The Union MC Metafuse 2013-2010 competes directly with the Flux DMCC and the Burton Diodes.

We feel of all the bindings the Burton and Unions have some of the best flex under foot. They do it in different ways but the result is the same. The Burton and Unions have the best Padding throughout the Base. The Diodes are the most responsive bindins in burtons line but have the smoothest turn initiation/least responsive edge to edge transitioning in this comparison. The Union Bindings have a more sharp/easiest turn initiation of all the bindings and the flux are second but have more of a smoother feeling like Burton’s. When it comes to ankle support the Burton and flux could be argued either way as the most supportive but with the new ankle straps from the 2012 Union Force SL and Force MC a much closer second than before.

Unions Toe straps can be a bit sticky and especially so for those that like to crank em down tight. For some this is a big problem and for others it’s not that big of a deal.

Flex– These bindings are a carbon ultralight version of the Union Force SL so they have a stiffer flex. The MC is still flexible but it’s a bit more snappy than the Union Force SL. Even though the 2012 is completely different in style the flex feels the same.

Adjustability: Like all Union Bindings there are some issues here. One complaint we have about these binding is they require an Allen wrench to make any adjustments. This means that most pocket tools you buy won’t be able to service this binding. They do give you a little Allen wrench but its difficult to keep a little thing like that. So it seems that the only pocket tool that will work is a biking tool. This is rather frustrating and we wish Union would let these bindings gain a little weight and use normal screws. There is also that same issue with the SL’s when it comes to adjusting the ankle strap angle. There is really only one angle so if you like to have 3 angles like many bindings do you will be a bit disappointed here. If you adjust the ankle strap angle you will also adjust the position of your boot on the foot bed.

Comfort: The old Force MC was very comfortable but the 2012 is even more comfortable. The new bigger asymmetrical ankle strap does a great job at securing the ankle and also creating a lot more comfort than the sub 2012 bindings.

Response- You can feel the difference in response from the Union Force SL’s which are one binding down from these. The way these bindings are made they can have the same response as a much stiffer binding. The difference is the response is generated more from the base plate more than the high back. This is very similar to how the Burton EST bindings work with minimal contact on the board so it flexes more naturally torsionally and longitudinally. It’s amazing what these do to a board’s turn initiation. It’s like buying a new board. All Unions do this to some extent but the Union Force MC do it more than any other binding. These are a great combo with a very aggressive mostly mountain to freeride board that takes some effort to turn. The 2012’s are going to have a little better response than the 2011’s and below due to the better everything.

Weight– These bindings are incredibly light and right up there with the lightest in the industry. We didn’t scale them but it almost feels that both bindings weigh as much as one binding from other companies.

Lateral Movement- The asymmetrical ankle strap is possibly our favorite improvement over all the other improvements. Not only does it provide better support and comfort but it makes for much better lateral movement. With the minimal contact with the board and the new bigger ankle straps the Force MC is great when it comes to flexing the board any way you want.

Shock Absorption– Super damp and super shock absorbent. The bindings have the ability to absorb a lot of shock and are virtually chatter free. It might not be the most cushy but it’s right up there with the best of them when it comes to absorbing shock. When it comes to dampening it’s one of if not the best.

All in all the price tag is pretty massive and if you can deal with the Allen wrench screws the Union MC Metafuse s the choice for the serious ultra rich gear whore. We personally feel the Union Force SL is enough for anyone with a much better price point but those that have to have the best will disagree.

2012 Union MC- We wanted Union to make a better ankle strap and for 2012 they did a lot more than that. The Base Plate, ankle strap, high back and toe strap are new and improved to keep this at the top of the food chain. To us this is overkill and we didn’t like the ultra light Allen wrench screws everywhere. We’d change it out with the SL’ regular Philips head screws. If you have to have the best and lightest that is what this binding is for.

The Union Force MC from 2010/2011 is incredibly light, has a leather version of the contact ankle strap, an original toe strap and a carbon fiber high back.