026-027 Union & Burton Bindings_Layout 1 02/09/2011 10:28 Page 026
SNOWBOARD BINDINGS Choosing a binding generally comes in a distant third when looking at new kit. Most people spend an age researching the board and then the same trying on different boots, after that it’s normally a case of “that will do” for the binding because it matches the board. But that approach does a huge disservice to what really is one of the most important parts of a set up. The reality is, this simple bit of plastic is 100% responsible for delivering the input from the rider direct to the board, get this wrong and that input is broken and no matter how careful you were in choosing the rest of your kit the simple truth is that it isn’t going to work properly. When choosing a binding take into account what board it’s going on, how responsive you want it to be and what type of riding you will be doing. In our descriptions for each binding we have a tech spec section, cross reference this with the technical glossary below to help you understand the performance characteristics of the binding. BASEPLATE Polycarbonate: This basic material is generally used in bindings that are aimed at riders who want a more forgiving ride. Polycarbonate can undergo large plastic deformations without cracking or breaking. Glass Reinforced Nylon: By combining short fibre glass with nylon you can control the stiffness of the baseplate. The % of glass dictates the stiffness. This ranges from 10% to 45% with 45% being the stiffest. Anything over 45% renders the material too brittle. Carbon Reinforcing: This generally replaces the glass fibre content of the binding with carbon fibres increasing both response and control. Aluminium Heel Cups: These are generally added to bindings where the Baseplate is adjustable for length. Power Ramps: Increase the footprint of the binding by sitting underneath the toe of the boot. Power ramps increase the response speed by picking up the weight shift of the rider earlier. Footbeds: Are generally formed from EVA and normally cover the baseplate of the binding under the boot. Their main objective is to isolate the boot from vibrations coming through the binding which can cause foot cramps. Baseplate Bushings: Bushings normally serve a couple of purposes, the first is to add another level of vibration dampening whilst the second is to soften off the edges of the binding to try and reduce core compression in
PAGE026
the boards core which can result in structural damage to the board.
HIGHBACKS Plastic Make Up: This is the same as for baseplates, a polycarbonate highback will be soft and forgiving whilst the 30%, 45% and carbon reinforced highbacks will increase in stiffness. Urethane: Mainly aimed at freestyle riders, urethane highbacks have a really soft torsional twist whilst still being supportive with direct pressure. This makes this material perfect for riders looking for mobility on rails or in the air. Asymmetric: These highbacks are specific to the left and right foot. They are designed to work more efficiently than a standard symmetric highback by being able to pick up the riders energy shifts earlier.
STRAPS 3D Straps: By stitching the strap fabric in a specific way you can create a 3 dimensional shape. The advantage of 3D straps is that they sit over the boot better increasing comfort and reducing strap pressure. Cap Straps: These are designed to sit over the front of the boot, they help pull the boot back into the binding heelcup and reduce pressure over the front of the boot. Combination Straps: These can be used as either a cap strap or a traditional over the top of the toe strap.
UNION SL £259.99 Type: All Terrain Stiffness Rating: 8
If you’re riding a state of the art super light board then the SL is the binding for you. Its featherweight construction is matched perfectly to the new generation of top end boards and delivers class leading performance in every discipline of the sport. The high end low profile construction creates a mega responsive binding for the ultimate in control, response and power delivery. Baseplate: Carbon Injected DuPont Zytel Nylon with CNC Machined Aluminium Heelcup. Highback: SL Zytel Asymmetrical Highback. Straps: 3D Multi Layer Core Ankle and new Open Toe. Buckles: 2 Piece Magnesium/Aluminium. Extras: Injected Dual Density Baseplate Bushings, Dual Density Toe Ramps, Universal Disks. Colour: Grey Sizes: M (UK 5-9) L (UK 8.5-13) Code 802623
UNION CONTACT PRO £199.99
UNION FORCE £175.00
Type: Freestyle/All Terrain Stiffness Rating: 8
Type: All Terrain Stiffness Rating: 7
If you ever wondered what Gigi Ruf would come up with if given free rein to design a binding then here it is. This mega responsive binding is based around Union’s Contact baseplate, however on the Contact Pro it’s constructed from Carbon reinforced Zytel Nylon for lightening fast reactions. To this Union attach the Pro specific highback which creates a super responsive binding that will satisfy the most demanding rider.
The Force is the no.1 selling binding in the Union line, its ability to handle every type of riding and every type of terrain make it one of the most popular choices for any rider who is looking for a truly versatile all terrain binding. Super responsive and super comfortable the Force is the perfect binding for intermediate to advanced riders who don’t want their equipment to hold them back.
Baseplate: Carbon Injected Zytel Contact Base with CNC Machined Aluminium Heelcup. Highback: Contact Pro Cored. Straps: 3D Multi Layer Direct Connect Ankle and New Open Toe. Buckles: Injected Magnesium. Extras: Injected Dual Density Baseplate Bushings, Dual Density Toe Ramps, Universal Disks. Colour: Red/White Sizes: M (UK 5-9) L (UK 8.5-13) Code 802624
Baseplate: Stage II Zytel Nylon Base with Extruded Aluminium Heelcup. Highback: Multizone Zytel ST. Straps: New Direct Connect 3D Ankle and New Combination Toe. Buckles: Magnesium. Extras: Injected EVA Baseplate Bushings, Full Cover Baseplate padding, Universal Disks. Colour: Black (901) Sizes: M (UK 5-9) L (UK 8.5-13) Code 802625
UNION FORCE £175.00
UNION CONTACT £159.99
Type: All Terrain Stiffness Rating: 7
Type: All Terrain Stiffness Rating: 6
The Force is the no.1 selling binding in the Union line, its ability to handle every type of riding and every type of terrain make it one of the most popular choices for any rider who is looking for a truly versatile all terrain binding. Super responsive and super comfortable the Force is the perfect binding for intermediate to advanced riders who don’t want their equipment to hold them back.
Aimed at riders who are looking for a binding that delivers the ultimate in control and feel. The unique Baseplate design allows the board to flex more naturally as well as improving feel underfoot by sitting the boot closer to the board. This increase of feel makes the Contact the perfect binding for park riders looking for additional control on rails as well as all terrain riders who are just wanting to step up their riding.
Baseplate: Stage II Zytel Nylon Base with Extruded Aluminium Heelcup. Highback: Multizone Zytel ST. Straps: New Direct Connect 3D Ankle and New Combination Toe. Buckles: Magnesium. Extras: Injected EVA Baseplate Bushings, Full Cover Baseplate padding, Universal Disks. Colour: Orange (980) Sizes: M (UK 5-9) L (UK 8.5-13) Code 802625
Baseplate: Contact Zytel Nylon Base with Extruded Aluminium Heelcup. Highback: Contact Zytel. Straps: New Direct Connect 3D Ankle and New Combination Toe. Buckles: Magnesium. Extras: Injected Dual Zone EVA Baseplate Bushings, Full Cover Baseplate padding, Universal Disks. Colour: Black Sizes: M (UK 5-9) L (UK 8.5-13) Code 802626
shop online www.snowboard-asylum.com