Union Force 2022 Binding Review - Compared to Atlas, Falcor, STR, Contact Pro, Strata and Flite Pro

[@ryanbarry-souza4876]

I'm excited to try those neon blue Forces on my 159 orca. 6'0 230lb size 12boots. Wish I could demo the forces and atlas.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah it isn't easy to demo these days. Where are you located or where do you plan to ride?

[@ryanbarry-souza4876]

@@thegoodridesnow I ride a tiny resort called China Peak in the central western sierra. I already own the Force bindings, just unsure if the atlas dampness is worth the return.

[@thegoodridesnow]

@@ryanbarry-souza4876 If you can trade up maybe the Atlas would be better but you trade up EVA foam with the Force for more of a rubbery material with the Atlas so one is great for shock absorption and the other for dampness. So your call on what you might like better. in the conditions you ride. If you are getting a lot of air the Force might be better. If you are trying to turn through uneven snow of all types a lot then it's Atlas.

[@ryanbarry-souza4876]

The forces are being returned. So we have Orca + Atlas + burton Photons or Ions?

[@gboates]

@@ryanbarry-souza4876 Ions speed lace

[@steverossi3060]

This was a really great in depth review. I think these would be a good upgrade from my old 2016 Burton Mission bindings. My boots are Burton 10.5 so I think I need a medium binding. Also, are the Force pro a necessary upgrade? I notice some sites have better availability in one versus the other.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! Yes they would for sure be a nice upgrade in Force and Force Pro. If you can get the Pro go for that. I like the straps better. You are between medium and large. Go medium if your boots are reduced in footprint and you ride normal width boards. If you ride mid/wides and your boots aren't reduced go Large.

[@dougchamberlain9405]

Hey James - thank you for all of your in-depth reviews, I've been reading/watching for a long time. Just want to get your opinion on a few setups. I have a 2019 - 20 Salomon Taka x Wolle as my pow board, 2019 Salomon Huck Knife for park/freestyle, and just scooped a 2023 Korua Otto as more of an aggressive all-mountain. Currently running the 2019 Contact Pro (RIP) on my Huck, and 2019 Force on my Taka, definitely going to snag a pair of Atlas after your review but curious if I should switch the Atlas to the Taka since the shock absorption isn't as good as the Force but wouldn't be needed as much in the pow and run the Forces on the Otto. What do you think and thanks in advance

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for the goos words n support! So I like Atlas/Taka and Force/Otto combo on the dry erase board but I would mix one day and match to see which one you like best.

[@BsK85]

I have the malavitas on my Burton custom but bought the force pros for my new Capita mercury. How does the bindings compare?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Force are much more adjustable, more responsive and I like the ratchets straps better. Malaita have a great ankle strap, have softer padding, a smoother ride/turning experience and are more freestyle oriented. Both are super reliable.

[@MikeWaddell-kz5tz]

Would you recommend forces or atlas for a capita mercury? typically I cruise groomers and dip in the tress but that its. Thanks, Mike

[@thegoodridesnow]

Both will work, force will have more slow speed shock absoprtion, atlas will have more highspeed dampness

[@paulportalatin870]

I’m riding a 152 Yes Typo. Would you recommend the Force or the Contact Pro?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Depends on how you ride. If you want to make your Typo feel stiffer underfoot, ride with a little less chatter and more response go Force. If you want your Typo to ride softer and butter easier go Contact Pro or with the new Ultra. Check that review.

[@nik-tn6ve]

Hey Man, I love your content. Any chance you can give me advice on which binding to buy that has an adjustable gas pedal? I wear a US14 size boot and definitely need it. The Union Force was my favorite, but I use to always get pressure points from it.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Sure. What year Force do you have and where where the pressure points?

[@nik-tn6ve]

@@thegoodridesnow it’s a 2017 I guess.

[@thegoodridesnow]

and where are the pressure points?

[@nik-tn6ve]

@@thegoodridesnow on the toe strap, on the right side (small toe)

[@thegoodridesnow]

Gotcha. Ok so this is just leading to more questions as there are soo many factors involved. You might want to hit me up here so I have more info to go with. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/ if not it's hard to say with what I know but you might just like a different binding like the Rome Katana. They have a softer strap that stretches easier. Might cause less pressure points.

[@buuutzz]

How would the 23 forces compare to an older contact pro model (i think 2017/18) on my 2022 151 warpig? Im about 5'10 and 180lb Thanks for the great reviews 😀

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for the good words. The Forces would be much more responsive and provide a much more damp ride. Not sure of your boot size but they would turn your Warpig much faster.

[@buuutzz]

@@thegoodridesnow Thanks for the reply! I got boot size EU 44 i think its US 10. Im now unsure between sticking to my old contact pros and buying new ancle straps for them, or getting either: union strata, force, burton malavita, cartel or cartel x. Im riding Pow whenever possible, besides that mostly all mountain freestyle and some carving, searching sidehits etc. In the park only small or medium jumps and no Rails. Actually only bought the contact pros cause they were cheap at the time. What do you think would fit me best?