Extremo

Are you going to bitch about base scratches and top sheet dings too? What about your laces wearing out on your boots? Skid marks on your baselayer? Are you just unhappy about life in general?

Derp

Just a thought and I realize you are unhappy about your paint chipping, but what about finding a nail polish that matched your bindings? That might provide some sort of a "cover up"

YES, I know you shouldn't HAVE to do that or anything for that matter, but it might at least stop the chipped spots from getting any worse. You could even apply it to your finger nails and then be all matching! WIN WIN.

Honestly surprised that you have a paint problem. I've over 100 hours with my Force this season and barely show any signs of wear other than the heel cups. and toe straps that are beat to shit lolol.

Nivek

I tend to agree. And while I'm quite often a focus in these threads especially regarding Union I try not to and very rarely resort to personal attacks.

And I can't count the times I've tried to get across that I do not hate Union. Some of their practises bother me as well as what I and many others believe to be blatant oversights in construction. But I like the brand. They have a very rider driven and fun image. And when they first got going they we're really holding to the creed that Drake set down with a binding that was comfortable, responsive, and would never brake. Its been 8 years though and coming from someone that rode them for 3 years exclusively they, up until this year at least, have felt stagnant. A couple new models and a few other small changes but nothing huge. Their flagship binding, the Force, has only had minor tweaks here and there in the history of the brand. Some good, some not. They started with a rubbery material as the heel bushings that I felt rode much better. The EVA in them just doesnt take up vibration as well. The heel straps are better. And the gen 2 toe strap was better than year one. One thing I like Union for over most I've worked with is the adjustments. You have a much easier time getting someone boots centered on the board and getting an exact width they like with the way the heelcup and toe ramp adjust.

To hate a brand as a whole is to say I dislike everything they do and everyone there. I don't. I don't even hate all their product. I will hapilly sell Contact Pro's after I make sure the toe strap fits well and clear the customer on the toe ratchet and other than my issues with the toe strap I see no reason why the Flite shouldn't be one of the best budget bindings on the market, I just haven't ridden them yet.

As far as my gripes with the toe ratchet, again, I owned 3 pairs over 3 years. It took me 15 seconds to figure it out. But I also had all six ratchet's retention springs fail around the 20 day mark and the levers would flop about. It never effected the functionality but to call that the best ratchet on the market is silly. And there is only one reason for them not to change to a levered release, cost. From the sounds of the email someone posted they are either adding a lever to it for 2014 or moving towards something similar to Burton/Flux. So as far as the ratchet debate is concerned, I think it's done.

The new Union representative on here has been civil to me and even concerned as to how my attitude towards the product developed. I won't alter my opinions, but in return I'm trying my best to be as objective with the product as I can. Blatant fanboyism isn't helping though.

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Snowboarding Sucks.

jennifer

I am very happy with my life, though you seem to be one unhappy son of a bitch. Seriously, grow up.

I have spent less than 10 total hours on a bunny hill....so YES, I would bitch about many of those things if they were already happening! I spend good money on things, and I take care of my things. So it does bother me when things like this are already happening. You seen to just want to start a personal attack on any person who dares to say there is the smallest thing they dont like about these bindings. It is stupid and childish.

Again....aside from the paint issue I love my union bindings. I bought and took back 3 different pairs before I got these. I have kept these ones. Obviously I like them. But I am not blind to every single issue. It is a good product, but it could be improved upon. I think any normal adult with a fully functioning brain would be open to any improvements that could be made on a product.

The sad thing is that I am sure with your union crush you will be the first one talking about how the 2014 design is the best ever and union rocks....even after all of you garbage about how nothing needs to be changed. Then I will hopefully be around to tell you what a hypocrite that makes you.

UNION INHOUSE

Seems like arnyxp got it figured out, right?

PM sent to make sure.

People are crazy on here!

UNION INHOUSE

Hi Jennifer,

Please send a couple photos of your chipped paint to this address: warranty@c3ww.com

Feel free to PM me with any questions or concerns.

Thank you.

UNION INHOUSE

That is 100% False.

Extremo

There's a difference between saying 'I can't seem to figure out how to release this ratchet' and "these ratchets suck". The first comment illicits a friendly response like "Just press and lift simultaneously, hope that helps". Blaming the product for you're lack of common sense get's you called an idiot. The response is relative to your initial approach.

And if Union does make a change to its toe ratchet design next year I'll say it was completely unnecessary, but felt the need to placate to whiners like you. Hell, maybe they won't even paint their bindings anymore, just so you won't have any to fall off.

snowklinger

If bindings are painted how do you not expect them to chip? I would expect it and not care? If you buy a binding that is painted, and you care when it chips, imo, you are a retard. Consider the stress and flex happening. If its not a solid colored plastic or some kind of anodized aluminum, paint is gonna chip off at some point.

I'm not an engineer or anything just a simpleton observing the bleeding obvious.

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is it late october yet?

Leo

Had an angry parent come in the shop the other day complaining that his son's brand new Forces' toe ratchet had paint chipping after one day. All I could tell him was that my Rome's were 50x worse with paint chipping off the base, highback, and ratchets. Then I said "But they still do their intended job." Also told him if it bothers him that much that Union would take care of him.

Honestly, what do people expect? Do you go back to your car dealership and complain because a piece of road gravel chipped your paint? This is snowboarding and just like with your car, things are going to hit your gear. If you want it to look pristine, then don't ride. If it bothers you that much, stick to matte colors. Anything with any amount of gloss is going chip.

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www.aGNARchy.com Reviews and David Z's rants