Mike Hardaker Testing the Union Expedition Bindings on Teton Pass | Photo Mountain Weekly News
Union Expedition 1.0 Review
With almost 2 full seasons of testing the Union Expedition Splitboard Bindings, I can say without a doubt these are the most responsive snowboard like splitboard binding on the market. I have so much trust in these bindings that I’ve actually taken a pair catskiing and heliskiing in British Columbia. Enough said?
You may have heard about the pin. Yep, Union is using a pin for their Expedition Splitboard Bindings. Does the pin work? Sure does, just like the old pins Spark and Voile used in the past. Although Karakoram never got into the put the pin in the whole game.
As mentioned above I went cat skiing, and heli-skiing while wearing these bindings underfoot with a pin holding the entire system in place. Was I hesitant to use this setup for that sort of terrain, 100% so. However, I knew these bindings worked perfectly splitboarding and I really enjoyed the style of riding on these bindings over my Sparks. I took a gamble and took these to BC it paid off.
Honestly, if Union was making a binding that was failing, we would have heard of it by now.
What these bindings do have that you most likely will cringe about is a few degrees of rotational play depending on how well you set up the bindings. Even when perfect there is a noticeable 1-2 degree of play no matter how many times you try and mount the Expeditions.
Do you surf or skateboard? If so can you remember a time your feet stayed in one place for the entire day? It doesn’t happen that way in board sports. With the small amount of rotational play found on these bindings, you get a more playful ride going downhill just enough to allow your feet to move a little bit.
Does your splitboarding include hanging onto steep icy big mountain lines? These bindings are not for you. Go with the Spark R&D Surge or Arc bindings instead.
Like to ride powder, surf hit pillows and add freestyle to your backcountry game. You will want to use a pair of Union’s and most likely won’t ever go back to the other major splitboard manufacturers.
Riding
Does your splitboard ride differently from your favorite resort board? It shouldn’t…
One of the first things you will notice when putting your boot inside the Union Expedition Splitboard Bindings is just how darn comfortable they feel. This is a snowboard binding that has been adapted to work for splitboarding. Union is using padding on the base of the binding, just like every other traditional snowboard binding on the market. I can’t seem to figure out why the other splitboard binding manufacturers are not including padding out of the box? Union is.
When it comes to the straps these again will remind you of snowboard straps, cushy padded ones that feel great on your foot and more importantly respond with the same quickness you have come to expect from your regular snowboard bindings.
The Forma Ankle Strap and toe strap are made of soft rubber that works in temperatures all the way down to -30F (although I don’t recommend splitboarding or going outside when it’s that cold unless you dig frostbite.
For the rest of the specs on the binding head over to the Union Website.
As with the previous versions of the binding the climbing ladder is simple to use and the easiest to get up and down of all the other splitboard bindings out there. One thing I have noticed is the more you use the climbing ladder the more likely your skins are to fail. More on that to follow in another splitboarding article. If you can put a skin track in, an efficient one there is really no need to use the risers while touring. Try it out sometime, of anything it will make you that much stronger. Sort of like climbing in the baby gear of your mountain bike vs using a tighter gear. One is easier, one is more efficient…
Transitions
When its time to put the board back together Union made things a little easier with the new Expedition Bindings by using a nonstick material on the footbed as well as highbacks.
As you can see, snow still sticks to the bindings however it’s really easy to knock it off by clanking the bindings together. For the area around the disk, I use my glove to clear snow and even the pin if need be. One tip is to take the pin and put it through the disk slot before even spinning the binding on. This will make sure the channel is free of snow. Take the pin out and then put the binding back on.
In 70+ days of using these bindings I have only had trouble getting the bindings on twice while in deep snow. The culprit? I put the bindings on backwards. Which is tough to do as each disk is lined up for the specific binding. If you run into this problem, make sure your buckles are facing outwards.
Watch the video below to see the first time I transitioned the old Union Expedition Bindings, it’s 1000x quicker now.
>>> One of my favorite bindings of the year, easily made our list of best splitboard bindings.
What Can Be Improved
When in tour mode the bindings are locked into place via a pin system. The pin is easy to use as you simply slide the pin into the hole. The one thing that sucks about this system is the tiny plastic tabs Union uses to lock the pin into place. I have broken them on all the pairs I tested. Although this sucks and says something about the construction of the binding it doesn’t really seem to effect touring. You can see the broken off tab in the photo below:
The reason the binding stays in place when touring is your foot actually stands over the pin and the toe strap helps to keep the pin from moving up. There was one time though where the binding came off in tour mode due to the plastic piece missing. Which sucked, especially considering I was putting a skin track up a face that had a potential of sliding. Next thing I knew my entire binding was off the ski, awkward at best.
One more thing that has started to happen as of late is the rivets have started to pop out of where the pin goes in.
So there are couple tweaks Union should fix on this binding ASAP.
Overall Impression
If you care more about the experience you have going downhill while splitboarding or while riding your splitboard there is no better binding on the market than the Union Expedition Splitboard Binding.
The Union Expedition Splitboard Bindings will truly change the way you look at snowboarding on your splitboard. If you’re new to splitboarding try out a pair of the Union’s and you might not ever need to ride anything else. For the Spark crew, give them a try you make enjoy the ride Union offers on the descent.
Related Articles:
Had the same Q about the velcro strap! Googled it and landed here. Thanks (again) for good info.
What is the orange Velcro strap for
Jack,
Great question? I believe it can be used to put around the skis like a ski strap.
Mike
There’s no such thing as the Union Expedition binding, it’s called the Union Explorer…only the crampons are called “expedition”
Taylor,
You are incorrect. The Union Splitboard Bindings version 1 and 2.0 were the Expeditions. The new upgraded binding is the Explorer. Thanks for the comment
Mike
Hi Mike, thanks for putting together a solid review. I have been interested in the 2.0’s for a while now, as I travel a lot and want to have a solid and split with me, utilising the solid disk option. I have an older pair of sparks, like them, but needing an upgrade for a number of reasons.
I have a burton landlord 168 at present. I have just found out that the Union’s aren’t compatible with the channel system? Is that correct? Do you know if that is going to change? Or any other options are around this?
Cheers
Benny
Benny,
Correct indeed on the Burton Landlord Splitboard for the most part. Here’s what Unipn had to say:
The channel hardware that originally comes with their split boards protrudes the top sheet and doesn’t work with our baseplates. It’s do able but not perfect out of the box.
This is the stupidest review ever, written by a doushebag who can’t even type out some proper grammar. I can’t even count how many times have I seen people getting hosed by their Chinese made Union garbage bindings, because they can’t get the damn things back into ride mode. These “splitboard” bindings are a liability in the backcountry, and I would not tour outside of the resort with someone using these. The only reason this dumb cunt posts such raging boner reviews is because he gets paid by Union to do so.
Travis,
Thanks for the comment, this is a blog. The Union are my favorite splitboard bindings. I have tested the Nitro Verticals, all the Spark Bindings, Voile and avoid Karakoram. Most likely you ride the latter?
Mike
Mike, I ride Sparks and would never touch those Unions. I also don’t bother riding non-American made split bindings. I was in a store messing with them and BROKE the tour mode with my bare hands just playing in the store. The shop owner said after that that he would no longer order those bindings. I’m not sure of the type of splitboarding you get into, but those of us who ride real terrain in actual Teton backcountry can’t be bothered with garbage equipment that fails. The only reason anyone rides these are 1) They get paid to do so, or 2) Are brand new splitters on a budget and don’t know any better. Your review is irresponsible because it promotes a product that is an actual safety liability in real terrain.
Travis,
” I’m not sure of the type of splitboarding you get into, but those of us who ride real terrain in actual Teton backcountry” mellow terrain brah, after finishing my Avy3 I pulled back a bit. Thanks for your feedback on the bindings, if they were as unsafe as you say a recall would happen which has not.
Non-American made bindings eh? So you only ride Sparks? What board you ride, American made too?
-Mike
Douchebag*
Would these fit on a Salomon Premiere Splitboard? Having some trouble trying to figure out what is compatible with what system. Thanks!
Vaughn,
Great question, let me reach out to the team at Salomon.
Hi there! The Premiere comes with specific 3 parts pucks that are compatible with the Voile standard, so the board can be mounted with all Sparks, Voile and K2 bindings
Plum are also compatible but you will need specific pucks they sold separately
Unions and Karakoram are not compatible, they use dedicated pucks system designed for 2 parts boards only
thanks !
Thanks for the updated David.
Hi, I was wondering if the 2 holes in the baseplate in which the pin goes through while in walk mode are still made of plastic with 2 bushings glued in them? I own the 1.0 version and love them but unfortunately those wholes have broken on me several times (the fact it is in plastic) while skiing down (silly skiing). And once they are broken you can not hike up and need to replace the baseplate (which is lifetime guarantied by Union and their customer service is the absolute best).
Thanks for all these great reviews,
Frank
Frank,
Seems the bushings are the same in the 2.0 and the 2022 ones I just got to test. I haven’t had issues with the 2.0 but did notice the little metal bushing coming out on the first versions.
Thanks for reaching out.
Mike
I apologize for my english. I’m from Russia.
Mike Hardaker, the same thing happened to me. In my bindings, the bolts broke out of the base plates twice. Cut the threads on the plates. These are clearly defective discs. I sent an application to the manufacturer. I look forward to hearing from Union. It is a pity, as the mounts are very pleasant.
Hi Mike! Thanks for sharing your opinion on the Expeditions. Took a long time to choose my own first split setup and i went with the 2021 Expeditions and 2019 Jones Solution 162W. I Really do love the way they feel on the way down, and the only hike issue that i noticed is the need to pull the climbing heel away from the binding before pulling it down.
But i did run into some issues with them in ride mode. On one of the runs the back foot felt a bit wobbly and during the transition i found two screws missing and the binding just came off as soon as i removed the pin. I’ve checked with many reviews around and haven’t seen anything similar in any of them… Still waiting to hear back from the rep in my country regarding the warranty (and if there was something wrong or i’m just too heavy at 220 Lbs) i’m having a hard time deciding if i should exchange them for another pair or return them altogether and get something from Spark R&D just to be safe. What wound you suggest?
It’s really a pity, because i do love the ride with them and the build quality looks great otherwise.
Ignat,
Thanks for the comment. I have seen the Union screws loosen and when it happens it’s basically impossible to put the binding back on without tightening them back on using the mounting template. That being said I check now before I go out daily with the split stuff. Traditionally the Spark’s will be more durable for larger riders. Although I did just have my first issue with Spark’s durability in over a decade, which will be addressed in my Nitro Vertical review to follow in next few weeks.
Mike
Hey Mike, thanks for the great review.
I was wondering if you’ve been able to try the 2021 version, and whether they also have the same couple degrees of play on the way down.
Ivo,
I do have the 2021 versions. Little bit of play in the bindings but only really noticeable when mounting them to the board
Would this binding be compatible with the Rossignol Sushi Split?
Justin,
Should work just fine, would make for an EPIC pow set up…
Got a pin question,
Will the Spark touring bracket marry up to the Unions? Is the pin more or less the same gauge and how about the spacing?
Andres,
They are not compatible.
I bought these bindings after seeing them heavily discounted at REI online, and subsequently reading your review. I rode them all season in Japan, and they were fantastic.
I totally agree that they aren’t great for sidehilling on icy summits (but that could also be a function of my flexy soft boots), but where I was really, very, pleasantly surprised is that I get ZERO rotational play in my bindings, and I have only mounted them once! They are 100% solid.
I wonder what’s different about mine than the dozens of reviews across the internet that found a few degs of play?
Tim,
Stoked you got on the Unions, and the REI deals late season are pretty darn solid. Most likely the peanut gallery that is talking about these bindings online never actually went past mounting them in a shop or at home. Everyone that has actually gone downhill on these bindings is a huge fan. The up is a little wanky, but for shredding down the Unions are simply put, fun to ride.
What board did you have them on?
Coda Splitboard. Was looking at that vs the Jones Mountain Explorer (or whatever the name is for the entry-level jones board, I can’t remember), and your review pushed me over to the Coda. And I’m super psyched about it. That board is amazing in pow, and I predominantly ride in Japan, so… no brainer. So thanks for those reviews!
oh and not sure if the comment system will allow urls, but here’s 7 seconds of me shredding Furanodake in central Hokkaido, Japan, on the Coda Split + Union bindings: https://www.instagram.com/p/BvZIBXFAiEK/
😉
Was a sick tour. If you make it out to Japan next season hit me up, seriously!
Thanks Tim, stoked to have helped you dial in a fun board.
Thanks for a bomb review after sending it out in the field. Just ordered a pair to throw on my jones explorer for some sierra pursuits. Yeeewww
Uncle Kyle,
Very cool indeed, let us know how they work for you.
joe
i just cut an old palmer in half.
will the Expiditions mount directly into the base plate screws?
so i wont need to drill more holes through the board?
Fantastic Review. I bought the 2018 Expeditions and was really excited to try them out and was a bit concerned about the slight spin, but your feedback makes me feel much more at ease. I got these cause I love Unions and knew that they would feel amazing on the ride down, so I’m also stoked to see your feedback on the ride feel. I put them on an Arbour Abicus, and I’m stoked to get on the snow and try these out!
Thanks, Joe I appreciate the feedback. The Unions with the Abacus are going to offer a fun, very familiar style of shreding. That’s a great combo/. What have you been using in the past for splitboard or splitboard bindings?
I’ve rented/borrowed Arcs over the last few years on a Salomon Herren and they just felt too clunky and stiff – but after I saw the announcement of the Union Splits, I knew I had to try them. Are you still using the same Unions for this season as well?
Hey Joe,
Good to know on the Arcs with the Salomon, do you know which board in particular it was? I am now using this seasons union, the White-colored ones. And will be trying the FC bindings soon. The Union Splitboard bindings are really fun to ride.
It was the Salomon Herren Split from 2017. Cool to hear that your using the Unions again, as you’ve reviewed lots of different bindings. Is the Union your go to? P.s. curious to know if you notice any major changes in the new 2019 expeditions, so far it seems they’ve only changed the high back and upper strap
Joe,
I have yet to post up the new Union review, binding seems like the first edition but with upgraded parts. As for ride quality very similar. Herren = Mens in German? I can’t find a “Salomon Herren Split” for the life of me online 🙂
Yes it’s just the men’s split haha – I googled it and I thought that was the name of the board, it was a rental from Revelstoke. Looking forward to the updated review!
p.s. I’ll be doing a 3 night backcountry trip and was curious to know if you think these bindings will hold up well for that long of a trip? The first day will be a 12 hour tour into a hut haha
First thorough review I’ve seen on these. Thanks for taking the time to actually use them a bit before spraying more garbage on the internet.
Phil
Cheers Phil, we prefer to spray with our tails.
Great review. I’ve been touring on these since last season and love em. I also have a set of Spark Tesla that I enjoy as well. However when it comes to “snowboarding” the union expedition crush it. I find it funny all the haters on a Pin System. It doesn’t take any longer to transition with a Pin IMHO. Just a another way to connect a binding to a board. Keep up the reviews. If your ever in the PNW give a holler.
Eric,
Thanks for your feedback, most likely people bitching about the pin were around when we used to cut our snowboards in half, we’ve come a long way since then. This is a snowboard binding that works for splitboarding. Not the other way around.
Oh awesomeness! I love my Union bindings for my resort board. My only gripe with Spark R&D is the components (straps, backs) are kind of cheap (breaks). I wonder how these will hold up. Anyhow thanks for sharing Mike, now I just need $375 (and some snow). See you in D-town!
Denver for sure, and how about a road trip out this way for a little Montane product testing, I got some binders you will dig.
Ha I wish! Jackson is holding a 54 inch base! Plus you’re about to get the hammer dropped this week. Nearly zero snow here in the Southern San Juans, I haven’t even got the snowboard box out of the shed. If snow doesn’t come soon I’m just going to start road cycling in spandex like the rest of the geezers.
why are you at work? Go shred that pow for the rest of us. go Go GO!
I’ve got these on my Coda and I’m super stoked to try them, just need some snow…
Nick, that sounds like a freaking awesome setup!!!! 2 of my favorites for sure. Where about’s are you doing most of your riding?
I’m in SLC, so I’ll be in Wasangeles for most of it. Got a trip booked to Chile for this summer though, and I’m definitely going to take advantage of being able to use these bindings on my entire quiver for that.