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Union Contact Pro 2018-2019 Snowboard Bindings Review

UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2019/2020 Union Contact Pro here

It’s farewell to the Union Contact – the long-serving freestyle bindings have been retired for the 2018/19 season. However, its Gigi Rüf-endorsed, souped-up sibling the Union Contact Pro remains.

Despite boasting the kind of pedigree that would take Best In Show at Crufts, the Union Contact Pro snowboard bindings aren’t as pricey as you’d think – and compared to other models that are similarly positioned in the market, they’re streets ahead.

“The extruded aluminium heelcup and blended nylon chassis could walk out of a North Korean nuke test with barely a scratch”

[monetizer101 search=’union contact pro’]

As the name suggests, the key design feature is that only a minimal amount of the baseplate – 5% is the claim – makes contact with your board when stationary. This allows your deck to flex more naturally, giving you a better-feeling ride with no loss of control or stability.

The Contact Pro’s extruded aluminium heelcup and blended nylon chassis could walk out of a North Korean nuke test with barely a scratch, and are on the light side to boot. Grippy material on the inside of the plush ankle strap improves the already stellar fit, and the toes stap is impressively minimal.

It’s lacking the Union’s latest advances in tech, but it’s all relative; there’s so much to admire about the Union Contact Pro, not least of which is the price tag.

The Scott Stevens edition comes with a highback that’s reminiscent of the original Contact, and has no forward lean option, but otherwise it’s the same high-performance model that you see here.

Tester’s Verdict

Darren Williamsthesnowboardshop.co.uk

“If you want a light binding then this is a great option. You get great board feel through the soft EVA bushing underfoot, thanks to the use of a small-sized disk rather than a solid plastic tray.

“You get great board feel through the soft EVA bushing underfoot”

The straps are comfy enough and the ratchets work well too. They come in a couple of colours including black, so it’s a pretty safe option.
If I were to ride a pair of Union bindings, the Contact Pro would be my choice.”

[monetizer101 search=’union contact pro’]

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