Union Strata vs Union Force: Flex, Mounting, Sizes and Prices

Two medium-flex strap bindings from the same maker, $70 apart at list. Here's how the specs differ and what the two cost in practice.

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The Strata and the Force are strap bindings from Union that you'll find at more than 50 US shops each. Both are men's all-mountain bindings for intermediate and advanced riders, and both are described as medium flex. At list, though, the Force costs $70 more. Here's how the two differ on paper, and what they cost once you look at real shop prices.

We haven't ridden these bindings for this comparison. This compares the published specs of the 2027 models and shop prices as of 4 Nov 2026, US shops, in-stock offers, all in US dollars.

The specs side by side

Flex and terrain are the real choice

Both are called medium, but the numbers tell them apart: the Strata is rated 5 and the Force 7. Flex ratings don't travel well between brands, as our guide to flex ratings by brand shows, because each maker decides for itself what a 5 means. These two come from the same maker, though, so the gap is worth taking seriously.

A softer binding leaves more room to move. It's more forgiving when you land off balance or press on a rail, and it suits a softer board. A stiffer binding passes your movements to the board sooner, which helps on a stiffer or wider board and at speed on firm snow, but it forgives less when you make a mistake. A good rule is to match the binding to the board, because a stiff binding on a soft park board can make the board feel twitchy.

Their intended terrain and ability levels point the same way. The Strata is aimed at park as well as all-mountain riding. The Force is aimed at all-mountain riding, and its ability range runs up to expert. None of that stops you from taking a Force into the park or riding a Strata hard. It's just where each one starts.

Mounting and sizes

Both bindings list 2x4 and 4x4 mounting, which covers most boards. Only the Force also lists The Channel, the slot Burton uses on most of its boards. If you ride a Channel board and prefer the Strata, ask the shop which hardware comes in the box before you buy.

Sizes differ as well. The Strata comes in Medium and Large, and the Force in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. A binding that's too big lets the boot shift, and one that's too small leaves the boot sitting awkwardly in the straps, so check Union's size chart against your boot size. If your boots sit at either end of the range, the Force looks like the easier fit. Our snowboard binding guide covers entry styles, flex and mounting in more detail.

What they cost

The $70 gap at list shrinks to $43.98 when you compare the lowest prices, because the Force's lowest price is about 26% under list and the Strata's about 23%. The two ranges also overlap, so a discounted Force can cost less than a full-price Strata.

With more than 50 shops stocking each one, comparing pays off, but the lowest price may not be in your size. Compare the same size across shops on the product pages for the Strata and the Force. If you can wait, when do ski prices drop? shows how prices tend to move through the season, and our Black Friday page has price drops at US shops.

Which one to start with

• Start with the Strata if you split your time between the park and the rest of the mountain, ride a softer board, or want to spend less.
• Start with the Force if you ride a stiffer board, want a quicker response at speed, need a Small or Extra Large, or want The Channel listed as a mounting option.

If you're still torn, let your board decide: match the binding's flex to the board's. And if both would work, there's no shame in buying whichever is cheaper in your size. For help with the board itself, see how to choose a snowboard.