I have had both but sold the cartels because they were too stiff for me. What kind of riding do you do? And what kind of stiffness are you looking for?
I ride the 2013 force and I love how it feels but toe strap is a pain in the ass to pop loose riding up to the lift. If you can deal with that, then that's what I would suggest.
Yeah, you're referring to the 2013 and older Unions. They revamped the toe straps on all Union models and added push pins to some. Is it an overall fix? I couldn't tell you. I coughed up some dough for a pair of the 2014 Atlas and 2014 Contacts and to me, the toe straps are easier to get out of than my 2012 flites. Most people don't have a clue unless they do their own homework and get off their ass and into a shop and do the dirty work. Everybody wants to take the golden word of the internet..."I saw it on the internet, so it must be true"
Yea. It's just the toe strap that is tough sometimes.
But once you figure it out. It's always easy.
Instead of just pulling up on the one side of the buckle with your thumb. Pull AND PUSH down on the other side of the buckle. Pops out easy every time!
Both good bindings. It really comes down to fit and preference of feel/flex. I had a problem with the Burton strap twisting as it tightened and stripping the ladder.
the baseplates on the forces have been designed so that only 20% of the base actually makes contact with the board, thus allowing for a more natural board flex. if the OP was riding EST cartels with an EST board, than maybe perhaps it could allow for a more natural flex but last time I checked a skate banana doesn't use EST.
This whole % of the baseplate thing touching the board is more marketing than real effect. It does something, but not as drastic as Union claims. And guess what, you get more board flex out of these Cartels you're talking about than the Force. ReFlex home slice.
*"cartels are better suited for an all-mountain style of riding as apposed to freestyle" - Nope. - im not saying that Cartels are no good for freestyle, just saying I prefer the forces in the park. and if it came down to it, I would choose a pair of malavitas (with a flex of 6, that better match with a board that flexes at a 5) for freestyle over cartels (that have a flex of 7).
For starters, are you really comparing numbered flexes between brands? And between bindings and boards on top of that? Good hell. Not to mention you clearly haven't actually ridden the Cartels or Malavitas. And you trust manufacturers websites too. Just winning. The Cartel is softer than the Malavita. This became pretty clear last season.
Good for you. I had plenty. And our parts box was empty by January. I personally never had an issue with the 3 pairs I owned. As in they always stayed functional. There were things that broke, but nothing that made the bindings unrideable.
Anyway, I did all that for arguments sake, and to call out bullshit.
OP: Both will fit that board great. I wouldn't get the 2013 Forces though, shoot for 2014. I can't imagine the changes completely fucked the way it rides, so it can't be anything except better. Better toe strap, better shaped heelcup, better heel dampening.
That said, if it were me (except it wouldn't be cause I hate the Banana), Cartels.
This whole % of the baseplate thing touching the board is more marketing than real effect. It does something, but not as drastic as Union claims. And guess what, you get more board flex out of these Cartels you're talking about than the Force. ReFlex home slice.
forces and cartels are up there amongst some of the most sought after bindings on the market, so obviously ur going to have the never ending argument between the fans of both. why not just offer ur own opinion on the bindings instead of calling out peoples "bullshit" that's based off of their own personal experiences with the bindings. Ive ridden all 3 plus more and I found the forces most suitable for me. why are u even trying to argue that?
If you go the Union route, take the time to dial them in. Everyone fits differently. Took me a few days of riding to really figure them out and get the settings right. Once I did I was completely happy with them and had no problems with getting them on/off, tight/loose, or any sort of pain.
Odd, I found the Cartel's baseplate comparable, the toe strap more responsive, the ankle strap softer, and the high-back more flexible. I think the overall flex of the Force was a tad stiffer. This thread has turned stupid.
both are awesome bindings and u will be happy with either but i feel as though forces would be so much more ideal on a skate banana than the cartels. the flex pattern is better suited and will have a more natural flow. but depends on what style of riding ur into. cartels are better suited for an all-mountain style of riding as apposed to freestyle. malavitas would be more on point for freestyle.
love my forces, absolutely bomb-proof. going onto my 3rd season with them, well over 120 days and only needed to replace one ladder but that was only because i let my friend borrow the board and it came back folded/creased about 3cm from the tip of the ladder. it still clipped in just fine and there was nothing wrong with riding them like that but i have a bit of an OCD issue when it comes to things like that. i know a lot of people that went with cartels and parts were falling apart after about the 50 day mark. also not the biggest fan of canted footbeds.
I've got a 12/13 pair of forces and swapped out the union toe strap for a burton toe strap. Sure, it costs $40 more but hey. Do whatever makes you happy.
Where are you reading that I said your recommendation or opinion was wrong? I dont see it. I see where I point out things you call opinions are indeed facts.
Your "opinion" about more boardflex is wrong based on physics. You compared flex numbers between brands, then denied it. And you gave your experience with their durability. I didn't say yours was wrong, simply gave mine as well. Then I gave my personal opinion.
Someones angry I called them out on the interwebz!
I'm not a Burton guy but after demoing their Cartels last season, that would be a clear choice imo. Have owned several pairs of Forces and although I liked them at first, they have been seriously outclassed by their competitors the last few seasons.
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