Hello and welcome to my Union Force snowboard bindings review.
In this review I will take a look at the Force as all-mountain snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Force a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain bindings.
Overall Rating
Bindings: Union Force 2024
Price: $329 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating Score: 84.4/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain Bindings
Of the 25 current model aggressive all-mountain snowboards that we tested:
❄️ The Force ranked 8th out of 25
Overview of the Force’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Force’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
STYLE:
ALL-MOUNTAIN
PRICE:
$329 - BUYING OPTIONS
$329 - BUYING OPTIONS
Ability Level:
flex:
weight:
Felt normal
Mounts to:
2x4 | 4x4 | Channel
Sizing
SIZE | US BOOT SIZE | EURO BOOT SIZE | UK BOOT SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
S | 5.5-7.5 | 37-40.5 | 4.5-6.5 |
M | 8-10 | 41-43 | 7-9 |
L | 10.5-13 | 43.5-46 | 9.5-12 |
XL | 13-15 | 46-48 | 12-14 |
Who are the Force Most Suited To?
The Force are best suited to anyone looking for that binding that can do a bit of everything. It can help you carve but also has good slow speed response. You can hit powder or the park and everything in between with them.
Best matched to boards in that 4/10 to 6/10 flex range.
The Force in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Force are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: Union Force 2024, Medium
Date: March 17, 2023
Conditions
Overhead was sunny, with the odd whispy cloud but predominantly a nice sunny day.
Temperature was 1°C (34°F) and -1°C (30°F) with wind, in the morning and 3°C (37°F) and 1°C (34°F) with wind, in the afternoon. Winds said 5kph (3mph) in the forecast but felt more like 20kph (12mph).
24 hour snow: 0" (0cm)
48 hour snow: 0" (0cm)
7 day snow: 16" (41cm)
On groomer: A little crunchier and icier in spots to start with but hard pack for most part. Softened up as the day went on.
Off groomer: Crunchy/icy. Not great. Doable but more about surviving than enjoying.
Set Up
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance Width: 560mm (22”)
Board tested with: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
Boots tested with: Adidas Response ADV, size US9.5
Footbed length: 24.5cm (9.7”)
Footbed Length Fully Extended: 25.5cm (10”)
Baseplate Length (underside): 23.7cm (9.3")
Highback Height: 21.3cm (8.4”)
Weight: 1040 grams (2lbs, 5oz)*
* for one binding, including screws and disc. The average weight of a small sample size of around 80 bindings (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 models) I have weighed is 920 grams (2lbs). So, the Force is noticeably above the average on the scales. But on snow it felt pretty normal.
Flex
In Hand: Good bit of twist in the highback. A little more than with the Classic Force (and more than my control bindings - the Burton Malavita). There's a little bit of give when pulling back on the top of the highback too, where the Classic Force has basically none. The ankle strap was a little stiffer than the Force Classic (and stiffer than the Malavita) with the toe strap being a little more flexible than both the Force Classic and Malavita.
On Snow: Overall the Force felt about the same as my control bindings on snow. They felt a bit softer flexing overall than the Force Classic.
Responsiveness
I found that when it came to slow speed response, the new Force outdid the Force Classic and was about the same as the Malavita.
But when it came to higher speed carving, the new Force wasn't quite as good as the old Force - again about the same as the Malavita in this respect.
Board Feel/Butterability
Board feel wasn't as good as I get with the Malavita. It wasn't terrible though - and if I had to say I'd say it was a touch better than the Force Classic but they were very similar.
Pop/Ollie Power
Felt very similar to Malavita when it came to popping ollies - a little better than Force Classic in this respect.
Heel Cup: Yes!
Stance Width: Can run disc horizontal and that allows micro stance width adjustments.
Highback Lean: Yes and tool-less.
Ankle Strap Position: No.
Toe Strap Position: Yes - 2 position options – you’ve got to kind of unclip the plastic bit at the bottom of the baseplate to change positions but it’s not too hard.
Ankle and toe strap length: Tool-less.
Gas pedal/toe ramp extension: Yes
Highback Rotation: Yes - 2 position options.
Compatible with: 2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | The Channel
Shock Absorption
Good amount of padding and nice cush/springy feel to it. Also has a new "Molecular Bushing Suspension System" which may also help with shock absorption.
Overall felt good at absorbing shock and chatter on snow.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Comfort
Overall nice and comfortable with no pressure points or calf-bite.
Ankle Strap: Conformed nicely and no pressure points. It felt stiffer in hand but when strapped on it didn't feel uncomfortable from that stiffness or anything.
Toe Strap: Felt good, no pressure points.
Canted Footbed: Yes
Padded Footbed: Good thickness and cush in footbed padding.
Highback: Good bit of padding on it and most importantly felt comfortable riding, with no calf-bite.
Ankle Support
Ankle support was good. Felt about what I was used to. You can't adjust the ankle strap's position to have it sitting higher on your ankle, like you can with some bindings, but I didn't personally felt like I needed any more ankle support than it already had.
Entry/Exit
Ratchets felt pretty smooth and no problems releasing straps on the move when approaching chairlift. Overall good in and out experience.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
BOARD FEEL | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.4/100 |
The new Force felt like a slightly softer version of the Classic Force and was a little better in terms of slow speed response but not quite as good in terms of carving but had better shock absorption.
Overall a binding without any obvious weaknesses and felt comfortable and were easy to adjust.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Force, or are ready to buy or want to research availability and prices, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other all mountain binding options or compare the Force to other all mountain bindings check out the next link.
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Force’s are capable of.
Hello and welcome to my Union Force bindings review.
Union’s Force bindings are great for anyone looking for a binding in that just above mid-flex range for riding the groomers or backcountry – whether you want to ride fairly aggressively or want to ride more casual or ride freestyle – or do all of the above (as all-mountain bindings should).
Hey Nate, I’m going on a trip Banff then Revelstoke and only bringing one pair of bindings. I have medium Stratas and these new Forces in medium as well (with size 10 US Burton Ruler Boa). I have a Ride Shadowban 157 as daily driver and also K2 Instrument 157. Which binding would you suggest is more universal to be used with both boards? Mostly all mountain, seeking pow in glades and hitting side hits.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Nick, thanks for your message.
I’d say the Force probably the more universal and more all-mountainy feel. But personally I’d likely still take the Strata, just because I really like the board feel from the mini-disc. Neither would be a bad decision. I’d say the Force is the sensible choice, but I’d personally still take the Strata.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I have a dilemma. I bought a full camber all mtn board that I would like to ride with either the Union Force or Burton Cartel X. I prefer it on the stiffer side because my camber is stiff and should ride with a stiffer binding for better response. The problem here is that the Union force does not offer a set back option. since it is a mini disc. Should I get the Burton cartel x then? does it work with set back insert for powder days? Do you think I should go with (any) Union or go with the Burton cartel x? My board is the Yes Pyzel, if that helps. Thank you so much Nate.
Hi Johnny, thanks for your message.
The Force can go on the setback inserts. The Force uses Union’s universal disc, rather than the mini-disc. So you’d be good to go no the Force. The Cartel X would also work with the setback inserts.
We haven’t had a chance to test the Pyzel, so couldn’t say for sure how stiff it feels compared to other boards, but assuming it’s around the 7/10 flex YES rates it as, then the Force and Cartel X would both be good matches, but I’d be leaning Cartel as the slightly better match. If you were to go Union, I’d go with the Atlas – which would be a really good match and also uses the Universal disc. The Falcor, Strata and Ultra are the current men’s Union bindings that use a mini-disc.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, first of all thanks for all your reviews and sharing your knowledge.
I’m a bit torn between the new Force and the Ultra, I’m riding a 155 2016 Mercury and a 157 2020 Mercury (might get a Yes Hybrid next year) with Vans Hi-Standard Pro 10.5. Coming from 2016 Atlas that I find heavy and maybe a bit too stiff. I consider myself advanced.
I don’t ride a lot of park but like to do a few side hits, mainly spending time on groomers carving (but not like body on the ground eurocarves) and in the pow as soon as there is some. I also like to bomb a bit.
So all things considered I don’t know what to pick between the versatility of the new Force and the dampening / better response than expected on the Ultra.
What would be your pick ? any of the 2 or even another union binding ?
Thanks for your help and keep shredding !
Hi Vincent
Thanks for your message.
I would say that the Force is a slightly better flex match for your boards. But there’s very little in it in terms of flex between the Ultra and the Force, IMO, so you could go Ultra if you wanted. They are both softer than the Atlas, IMO. But I would probably be leaning Strata in your case. They are a 6/10 flex, by my feel and give you that little bit of a better flex match with the Mercury, IMO, but are still softer than the Atlas. But they also have the better board feel, like the Ultra.
The Force or Ultra would work too. But I would err towards the slightly stiffer Strata, if it was me.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, thank you so much for having this website, I got quite a few goodies after reading your reviews and enjoyed them so much.
I am currently having a SDOA + Force and a Ride Psychocandy + Ride C 10, and the problem of Force is annoying me. C-10 is great on my foot with no pressure points except calf bite, which is acceptable. Given the “golden match” between capita and union, I bought the Union force binding this year to match up my newly bought SDOA (btw a great board, exactly as you reviewed), however I found that the ankle strap is giving me a lot of lateral pain on the outside of my font foot (left side of the left foot), I also demoed a Malavita today, which relief the pain a bit but still exist, I doubt if you have any idea about what is happening, I doubt if the bigger strap is causing the problem (since Ride bindings have only small straps). Is there any recommandation of bindings that could possibly have a smaller strap to help me feel better on the pain? and if you have other idea about the reasons for that pain?
I tried a lot of stances, not helping at all, and on Ride binding also no problem.
Hi Derek
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, it’s hard to say for sure what might causing that pressure point. Everyone’s feet are different and could be something there that’s not liking having any pressure on it. But yeah hard to say. Where you feel the pain, does the C-10’s strap cover that area? It could be a case that the larger straps are covering that area and the smaller strap isn’t – and that maybe re-positioning the ankle strap (which you can do with some bindings but not others – you can’t do it with the Force, unfortunately) could help. Rome bindings have this pivot mount on their ankle straps which allows you a lot of adjustment with regards to where the ankle strap sits. So that could be one potential option.
In terms of bindings with thin straps, I can’t think of anything off hand, except for Ride, at the moment. But you could certainly look at the A-8 or C-8 or if you wanted to go softer even the C-6 or A-6, given that you know they work well with your foot. Another one to look at is Flux. I really like the way their ankle straps fit (I think predominantly because they are housed on the inside of the baseplate, rather than the outside, like with most bindings. Don’t know if that would help your thing, but it’s possible. Something like the XF or the CV would be a really good match with the Super DOA, IMO.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
First off just want to say your reviews are amazing! You have helped me so much! I have a question for you and wanted your opinion. I am an all mountain intermediate – advanced rider, and I’m looking for a “do it all” all mountain setup. Something playful enough I can use at the park but also flying down the mountain and carving hard. I currently have the 2013 Never Summer proto CT, I really like this board and don’t plan on upgrading (unless you think it does not work for the set up I am thinking). I am between the union strata’s , forces, and ultras, for an all mountain experience, I really want to go with the strata’s but reading the review about the decrease in price/hardware downgrade scares me as this is a new change. Do you think the strata’s are still my best bet? Also, I am between the burton photon’s, K2 maysis, and lashed thirty two, which would you recommend for a boa binding that would be the best all around medium-ish flex boot?
Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Marcin
Thanks for your message.
If you really like the board, then I see no need to change it.
In terms of bindings, I think the Strata’s are your best bet. I wouldn’t worry too much about the price decrease. The Hardware is downgraded but I don’t think that’s going to make a huge amount of difference. A lot of the price decrease comes from the fact that they’ve bumped down in union’s hierarchy. With the Ultra’s coming in and the Contact Pro going out, the Strata now sits in the same position as the Contact Pros were previously. I don’t understand retail pricing structures that well, but my guess is that it’s just that they do better sales overall when they have something in that price range – something needed to fill that price range, and it happened to be the Strata. That’s my take anyway, because the size of the price drop far outweighs the downgrade in hardware. The Ultras would work, but I think the Strata is the slightly better bet, when it comes to carving and still good enough/playful enough for the park. The Force don’t have the same kind of playfulness/board feel for park riding as the other 2, IMO.
In terms of boots, Any of those 3 would work. Flex-wise, I felt them at Photon 6.5/10, Maysis 7/10 and Lashed 6/10. So there is a subtle flex difference, but all would still work for the setup. Most important would be getting those that fit your feet the best.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’ve been reading the hell out of your reviews – thank you so much!
I need some help putting together a setup. This is where I’m at (all new stuff):
Riding Style: All Mountain (freeride) Resort, with a little freestyle/park sprinkled in. But mostly cruising around at a decent speed having fun.
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 185lbs
Board: Capita Mercury 159
Boots: Adidas Tactical Lexicon ADV
Boot Size: 10.5-11 (possibly a 10 if the run large)
Bindings: Union Force or Atlas Large (possibly medium if I end up in tens)
Ability: Low/Mid side of Intermediate
My Biggest Concern: Toe/heel drag!
Thank you!
Richard
Hi Richard
Thanks for your message.
I think the 159 in the Mercury is the best size for you. In terms of ability, it’s something that I would consider a solid intermediate and up board, so the only thing that really concerns me is the low/mid side of intermediate. If it’s more mid intermediate, then I think you’d be OK, but low intermediate, it might be a bit much.
In terms of width, I don’t think you’d have any issues with the 159 Mercury with 10.5 Tactical ADVs. The Mercury is a little wider than average and the 159 is around 266mm at the front insert and 268mm at the back insert. Should be easily wide enough. If you were to end up in 11s, then it’s more borderline, particularly if you were riding with a fairly straight back binding angle. But if you’re typically a 10.5-11, I’d be surprised if you ended up in 11s for the Tactical ADV.
Both the Atlas and Force would match the Mercury, IMO, so either one is a good bet. I would be leaning Atlas, just because I like a bit of a stiffer binding on the Mercury. And if in 10.5s, I’d go Large, but with 10s, probably leaning more medium. The advantage of going Large though is that you’d get a little more length in the base plate and a little more leverage on the edges. But boot to binding fit comes first, IMO, so with 10s, I think the boot to binding fit would be better. With 10.5s you’d probably still get in the Medium, but the boot to binding fit would be similar, so I’d go Large for that extra leverage.
Hope this helps with your decision
Excellent, you answered all my questions!
Follow up questions:
1.) It’s hard for me to judge my own ability, but considering this board might be too much for me, what would be your board recommendation to match a low end intermediate for my style that’s kinda more cruising at a good speed but also slowing down to freestyle (nothing crazy, more casual) on the terrain and get creative on the way down?
2.) What bindings would be good for the board you recommended for question 1?
Thank you!
Hi Richard
I’d check out something from the following, if you weren’t going to be riding a lot of powder – or at least powder that’s not going to get that deep:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
If you want a little more powder performance on top, then I’d be leaning to something from here:
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
You’ll notice the Mercury is on that list, so probably not everything. The Niche Story is another that’s more solid intermediate and up. But everything else should be doable. The Typo, Terrain Wrecker and Brainstorm are all particularly good for that low intermediate, in my experience. Given that you’re looking for good speed, I would make sure to look at that factor – and each factor in the score breakdowns, for both lists.
You could also check out this one which is specific for low intermediate level (note there are some in there that are more park/freestyle focused, so pay attention to the type of board as well as score breakdowns:
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
If you have any questions about any of those let me know. I can recommend bindings once we’ve narrowed it down to a couple of boards.
Hi Nate, I read all of your recommendations.
The Yes Standard 156 sounds very appealing.
Still leaning Union Atlas.
If I had both the Standard 156 and the Mercury 159, would they be too similar and not worth having both?
Style: Def want to explore the mountain and some powder, but mostly just getting down the mountain with side hits and just a pinch of the park. I guess all mountain, but a little freestyle and freeride.
Weight: 180-185lbs
Foot: 27.8 mondo
Height: 6’2″
Thank you!
Hi Richard.
Yeah you could still put the Atlas on the Standard, for sure. I’d say they’d be quite similar to have both. Definitely not the same board, but both are what I’d call “do-it-all” boards. If you were going to go for a 2 board quiver, I’d probably look at an all-mountain-freestyle board coupled with a more specialized powder board, for what you’re describing. But as a one board quiver, I think the Standard (I think 156 too, though the 159 is an option too for your specs – however if you were to eventually go for a 2 board quiver, then the Standard in 156 could work as your all-mountain-freestyle board, if you later wanted to add a powder board, so I’d be leaning 156).
Thanks for all the great info. I have a pair of Union Force bindings that I really like. I’ve just got a new snowboard and wondering if they are up to the task. I’m a big guy -6’4”, 225lbs, size 14 ride lasso boots. I just picked up a never summer proto fr df and would like to use the force bindings because I haven’t seen stiffer bindings that’ll fit my boots. The board is 8/10 stiffness and I spend as much time as possible exploring the side country and looking for stashes. Thoughts?
Hey John
Thanks for your message. Ideally I would go with something stiffer than the Force on the Proto FR. But that’s not to say that they won’t work. I rode the Proto FR with similar flexing bindings to the Force and it worked fine, but IMO would be more optimal with stiffer bindings. I think the Force is the only one that Union do in an XL size, so if you can’t find anything that will fit your boots, then it’s not a deal breaker to ride it with the Forces or anything, but just not what I would consider optimal. There are other brands that will fit 14s, if you were open to other brands. You can check out our binding sizing chart here to see what might work for you size-wise.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Just got the 2022 Force M and paired with a new Burton Flight Attendant 156. I wear a 10.5 Solomon Launch boot and am 6’0, 188lbs. All a perfect pairing. Cannot believe the response of those bindings paired with that board! Thanks for the great reviews.
Hi GD
Thanks for your message and insights. Much appreciated. Happy riding!
Hey wondering if you could recommend a binding and board size. Thinking these bindings and the DOA. Boot size 10.5-11. Solomon launch or possibly the Adidas Sambas. They are on there way need to try them on still. Thinking medium Force with the 156 DOA. Stance 12-15 degrees from and back. Weight 179.
Hi Justin
I think if you were to end up in 10.5 Samba, then you’d probably get away with the 156 DOA width-wise and you’d be fine in the Medium Force too.
With the Salomon Launch, which isn’t as bulky as it used to be but still longer than the Samba from what I’ve measured, you’re probably better off going L Force and 157W DOA, whether 10.5s or 11s. With 11 Sambas, I’d say Large Force and 157W DOA too. So it kind of depends on the boots you end up in.
Length-wise, if you could just let me know a couple of other things. I’d say 156/157W would be the best width-wise, but just to be sure. If you could let me know your height (weight and boot size more important but I still like to consider height as well) and how you like to ride (i.e. like to bomb? more casual? park? trees?) and ability level.
Thanks for the response! Yeah height I’m 6’2” right now I’m on the bunny slopes teaching my daughter how to snowboard prolly be there most of the time. Hard packed groomers. But eventually I’ll get back to the park and hitting side hits so not too much bombings hills. No pow out here in the Midwest. That’s why I was leaning more towards a shorter board.
Ability level would be close to lower side of intermediate. Skateboarding for like 20 years. Snowboarding took a break for like 10 years. Back at it. Rode for like 5 years before all this. Used to live next to MT Hood.
Hi Justin
I think if you end up being able to fit on the narrower board, then 156 is probably fine, given that you’re not looking to really bomb and like to ride park and sidehits. It’s certainly on the short side for your specs, but given your style of riding and lower intermediate level I think it would work. The 158 is certainly also in the conversation and that certainly wouldn’t be a wrong choice either. If going wide I think the 157W would be a good bet.
Out of all three which do you recommend for a board I’ll have for a while and be able to progress in. Just not wanting to boot out or get stuck with a slow hard to maneuver board. Sounding like 157w is something I can have for a while and more of a do it all board.
Hi Justin
I would be leaning 156, if you think you won’t likely be someone who wants to ride particularly fast in the future and leaning more freestyle. But 158 if you think you’ll want to ride fast down the line and have less of a freestyle approach. For right now, for what you’re describing, I would be leaning 156 and if you’re style says similar, that would still be a good length in the future. For more of a do-it-all for your specs, I’d say 158. This is assuming they work width-wise. If you’re able to try on your boots and decide on them first, that’s what I’d do, because that will help determine if you can get on the narrower options. If you need to buy before you try the boots, then 157W is the safest bet.
Thanks man! So helpful. Is it try that wide snowboards are stiffer and heavier? Also would the large Union force work on the 156 ?
Hi Justin
Wider boards can feel stiffer, if they’re too wide for your boots. They can feel torsionally stiffer, as you can’t get the same leverage on the edges if your feet are too far inside the edges. So I wouldn’t say they are inherently stiffer, and shouldn’t feel that way if you have feet appropriate for the size of the board, but if you’re feet are too narrow for the board, then it can affect flex feel, IMO. In terms of being heavier – yeah, length-for-length they are heavier than the regular length of the same board. There’s just more material there, so naturally heavier. But the difference isn’t hugely noticeable I wouldn’t say, unless your feet are too small for it. Again, if it’s harder to get leverage on the edges, then it will feel heavier. But yeah, objectively a little heavier too.
I haven’t personally measured a large Force binding, so I can’t confirm, but someone did measure one for me and said it was 263mm at the baseplate. The 156 DOA is 260mm wide – so it’s pushing it being too long for the 156 DOA. Whilst you want some boot overhang, preferably no binding overhang. I would be confident that you would fit fine in the Medium Force, if you were to fit in a 10.5 Samba though. So if you did go 156 DOA with 10.5 Samba, then I would go Medium in Union Force.
Hi Nate, happy new year!
I am in a small dilemma and wanted to ask for your opinion: I am unfortunately a quite light guy weighing around 60kg and 179cm tall but having quite big feet (US 11 on an Adidas Response 3MC).
I am unsure if I should get an Union Force in Medium or Large. According to their Website I should be on the Large.
But if I pair it for example with the Mountain Twin 2021 156Wide according to the Jones website I would need a medium binding?!
(Another board option would be the Capita Outerspace Living in 155W)
So I am a bit confused when it comes to Union Binding Sizes and/or the recommend Binding sizes on the jones page!
thanks in advance,
Greetings from Austria
Konrad
Hi Konrad
Thanks for your message.
Quite strange that Jones website says to go Medium on the 156W Mountain Twin. Jones’ own bindings do have quite long baseplates, but even their bindings should get on the 156W in the Large. It might be just that they have a formula that for anything under 260mm at the waist, it triggers medium. No guarantees, but given the width at inserts of the 156W Mountain Twin is likely at least 272mm, I don’t think you would have any issues getting the Union Force Large on it at all.
But I would also predict that the Adidas Response 11 would fit in the Force Medium fine. Adidas are the lowest profile boots I’ve measured, and the Response Boa that I’ve tested was just 1.9cm larger on the outersole than the mondo of the boot. So in the case of the 11, it should be around 30.9cm long. Some 10s I’ve measured are longer than that. So, again no guarantees, as I haven’t tried that exact setup, but I would be surprised if you couldn’t fit the Response 11s into a Force Medium.
With all that said, I think 156 is getting a bit long for your specs. If you’re used to and happy to go with that length, then all good, but, IMO it’s getting a bit long to be ideal for your weight. I know it’s hard trying to find something to match the boot size and weight. But given how low profile your boots are, I don’t think you would have any issues fitting onto the 154 Mountain Twin, and I think it would be a much better size. I would predict the 154 Mountain Twin (I have only measured the 157), to be around 263mm at the inserts. With your boots at roughly 30.9cm, that gives you about 4.6cm total overhang (or 2.3cm per edge). If you rode with a flat back binding angle (like 0 degrees, 3 degrees, that kind of thing), and were into eurocarving, it might be too narrow, but otherwise, I think you would be fine with that kind of overhang and 154 would be, IMO, a better size for your specs.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hey Nate!
Thank you very much for this very extensive and in depth answer!
I will probably try as you said to fit into the Medium Union Force!
On the topic of weight/boardlength I would not have thought of the 154 as an option, thank you! Would the Outerspace Living in 155wide work as well? On capitas website its says the weight range is 125-185lbs / 57-84kg ?? The added width could maybe accomodate my shoesize or would this combination be too big again?
thank you in advance
I know with my specs its kind of hard unfortunately
all the best from Austria
Konrad
Hi Konrad
OSL in 155W still on the big side for your specs, IMO. Subtly better size-wise, because it has less effective edge, but still on the big side, IMO. Again if you’re used to that kind of size and happy with it, then all good. But I would be looking closer to 152-ish for your specs, ideally.
Some options that would be wide enough in smaller sizes:
– YES Standard 153 (doesn’t look that wide by waist width, but wider at the inserts than you’d think and with Adidas 11s, I think you’d be good width-wise on this)
– YES Greats 151 (ditto above)
Or going a little longer:
– Never Summer Proto Synthesis 154X
– Burton Custom Flying V 154W
Thx a lot Nate!
I went back to the “drawing board” and worked my way trough your Gear Advice, which is BTW AMAZING, I haven’t seen any other site with so much information and detail!
So I went with the Force Mediums (will report back how they fit) and went through all kind of 152-ish boards.
Unfortunately the yes standard and greats (which was my favourite) is out of stock in my area.
By accident I found the GNU Money 2021 which is a 150W and it is really cheap at my local store (which has btw a good return policy if anything does not fit)
Its kinda short and wide with a 260mm waist width and the recommend weight is between 100-190lbs so seems kinda ideal for me?
thx a lot again,
stay stafe and healthy
may you get some good runs with a lot of snow this year!
greetings Konrad
You’re very welcome Konrad
Yes the Money does have the 150W – good find. Let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Would be great to hear what you think. And also how you get on with how your boots fit in the Force Mediums.
Hi Nate! Reporting back!
First of all I am really impressed how adjustable the Union Force Bindings are!
To report back on the fit of my Adidas Response US 11 Boots in the Medium Size Bindings: Yes they fit…I think.
The straps can be centered and closed normally! In the manual it says there should be around 3-5 Ladders showing at the bottom, I have 3 showing at the toe strap and 5-6 showing on the ankle strap. (Btw I have setup my toe strap as a toe strap not a toe cup but both options work fine as well)
All in all I still have some room to adjust the straps they are not maxed out.
The sideway heel fit of the boot in the binding is tight but not as tight as on an older Atlas I tried. There is about 1-2 (??) mm gap, you can move the the heel very slightly (when not strapped in) but it also depends how you step into the binding (the boot sits tight when the straps are engaged so no worries there).
To the size of the baseplate/footbed: Yes, with my boot size I had to pull out the gas pedal and the heel loop all the way out. There is (still) boot overhang, more on the toes than on the heel. I am not sure how much boot overhanging the binding is ok but on the board it seems ok.
(I turned the mounting disk and moved the whole binding back on the board itself to loose toe overhang (more heel overhang is better then toe right?) and I think I am in the ballpark)
Some Numbers: Boot overhanging the binding/gaspedal toes 3 cm, heel 2,5 cm
( I am not sure if I measured them correctly because the shoe curves upwards on both ends, could be less)
To sum it up: The straps fit and have spare adjustment holes. The boot fits into the footbed and heel cup snug. The boot overhangs the binding on the toes more than on the heel.
I can’t compare to the Large Forces but I get the impression that the Large would be on the other hand way to big maybe.
Long Greetings from Austria
Konrad
p.s.: I hope I can test the setup on snow soon and comment on the board(size)!
Hi Konrad
Thanks for the update. Really appreciate it and appreciate the detail. Looking forward to hearing how you get on, on snow!
Hey Nate, would these bindings work well with my new DOA Board ?
Hi Uri
These would definitely work with the DOA, IMO.
Hi Nate, I was wondering would these bindings be a good match for the 2020 Salomon Huck Knife? (non-pro model)
I mainly ride all-mountain, but I like to ride park and hit jumps too.
Cheers!
Hi Joseph
Yeah, these would definitely work on the Huck Knife and for how you describe your style. I think if you went Strata you’d get a bit more in terms of park, but all round, these are very dependable solid bindings and can’t go wrong, IMO.
Hello I am wondering what is the base plate length of the union force large size
Hi Sami
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t measured the length of the Large Force, only the medium. But the following might give you some insight:
– The Union Contact Pro Medium I measured was 24cm on top of footbed (23.5cm measuring the underside of the baseplate). Someone wrote in that their large Contact Pros were 26.5cm (that was the 2018 model). Now I’m not entirely sure if that was measured underside or on top of footbec.
– The Force Medium I measured is 24.5cm on the top of the footbed, and roughly the same on the underside
If Union’s medium to large add the same amount of length, then I would estimate that the Force Large would be roughly 27cm. But that’s only using the above as a guess. Also the Force’s gas pedal is adjustable (on Mediums adjusts from 24.5cm to 25.5cm. So I don’t know if they make the large go from 26cm to 27cm OR 27cm to 28cm (assuming that 27cm figure is close).
That’s about the only guess I can make based on those things but tell you with any certainty. Hope it helps somewhat anyway. You could try messaging an online retailer and they might be able to go off and measure one for you.
Thanks Nate! Enjoy the rest of the season.
Thanks dd. You too!
Hi Nate. Do you think the Force would be enough to drive a Rossi XV Magtek? My other choice would be some Cartels. I realize neither is likely a perfact match as both are probably a bit softer than ideal, but curious on your thoughts. Thanks in advance!
Hi dd
Yeah neither probably ideal, because of the flex, like you say, but doable. I do ride stiffer freeride boards on softer bindings and it’s fine. Just I find it’s more optimal on stiffer bindings for stiffer boards.
Between the Force and Cartel, I don’t think there’s really one that would drive the XV better than the other in a massively noticeable way, but I would be just leaning towards the Force, just because they felt, to me, just a touch more responsive vs the Cartels. Part of that better response could just be done to a slightly longer base plate on the Force, which can give you just that little bit more leverage on the edges of the board. But very subtle. Between the 2, I don’t think there’d be a huge difference on the XV.
Hello,
Thanks very much for doing such detailed reviews, very cool.
Any idea how long the length of the base of the Large Forces are? Mediums are just too short for me
Thank you and keep up the great work
Hi T
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t measured the Large Forces, as I always ride medium. But I did have someone send me the measurement of a large Contact Pro, which was 26.5cm long vs the Medium Contact Pro which is 24cm long. If the Force has the same difference, then I would expect the Force Large to be around 26.9cm based on the medium measuring 24.4cm (without any gas pedal extension). But there’s certainly no guarantee that the Force has the same difference between the M and L. Also the Force has an adjustable toe ramp and the Contact Pro doesn’t, so that gives you a bit more leeway in terms of length on the Force. My guess would be that it’s shorter than 26.9cm without extension, but maybe extends to about that. But that really is just a guess.
Hope this gives you a little more to go off
That’s a correct guess. I got info from a reseller that the length is 26.8 but if I measure myself it is 26.6. Union Force L 2021. Hope this helps.
Thanks Nikita. Really helpful and good to know. I will note that down for future, when people ask. Appreciate it.
Hi Nate!
Been reading your reviews for a while. I bought a One Lf, most of my riding is trees, carving, and just bombing. Both east and west coast. But that being said, because I like tree runs, I need a binding that is responsive at both slow and fast speed. I am between a few options- Union Force, Union Falcor, or Union Atlas. I’m not too sure which I should get for my riding style. In terms of boots, I have Salomon synapse focus boa boots. I was wondering which bindings would you recommend and why?
Thanks!
Hi Nathan
Thanks for your message.
Definitely a weigh up there. Softer bindings are typically better for more maneuverability at slower speeds and stiffer bindings better for high speeds and harder carving. The Force is the softest of those 3, with the Falcor the stiffest, though they are come in a fairly close range. From my feel they are:
Force: 6/10
Atlas: 6.5/10
Falcor: 7/10
So, the Falcor is going to be the best in terms of bombing and carving (and that plays out in reality too), with the Force better for slower riding. But in saying that the Falcor isn’t bad at slower speeds either – they’re not oppressively stiff. But to get in the middle the Atlas is a good bet. You do get the extra board feel from the Falcor with the mini-disc too.
I would say the Synapse is around 7/10 flex and the Rossi One around 6/10 flex, so any of those options would be a good flex match.
I would personally be weighing up between the Atlas and Falcor, just because I prefer to have bindings at least as stiff as the board, so the Force is fine, but I would prefer just that bit more response and bombability of the other 2. I also like the feel of the mini-disc, so I lean towards the Falcor, but it’s a good choice to have because not one would be a bad choice, but yeah I would be weighing up between the Atlas and Falcor from what your describing.
Hope this helps with your decision
Could anyone tell me what the length is of the Union Force Large with the gas pedal fully extended? Thanks in advance
Hi Tim
Not sure about the large, but the medium is fully extended is 25.1cm (24.4cm with no extension). I was told that the Large Contact Pro is 26.5cm (no extension) and the Medium contact Pro is 24cm (no extension). Based on that the Large Force might be 26.9cm (no extension) and 27.5cm fully extended. But that’s just a guess and may not be accurate as it might not be the same amount bigger as the large contact pro is.
If anyone knows the exact answer to this, that would be much appreciated
Hey Nate,
Is there any difference for riding between 2×2 and 4×4 mounting?
I mean I can mount these bindings both ways on my 2×2 board but does it affect riding anyhow?
Regards,
Alex
Hi Alex
2 x 4 and 4 x 4 are slightly different mounting patterns on a board. 4 x 4 means that the holes are 4cm apart (horizontally) and 4cm apart vertically. With a 2 x 4 pattern, the holes are still 4cm apart vertically, but the holes are only 2cm apart horizontally, which gives you more stance width adjustment options.
You can mount Union discs both vertically and horizontally, but if you mount them vertically, you limit your stance width adjustability. And since Union bindings have an adjustable heel cup, you shouldn’t need to mount the disc vertically. The only reason you would want to mount the disc vertically, is if you needed to do so to center your boots for even toe and heel overhang. But since you should be able to achieve that by adjusting the heel cup, I would run the disc horizontally, to have more micro-adjustability for stance width. Though, if you’re just going to be riding reference and don’t need any adjustments for stance width, then it doesn’t really matter which way you mount them.
Hope this makes sense/helps
Hi
I think he meant using 2 adjacent holes horizontally,
I actually ride my force like that and I get better board flex by using the 2 holes closest to the center of the board.
Hey Nate, I have the Yes Standard 2018 156cm board, 10.5 Burton Imperials, and was trying to match them up with the Union Force 2018 M binding. The L size binding was hanging over the edge a bit. The issue I have now is that the low part of the binding heelback seems to be poking the heel of my boot. I’m a bit worried if this will destroy my boot once I start riding.
Do you think I need to get another boot or binding? Or is it ok to stick with this setup? I noticed at a Burton store that the my boot had no issue fitting into a medium Burton mission binding or malavita binding…
Hi Dennis
Thanks for your message.
This isn’t an issue I’ve come across, so I couldn’t say for sure if it’s going to cause issues, but it sounds like it could.
I’m surprised that the Large Force we’re overhanging on the board though. I measured the YES Standard at 27cm at the inserts, which is relatively wide. That said, I ride Medium for Union bindings, so I haven’t tried any Large Unions. The only large Union I’ve measured was the Contact Pro, which was 26.5cm long (Union bindings typically have longer base plates than other bindings). Did you have the toe ramp extended or all the way in. If it was extended it may have fit better being all the way in.
Either way, if you had no issues with fit in Burton bindings, then that might be the safer way to go. Also, Burton bindings in the Large size aren’t as long as Union bindings – so you would have no issues with a Large Burton binding on the Standard if you wanted to go Large with that brand.
I rode the 2019 YES Standard with Burton Malavitas (Medium) and they worked well with the board. I’d say the Mission, Cartel and Genesis would all also be good matches for the Standard.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate, thanks for the advice!
I think I was just overthinking it. I asked around and it seems like the issue I was concerned about shouldn’t be a problem just like you mentioned.
I decided to check out the Burton Genesis binding in medium. However, after I spent some time adjusting it to my 10.5 Burton Imperial boot, I decided that I liked the fit with my Union Force in Medium much better.
Another thing that swayed me was the strap quality. I wasn’t really impressed with the straps on the Burton Genesis, especially for the cost. It’s a personal choice, but I thought the Union Binding straps were easier to use, and functioned better. Of course, I made this decision by just trying the Bindings at home and not actually on a mountain.
Also, the tool less gas pedal adjustment was difficult to adjust on the Burton. It took me some time to figure out as I didn’t want to break it. The union binding has the screw which is very simple to adjust if you have a screwdriver.
In regard to the Large Force overhanging, I did have the toe ramp/gas pedal all the way in and not extended. I should clarify that the binding base only slightly hung over when the bindings were at the 15 -15 setting. It really just hungover a tad bit. But went I put the toe ramp back on, It noticeably hanging over at the toe. I just found the Large Binding just to be very big in general for a 10.5 boot. The heel cup was snug, but the front of the binding had a lot of space. I didn’t care for that too much.
Also, with the medium Union binding, if I extend the toe ramp all the way out, it does hangover the board a little bit. If I keep it at the middle setting, it’s perfect.
Hi Dennis
Thanks for the update. Sounds like the Medium force is the way to go for you then.
Yeah the gas pedal adjustment on Burton bindings can be a bit tricky at first, and you feel like you’re going to break it. I found that too. But you do get used to it.
Hi Nate,
Want to pair my Jones Mountain Twin (15/16) with Union Force (16/17 I can get them for a very good price). What would you say about this combination ?
I was actually looking forward to get Union Atlas, but can get Union Force with 30% off which makes them much cheaper.
Thanks a lot,
Val
Hi Val
Thanks for your message.
Union Force with Jones Mountain Twin sounds like a really good match, IMO. They’re a good flex match and both are quality pieces of gear. The Atlas is probably a little nicer overall than the Force but not by a huge amount, IMO, so you wouldn’t be taking much of a drop and if you can get the Force at a good price, then I’d say that’s a good way to go.
Hope this helps