UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2018/2019 Union Contact Pro here

The Details:

Gigi Rüf may make his own boards these days, but where bindings are concerned he still puts his faith in the Union Contact Pro.

The name comes from the fact that contact with the board has been made as minimal as possible. Only 5% of the baseplate touches the board when in a neutral position, meaning your stick of choice will be able to flex closer to the manner that was intended during construction. This is achieved by using a smaller disc surrounded by EVA foam.

It’s a fairly flexible binding too, sitting in the middle of the range and therefore offering plenty of options. Whether you like to cruise or point it, you could make this work – and if you like a mixture of the two, this covers all bases.

It’s remarkably light – a mere 720 grams on the scales – due to the materials used and the design of the highback in particular. It still has the usual Union strength that holds up even on Gigi-esque lines, though, with a solid aluminium heel cup and durable ankle straps with minimal stitching.

If you’re after something a little softer, there’s the regular Union Contact binding too, but those looking to step things up will be better off with this.