Ski & Snowboard · Head-to-head
Union Force vs Rome Trace AW Snowboard Bindings
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Snowboard Bindings: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Union Force pairs a proven all-mountain flex with durable aluminum and magnesium parts and a lifetime baseplate warranty. The Rome Trace AW gives a softer, more forgiving ride for noticeably less.
Union Force
Buy itA durable, responsive all-mountain two-strap binding with a lifetime warranty on its key parts.
- Union rates the flex 7 of 10, a responsive all-mountain feel that still suits park and freeride.
- Extruded 3D aluminum heelcup, Stage 9 Duraflex ST baseplate and magnesium S2 ratchets.
- Lifetime warranty on the baseplate and heelcup; a published 2.20 kg for a medium pair with disks and hardware.
- The most expensive two-strap binding here.
- Everything other than the baseplate and heelcup carries a 1-year warranty.
- Stiffer than a beginner needs for learning turns.
Rome Trace AW Snowboard Bindings
Buy itA forgiving, medium-flex two-strap binding with Rome's AsymWrap chassis at a mid-range price.
- Mellow, medium-flexing G baseplate (15% glass) and a 100% nylon N highback for a smooth, forgiving ride.
- Forged aluminum heelhoop on Rome's AsymWrap platform with three connection points to the base.
- ProFlex ankle and ProGrip toe straps using Rome's AuxTech pattern.
- 2-year warranty, shorter than Union's or Burton's lifetime baseplate coverage.
- Rome publishes no weight.
- Rome recommends upsizing if in doubt and checking fit with an adjusted binding, so sizing takes care.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Union Force Our pick | Rome Trace AW Snowboard Bindings | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Intermediate and advanced riders who want one binding for the whole mountain. | Beginners and progressing riders who want a forgiving, comfortable binding without paying premium prices. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range |
| Entry | Two straps | Two straps |
| Flex (maker's scale) | 7 of 10 | 5, medium |
| Baseplate | Stage 9 Duraflex ST | G baseplate, 15% glass |
| Heelcup / highback | Extruded aluminum heelcup | Forged aluminum heelhoop |
| Boot compatibility | Any snowboard boot | Any snowboard boot |
| Mounting | Standard disks | Standard disks |
| Warranty | Lifetime baseplate/heelcup, 1 yr rest | 2 years |
| Sizes | S to XL | S, M/L, L/XL |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Union Force if
intermediate and advanced riders who want one binding for the whole mountain.
Know before buying: the most expensive two-strap binding here.
Pick the Rome Trace AW Snowboard Bindings if
beginners and progressing riders who want a forgiving, comfortable binding without paying premium prices.
Know before buying: 2-year warranty, shorter than Union's or Burton's lifetime baseplate coverage.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Union Force - A durable, responsive all-mountain two-strap binding with a lifetime warranty on its key parts. Choose the Rome Trace AW Snowboard Bindings instead if beginners and progressing riders who want a forgiving, comfortable binding without paying premium prices.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Snowboard Bindings: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).