Union Force Snowboard Bindings – Product Guide
Overview
If you’ve spent any time snowboarding in the past decade, odds are you’ve seen a pair of Union Forces in the lift line—and for good reason. The Force is Union’s flagship binding, a true all-mountain workhorse that blends durability, comfort, and performance in a way that suits everyone from day-one intermediates to 100-day-a-season locals. Updated over the years but never radically changed, the Force is about consistency—getting better, not just newer.
The latest Force keeps its legendary Stage 9 Duraflex ST baseplate, combined with a responsive S19 Duraflex ST highback and Union’s premium Exoframe 6.0 ankle straps. It’s stiffer and more powerful than the Force Classic, more forgiving than the Atlas line, and lighter and more refined than older versions. In other words, it’s better than ever—but still unmistakably a Force.
If you want a binding that you can throw on pretty much any board and ride anywhere on the mountain, the Force is still one of the safest bets in the game. It’s supportive enough to charge, flexible enough to play, and built to take serious abuse—whether you’re dropping cliffs or chasing corduroy.
Who It’s For
- Intermediate to advanced all-mountain riders who want a dependable, do-everything binding.
- Anyone looking for a stiff-ish binding that still has enough flex to stay fun and forgiving.
- Riders who value comfort, consistency, and long-term durability over flashy tech gimmicks.
Who It’s Not For
- Beginners who want a softer, more forgiving feel (check out the STR or Ultra).
- Ultra-aggressive freeriders or racers who want carbon-like response (go Atlas Pro or FC).
- Park rats who want maximum tweakability and surfy flex.
Tech Specs & Features
Stage 9 Duraflex ST Baseplate
New-generation baseplate with optimized response, lightweight feel, and increased torsional stiffness.
Extruded 3D Aluminum Heelcup
Signature Union tech—adjustable, durable, and great for edge-to-edge control.
S19 Duraflex ST Highback
A brand-new highback designed to offer enhanced heelside response without overkill stiffness.
Exoframe 6.0 Ankle Strap
Union’s most advanced ankle strap—light, durable, and super responsive without pressure points.
TS 5.0 Toe Strap
Grippy and low-profile, designed to mold perfectly over boot toes for maximum hold.
Magnesium S2 Ratchets
Lightweight and bombproof with buttery-smooth operation and long-lasting performance.
Tool-less Adjustability
Quick strap and forward lean tweaks without a screwdriver—ideal for on-the-fly changes.
Weight: Approx. 830g (per binding)
A great balance of strength and low weight—lighter than older Forces, heavier than carbon options.
Riding Style & Terrain Suitability
All-Mountain: Outstanding
The Force’s natural habitat—built to ride everything from groomers to trees to steep bowls.
Freeride: Very Good
Responsive and stable enough for technical terrain and bigger lines.
Freestyle / Park: Good
Stiff enough for jumps, stable on landings—less ideal for jib-focused riders.
Powder: Very Good
Durable and responsive when paired with a pow board, especially directional shapes.
Resort Laps: Excellent
From first chair to last, this is a go-to choice for all-day riding at the hill.
Best Board Pairings
- Mid-to-stiff all-mountain and directional twin boards (e.g. Capita Mercury, Yes Standard, K2 Passport).
- Great for riders who want to simplify their setup and have one binding they can trust on any board.
- Not ideal for soft flex park decks or ultralight splitboards.
Comparable Bindings from Other Brands
Burton Cartel X
Responsive, all-mountain powerhouse with top-tier comfort and shock absorption.
Rome Katana
Highly adjustable with a smooth, surf-meets-power flex, ideal for fine-tuned all-mountain riding.
Ride A-8
Aluminum chassis binding with excellent edge control and smooth dampening for aggressive riders.
Final Thoughts
The Union Force remains one of the most reliable, versatile, and value-packed bindings in snowboarding. Year after year, it earns its place as the default choice for riders who just want a binding that does its job—without fuss, without failure, and without needing to be replaced every season.
It’s stiff enough for serious riders, forgiving enough for progressing intermediates, and durable enough to survive whatever kind of abuse you throw at it. Whether you’re ripping groomers, hunting side hits, or poking around the trees in a storm, the Force is a partner you can count on.
If you’re looking for a single binding that will do almost everything, with no real compromises, the Force is still the one to beat. It’s not just a safe choice—it’s a smart one.