Union Milan (dame) Snowboardbinding

The overall riding experience of the Union Milan is hard to compare to other bindings in this price range.  The ability to flex a 4 screw snowboard is very unique. It offers a pretty responsive ride for its flex. For years now the Union Milan has been a good entry level or freestyle binding for riders of almost any level.

The main change for the 2021 season is the improved ankle strap. It offers better overall support when you flex down or land hard. And also seems like it will hold up longer than some of the previous straps.

In the 2020 season, the Union Milan got an upgrade to the high-back. They now feature the CP3 high-back, which is the same as the men’s Contact Pro high-backs but just anatomically correct for women.

In 2019 the Union Milan‘s got an upgrade with the heel cup washers, and they fixed the problem of them always coming loose.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  No one is perfect and we do make money from the “Where To Buy” links below, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average rider’s perspective.

Riders : Steph (Boot size 7.5, Binding size M, Weight 105lbs)

Days: All Season

Conditions: All types of conditions

Boards: Too many to count

Boots: Vans Ferra

High-back Flex: 5/10 on the Union scale. The High-backs are very comfortable. A little shorter than more all mountain style bindings. Very butter-able and flexy. But still give you support when you need it.

Boot Adjust-ability: The Union Milan bindings, like all Union bindings have the adjustable heel cup so you can get your boot right in the middle of the board, they don’t have an adjustable toe ramp though like some other union models because the foot bed doesn’t come out of the binding, it is fixed to the rest of the binding. The straps are adjustable in length. I’d say medium adjust-ability here since some bindings have a slider that allows you to micro-adjust the length of the ankle and toe straps, and the Union Milans have a set amount of holes that you adjust with screws.

Comfort: I find these bindings extremely comfortable, they have a skate like feel on your feet, you can hardly tell they are there. There are no hot spots from the ratchets, straps, or heel lock system at all.

Boot Support: The Union Milan bindings offer a medium amount of boot support. The amount of support that the new ankle strap gives you is much better than the older straps. You can upgrade the straps at C3 here if you want something different.

Turn Initiation: Turning is medium fast, these bindings offer a surf like ride that allows for movement so you get response but they aren’t the top of the line when it comes to quick turn initiation.

Buttering: The mini disc under foot mixed with the medium soft high-back gives you butters to your heart’s desire. You don’t feel any bite from the high-back when you are flexing it either.

Ratchet System: Union has some of my favorite ratchets, they are super easy to take off and put on, they never get locked up or get caked with ice or snow. Always feel smooth.

Shock Absorption:
The Union Milan bindings offer a pretty smooth ride for being a lighter binding. They are ideal for lighter riders. So if you are a heavier rider, these might not offer as much shock absorption as someone lighter than you. They aren’t the smoothest bindings out there, but they do pretty well, especially for their price point.