Last year I rode a burton dominant with cadet DLX's, this year I am on a stepchild jibstick and I can't decide between Forces or Contacts. I ride a little bit of everything but don't want something too noodley-feeling. I'm in the park more than anything but I like to hit some booters too. What will perform better on my jibstick? Are the Forces a lot stiffer than the Contacts?

Ive ridden both and they are very close in flex, power transfer and comfort. I personally have a pair of last years Contact's and I must say that I LOVE them. Like riding on a cloud of comfort all day. Not to say that the Force's arent comfy, they really are. But the Contact's have softer straps for better presses. Seeing as you ride a reverse cambered deck, the Contacts will allow for a more natural flex seeing as only 33% of the binding is actually touching the board. Some ppl are getting freaked out by how little contact is being made, but it doesnt feel like ur strapped into a big bowl of jello. They are just as secure as Force's, and keep my feet right where I strap them down to be. I take my contacts to the park, steeps, trees AND pow. Union makes 'the real deal' binding, seriously. Either one will be sick, but if ride mainly park then go for the Contact's. They are not washy, hold you in place, power transfer from edge to edge is strong, and just all around a great binding. If you want a tad stiffer then go for the Force's. My buddy has them mounted on his Postermania 1985(reverse camber) and they allow for sick flex. Hope this helps :)

young padawan,, The Force will be with you,, Always..//

Forces, the response of them makes them the better bindings to buy, the contacts are too flimsy if you wanna go and carve.

if you do a little bit of everything, forces are the binding for you

The Forces are definitely stiffer than the contacts but not too much stiffer. I've looked at both of these bindings locally. I strapped into the Forces and played around a little bit and they are exactly as the manufacturer describes them; medium flex. The Forces will give you better response and control. If you ride mainly park and prefer a softer flex with less responsiveness then go with the Contacts. Personally I like the "do it all" bindings...Forces baby. Just my 2 cents.