Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers.
Setup: I rode the Union Milans on the Bataleon Whatever with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: No time at all, I grabbed the bindings from Union and brought them over to Bataleon to get them mounted. They were ready to go with the straps already aligned up.
Fit: I rode these bindings in the M/L size which are a good fit to my size 8 Vans boots. I was able to get the straps adjusted and centered so they didn’t shift while riding.
First Impression: The upgrades to the Milan just make the binding that much better.
Appearance: The Milans I tried out were bright but so are the rest of the Milan color options. Super neon green with purple flare on the binding made them completely overshadow any board underneath them (no offense Bataleon).
Comfort: The Milans are all about comfort for the female rider and continue to add to it with the 2013 Milan focused on padding. From the baseplate to the highback to the straps, the bindings absorb the terrain and spit it out like it’s nothing.
Functionality: The Union Milans have been through some upgrades in years past and continue to be added on to be a staple in the women’s line. New for 2013, the Milans have a Fusion Lady highback and all new toe cup design. For the rest of the binding functionality it features a Milan base with dupont zytel ST, shift on the fly forward lean (good for quick adjustments), injected dual zone EVA bushings, extruded aluminum heelcups, tool free size adjustment, injected aluminum buckles, universal disks, 8.8 grade hardware and a lifetime warranty base.
Flex: For a rider looking for a more comfortable, medium range flex binding this is it. It’s not as aggressive or responsive as the Trilogy but it still offers a consistent ride down the mountain. The new highback holds the power and stability but is also has good lateral flex so you don’t feel like the binding is too aggressive for you. The straps just make for a comfortable ride without any pressure points.
Response: Most of the response comes from the highback on the Milans, it’s supportive but not overly aggressive for response. It does the trick and when it came to the Whatever, I was able to keep up with the quick engagement of the Whatever board on edge.
Toe Strap: The Union Milans feature the new toe cup design which I thought were a great fit to my Vans boots. Just enough molded shape around the toe of the strap to secure to my boot with adjustment.
Overall Impression: The Union Milans are a perfect example of progression for women. They’ve been upgraded, overhauled and are built to last for progression. Designed to handle the entire mountain, from park to peak laps. They are supportive without being overly aggressive and built to be all about comfort on the mountain.
Shay’s Honesty Box: I was impressed with the Milan and the changes they’ve made over the years. It’s a great binding that’ll last women riders years and continue to help them advance to the next level. It’s also one of the women’s bindings that stand out the most for 2013 in terms of design and colors.
Review Disclosure: I demoed this binding at the SIA On-Snow Demo at Winter Park, CO.
