The Union Rosa Snowboard Bindings are designed to help beginner to intermediate snowboarders soar through their progression. This featherlight champion offers a soft, forgiving flex, ideal for developing riders to hone their skills and build confidence.
Key Features and Technologies
The Union Rosa bindings incorporate several key features that contribute to their performance and comfort:
- Stage 8 Duraflex Baseplate: Introducing Union's lightest baseplate ever. The all-new Stage 8 Duraflex baseplate helps shave over 10 grams off the binding's total weight. Not to mention, it’s compatible with all existing mounting patterns right out of the box.
- Multi-Density Thermoformed EVA Bushings: Union's innovative injected-EVA baseplate bushing system dampens vibrations underfoot to promote a more comfortable ride and a smooth, even board flex with no dead spots.
- Exoframe 2.0 Direct Connect W/Hinge Ankle Strap: Redesigned and fine tuned, the all new Exoframe 2.0 Ankle Strap functions as a suspension system for your feet. Improved comfort, extended durability, and an all-new hinging system that allows for easier entry.
- Extruded 3D Aluminum Heelcups: A new process removes as much excess material as possible in the heelcup to reduce weight while maintaining tried and true strength. Union heelcups undergo an anodizing process reinforcing the already bombproof apparatus with another 30-percent strength.
- Minimal Base Contact = True Board Flex: Union baseplates are designed to provide supreme strength while minimally interfering with your board's natural flex.
- Size-Proportionate Fiberglass Index: Bigger riders require stiffer bindings.
- Grade 8.8 Hardware: The strongest steel available on the market - the use of Grade 8.8 represents Union's commitment of delivering the strongest and most reliable bindings on the market today. Top to bottom. The most commonly used hardware is made from "mild steel" that has a property class of only 4.6.
Additionally, Union is 100% devoted to making the best bindings on the planet. From discovering new materials to CNC machining a new baseplate, everything is done in-house with zero outsourcing.
Performance and Ride Quality
The Rosa has a nice soft flex that makes for a ride that’s a little more responsive than what you would think if you were playing around with it in the shop. Really good response for such a mellow binding and because of that you can pair it up with a lot of boards. Pretty good for a butter and press bordering on great.
There is a nice reduced dead spot under foot so most of the contact with the board is from the disc. There is moderate boot support. It’s a nice balance between support and freedom. You can transition well edge to edge for driving turns and also have some freedom to tweak it out.
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The toe strap is better this year too and it holds to the boot better.
Adjustability and Comfort
The saving grace and the most important part of adjustability is its ability to dial out the boot for your exact size. Some might not like that the ankle strap can’t really adjust up or down like it can with other bindings. This is because the heel loop slides in or out according to your boot size.
Supper padding that can handle an awkward landing no problem.
The 2014 Rosa has a nice change to the toe ratchet. It’s not a mini version of the ankle ratchet that makes for an easier release compared to the 2013 model. Most complaints came from the toe and it’s nice to see them do something about it. It’s much less sticky coming off and it’s a nice improvement this year.
Potential Issues: Unions Toe straps can be a bit sticky and especially so for those that like to crank em down tight. For some this is a big problem and for others it’s not that big of a deal.
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Warranty
Lifetime Warranty on Baseplate and Heel Cup - Covered under manufacturer lifetime guarantee against breakage of the baseplate or heelcup along with defects in materials or workmanship.
Are 25/26 The Union Rosa Snowboard Bindings A Wise Buy For You?
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