2014-2015 Union Contact Bindings Review
Use: Halfpipe/Freestyle/All-Mountain
Binding size: M/L
Boot size: 9.5
Color: Black
Price: $199.95
Union Binding Company
14/15 Union Contact bindings
If you’re like me, your riding changes constantly from all-mountain, to freeride, to pipe, to park, so you want a binding that can handle your needs. For the 2014-2015 season, I set up my halfpipe/all-mountain board with Union Contact bindings. For pipe, I like a board that’s not as soft as I ride for park, and I still want to be able to move freely with my bindings and be comfortable. I set up the Union Contact bindings on my Ripsaw, and they completed the all-black look I was looking for. Just like Union’s slightly higher priced brother, Union Contact Pro, these bindings are a pleasure to look at and have bomb-proof hardware.
I found that the Contact bindings were very comfortable with their minimal binding-to-board contact points designed to increase the natural flex and feel of your board. If you’re familiar with this binding, you’ll also know it’s Union’s team rider (and overall sick-trick innovator in my opinion) Scott Steven’s favorite from Union’s lineup. This binding has an asymmetrical highback to support nose/tail presses and butter tricks, and it’s designed for reverse- or hybrid-camber boards, which worked out well for my Ripsaw. Just like the Contact Pros, these bindings really allow you to feel the board under your feet, and the tool-free ankle and toe strap adjustments stay locked in, making them very easy to use anywhere.
These bindings are great for any type of riding, even though they may be looked upon as just a freestyle binding. They held up for my backcountry, all-mountain, and pipe/park riding needs. They have slightly less cushioning than the Contact Pros, and are a tad bit heavier, but overall the Union Contact bindings are a solid purchase. From what I have seen, the 2015-2016 contact bindings will have some upgrades in ankle, toe strap, and baseplate design, and I’m sure they will be a winner this year as well.
| Style: |  (5.0 / 5) |
| Comfort: |  (4.0 / 5) |
| Features: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.6 / 5) |