Binding Review: 12-13 Union Force

Location: Mission Ridge, WA

Snow Conditions: Softpacked groomers to fresh snow on the mountain.

Setup: I rode the Union Force Bindings on the Nitro Eero Ettala with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8.

Time to set up the binding: Average time to set up on the board.

Fit: I rocked the Forces in the M/L size which is what I’ve used in the past. They fit my size 8 women’s boots with some adjustments to the straps and heelcup.

First Impression: I can always count on the Forces to be my go-to binding on the mountain. Gets the job done without the bells and whistles.

Appearance: I tried the Forces in the bright pink colorway. I prefer the blue but the pink is really really bright, similar to the women’s Trilogy bindings this year but for the men to have the bright pink option.

Comfort: The Forces continue to offer comfort on the mountain, good padding in the highback to baseplate. The straps are form fitting to the boot.

Functionality: The Union Forces are known for workhouse dependability. They feature stage II base dupont zytel ST, multizone dupont ST highbacks with injected EVA bushings. Extruded anodized aluminum heelcups, quick adjust forward lean, all new 3D direct connect strap system, multi layer tapered strap core, tool free size adjustment, magnesium buckles, universal disks, all new toe cup design, grade 8.8 hardware and a lifetime warranty base. Definitely functional upgrades to the binding.

Flex: The Forces are in the middle of the road for Flex from Union which makes them totally suitable for a variety of riding. The lower portion of the binding has the stiffer flex, the baseplate to the lower section of the highback and the straps. The upper highback has a lot more forgiveness and flex to it, so you can still play in the park.

Response: A good variety of response on the binding, softer flex in the highback that gives you forgiveness and comfort mixed with a stiffer lower portion of the binding for the responsiveness from the straps to the baseplate. It’s not overly aggressive, just enough to enjoy the ride.

Toe Strap: I’m more familiar with the straps from Union this year and how to wear them on my boots so with the Forces, I just kept with what I had been doing and didn’t encounter any slippage. The straps are a bit bigger than the straps on the women’s so there’s a lot of grip and form fitting shape to my boot.

Overall Impression: The Union Forces are Union’s popular all-mountain binding. Built for consistency and dependability, the Forces continue to offer up good all around response and handling from the park to the pow.

Shay’s Honesty Box: The Forces have been my go-to binding for years since I’ve owned them and spent many winters on them. They are dialed in my opinion. Once the straps are adjusted properly, I can just focus on the board and the bindings just enjoy the ride and make it better.

Review Disclosure: I demoed this binding at the WWSRA On-Snow at Mission Ridge, WA.