Union Makes Getting In and Out Of Your Bindings a Snap with Step On System

I’m a Union binding lover, and have been riding them exclusively for the past 15 seasons. So when I saw that Union had partnered with Burton and licensed the Step On system, I absolutely had to see what was going on.

This power move shows that this system is here to stay, and the two largest binding manufacturers teaming up could create an industry standard for fast entry step in style binding design with the Union Atlas Step On Binding. 

Wait Step In’s Again?

Step in’s. Remember those? The Clicker, Switch, even Burton had some out for a bit. They were so hot in the late 90’s/early 00’s, but then they seemed to disappear and straps once again reigned supreme.

But the future has now caught up with the past!! After 5 years of tinkering with the design, Burton secretly developed the “STEP- ON” system!! After they were released in 2017, the market for alternative binding options have steadily grown each season. Now you have the Clicker system back, and lots of other brands have made their own “fast entry” version of regular bindings.

But it is the Step On system that is the most noticeable on the mountain on any given day. And for good reason. It’s simple, comfortable, responsive, easy to use, and reliable.

Testing Union Atlas Step On Bindings

I got a pair of Union Atlas Step On’s in a size Large, and set these up on a Lib Tech E-Jack 162w and a Lib BRD 167, and with Burton Photon Step On boots in a size 11. With an aggressive board like the E-Jack, and a mid-stiff flexing boot, I felt I could get a good feel for these and see what the difference was compared to Burton Step- On’s I had ridden in the past.

Mounting

Set up was quite easy. The full size disk is unique as you use a mini disk type insert pattern (two holes right next to each other), and can only be shifted heel to toe for boot centering. This is because the heel cup adjustment is only for sizing your boot to the binding. These larges came set up for size 11’s so I didn’t change a thing there.

How’s The Highback and Forward Lean Adjustment Work?

The forward lean adjustment only had two options, factory setting (#1) and an extra set of spacers (#2) you swap out for more lean. It is adjusted by a small insert spacer you screw onto the high back. I usually run my highbacks on the #3 forward lean setting so I was a bit bummed to see only two setting options. And, it took both my hands and a foot to get the first spacer out and the larger one installed. After unscrewing the spacer I had to hold the highback in place with my foot, flex it forward aggressively, and pop it out with a screwdriver only to struggle to get the larger one installed before I could screw it in.

It’s one of my main gripes with this binding. I found that I needed more lean. Burton’s “two screw’s in the highback” system is far superior, both for ease of adjustment, and more forward lean options.

The highback itself had nice ergonomic shaping, good heel support, and a decent amount of flex laterally to offer a playful feel with some tweakablility.

Union Comfort

The Atlas’s have full underfoot cushioning, both on top as well and underneath so the feel on the board has a nice roll side to side. This is helpful as the way the system locks you into the heel cup can feel very restrictive to some riders. The cushioning under foot was soft but not squishy, and had no canting. The ride was damp and felt natural.

How Do the Bindings Operate?

The heel/toe response is where the Union Atlas really shines. Carving trenches was effortless and really fun. To have incredible response and control while having little overfoot pressure takes some getting used to, and you must allow some time to develop trust in the system and unique feel, but these biding carve as good or even better than most two strap systems I ridden.

The in/ out of the Step On is very straightforward and took me no time at all to get used to. Heel first, push down on the balls of your feet, and you’re in! Although I always took an extra heel bounce to make sure the lock was fully engaged. I even clicked in while getting off the chairlift on the first try! Pulling the lever and stepping out is a bit awkward at first, You must make sure your pants never get pinched in the closure mechanism! There are many videos out there showing people getting stuck in their snowboard bindings. It’s an easy thing to avoid if you keep your pant cuffs tucked into the heel clip on the boot, and double check whenever you step on the system.

Step On Bindings and Deep Snow?

In soft and deep snow, you can have a bit of a problem. You must ensure you can put enough pressure to engage the lock, and make sure there is as little snow as possible under your boot. I rode some heavy softer snow I was acutely aware that the snow, (as well as some sticks and twigs) was bouncing off my front foot right at the release lever. I did not have an issue, but it was on my mind while riding steeper terrain.

My main other problem was how much the heel cup, locking assembly, and highback protrude off your heels. These hang out at least a full inch more that a standard Union binding. I felt it whenever I rode in softer snow, and even washed out on a few heel turns and few deep heel carves on hardpack. I especially felt it when I sat down to wait for a friend on a slope.. My heels would hit and I’d slide down the hill for a few feet until I caught again. All my older regular bindings have scratches and scars on my heels so I have to wonder how these would hold up riding steeper terrain with more exposure to rocks.

Pros & Cons

**My thoughts on the benefits of these bindings and who they may work best for. These bindings and this system is great, but not for everybody, and not for all terrain and snow conditions.

Pros:

• These work very well for beginner/ intermediate riders. The comfort and response, and ease of use will help anyone progress and have more fun on the hill.
• For instructors, and people riding with children, and people with limited mobility. Having the ease of entry and exit of the Union Atlas Step On Snowboard Bindings, and the comfort of no strap pressure is a win if you ever stood around and taught beginners or kiddos. And while you still have to get your hand down to your heels, it’s way easier to pull a simple lever than mess with four ratchet straps.
• These are fantastic for a carving set up. Being locked in on your heels and both sides of your toes offers an incredible edge response that is a feel of its own.

**I did feel a few limitations and/or issues, although this a critique of the overall system, and not necessarily the Union Atlas Step Ons.

Cons:

• What was lacking for me on the Union Atlas Step On Binding was the fast heel/ toe sensitivity you need to ride tight trees, and off piste in softer snow. This is likely more of a boot fit issue ( I will get much more in depth with this in my review of the Burton Photon boot), but I felt awkward on trees and straight up out of control at times when riding wet heavy snow in steep trees.
• The heel cup sticking out is a problem for me. I did have a few inconsequential washouts, but on steeper terrain this could be a major issue when falling or slipping out could equal injury or death. Also, I wonder about long term durability if your heel cups look as banged up as mine usually do after a season or two.
• The lack of forward lean adjustment options is a bummer. A third insert height would be the easiest option for improvement, but ultimately I hope to see a redesign of the forward lean adjustment to allow for more options and easier changes with standard tools (and one that doesn’t involve your foot or a third hand).

Overall Impression

Will I ride the Union Atlas Step On’s ($429.99) again? Absolutely! For now these will go on a carving board or on a deck that I’d ride inbounds on mellower day or with my 6 and 7 year old kiddos. I have the feeling that as the system continues to be refined, and as the boot technology improves along with it, this will become the dominant system of snowboard interface.

Having Union enter the Step On game is great for snowboarding and I look forward to future products as they continue to develop. Perhaps a Union Step On boot!? Either way I see the Atlas Step On as a strong initial offering and step in the right direction for snowboarding.

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