.

Is that what matters? looks? can you tell how they perform by looks? would you like a ugly durable binding or a flashy cheap one?

I have been on the Force bindings all season and they are holding up well. The straps are comfy enough but the way they adjust at the ratchet for length is a bit weird, its kind of stripping out, and the ladders seem to break easy when its cold, i have gone through a few, but the shop dudes gave me a bunch.

simple, comfy, durable where it matters

oh and they aren't owned by a fucking car parts company.

download the pdf catalog from here

http://unionbindingcompany.com/

I've ridden them for 4 months and there is nothing better. Looks aren't everything. Just cause it has pokka dots or tetris doesn't mean it is going to hold up and perfom.

Looks aren't everything. I've ridden lots of flashy bindings in my day, that I wouldn't recommend anyone to try riding with. I think that you are confused about the overall look of Union's binding line. Because they don't "look" the same as all of the other binding brands out there, doesn't mean that they don't perform as well or better than those competing brands.

I put a bunch of time on a pair of Forces this season, and honestly have only good things to say about them. They are one of the more adjustable bindings out there, with a slotted heel hoop, on-the-fly forward lean adjuster, and a slidable foot plate with a toe riser. Not to mention that Union has bullet proof ratchets that can squeeze the blood right out of your foot, if you so desire.

Another benefit that Union brings to the table is a vibration-absorbing rubber layer (Purethane Bushing) sandwiched throughout the baseplate. The rubber adds comfort, and lessens foot fatigue.

Their straps are comfortable, and their toe strap works very well as a conventional toe strap, or as a toe-cap. Some non-cupped (and some cupped) toe straps won't stay over the toe of your boot, no matter what you do. Not the case with Union.

Honestly, I was taken back a few years with the look of Union's high back shape, but when I rode them, they gave me all the heel edge hold I could ever want, and were good and stiff...something that I personally like in a highback. They twisted side to side well, but when you needed the heel edge to pull through for you, there it was.

What I'm getting at, along with Leroy and Mr. Neon are that looks don't matter. Quite frankly, I think that the Union line looks very clean and flawless, and they go about things in a very clever and fresh way. That feeling comes out in their bindings while you're riding them.

As far as I understand, the Airblaster bindings are based off of the Force model, so nothing should really be sketchy on 'em since the only difference in hardware is the airpill imprint on the buckle, I believe.

I have both the Force and Datas and I can hide both ankle and toe ladders on both models. My wife's Lady Accents' ladders don't have this though.

Unless you like a superstiff binding, I'd recommend the Force. They're comfortable and have good flex yet are still really responsive. If you want something a little stiffer and with comfy leather sraps, go for the Datas.

I'm imagining this season's stiffness wouldn't change too much from last season. That said, I don't know the stiffness for this season's bindings, but I know that my Datas are just a hair stiffer than my Unions. Either binding kill it in the park and have a medium flex yet have good responsiveness.

Last season the Datas retailed for $240 and the Force retailed for $200, but it's not difficult to find them going for cheaper than that.

As long as you get the right size, they fit fine. My size 11 Lashed fit fine in the XL's. My friend got size 9.5 Lashed and the fit in the L's, but I wouldn't try L's with anything larger. (I'd put him in XL's and readjust the heelcups if it were up to me, but they still work.)

can u still wear them as a cap strap even though they look like regular toe straps