Union Charger Splitboard Bindings - 2023/2024
Less time in transition means more time spent riding. Say hello to the pinless dual lock system of the Union Charger splitboard bindings, which allows for fast transitions with the flip of a lever.
- SP3 Duraflex CB baseplates let you simply rotate the bindings into place, push the rear lever down and you're ready to ride
- XP3 Duraflex ST highbacks feature 2 separate layers to provide response when you need it and flexibility where you want it
- Split Flad (forward lean adjuster) 3.0 lets you quickly transition from touring mode to ride mode with the flip of a lever
- Thermoformed EVA bushings
- Extruded 3D aluminum heel cups optimize heel hold and minimize drag; new Astro Washer helps prevent heel cup slipping
- Exoframe 5.0 ankle straps utilize triaxial progressive flex for the perfect boot-to-binding fit and instant power and response when you're ready to carve
- Simple, light TS 4.0+ toe straps keep you locked down for the ride without letting you know they're there; shorter buckle bace helps reduce weight and pressure points
- Toolless strap adjust
- Integrated climbing bar offers help on steep climbs
- Magnesium S1 ratchets with aluminum bases
- Nonstick EVA disk covers shed water and snow, reducing icy buildup under your boots
- Grade 8.8 steel hardware
- No canting
- Includes: mounting hardware, Charger split disk with magnesium adapter plates, Quiver disk with magnesium adapter plates, touring brackets and splitboard strap
Imported.
View all Union Snowboard Bindings| Binding Style | Splitboard |
|---|---|
| Best Use | Splitboarding |
| Riding Style | Freeride |
| Binding Flex | Stiff Flex |
| Fits Boot Sizes | M: Men's 8-10 / Women's 9-11 L: Men's 10.5-13 / Women's 11.5+ |
| Base Material | Fiberglass/nylon |
| Highback Material | Fiberglass/nylon |
| Ratchets | Magnesium |
| Weight (Pair) | 3 lbs. 10.1 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Pucks Included | Yes |
| Heel Lift | Yes |
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Devil is in the detail.
After years of riding Spark bindings in the backcountry, I was excited to try something new and make the switch to Union. The reputation, the design upgrades, and the ability to have 1 binding to rule them all (both split and solid) sounds like a great combo. I pre-ordered the Charger's in November 2022, received in January 2023, and finally got a chance to put them to use late January 2023. Day 1: short tour (90 minutes) and downhill. Everything went smooth. Day 2: short afternoon at the resort (2 hours). So far, so good. The bindings are comfortable and felt good on my solid board. All the plastic on plastic moving parts make me a little nervous, but time will tell. Day 3: another resort day with the family. After 1 hour of "charging" blue groomers with the kids, the sole screw that holds the toe strap ratchet together completely sheered. Frustrating to say the least. Thankfully this happened at the resort, and not 6 hours into a backcountry mission. Pros: The overall design and concept is genius. Simple. Lightweight. No pins. The locking method in tour mode is genius. The ability to have 1 binding for both split and solid is a game changer for travel. Cons: see above story! Also, when rotating the binding to lock onto the board, the plastic locking mechanism feels a little janky and prone to damage if you don't have everything completely perfect. The potential weak link is the plastic on plastic locking device.
Issues, issues and more issues.
I have had numerous issues with these bindings over the short period I have owned them. From the worst to least worse; Firstly, on my very first hike, one of my skis suddenly detached from the binding. On inspection I discovered that the pins on the hiking bracket had somehow rotated. Once the pins rotated backwards far enough, the keyway lined up with the binding at a normal hiking stance and my ski fell off. I suspect any kind of lateral force on the hiking bracket, such as traversing up a slope on your ski edges, will grind the keyway of the binding against the keyway of the pin and eventually it will torque the pin. Your ski falling off during hiking wouldn't be fun if you are on steep technical terrain and you loose your ski down the mountain. I can see significant wear on the keyway insert on the finding after only one pretty easy hike. Second problem, the puks that came with my bindings are different to those shown on Unions website. The two halves do not contact one another or join together so when you mount the bindings to the board, the bindings squeeze the puk halves inwards forcing the two halves of the board up to look like the hull of a boat. Snowboards are supposed to have flat bases, even splitboards! Thirdly, the mounting screws that came with the bindings were not long enough for my board. Could also be a board issue? I had to order 12mm screws. Fourth, the puks that came to use the bindings with a solid board are a joke. The binding literally wobbles around loose on the mounts. Unridable. I have contacted Union about the first two issues and requested replacement parts, no response.
Needs some refinements
THE GOOD- very comfortable on the up and the down is even better. Feels/rides like a regular snowboard binding not a mountaineering type binding. The riser attached to the binding is really easy to deploy and it’s nice to not have another attachment on your board to collect snow. The ride mode and touring mode are pretty simple and user friendly. Comes with a set of quiver connectors so you can use with regular board. THE BAD - Toe piece attachment and inserts are not designed well. After a couple uses you’ll notice wear on both the toe piece and the metal inserts on the binding base plates as well. This is a major issue as once those pieces begin to wear it becomes very difficult to get bindings to attach and detach from touring mode. I have already warrantied a pair after a handful of uses and same thing is happening in the 2nd pair. Union has said to make sure you only attach the bindings at a 90 degree angle so as to not damage or bend any pieces. Only used 2nd pair twice been extremely careful and issue still happening. I’m disappointed they would put something out there with this issue and woujd not trust them on anything more than a short side country tour where you could easily get back to the ski area if need be. If you’re only splittin 5 times or less in a season I’m sure these will be fine but if you’re getting after it I’d stick with Karakoram or spark type set up. Stay safe out there ✌️
Design Flaw
I dont ever ride bad reviews but this may save someone alot of trouble. The bindings are great when they worked, unfortunatly it only lasted me 1 season. Theres definitly a design flaw in which the holes that are press fitted into the toe side of the bindings rotate out if alignment. When it does, it becomes super difficult to get in and out of touring mode. Both of my bindings got mis- aligned while I was out back country in Alaska, and the conditions here get bad quick and faulty designed gear can be very dangerous. Spend money elsewhere until Union fixes the design flaw. It does otherwise ride like a solid binding and secures your splitboard tightly together. Really wanted to like these.
Most comfortable splitboard binding ever made
Most comfortable splitboard binding available, unlike other brands I've used that make me think I've stepped in a bear trap. These feel and perform like a regular binding, can shred backcountry cliffs and natural jumps with style! I ride these hard, and have never had any problems. ...but like any binding, check the screw tightness occasionally.
Almost injured me!
I had the locking mechanism for the binding to puck fail on my third trip. I was deep in the back country and forced to split ski the entire way out. Avoid these like the plague!
Very Delicate
This binding is touchy and delicate, and if you just a little to heavy handed with it when releasing the lock, you might cause it to malfunction. Not something that anyone needs to be dealing with in the backcountry. I highly recommend avoiding this binding.