#1 on this list
Mercury
Jones
The Jones Mercury is engineered for all-mountain and freeride snowboarders who demand immediate edge control without sacrificing comfort over rough, tracked-out snow. Built using NOW SkateTech architecture, the Mercury features a baseplate that hinges over a central kingpin. This design directs foot pressure directly onto your board's edges rather than flexing the center of the deck, giving riders exceptional leverage during aggressive carves while significantly cutting down on foot fatigue. What sets the Mercury apart in independent reviews is its ride-tuning versatility. Jones includes interchangeable dampening bushings that sit under the four contact points of the binding. Swapping between hard and soft bushings lets you transition the feel from a rigid, hard-charging platform suited for steep backcountry chutes to a looser, more surf-like flex for playful powder days and relaxed groomer cruising. The Flip-It ankle strap can also be reversed to shift support higher or lower on the boot cuff. While the SkateTech feel delivers clear performance advantages, it does produce a slightly distinct underfoot sensation that can feel unfamiliar to riders accustomed to traditional dead-flat mounting discs. The binding also sits at a premium price point, and swapping out the bushings requires carrying extra hardware and spending time with a screwdriver off the hill. **Highlights** - NOW SkateTech kingpin design directs rider energy straight to the edges - Swappable high-density bushings allow quick customization of flex and dampening - Flip-It ankle straps can be swapped between boots for customized support - Asymmetrical highback provides robust heel-side leverage and lateral freedom - Stiff all-mountain flex profile tuned for technical lines and high speeds **Watch-outs** - Hinged baseplate feel requires an adjustment period for traditionalists - Bushing changes require tools and manual disassembly - Premium retail price sits near the top of the category
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#2 on this list
Force
Union
The Union Force is widely regarded across the snowboard industry as the gold standard for bulletproof all-mountain reliability. Built for riders who want a single binding that can handle everything from icy morning groomers and steep alpine bowls to park jumps, the Force focuses on rugged simplicity and proven materials rather than mechanical gimmicks. Recently redesigned, the binding features Union's Stage 9 Duraflex ST baseplate and a multi-layered molecular bushing system. Testers and reviewers consistently praise this updated chassis for absorbing high-frequency chatter and heavy landing impacts without disconnecting the rider from the board. The extruded 3D aluminum heelcup remains virtually indestructible, maintaining structural integrity across hundreds of hard days on snow. Combined with Union's magnesium S2 ratchets, the strapping interface is smooth, fast, and dependable in sub-zero conditions. The trade-off for this bombproof build is weight. Tipping the scales at over four pounds per pair, the Force is noticeably heavier than carbon-infused or minimalist alternatives. Its mid-stiff flex also demands active riding; beginner snowboarders or dedicated jibbers may find it too unyielding for slow-speed maneuvering. **Highlights** - Stage 9 Duraflex ST baseplate provides reliable, temperature-stable flex - Molecular bushing suspension system cushions heavy landings and dampens chatter - Extruded 3D aluminum heelcup delivers unmatched structural durability - Magnesium S2 ratchets resist freeze-up and strip-outs - Universal disc pattern mounts seamlessly to standard 4x4, 2x4, and Channel boards **Watch-outs** - Noticeably heavier than lightweight minimalist models - Mid-stiff flex profile can feel demanding for novice riders - Traditional strap design requires sitting down or bending over at every drop-in
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Mercury | Force |
|---|---|---|
| Riding Style | All-Mountain / Freeride | All-mountain and freeride |
| Entry Style | Traditional Strap-in | — |
| Weight | 3 lb. 11.3 oz. (pair) | 4 lb. 4.4 oz. (pair) |
| Chassis Tech | NOW SkateTech with central kingpin | — |
| Flex Rating | Medium-Stiff (Adjustable) | Medium-stiff (approx. 7/10) |
| Baseplate Disc | Universal 4x4 and Channel compatible | — |
| Binding Type | — | Traditional strap-in |
| Baseplate | — | Stage 9 Duraflex ST |
| Mounting Pattern | — | Camber disc (4x2, 4x4, Channel) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Mercury
- SkateTech kingpin architecture delivers exceptional edge leverage
- Interchangeable bushings allow meaningful customization of dampening
- Flip-It ankle straps provide two distinct support profiles
- Excellent vibration absorption in choppy and frozen snow conditions
- Changing dampening bushings requires tool disassembly at home
- Hinged baseplate feel requires an adjustment period for traditionalists
- Premium price point sits near the top of the all-mountain category
Force
- Indestructible extruded 3D aluminum heelcup provides exceptional strength
- Updated molecular bushing system dampens chatter effectively without losing board feel
- Reliable magnesium ratchets resist freezing and strip-outs in sub-zero weather
- Universal disc provides broad compatibility across standard inserts and Channel boards
- Heavier than many modern minimalist and composite competitors at 4 lb. 4.4 oz.
- Mid-stiff flex demands active input and can overwhelm novice riders
- Adjusting the heelcup position requires a screwdriver rather than tool-less clips
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