Union Falcor Snowboard Binding Review

Union Falcor Binding Review Test Information:
Use: Freestyle/All Mountain
Binding size: Large
Boot size: 10.5
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV
Binding Color: Black
Snowboards tested on: Never Summer Shaper Twin, Sims Dealers Choice

Intended Use: Snowboarding in every condition – Designed by Travis Rice
Recommended for: intermediate/advanced riders

Review Date: November 2017 – April 2018 (in Wyoming/Idaho/Utah)

Review:
We were initially introduced to the Union Falcor Binding by Travis Rice at SIA in 2017. The Falcor is a replacement for the T. Rice Pro binding. Talking with Travis, you could really feel the excitement and passion he put into this binding. Based on the terrain, style and amplitude Travis rides with, you know this binding was put through the ringer.
The Falcor looks like something out of a movie; with clean lines and minimal material, they look impressive. Travis Rice and Union really upped the technology in the Falcor.

The highback has a very unique look to it. It has a Forged Carbon spine in the middle to provide stiffness front to back. The spine is wrapped in Duraflex Nylon allowing the highback to still be playful. The forward lean adjustment is not tool-less like most bindings are now but it does connect to the Forged Carbon Spine for direct transfer of energy.

Union also upgraded the material in the ratchets. The Magnesium 2.0 ratchets are up to four times stronger and half the weight of traditional aluminum ratchets. They withstood a long winter’s worth of abuse and still function like they did on the first day. They are really smooth and easy to use.

Also new for 17/18 the ExoFrame/Air Ankle straps. We’ve seen the trend toward minimalist ankle straps, some more comfortable than others. Union’s offering was very functional and offered superior comfort. I found this ankle strap used much less material, which really allows you to transfer power without having to push through a big bulky strap. I rarely had any foot pain or cramping after long days of charging in these bindings as they really distribute the pressure well.

Unions Stage 6 Duraflex CB Base combined with the Vaporlite 3.0 bushing provides a super light, damp, strong base to the Falcor’s. Union used microfused injection around the disk ring for added strength. The Vaporlite 3.0 bushing paired with my Adidas Tactical Adv boots provided an amazingly comfortable ride and ample shock absorption. The footbed also has a 3 degree canting, which your knees will definitely thank you for, as well as a coating on the EVA foam that prevents snow build up. The Falcor is mounted with the Union minidisc system. The unique baseplate and mini disc system really allowed for great transfer edge to edge and allows the natural flex of the board beneath providing a really great feel and ride.

The Falcor bindings are also paired with Union’s Ulragrip Toe Straps. These really keep with the simplistic style of the Falcor but the anti-slip material keeps the toe strap locked in.

The Falcor has Travis Rice’s signature water drops logo for added style. My only complaints with these bindings are you cannot adjust the position of the toe strap and the paint chips off rather easily.

Summary:
The Union Falcor binding is a great option for intermediate to advanced riders. They are super light, yet strong and durable. The Falcor provides a really damp ride, exceedingly absorbs vibration and allows natural flex of the board. The Falcor will handle any condition and every line you can throw at it with ease.