Binding Review: 09-10 Union Forces

Location: Keystone, Colorado

Snow Conditions: Bluebird with hardpacked groomers to a mixture of conditions.

Setup: I rode the Union Forces with a variety of snowboards and my Rome Vamp size 8 boots.

Time to set up the binding: Average

Fit: My Rome vamps fit nicely into the Forces heelcup and the only big adjustment is just making sure the straps are at the right dots lined up to fit my boots.

First Impression: There’s a reason I own these bindings and why I use them as my binding for demos, I never need to adjust to them and I know they will do fine riding.

Appearance: They are green, bright green and If I buy these for next year I could mix-match with my red pair to be Christmas year round. Really they looked good on the Park Pickle the best.

Comfort: The Forces are always comfort, good padding in the highback to baseplate to help soften rough landings and absorb bumpy terrain. The straps are super comfortable and really just molds well to my boot.

Functionality: Upgraded ratchets which I hardly noticed, they still run and ratchet without any slips or sticking issues. Quick adjust on the ankle strap makes it super easy to get that dialed, I wish the toe had it but it’s still quick with a screwdriver.

Flex: Not too soft, not too stiff. The highback actually is stiffer towards to bottom and gets softer the higher up allowing the rider some tweakability but still a stable highback to hold you in place during heelside turns. It also allows for good lateral movement. I’ve spent the most time on these bindings because they really allow the rider to flex them but not overly control the rider in what you can do.

Response: With the softer flex towards to upper highback, you don’t get insane quick response by just little bits of weight you move around. It’s a little more mellow response that comes from it, the rider is in control over how much response you want. Really lean forward on your toes or back on your heelside you quickly get it.

Toe Strap: Once you adjust it to your boot, no issues. It is a toe strap that if it’s a little off, it won’t ride fine with your boot so really needs to be adjusted. I didn’t have any issues with it slipping or moving when riding.

Overall Impression: The Forces are a solid binding, good for wherever you want to go on the mountain for whatever board you pair them with. They aren’t too soft, they aren’t too stiff.

Shay’s Honesty Box: I own them, paid for them and rock them since I got them…what more can I say.

Ready to buy? Head over to evo for the 2011 version of the Union Forces or shop their full line of Union snowboard bindings