Union Force Snowboard Bindings Review

Fresh off a 5-day shred trip to Japan’s Hakuba Valley, the first thing I did when I sat down on my departing train was whip out the laptop to formulate my impression of the Union Force Snowboard Bindings. I’ve long recognized these as a popular model, but it wasn’t until this season that I had the opportunity to put a pair through their paces. On this trip of a lifetime, neither Japan nor the Forces disappointed.

To see how this binding stacks up against the top-rated gear I’ve technically vetted in the Tetons, check out my full roundup of the Best Snowboard Bindings.

Unboxing

Fresh out of the box, the Union Force bindings in the teal blue color option really popped. I gave them a once over by examining the base plate, playing with the ratchets, tweaking the highback, and squeezing the straps.

The first impressions were a vibe of durability and responsiveness due to most of the components leaning toward the stiffer side on these high end snowboard bindings.

Setup

When mounting other pairs of snowboard bindings, I’ve usually just picked my angles and screwed down my preferred stance with minimal additional setup. With the Force bindings, I really wanted to customize my setup, so I spent some time adjusting the heelcup, footbed, and all four straps for a truly dialed in fit.

It took some extra time, but it was well worth it when it came time to get real.

Strapping In

The look of the ExoFrame 6.0 Ankle Straps was already promising. Sure enough, the new design of these Union binding straps accomplished the goal of seamlessly hugging my boots and providing a responsive feel while dispersing pressure to avoid any pain points as the day went on.

Bonus points for the base of the ankle strap being on a sort of hinge that keeps it out of the footbed when you’re strapping in. Toe straps can really be hit or miss in my book, but the TS 5.0 Toe Strap lands a hit with its no-slip grip. Super smooth ratchets all around were the butter cream icing on the cake.

In Action

There’s nothing like laying some quick cuts and deep carves into some fresh cord to see how a new pair of bindings feel. It didn’t take more than a couple runs to really appreciate the fluid response and power transfer facilitated by the Stage 9 baseplate and Stage 19 hibacks, (both with Duraflex ST).

After cruising the corduroy, it was time to dip into the trees in search of those famous Japanese powder stashes. This was some really unforgiving terrain that will punish you for making a mistake, but these runs are where I felt the Union Force bindings really shined. They were ready for everything these technical runs threw at them. Every cut, pop, and slash could be executed with confidence with the edge-to-edge control leaving nothing to be desired.

The Force is the ‘All-Mountain Samurai,’ but if you demand more lateral flex and heavier dampening, see how it compares to the Union Atlas.

Union Force Molecular Bushing

Later in the trip, the snow wasn’t quite as choice. There were plenty of choppy sections and icy bits. While not ideal, it did provide the opportunity for me to appreciate the dampening and shock absorbing capabilities of the Union Force snowboard bindings. Their new Molecular Bushing Suspension System and Baseplate Gasket really muted what could have otherwise been a ride wrought with board chatter and gnarly vibrations.

For the sake of being thorough, I also took these bindings through a few park laps. It’s not necessarily the place they were designed to primarily operate, but they certainly held their own. They had enough give to tweak some stuff out and felt really solid on the takeoff and landings.

Union Force Snowboard Bindings Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Durable and responsive components
• Customizable setup for perfect fit
• Responsive feel and no-slip grip

Cons:

• Custom setup may require extra time
• May not excel in terrain park
• Choppy snow may affect performance

Overall Impression

The Union Force Snowboard Bindings are the definition of an all-mountain samurai. Anywhere you ride, they diligently execute with power and precision. Based on their performance and comfort, I will happily be keeping them mounted to my favorite snowboard. Whether you’re ripping your home mountain or traveling across the world to explore new terrain, the Union Force Bindings are a can’t miss choice to enhance your experience.

Related Snowboard Bindings We Tested

1. Union Charger Splitboard Bindings Review
2. Burton Cartel X Snowboard Bindings Review
3. ThirtyTwo T32M Snowboard Bindings Review