and help make my Medium Flex board more playful, do you think that’s a good fit? Riding mainly groomers/all mountain. Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! I would go Strata's or even Atlas if you want to dampen up the ride more but I wouldn't say the Algo is too chattery. It's pretty damp for an all mountain board.

[@x2kyle]

So the thing is I like both terrain/park and going fast but I'm still pretty new to snowboarding. I don't really care to go top speed so as long as I can go decently fast I don't really mind. Is it still a good idea to get these?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah they work well for that type of riding you described. If you want to know for sure hit me up here shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@camd8662]

How would these fair on a mid flex board? I bought a Rome agent, which I’m psyched to ride, which comes in at a 5.

[@thegoodridesnow]

That would be a great match up

[@NYCAllEyezOnMe]

Hi would you recommend these or Forces for East Coast resort riding (some West Coast trips), some intro to park using a 2023 Salomon Hucknife? Thanks in advance!

[@thegoodridesnow]

I think the Ultra's would be better. The Hucknife I rode wasn't very damp so the extra rubber like bottom of the Ultra will do a better job quieting down the chatter in harder uneven conditions. It's a pretty easy board to turn as well.

[@NYCAllEyezOnMe]

@@thegoodridesnow thank you for your feedback. Ultra it is. Appreciate you guys through the years!!! 🏂 💪🏾

[@devennagata1759]

I want to get a set if unions, Im mostly going fast down groomers. Would the ultras be better or the atlas pros? Putting on a burton custom. Currently using burton genesis bindings

[@thegoodridesnow]

I would go Atlas as they are better for going fast in all conditions with the Burton Custom. If you want similar shock absorption to what you have with the Genesis but more response go Force. Atlas Pro's are stiffer and more responsive but don't handle uneven snow as well. Ultra's would be more of a lateral move from the Genesis you have now.

[@jaimemunozdelamo530]

Which do you think would work better, Ultra or Strata on a Bataleon Goliath?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Both will work well. If you want something more damp go Strata. If you want something a little more shock absorbent and a little easier to butter go Ultra.

[@kylesoliman2412]

Hi there! I recently just got the Super DOA from last season on sale a couple days ago. I was thinking of pairing these with my stratas or my atlas both from this season. I was even thinking of getting the new ultras. What pairing do you think from your expertise would work great as an all around all mountain freestyle perspective. Idc too much for mini disc either.

[@thegoodridesnow]

I think the Strata's would be the best fit.

[@KGK560]

Yo James how do you like these compared to the newer Genesis Reflex? I ride cartel/malavita straps. And a cartel X with genesis straps. I also have vertical adjust reflex discs for fine tune adjustment. I ride all mountain powder freestyle and all conditions Thanks.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Pretty similar in terms of support, shock absorption and response. I would say the Ultras are a little more damp. Just a lot more adjustability for stance width as well as boot to binding adjustability. Nice idea adding Genesis straps. I like those.

[@KGK560]

@@thegoodridesnow thanks dude. ! Have a great winter!!

[@croitorumihai15]

thx for review! how do you see this binding in combination with rome stale mod snowboard?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Haven't tried the Stale Mod so hard to say. If it's like the Party Mod then it's a great fit.

[@milanjakab877]

I am thinking to get the Strata or Ultra. I would use the bindings with the 2023 Salomon Assassin. I am riding all mountain, mostly groomers and some park. Which one would be a better fit to my board and style? Also, I am thinking to buy the Ride Fuse boots, I used Burton ION but it is to stiff to me.

[@thegoodridesnow]

I would go for the union force or atlas but the strata could work well too. I like tbose more for the assasin than the ultras

[@tomzeto]

I'm looking for new bindings and can't decide between this and skate tech bindings like Jones Orion. I ride everywhere, freestyle, and 40% in the park. What is your recommendation? Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Check the reviews on the site of the Other Jones and NOW bindings and I'll have the Orion up very soon. Just soo behind on getting reviews up. If you have a stiffer sole boot they could for sure work and have a super damp and cushy ride. If you don't or want a binding that has more adjustability and flex underfoot go Ultra.

[@Jon.dee_]

Hey GoodRide, awesome review! Considering the Union Ultras and the Union Stratas looking to pair one or the other on the capita SDOA / Mega Merc, and Korua Dart Which bindings would you pair with what board and why? Im thinking throwing the strata's on the dart for a surfy feel and keeping the ultras on the SDOA / Mega Merc. Do you think the ultras would be a good pairing on the SDOA or Mega Merc or is it not stiff of a binding for those two board? I have always ridden the ultras on the SDOA and Mega Merc but really wanted to try the ultras on them. What do you think?

[@thegoodridesnow]

I would go Strata for the Mega Merc and Korua Dart as it's a little more responsive and damp. The Mega Merc likes a more responsive binding. The Ultra would be better for the Super DOA. I'd actually go Atlas or Force for the Dart and Mega Merc and then Ultra for the Super DOA.

[@Jon.dee_]

@@thegoodridesnow awesome! Thanks for the response. What’s your take on the force pro and mating them up to the dart and mega merc? There are little to no reviews on the force pro variant. Only regular forces

[@thegoodridesnow]

Great combo. Like em better than the forces

[@patrickmulligan4056]

Would these be a good match for this years GNU RC C3? Or strata? Or a Burton offering? Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yes the Ultra and Malavita would be a great fit with the RC C3.

[@tomasrickevicius7518]

Thank you for the review! I just got the bataleon surfer And looking for new bindings strata / cartel / bataleon astro or? Mostly all mountain and pow. Can you recommend something please?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Havent tried to bataleon astro so i cant comment. The strata would be a really good fit. Cartel could work too, i like those a little more than the ultras. The surfer is an easy turning board so you wont go wrong with any of these bindings. Go with the one that calls to you

[@jeffstewart4162]

@@thegoodridesnow I also just bought a surfer and interested in which Now binding is similar to the Strata?

[@Pearlygates21]

Which allmountain freestyle binding is the Best for you 2023?

[@thegoodridesnow]

This would be one of them but It's not really about me. It's about you. Their are a lot of great bindings out there. If you want to know what's best for you hit me up here. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@marcyotei]

Does it makes sense to put Ultra's on a mind expander? or union strata or force might be a better fit?

[@thegoodridesnow]

It's all personal preference. They can turn it if you got the right size ME for your specs. If you want a more smooth turning experience yeah they will be fun and still supportive off piste. Ultras are best with slow speed shock absorption. Strata's are similar but with a touch more dampness but less shock absorption, and a tough more response. If you wan more response go Force but they will be a touch less damp than the Strata's.

[@marcyotei]

Thank you!@@thegoodridesnow

[@andym3519]

Great Review as always from thegoodride, thank you. I am looking to twin my GNU Finest (21/22) with new bindings for "buttering all mountain" if thats actually a riding category... I currently have the Cartels so looking for something a bit different. Cheers.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many Thanks! So the Ultra would be a great change up from the Cartel and it should match up very well. It is a very buttery binding like the Cartel but still has a very different personality.

[@andym3519]

@@thegoodridesnow awesome, appreciate that. I'm gonna go for them.

[@awiegwa]

Interesting binding....I already own Arbor Hemlocks and am wondering about the Hemlocks or the Ultra's for paring with the Nvrsmr Harpoon? I rode the Harpoon with the Hemlocks and it was quite surfy and great in powder as well as chopped up snow and actually made moguls very fun as it was easy to surf through them. Do you see any advantage in getting these or are the two bindings kinda comparable? Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

The two bindings are comparible and you have a great binding with the hemlocks. The ultra is a great binding too but i think its more of a lateral move

[@awiegwa]

@@thegoodridesnow Thank you!

[@ThePbutler35]

Thanks for your great reviews. I have a 2021 Orca and an older burton custom. I’m looking for a good binding I can use all around and with both boards. I ride the DC Judge boots. Very little park riding. Leaning towards a Union as I’ve never owned a pair. Which would you suggest?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for the good words. So for the Orca I'd do Union Force, Atlas or Falcor. For the Custom you could do the boards above also but you could also go Strata or Ultra if you want a more mellow binding that matches the response of Burton bindings a little more. The Custom turns pretty quick if it's sized correctly so you don't need as much binding.

[@ThePbutler35]

@@thegoodridesnow I greatly appreciate that. Is there a one that would be good to go between both boards?

[@thegoodridesnow]

The Atlas, Force or Falcor will work well with both. Strata too. Ultra can work but isn't as good for the Orca as the others.

[@safespaceinvader]

Can anyone give me a heads up on how these might compare to the Union Force. I'm thinking the Force is just a tad stiff and hard, great bindings, but I wonder if it would be worth an upgrade to get the ultra. What I like about these bindings from the reviews is that they seem to absorb, maybe better than the union?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah I can. I think you might really like the Ultra's if you want a more dampness, easier flex underfoot, and a little more mellow response. Or if you want something in between the Force and Ultra give the Strata's a look.

[@user-dn1eo1ku3x]

Do these pair up nice with the nitro dropout?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah they should work well if you get the right size dropout for your specs. I like the Strata, Force and Atlas a bit better but they will for sure work as that is an easy turning board.

[@arlokkkk]

Do you think this is a good paired with DOA and OSL?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yes that is a great pairing.

[@182CS]

Hi! I buyed a GNU Riders Choice 157.5, this is my first board, im looking for versatile bindings to pair it with, what do you think it will work best? Atlas, Ultra's, or Strata's? I like freestyle but im mainly doing all mountain, like to do groomers but also jumps, not very a fan of rails jibbing and that kind of stuff, i like jumping buttering and carving but not that fast to go for a stiffer binding what do you sugest? thanks and sorry if my english is bad, greetings from Argentina.

[@thegoodridesnow]

I think the Ultra or Strata's would be a great fit. The Stratas will be a little less shock absorbent but will be better at reducing chatter and make your board more damp. The Ultra's will be more shock absorbent but a little behind when it comes to absorbing chatter. It's a touch less responsive but both bindings will easily turn the Riders Choice. p.s. your English is great. Way better than I could do speakign Spanish!

[@182CS]

@@thegoodridesnow thanks for the answer and thanks for your time! I watched most of your reviews, hope you continue doing it! Great content

[@tbaart4428]

Would these be too soft for a Korua Dart? I imagine it’d soften the board a bit.

[@thegoodridesnow]

The Dart is pretty stiff so the Ultra wont soften it up much. It does better with mediumish to softer flexing boards. I personally would go Falcor, Force or Atlas with thr Dart.

[@tbaart4428]

@@thegoodridesnow Thanks 👍 My dart currently has flux CVs on it and they pair really well. Was just curious what your thoughts were. Are the Ultras still too soft for an Otto+ even after swapping in some stiffer straps and highbacks?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Flux and Union are very different bindings. If you sized right right they should work with the Otto + ok. Its all personal preference.

[@casey1400]

Man did they blow it not adding forward lean adjustability. Ordered a pair and had to send them back. The forward lean is way more aggressive than the forward lean on my Burton Kendos. In order to get the heel of the boot all the way to the back of the heel cup you have to tighten the toe strap first and then step down and force your boot in & mash it into the angle of the high back. What were they thinking putting such an aggressive forward lean on their most freestyle binding? Stupid if you ask me. Also the heelcup/baseplate is more narrow than the Atlas. My boot was jammed in and would still be stuck even unstrapped... sz 12 in a large binding should'nt have to be jammed in.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take.

[@himboslice_]

6 degrees is less than a lot of boots natural forward lean lmao

[@FOURFTP]

Im getting a Capita DOA board do you recommend these ultra binding to pair with the board

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yep. Those and the Statas match up very well.

[@FOURFTP]

@@thegoodridesnow hi just wanted your opinion but what will you say is a better board to get the DOA or Mercury

[@thegoodridesnow]

I know very little about you and what you want from a board so not sure. DOA is more technical but has more pop. Mercury is more forgiving and has more float in powder. If you want real advice go here shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@B-Rad-Gee]

ultras more or less responsive than the 2020 contact pros? was looking to upgrade from them to the stratas for a little more response

[@thegoodridesnow]

Very similar. Maybe a touch more with the Ultras. Go Stratas if u want more response

[@TheD1tritus]

​@@thegoodridesnow so if I decide to change my Contact Pro's to new Ultra's is there any point for this? Is they are better?

[@nathangore1503]

Would you recommend these with the 22/23 super doa?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah they could work but I'd also consider the Strata or even the Falcor. It really depends on what you want out of your Super DOA. Easy flex underfoot Ultra is the best. More of a damp ride go Strata. If you want damp and really responsive go Falcor.

[@drsteee]

That colour looks amazing, is that red or orange? Because I see a light change in the colour to the front. And my other question is if you would recommend the Starta or the Ultra for a riding style which includes park only here and there but riding the whole mountain like a park with sidehits, butters, 180 etc.? This season I will ride the neversummer proto slinger 😊

[@thegoodridesnow]

It is a redish orange transitioning into orange. It is very hard to get that color red on camera. This would match up really well with the Proto Slinger. I think that would probably be a better fit than the Strata. The Strata would work well too but they are more damp at speed but have less slow speed shock absorption. So if you were on the Protosynthesis I would probably suggest the Strata.

[@drsteee]

Thank you!!

[@drsteee]

@@thegoodridesnowsorry but I have another question, why do you rate the ultra „only“ with a 6 for butterability? I thought they were like the Contact pro Perfect for that?

[@thegoodridesnow]

@@drsteee Not sure what you mean. I didn't rate them that way and don't see what you are talking about on my review. Go to my site and you can see it's rated "Very Easy" just like the Contact Pro's. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-reviews/union-ultra-2015-2023-snowboard-binding-review/

[@George-ex6gb]

@@thegoodridesnow Hi, I am currently using the photosynthesis, I am an intermediate to advanced rider, I usually don’t go fast, comfort is the most important determinant for me. Do you recommend the Strata or Ultra? Is the dampness only difference between these 2 bindings?

[@alwaysgosnowboarding]

I take a very freestyle approach to the mountain. Butters, side hits, starting to get grabs. I picked these up on sale for 200 as an alternative to my cartels. Ill be trying them on a yes standard, lib tech box knife, and burton custom camber. Hoping they will be that playful all mountain binding. Ive never used anything other than cartels so unsure how they will compare, but I think they will be a fun comparison to have something more flexy and maybe a little damper.

[@thegoodridesnow]

That should be a good fit except for the Standard if you want to use the set back inserts. The mini discs don't work with those. At least you have your Cartels for the set back (called Slam Back) inserts.

[@jhazzpher17]

Hello The Good Ride Team! I love that you engage with your viewers’ comments. I had a question for the Ultras. Would these pair well with a Capita Indoor Survival 22/23? Idk what exactly is my ride style is called but I like to do switches, 180s and doing ollies. (Also maybe jumps as well). Would this binding suit well for me?

[@jhazzpher17]

Ahh i did some research on your website bout riding styles and it seems i fit well as an All-Mountain Freestyler

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yes these or the Strata's would be a great fit. If you want to do this properly hit me up here and I can give you real advice. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@matthewwalters8043]

Would these pair up good with a Ride Twinpig?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yes they would.