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Cartels, Missions, or Forces?

11K views 28 replies 21 participants last post by  vukovi21 
#1 ·
I've narrowed my binding search down to Burton Cartels, Missions, and Union Forces. I ride mostly everything, with a focus on park and trees. I'm 5' 7'', 140 lbs, and size 11 boot if that matters. My board is a Burton Sherlock; so I'm looking for mid-flex. Which should I get?

Thanks!
 
#5 ·
I'd say the Cartel's are more similar in flex and response to the Union Atlas. It really comes down to riding style. The force will have a little more of a mid flex. I've always enjoyed the Force on my park board. The Cartels felt a little more bulky. But it is all personal preference. It sucks that you can't try before you buy.
 
#12 ·
I.Love.My.Cartels. Simply one of the best bindings I have ever ridden. IMO they are so versatile they can handle just about anything I can throw at em.



^ This would be my only complaint with them as well as this happens to me. Even still though it happens few and far between huge landings/biffs that it doesn't become a nuisance.
 
#9 ·
EST bindings are made to fit Burton ICS boards with the channel.

OP, I have this year's Cartels and Missions. I like them both, the Missions are great in the park while the Cartels are a little better as an all around binding. Can't go wrong with either.
 
#10 ·
i have agent orange cartels, warhol missions, and 2012 union forces...the cartels are 2009's and the blow the forces out of the water...better toe cap, better high back, and a really solid build. they also have less abuse and scratches over 3 years than the forces over 15 days
 
#13 ·
i've ridden the forces and cartels for the lasst seven years. i broke the base plate on the cartels last week so i've been riding the missions. for me the missions are the most comfortable. the forces and cartels are stiffer. i wish these missions had the reflex.
 
#15 ·
cartels and missions have the same baseplate blend ;)

I have the late release mission re:flex bindings. I really like them. The asym react ankle strap is pimp! What I don't like... the ratchets aren't nearly as solid as any pair of unions that I have owned(been riding union since 08)... and I also like unions cap strap more that the getta-grip one on my missions(in the minority here, methinks). I have loved my contact pros, forces, and missions...it just comes down to which you prefer... and you won't know without trying them all out.
 
#18 ·
I own older Missions and they were a mix and match of various past season Cartels... It's a different story this season though. They've been upgraded this year to be pretty much in line with the current season Cartel, especially the restricted version. Either will be a nice choice.

The thing about Union Forces... they haven't been changed at all for many seasons now. Other companies are constantly trickling down tech to their bindings that are at a similar pricepoint. You could say "don't mess with what isn't broke", but hell, there's ALWAYS room for improvement without changing the basic design of a binding.
 
#29 ·
i just came back from the mnt so i'll give you my 2cents about the forces while its still fresh in my mind:
1. really good bindings,kinda really fit that all mnt mold but i think everybody is aware of that,
2.toe cap works just fine you just need to set it up correctly,and the bindings offers all the setting you would want.
only con i have on them is the way they are maid...the plastic is good and what not..but its like they are not build to last even dough everybody says its their strong point...and before you take this the wrong way i will explain my self:
screws get loose all to easy for my liking almost lost a toe cap at the top of the mnt was so pissed off..
when you try to tighten the screws for example for the upper strap then you cant move the strap or the highback,and while you are moving is its automatically unscrewing it self...

but this all can be fixed....you just have to loose the small circle plate that goes before the screw and the problem is solved,also the screws should not be serrated all they to the head...those are the only things that i dont get why they couldnt spend a little more time on and really build built proof bindings...
so while you work out all this little kinks you get one hellova binding in my opinion..hope i helped and made any sense while explaining
 
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