UNION FORCE vs CARTELS

Hello All,

I can get some 2010's in good shape for about 45 bucks.... hard to beat that... but I think I may go all out for a new set. Im leaning towards the Cartels..

How do u like the flex and feel of your contact?  I personally wasnt stoked for the force or cartel due to rigidity.  I prefer a more mello flex like the mission or contact. Just my 2 cents

cartels have a gas pedal the some people, including me, hate.  Unions are decent, I prefer Rome.  

if you like the contact but want to try something a bit more responsive without being quite as firm as the force, try the contact pro.

rome's most similar binding is going to be the targa.  the 390 is sometimes compared but the highback is softer and that makes a difference.  not sure on the overall rigidity of the 390 base cause i didn't ride them too much, but i guess if you use no forward lean, your base is the main source of response, in which case i'm sure 390s would do just fine if you're looking for a force-like binding.  i'd still say targas though.

price is reflective of technology, not performance.  you can get bindings that flex like the force for significantly less or significantly more.  if you want a force-like binding at the price of the force, you're looking at.. well, the force.. haha.

hahahaaha, my front binding does that. Jesus its annoying. Then again theyre pretty old now and have a fair few days on them. But yeah, that toe strap ratchet can be a bitch to unclip. Fortunately, im rather happy with the bindings in general.

thinking about getting some union SL, but I'm wearing 10.5 boots and don't know what size binding to get?  (I'm riding medium cartels right now, if that helps)

I have both models, and cartels no doubt. they are more reliable, set it once and it good, My unions needs tightening of the screws from time to time

damn.. not sure on that one.  those low profile salomons are pretty small.  i would venture to guess M/L in that case, but i really can't say for sure on that one.

Originally posted by julius77 Originally posted by Blur510 I have both models, and cartels no doubt. they are more reliable, set it once and it good, My unions needs tightening of the screws from time to time My cartels need tightening every few weeks on the straps, but I've had them since 08, I think.

When I first got my forces (used) the toe ratchet seemed sticky, but when Im snowboarding especially with my gloves on I dont really notice it. I sorta naturally put force into it when I undo them. Unless you are trying to notice them being sticky then they aren't that bad.

Originally posted by spadeswyld Originally posted by sixpoint How do u like the flex and feel of your contact?  I personally wasnt stoked for the force or cartel due to rigidity.  I prefer a more mello flex like the mission or contact. Just my 2 cents   I really like the flex on my contact. If you think the force was too stiff, then definately go with the Contact. I never tried Missions.

I just got some Restricted Cartels and can say the ankle strap is extremely comfortable. But then again, what do I know since I'm coming from seven year old Forces.

What I do know is that I really like the adjustable heelcup from Union.

Originally posted by Dice I have Force SL and Burton P1.1. I like the P1's better. More comfortable for me riding all day. Also Release is "smoother & faster" let's just say coming off a run straight into the lift lineup-up! And I love the forward lean on the burton bindings for my heel side turns. More natural and I don't have to put a big effort.  I'm looking to buy a pair of Cartels OR SuperSport (to try). Cheers...

Originally posted by snowcker Have you tried strapping into both?  Either at a demo day or at a store.

^ Wow, thanks Dice, that's very informative.  You just made my decision that much harder now. hahaha  I thought I was set on the SL's but I will continue to read more reviews and do a bit more research before I bite.  I still have a bit of time before I hit 3000.

Thing is, limited sizes on this site left... I wear size Nike ZF1 size 8.5 and DC Park size 9... do you think sizing will be an issue given that Small is 3-8 and Large is 10+?  There's still a M/L left for the SL's though.  I can actually fit in my size Small Burton C60 EST once I extended everything to it's largest setting.

After some careful and long-winded deliberation, I have decided to stick to my initial choice and go with the Union Force SL... as it is the only one that comes in M and it's about time I owned a proper sized binding.