$159 Beginner to Advanced All Mountain In 2011 we thought The forum Faction was a functional binding but that is about as far as we can go with it. For 2012 we see the faction in a whole new light thanks to the addition of their high end tech to a low end binding. The base plate was completely overhauled. The base plate has been hollowed out, the disc now bends in the middle and the footbed is now all EVA foam. This makes for better shock absorption and more importantly a better flex underfoot. This reduces the dead spot where the bindings sit on the board, allows for a better flex when jibbing/buttering and an all around better ride. Burton has very similar tech to what Forum has but you would have to pay a lot more to get it. This upgrade makes the Faction one of the better calls in this price range and a lot of bang for the buck. Both the 2011 and 2012 have the same decent adjustability and will not let you down. Obviously you will get a lot more out of these bindings in 2012 and they are the call over 2011. This is a great entry to mid level binding and we are big fans of how the Faction has evolved.
A Good Ride Take on Binding Tech Metal vs Plastic Bindings
This is a Goodride breakdown for all you that are having a tough time choosing your bindings and what to make of the material you are looking at. Most bindings are Metal, Plastic or some combo of the 2.
Metal Bindings have a lot of great aspects. Almost all-metal bindings are made from aluminum. Aluminum is great when it come to weight to stiffness ratio and also pretty durable. There is one key issue with metal/aluminum bindings; they transfer all the vibrations from the board right into your feet. This is the same principle that pelage “bass-less” bindings, your feet got totally tired or fatigued. The newer generations have much better/damp bases so this problem has been minimized and in some cases eliminated. There are some companies that make great bindings despite the vibration issue with Aluminum. Some that come to mind are Ride and Rome.
Plastic Bindings also have many great features but let’s address some technical stuff first. Most plastic bindings are really hardened glass plastic mix. The high-end stuff tends to have a more carbon, and carbon fiber added for extra stiffness and weight savings. Plastic bindings really dominate the market right now and most top bindings these days are mostly or all plastic. They can be really stiff and react well to your commands. The new bindings finally dialed in the carbon/ fiber integration to the point that the bindings will perform with the stiffness of metal and absorb more chatter. Most industry leaders have limited or completely eliminated metal from their bindings and we feel that with the materials used right now this is the future. Some mostly plastic companies that we feel rock are Burton, Flux and Union.
What kind of binding should you buy? It’s a tough call. Both Plastic and Metal bindings offer freestyle, freeride and all mountain styles. At this point we feel that plastic bindings are edging out metal bindings when it comes to the very high end $300+ category. However it is a tough call in the below $300 category as to which material has the advantage.
Bindings are arguably the most important part of your setup, so why settle for less? The Forum Faction has everything you need to improve your park riding. Most importantly, our Good Vibes Hinge Disk and Split baseplate, allow your board to flex naturally underfoot giving you more freestyle feel. To boot, the Faction is offered at a price that won’t break the bank. This is true satisfaction. This is the Faction.
Good Vibes
The Good Vibes are spreading and it feels natural. Featuring mind-altering and award winning new levels of board feel with the free-flexing Hinge Disk and the Split Baseplate. Good Vibes allow the board to flex naturally underfoot, heightening board feel and control and taking full advantage of continuous rocker. Let your toes marinate into dampening comfort with the full-length adjustable EVA pad so only the good vibes get through even on flat landings. Now available on the Republic and the award-winning Shaka.
Good Vibes Hinge Disk
Providing increased board feel and control, the Hinge Disk utilizes two separate pieces that operate independently, allowing the binding to flex underfoot. Updated for 2011 with nose-to-tail stance-width adjustment.
Good Vibes EVA Footpad
An adjustable full-length pad that protects riders from heavy impacts and minimizes chatter, while still allowing precise board feel and control.
Bubbler Strap
Plush comfort even cranked to 11 or just hanging your board from the chair. The Bubbler strap brings comfort with its thick padding and 3D interior spine.
Forum Faction 2011
The perfect combination. The Faction provides aggressive response and control with freestyle freedom and comfort. A longtime team favorite, it features forgiving nylon composites where you need it under foot and lightweight aluminum in the adjustable heel cup to ensure response and control. The Bubbler ankle strap wraps up the deal, blending comfort and support perfectly.
Throwdown Cap
Designed for complete coverage around the toes, this molded strap throws down on demand and cinches boots into the heel cup for precise edge control.
Good Vibes Split Baseplate
Completely minimized to reduce the materials between rider and board, the Split Baseplate heightens board feel while allowing the board to flex naturally.
30% Glass-Filled Nylon
A tech composite mix of 30% glass fibers and high-grade nylon allows for maximum power transfer while still providing underfoot feel and dampening.
Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Heelhoop
Lightweight and strong, aluminum offers maximum support and response.
Forum Faction 2010
$159.99
The Faction is a classic, but not a throwback to days when all bindings sucked. Instead, it is a solid stomper for riders who are sick of hype, jaded by babble and just want a binding that won’t crap-out under pressure. The foundation of this ride features an adjustable metal heel cup, a glass-injected baseplate and a tallboy highback. Real wrap EVA and underfoot padding soften its hard image on the inside. Switch-stance parts let a park rat mismatch them out of the box for personalized color-coding.
