UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2018/2019 Union Force here
- Price: £185
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Flex: 6
- Entry System: Classic
- UNIONBINDINGCOMPANY.COM
Thanks to the lines of holes on that big, burly highback, the Union Force binding must be one of the most recognisable on the planet. At the same time, it’s not a case of arrested development – every year (and this is their twelfth), Union do whatever they can to improve its performance and durability further still.
Each binding in the Union line has its own special something, and in the case of the Union Force it’s strength that sets it apart. The baseplate is made from blended nylon, which is mega-tough no matter the temperature. That, along with the extruded aluminium heelcup, comes with a lifetime warranty – not that you’re likely to need it.
“Park riders love how it soaks up impacts, and freeriders know that it can be relied upon in any conditions, and on any terrain”
Placed at key areas under the baseplate (most of it in the heel), areas of multi-density EVA material takes case of nasty shocks and everyday chatter without overly hindering the natural bend of your snowboard. Obviously there’s no binding on earth that has zero impact on a deck’s flex, but this at least keeps it to a minimum.
So it can handle a lot – but a lot of what? Well, that’s for you to decide. The Force’s flex profile is a medium stiffness that’s perhaps a little too rigid for mellow jibbing, but just about everything else is on the table. Park riders love how it soaks up impacts, and freeriders know that it can be relied upon in any conditions, and on any terrain.
Whatever you do with the Union Force, the fact that it’s completely tool-free is another advantage. Should you need to adjust the length of your straps, or change how far up your boot they sit, the process is both fast and simple. Both the ankle and toe straps are – you guessed it – strong as oxen, and they grip your boot like crazy.
We’re massively excited for the upcoming Union team movie , which will feature a pair of Union Force bindings on the feet of Dan Brisse. If you’re still not convinced how strong they are, watching the Minnesota madman tearing up the streets will surely do the trick.
