Back in January, I was invited to a demo event to try out the new 2025 Union bindings line. One of the bindings I got to review was the newly upgraded Gen 3 2025 Union Force bindings.
I’ve owned a pair of Gen 2 Union Force bindings, which are now rebranded as the “Union Force Classic bindings,” for the last three seasons. I wanted to see if the new upgraded Gen 3 Union Force bindings felt any better than the previous version.
Now for a gigantic spoiler – The summary of what you’ll read below is that the new Union Force bindings felt extremely comfortable. However, other than being a little stiffer, and easier to get in and out of, most riders will not notice a difference between the Union Force classic (Gen 2 version) and the newly upgraded 2025 – 2026 Union Force (Gen 3 version).
Summary: My Overall Impression of the Gen 3 Union Force Bindings
Since reviewing the Gen3 Union Forces, I’ve since purchased a pair for my own quiver, so I’ve ridden around 25 days on these so far, and it’s what I will be riding most often for the 2026 season.
Here is what I like most about them:
Their versatility for resort riding. – I like how versatile the new Union force bindings are. This is a binding that’s got a fantastic level of response for carving and hitting jumps, that isn’t overly stiff to the point of making jibbing any more difficult.
The Union Force bindings work well for most types of resort riding. I’d consider them to be the swiss army knife binding of my quiver. If I am travelling and need one binding that has the widest coverage between condition capabilities and riding styles, these are the bindings I take.
They pair well with most mid flexing snowboards. – To me, the flex of the new Union Force feels a bit stiff at first at a 7/10. After around 10 sessions, though, they start to feel closer to a 6.5/10 medium flexing binding.
The Union Force will pair well with the all-mountain resort boards that are available right now.
If your board is rated with a medium flex rating (that means that it has a flex rating between a five out of10 to 7.5 out of 10 flex rating), the Union Force bindings will pair with it perfectly.
Upgrades for the 2026 Season
There are no major upgrades in the 2026 version other than the new colors and the tool less screw pins on the straps are now update to Union’s Tool-less 3.0 pins.
There was no noticeable difference in their performance. I just found them easier to grab.
Review Rating of the 2025 – 2026 Union Force Gen3 Bindings
| All Mountain Binding | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Considerations | Rating Out 5 | Score Out of 100 | Weight / Importance to Score |
| Comfort | 5.00 | 100 | 10 |
| Responsiveness | 4.60 | 92 | 10 |
| Customizations | 4.25 | 85 | 10 |
| Dampness | 3.50 | 70 | 5 |
| Shock Absorption | 3.80 | 76 | 5 |
| Support for Carving | 4.50 | 90 | 10 |
| Stability | 4.70 | 94 | 5 |
| Board Feel | 4.25 | 85 | 5 |
| Jibs | 3.00 | 60 | 5 |
| Jumps | 4.70 | 94 | 10 |
| Presses / Buttering | 3.50 | 70 | 5 |
| Ease of Entry / Exit | 4.50 | 90 | 10 |
| Overall Quality / Build | 4.80 | 96 | 10 |
| Weighted Score | 4.3725 | 87.45 |
Our Rating: 
After calculating the weighted score, my rating for the 2025 – 2026 Gen3 Union Force Bindings earned an 87.45 out of a possible 100 or 4.37 out of a possible 5 stars.
Image Gallery of the Union Force Bindings Review
Highlights from my experience:
- They are slightly stiffer and more responsive than the classic Union Forces. The newly upgraded Union Force bindings felt noticeably stiffer and more responsive than the classic Union Force Bindings.
- UPDATE: Now that I’ve ridden them for half a season, I would say they feel noticeably stiffer at first, with a 7/10 flex. However, after around 10 sessions, they feel only slightly stiffer than the classics, with a 6.5/10 flex once they are broken in.
- This means that once they are broken in, they feel around one degree stiffer than the classic version and two degrees stiffer when you first get them.
- This means that once they are broken in, they feel around one degree stiffer than the classic version and two degrees stiffer when you first get them.
- The stiffness of the straps felt like a 7/10 while trying to move side to side (breaks into a 6.5 flex after 10 days). There was a little bit of play, but not enough to call them mid-flexing. To me, I’d still call these stiff.
- The stiffness from toe to heel felt closer to a 9/10 stiffness level (this flex didn’t loosen after being broken in). There is virtually no play when you’re trying to bend the highback backward.
- UPDATE: Now that I’ve ridden them for half a season, I would say they feel noticeably stiffer at first, with a 7/10 flex. However, after around 10 sessions, they feel only slightly stiffer than the classics, with a 6.5/10 flex once they are broken in.
- For how stiff they were in the beginning, they still felt very comfortable to the point of not noticing that they were there. After they break in, they will be one of the most comfortable bindings you’ve every used.
- These are responsive – When I went to make a turn, these bindings instantly gave me back what I put into them. This enhances the upgraded Force binding’s ability to carve.
- A highlight of these bindings is how versatile these bindings are. They’re responsive enough to carve well while not being so stiff you can’t carve with them. The Union Force bindings are good for park riding and carving all types of terrain out of the park, too.
- The straps and forward lean adjustment are all tool-less, so you can easily adjust these bindings without a screwdriver. Simply flip up the little locking clip and slide your straps or FLAD anywhere you need to.
- Lastly, these bindings offer some noticeable dampening effects. As you ride, these absorb some of the shock you feel while riding over bumpy terrain.
Pros
- The new Union Force bindings are versatile and perform well for most types of riding.
- The Force offers a smooth riding feel with a strong level of response to help link your turns.
- The Force’s Molecular Bushing System offers extra dampening and shock absorption.
- The Union Force offers great value for their price.
- They offer so many customizations and tool-less adjustments.
- Union’s lifetime warranty guarantee on the baseplates and heelcups.
Cons
- You likely will not notice a difference between these and the cheaper Union Force Classics (the Gen 2 versions), so there are cheaper similar options available.
- The new Union Force bindings will be too stiff for riders who enjoy jibbing or riding soft flexing boards.
- Some riders find the Union Force to feel heavy. They weigh 2lbs.
Sizes Available
Small (US Men’s 6 – 7.5)
Medium (US Men’s 8 – 10)
Large (US Men’s 10.5 – 13)
X-Large (US Men’s 13 – 15)
It’s worth noting that the XL size is only available for the white and black Union Forces. All other colors are available in Small, Medium, and Large sizes.
Who Are the Upgraded Union Force Bindings Good For:
The type of rider who would benefit most from upgrading to the new 2025 Union Force is the all mountain rider who wants one binding that can do all types of riding and offer some response for linking turns.
Why Are These Upgraded Forces Called the Gen 3 Union Force Bindings?
These are the third major upgrade for the Union Force.
- GEN. 01 – Was launched in 2004 and was sold until 2012. The first generation of Union Force was said to be the “bombproof” all mountain binding that put Union on the map.
- GEN. 02 – Launched in 2013 and is still sold today under the new name the “Union Force Classics.” The Gen 2 Union Force was the most award winning / trusted all mountain bindings for over a decade. It’s most known for its durability and versatility.
- GEN. 03 – Launched in 2023 and is the latest generation of the Union Force bindings. This version builds on the classic versions with the latest tech. It is slightly stiffer, damper, and adds more response.
Are the 2024 Union Force Bindings Different From the Gen 3 2025 Union Forces?
The primary differences are the colors they come in and the new Team Highback design. (Some of the new colors have a solid high back with Union’s logo. The highback itself is the same, though.)
Otherwise, the 2024 and 2025 versions have the exact same technical specs.
This image of their specs side by side shows that they are both identical.
What Boards Would Pair Well With the Union Force Bindings?
Because the bindings are so versatile, they will be a good fit with most boards. Any board with a flex rating of 5-8 out of 10 will match well to the flex pattern of the upgrade Union Force.
What Type of Board Won’t Be a Good Fit for the Union Force Bindings?
Jibbers with a really soft board won’t benefit much from the newly upgraded Union Force bindings.
The upgraded stiffer Union Force can overpower soft jib boards, reducing their natural flex and boardfeel, which are two attributes the jibber needs. That said, the upgraded Union Force bindings are still excellent for riders who primarily focus on jumps with occasional jib sessions. They just are not the ideal choice for a very soft, jib-specific board.
How Do The Upgraded Union Force Bindings Perform?
Groomed Resort Riding: These bindings are meant for resort riding. The Union Force Bindings are perfect for resort riding. They are meant to be a “one binding to rule them all” type of binding, where you aren’t sure what type of riding you want to do and need a binding versatile enough for any type of resort riding.
Icy Conditions & Hard Pack: The upgraded Union Force binding will work exceptionally well on hardpack and icy terrain. The added response in the upgraded 2025 bindings allowed me to engage my edges when needed, offering me a little more control on icy terrain than my soft Union Ultras that I run on my park setup.
Powder: These will work well. However, depending on your board and riding style, you may even want a stiffer binding like the Union Atlas.
Park Riding: The new Union Force bindings will work well in the park. These bindings are better for hitting jumps than jibbing, so it depends on the style of park riding you do most often.
- Jumps: These bindings are excellent for jumps. They offer enough shock absorption to land comfortably. However, there are even better options if jumps are your focus. Check out the Union Ultra (4/10 flex) or the newly upgraded 2025 Union Falcor bindings (6.5/10 flex) for additional shock absorption.
- Jibbing: The bindings work for jibbing. However, they are a bit too stiff to help you press your board. If jibbing is your focus, check out the Union Ultra bindings.
Carving: The Union Force is a binding that can help you link your turns. The added support and response in the 2025 upgraded version
Comparing the upgraded 2025 Union Force (Gen 3) Bindings to the Union Force Classic Bindings:
The main differences are that the New, upgraded 2025 Union Force is slightly stiffer, more comfortable, and damper. It’s a $50 price upgrade that offers a higher-end feel, while the Union Force Classic is the tried-and-true all mountain binding with many of the same characteristics.
Here is a quick comparison summary for both versions of the Union Force.
| Feature | 2025 Union Force | Union Force Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Stiffness | Slightly Stiffer 7.5 / 10 (Torsional & Lateral) | More Flexible 6.5 /10 |
| Comfort | More Padding & Damping | Standard Padding |
| Feel | High-End, Smoother, Damper | Standard |
| Price | $329 | $279 |
| Value | Good, High-End Feel | Excellent, More Affordable |
| Riding Style | All Mountain | All Mountain |
| Tool-less Adjustments | Yes (Straps & Forward Lean) | Yes (Straps & Forward Lean) |
| Baseplate | Full Disk (Great Power Transmission) | Full Disk (Great Power Transmission) |
| Carving | Phenomenal for carving | Phenomenal for carving |
| Park Performance | Good | Slightly Better (More Flexible) |
| Weight | 2 lbs | 2 lbs |
So, is the Gen3 Union Force Upgrade Worth It?
The honest answer is that most riders will not notice a difference, and you will most likely be fine keeping your Union Force classics or saving the $50 and just getting the classics instead of the Gen 3 versions. Both versions of the Union Force are built for the same types of riding and are incredibly similar to one another. Since the classics are cheaper, I recommend going with those instead.
So when is the Gen3 worth the upgrade over the classics?
If you’re already a fan of the Union Force Classic bindings and want an upgrade that offers more of response and the latest tech features, it’s worth the upgrade.
Where to Buy the New 2025 Union Force Gen 3 Bindings?
The 2025 Force bindings are still available on sale for 30% off, and the new 2026 versions are starting to hit shops now.
You can buy the new Force at any of these retailers.
Union Force at Blauer Boardshop
Please support this review by shopping with the links above.
These partner links all point to the lowest-priced offer that I could find for the Union Force, and there are no additional costs or fees to use them. By using these links, you support this website because when you make a purchase through them, I make a very small referral commission from the sale of your board, just like if I were your shop’s salesman.
While the commissions are nowhere near enough for me to quit my day job, they do help cover the hosting fees for this website, and any remaining funds then go back into the reviews in the way of lift tickets or purchasing more gear to test out.
Thank you for your support and for reading this far. I hope you enjoy every second you get out on hill this upcoming season.
PS please leave a comment at the bottom of this page if you found this helpful or have a question.
-Steve
About the Reviewer
Rider Name: Steve Weber
Where I Rode: Stratton, VT, Montage Mountain, PA, Jack Frost, PA, Big Snow, East Rutherford NJ
Number of Days Rode: I own both of the bindings compared in the review. I’ve ridden the Gen 3 Union Forces around 20 days towards the end of the 2025 season (and it’ll be the binding I use in 2026). I’ve also ridden the Gen 2 Union Force bindings (they are now called the “Union Force Classics”) for around 200 plus days across three seasons.
Conditions: Being East Coast based, I’ve ridden these bindings mostly on conditions mostly consisting of ice, groomers, slush, and hardpack with the occasional soft section from 1″ of fresh snow falling the night before.
Size / Model of Bindings Used: The 2025 Union Force Gen 3 Bindings in size medium and 2021 Union Force Classics (Gen 2) in size medium
Rider Weight: 142lbs
Board Used: 2025 Capita Navigator, 2026 Capita DOA, 2026 Capita Dark Horse, 2026 Capita Stairmaster
Boots Used: Thirty Two STW Boa
Related Articles:
- 2025 Union Bindings Preview
- Review of the 2025 Union Falcor Bindings
- Union Ultra Vs Strata Bindings
- Union Ultra Bindings Review
- Union Strata Bindings Review
Steve Weber is the passionate snowboarder, skateboarder, and author behind Board of the World. He understands that most gear reviews focus on having the perfect snow conditions, but his testing methodology is different. Living in Pennsylvania, Steve describes exactly how a board performs when the conditions aren’t perfect. His reviews cover performance on ice, hardpack, and flat-out brick conditions. In other words, he reviews boards for the conditions that East Coast riders actually face.
Bringing 27 years of East Coast snowboarding and 21 years of skateboarding experience, Steve is a 42-year-old intermediate park rider. His recommendations are informed by decades of battling icy conditions, ensuring every review accounts for the board’s performance on the roughest of terrain.
For the last five years, Steve has poured his passion into writing in-depth, unbiased reviews that help riders make informed decisions about the gear they’ll use. He also works part-time at a snowboard shop in Northeastern Pennsylvania, which gives him a direct line to learning about the new gear tech months in advance. When he’s not writing reviews, Steve is often found riding at Montage Mountain and testing out new boards.
Steve’s goal with Board of the World is simple: to help every reader find the right gear so they can have fun outside from the first time they use it.