• Price: £115
• Sizes: S, M
• Flex: 3
• Entry System: Classic
• UNIONBINDINGCOMPANY.COM

With the general cost of bindings creeping up of late, it’s good to see the Union Rosa back for another year, delivering essential comfort and support without the hefty price tag.

The Union Rosa is soft yet strong, durable yet lightweight, and looks great too. It’s not one for feeling the G’s on the mountain’s steepest faces, but for those who like a cruisey ride it’s ideal – and while it’s far from the techiest binder that Union produce, there’s still plenty of clever stuff going on here.

“Whether you’re into park riding, piste cruising or a combination of the two, the Union Rosa is a dependable, comfortable choice”

The extruded-aluminium heelcup provides an uber-tough yet lightweight cradle for your boot, and the baseplate is essentially a female-specific version of the one seen on the Union Flite. Despite weighing next to nothing, both are durable enough to merit a lifetime warranty, and there’s plenty of EVA cushioning underfoot to mellow out the vibrations experienced during a day’s riding.

If it’s a fighter jet-esque carbon highback that you’re after, keep looking; the Union Rosa is kitted out with asymmetrical models that hug your calves comfortably, and are flexible enough to have a bit of fun with. As for the straps, the ankle strap features traction that keeps your foot secure no matter what, while the new ‘Ultragrip’ toe strap has a minimalist design that can be worn either right across the end of the boot, or over the top. Make sure you do all the adjustments you need to before the shred though, as the Rosa isn’t tool-less.

Like the heelcup, the aluminium buckles are another Union specialty. The weight saving isn’t something you’d notice (even though every little helps), but they’re far stronger than plastic alternatives and will work just as well on their thousandth click as their first.

Whether you’re into park riding, piste cruising or a combination of the two, the Union Rosa is a dependable, comfortable choice. The binding disc is compatible with channel boards and those with standard inserts, so you’ll be able to mount these to any steed.