2024 Union Ultra Snowboard Bindings Review: A Cushy, Freestyle-Focused Favorite

Introduction

The 2024 Union Ultra has been a daily driver here for close to two full seasons, and it has earned its place as a go-to binding. It is aimed squarely at freestyle-focused riders, but it has enough versatility to handle all-mountain exploring without complaint. After well over a hundred days a year on Union bindings, the Ultra stands out for one reason above all others: comfort.

Design: The Asym Base Plate and Mini Disc

The first design highlight is the Asym base plate. Union removed as much material as possible from the chassis to keep the binding lightweight. That asym design, combined with the mini disc, delivers a lot of lateral flex. The result is a very tweakable binding with a surfy feel that is a lot of fun for freestyle riding, which is exactly what this binding is all about.

There is also a practical hardware story here. The Astro washer, a locking washer on the heel cup that secures the ladder, strap, and heel cup, keeps screws from backing out once the tightness is set. Loose hardware has been a complaint with Union bindings in years past, and across the board it is no longer an issue. Union has also added notches that physically lock the heel cup in place once centered, so it cannot slide in or out. That is a small improvement that simply makes the binding nicer to live with all season.

Comfort Standout: Molecular Bushing and Extra Grip

The most noticeable feature is Union’s molecular bushing with TPE outsole. The entire area of the tray where material was removed is filled in with this bushing, so most of the toe and practically the entire heel sit on a very cushy, damp pad. On the spot under the toe where binding material remains, Union covers it with a dense, grippy rubber called Extra Grip.

That bushing is also 15% lighter than the fused vapor light bushing found in the Strada, and it is the feature that sets the Ultra apart the most. The damp feel smooths out the ride and helps on harder landings, which matters a lot for riders with any history of ankle or joint issues.

No Forward Lean Adjuster, By Design

The Ultra has no forward lean adjuster at all. Many park riders run zero forward lean anyway, and Union has eliminated the adjuster entirely. There are two clicks of forward lean built into the binding, around 6 degrees, but it went unnoticed in daily riding and felt natural and comfortable from day one. If you are used to riding zero forward lean, this is an easy switch.

Straps, Fit, and Adjustability

The ankle strap is a 3D molded ergonomic design with modest interior padding. It molds to the boot well, essentially disappears while riding, and still offers plenty of response when you lean into it. The biggest change for 2024 is the toe strap, which gains a rubber mesh lining on the inside to grip the boot better. As with all Union bindings, you can run it over the toe or over the top of the boot, depending on preference.

Union’s adjustable heel cups are here too, letting you slide the heel cup in or out to center your boot over the board, which is critical for a proper setup. Straps get toolless adjustment for easy centering, best done at home but easy enough on the hill without a screwdriver. The toe strap also has two placement positions on the board for quick adjustments, handy if you swap boards with a friend for a lap. Union’s lifetime warranty on the base plate and heel cup applies as well.

How It Compares Within the Union Lineup

Within the Union lineup, the Ultra sits a little sturdier than the entry-level Flight Pro, roughly similar to the Strata, and not as stiff as the all-mountain options like the Atlas or Atlas Pro, or the Falon, the stiffest freestyle binding in the range. The flex is a solid mid-flex with a slightly tweakable, surfy character, but it still carries enough response for exploring the resort. The highback is fairly tweakable but takes some muscle to flex, so this is not a flimsy binding.

Who the Union Ultra Is Best For

This is a great all-around binding for the freestyle-focused rider. If you are charging hard at higher speeds and hitting high-impact scenarios where maximum responsiveness and sturdiness matter most, the Ultra probably is not the best fit. But if you like a freestyle approach anywhere on the resort and want that tweakable, surfy feel wrapped in genuinely excellent comfort, it is a really solid and fun choice. For anyone with ankle history, the cushy damp feel adds real value.

Conclusion

The 2024 Union Ultra is a versatile, freestyle-oriented binding whose biggest standout is comfort: the molecular bushing delivers a damp, cushioned ride, the straps and padding disappear underfoot, and the hardware improvements remove a longtime annoyance. For freestyle-focused riders who want something tweakable, lightweight, and easy on the body, it is a natural pick worth checking out.