Comments on: 100 Day Perspective: Union Team Forces

By: The end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 – Shayboarder.com

The end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 – Shayboarder.com — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:35:32 +0000

[…] day reviews on the Union Team Forces and Vans Veil […]

By: Keither

Keither — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:56:39 +0000

Frank,
I’m not too sure about the Bent Metals, but will compare their weight to others when I get the chance. They look sooo sick tho.

By: Frank

Frank — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:13:12 +0000

Keither,
Do you think the new Bent Metal now are more light like the good average of the industry? I main when at least they are less than 800 gr per bindings… not like 1100 gr like mine now but again true simple that work good and good feeling.

By: Keither

Keither — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:08:25 +0000

Frank,
yeah the new Bent Metals do look sick. You won’t have to worry about those puppies breaking. That’s kinda why I’ve been sticking to Unions, Drakes, Rides (no contraband), etc. Simple strong bindings that last.

By: Frank

Frank — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:10:38 +0000

and I still riding my Bent Metal Biscuit 2008 (way heavy bindings) for over 80 days now and really good shape too (but good bindings)…The new Bent Metal Venon look not bad too 😉

By: Frank

Frank — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:07:53 +0000

Keither,
Yes for sure last year model at the beginning or end season model is always my way to go… And yes my friend just broke is Burton Mission 2008 binding last year so he will have no choice to buy new one this year… I did not believe him at first but yeah it happens and is not a creasy park hard charging man but normal freerider… I am always looking at Union but I still like as well K2 Company new model this year… or Flux DS45 or maybe the Targa white… I think I can trust them…

By: Keither

Keither — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:06:47 +0000

Peterborough, I understand your concerns with Unions, but I’ve never adjusted my forward-lean, and I don’t know anyone who does (ever), so what’s the need for tool-less adjustment? I’ve never tightened them either, and they’ve never fallen off. As for the bare-bonesness of the binding, that’s the whole point of Union. Nothing added that isn’t needed to make an indestructable binding. Yes I agree with you and Frank, the price is high, but IMHO anyone who buys the lastest gear at full price is wasting money. I’ve always bought last years gear at the beginning or end of the season for a fraction of the price, and actually picked up Forces and Datas for $159 and $179 respectively. Again, I’ve ridden my forces for 150+ days, and will probably ride them for another 150 no joke. As for Burton bindings, they ARE light as fuck, but I’ve seen heelcups and highbacks break within a week. They’ve all been warranteed, but come on…. a heelcup break? Regardless of all that, I know guys who have owned/ridden WAY more different bindings than I have and will not ride ANYTHING BUT Burton binders. There must be a reason for it 🙂
I may try and find some on sale just to give them my own 150 day test.
Cheers all

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:35:01 +0000

Peterborough,
I agree I do live in Canada, and true the Retail price of Union is not competitive since others brands add adjusted their price (since CDN currency get appreciated in 4 years against USD). Seems that Union, did not adjust their retail prize in Canada since that time. Even Burton where they used to be way too much expensive here are now lower… I am sure that Flux can do 100 + and 150++ days too 😉
I also like the new K2 Company bindings… but not sure if they are 100++

By: Peterborough

Peterborough — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:58:55 +0000

I don’t know if I am a lone voice, but I’m not confident in Unions. The price (at least here in Canada) is still awfully high for what is really a rather bare bones binding (no matter the model), and I feel they are lacking in some key areas. My biggest gripe – the heel strap and highback on one bolt, which is not tool-less. This arrangement is a throwback to the first metal-based bindings of the nineties, and just screams “I will come undone all the time.” I don’t want to carry a tool with me, or find myself at the top of a run with a missing bolt.

I’m not 100% confident of this, but I think Unions also lack the ease/degree of highback rotation that other bindings allow for.

Don’t get me wrong, I know they are a very down-to-earth, rider-supportive company (maybe even rider-owned), but I’m just not sure that they are really up to the hype. About ten years ago, all I rode was T9 – as they were North American made, pretty cutting edge, and had and AMAZING warranty. What bindings do I ride now? I shudder to admit it, but having ridden/owned Unions, T9’s and Flux bindings in the last few years (sold them all), I find myself riding Burtons, time and time again. Trust me, I would love to see someone knock Burton off the podium, but for now, I know of no better all-around binding.

By: keither

keither — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:50:58 +0000

I have 150+ days on my Forces and I am confident I will be able to use them for at least another couple seasons. At which point I’ll probably still be able to sell them.
My favorite binder by far.