Mercury vs Force
top ten:best snowboard bindings
Choosing between the Jones Mercury and the Union Force represents a clash of all-mountain philosophies: cutting-edge mechanical leverage versus bulletproof, conventional chassis design. Snowboarders demanding responsive edge control and all-day comfort will find both models at the top of their shortlists, but they deliver power very differently. The Jones Mercury relies on NOW SkateTech architecture, which mimics the mechanical advantage of a skateboard truck by pivoting energy directly to your edges via a central kingpin and interchangeable rubber bushings. This dramatically reduces foot fatigue while delivering instant carving response. Conversely, the newly overhauled Union Force remains the quintessential daily driver—a standard-bearer built with indestructible Duraflex ST nylon, an extruded aluminum heelcup, and refined Molecular Bushings that dampen vibrations natively. Deciding between them comes down to whether you prioritize SkateTech's fluid, surf-inspired power transfer and customization, or the Union Force's predictable locked-in feel, bombproof reliability, and legacy of indestructible all-mountain performance across park, groomers, and backcountry drops.
Spec-by-Spec
| Spec | Mercury | Force |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 890g per binding (Size M) | Approx. 915g per binding (Size M) |
| Capacity/Size | Men's M (7-10.5 US), L (10-13 US) | Men's S (6-7.5), M (8-10), L (10.5+ US) |
| Materials | Recycled nylon/carbon composite, aluminum kingpin, Hytrel straps | Duraflex ST nylon, Extruded 3D Aluminum heelcup, Magnesium ratchets |
| Price tier | Upper Mid-Range ($350 - $380) | Mid-Range ($300 - $330) |
| Warranty | 2-year standard (Lifetime on baseplate components) | Lifetime on baseplate and heelcup, 1-year on other parts |
| Best use | All-Mountain Freeride, High-Speed Carving, Powder | All-Mountain, Freestyle, Resort Charging |
| Portability / Mounting | Universal disc (4x4, 2x4, and Channel compatible) | Camber disc (4x4, 2x4, and Channel compatible) |
| Durability | High; robust composite parts and modular bushings | Legendary; virtually bombproof aluminum and Duraflex ST |
| Feature highlights | NOW SkateTech kingpin, Flip-It ankle strap, swappable dampening bushings | Stage 9 Duraflex ST baseplate, Exoframe 6.0 straps, Magnesium S1 ratchets |
Mercury
Best for: Best for aggressive all-mountain riders and carvers who want maximum edge leverage with minimum foot fatigue.
Pros
- SkateTech transmits energy directly to board edges with less rider effort
- Flip-It ankle strap allows quick switching between surf and freeride modes
- Swappable bushings allow personalized chassis dampening and flex
Cons
- Higher retail price compared to conventional all-mountain bindings
- Slightly heavier and mechanically more complex than standard disc bindings
Force
Best for: Best for resort riders who want a legendary, bombproof daily driver capable of handling park, groomers, and powder equally.
Pros
- Nearly indestructible chassis backed by a legendary lifetime baseplate warranty
- Exceptionally smooth and reliable Magnesium S1 ratchets
- Predictable, uniform board flex and dampening across all snow conditions
Cons
- Transfers more micro-vibrations and foot strain during long, icy carves
- Stiffer, traditional chassis lacks the surfy edge-to-edge pivot of SkateTech
The Verdict
The Union Force wins this head-to-head as the ultimate all-mountain workhorse, edging out the Jones Mercury thanks to its battle-tested durability, lower price, and universal versatility. The Force effortlessly handles everything from mid-winter terrain park laps to steep freeride couloirs without ever feeling out of place, backed by the industry's most reliable lifetime baseplate warranty. However, the Jones Mercury is undeniably the superior carving and technical freeride tool. Its SkateTech pivot mechanism produces unmatched edge-hold and significantly mitigates arch and foot fatigue, making it worth every extra penny for hard-charging riders who spend their days trenching groomers or navigating steep, technical backcountry bowls. If you want a no-nonsense binding that will survive a decade of resort abuse, choose the Force; if you want fluid, surf-inspired power transfer that saves your legs on deep carves, the Mercury is the choice.
See where both rank in the full list: the complete Top 10 →