Union Force 2022 – 2010 Review by The Good Ride
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Turn Ons/Swipe Right: Excellent Adjustability, Great Response and a very versatile binding. Turn Offs/Swipe Left: Not much
Summary
If it wasn’t for the Union Atlas, the Union Force would be our most recommended bindings. It is just so responsive, supportive, adjustable & versatile.
Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews. We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.
Union Force 2022 Snowboard Binding Review- How it rides and who it is for
How This Review Happened: We borrowed this for an extended demo and then returned it.
Days: 10+ last season but many more days in past seasons Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs) Boots: Burton Kendo and so many other boots over the years. Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers, Footprint Insole Technology Gameghangers Low Profile Boards: Capita Mercury, Ride Psycho Candy, Rome National and a few others
Jacket: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Tusk Jacket, Volcom TDF Infuse 3L Gore-Tex Jacket Pant: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Hover Pant, Burton AK Gore-Tex 2L Swash Pant, Burton Gore-Tex Ballast Pant Helmet: Smith Maze Goggle: Smith 4D Mag Gloves: Burton AK Guide Glove, Burton AK Clutch Mitt, Burton AK Clutch Glove, Burton AK Tech Leather Glove, Burton AK Tech Glove,
Similar (but not the same) Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Strata, Union Contact Pro/Union Superpro, Union Falcor, Burton Genesis X, Burton Cartel, Salomon Highlander, Salomon Hologram, Nitro Team Pro, Nitro Carver, Nitro Phantom Carver, Now O-Drive, Now Drive
How These Were Tested
I rode the Union Force a shit ton over the years and owned a few pairs in the past. I’ve used these for A/B tests against the Union Atlas and even put A Force on one foot and the Atlas on the other/then switched feet to compare the response. I’ve also switched out bindings all day with the same board and used the same boots to make sure I’m getting a legit comparison. Just wish I figured out to use a power tool years ago…
Highback Flex
The Union Force is one of the better bindings
Flex Underfoot
The Union Contact Pro has the best flex underfoot in Union’s line an is right there with the best in the industry. The Falcor and Strata are close but the more rubbery material on the bottom of the base plate makes those bindings more damp but a little less buttery. These are right there with the Burton Cartel and Malavita with their Re:Flex tech that is exceptional when it comes to allowing the board to flex naturally underfoot.
Turn Initiation/Response
The Union Force is very responsive and right there with the Atlas. Maybe even a touch faster in some situations with some boards. Overall I prefer the response of the Atlas in all conditions. Especially uneven snow but it’s very close. This can power a hard board to turn very easily.
Shock Absorption
The Union Force doesn’t have the new rubbery bottom like the Atlas but it’s still very shock absorbent and maybe a little better at slower speeds.
Boot Support
The ankle strap of the Union Force is right there with the Atlas, Falcor and it is very supportive without causing pressure points. It doesn’t leave your ankle exposed in uneven terrain and it’s great for off piste riding. It’s only a touch behing the Atlas.
Ratchets
Excellent ratchets. They can crank down super hard but always release easy. They las a super long time too.
Adjustability
The Union Force has an adjustable gas pedal and heel loop. That makes it work with just about any boot footprint in the suggested size range. There is no better binding other than the Atlas when it comes to centering your boot in the binding and therefore the board. This is more important than any other aspect of adjustability because it directly influences correct turning.
Conclusion
The Union Force hasn’t changed much and it always sit’s a little behind the Atlas but it is one really recommendable all mountain binding for boards of all types. Especially those that have set back inserts.
