New core developments - marketing bs or real advances?

[chris_010]

Seems to be a lot more development away from the norm with regards to core technologies.

Manta's composite core technology sounds interesting, where the top half of the board is PE for flex and the bottom half PP for strength/drive. Does it really work as good as it sounds?

Then you have nomad's 'engineered flex core' being marketed as the best of everything; flex, lightweight, memory and all one piece. Not to mention the ability to manufacture new previously un attainable stringer configurations at the same time as the core is being manufactured. Stated for release in their 08/09 range...anyone had a go at one?

Then there's alistair taylors own x-cell core, 100% memory, lightweight, stronger than PP.

etc
etc
I'm sure the list goes on.

[The Dan]

can comment on the ATD and the 4play composite core. Best way to look at it in my humble opinion is not so much as advancement in performence, but as advancement in options. we started out with one size fits all 43 inch dow boards, customs meant size options. Now where getting core options. Ones not better than the other, just horses for courses.

Ok the ATD x-cell cores ive had are stiffer, more buoyant, and thus give you more pop and speed in small to average size waves, and they seem to project a little more than other cores. so perfect for small to mid size waves.

The 4play compo Ive ridden was really flexy right under the elbows where the core join is, so you'd be lovin it in sucky, stepy waves, but the extra flex can be a drawback in average conditions.

thats all i have to say about that.

[marcus]

anyone thought of using a helium blown core?
would it be lighter? seriously, i thought of this back at uni but never thought of asking the materials engineers if it would work

[lambert]

besides the cost which has increased around 120% in the last 6 years

the other problem is due to the joule-thomson effect? memory fail right here, caused by a throttling process means that at room temperate only helium and hydrogen get hotter upon expansion so laminating would be an absolute bitch let alone bubbling and delams

[big_spender]

why do you need such advancement in technology for your boogie boards when all you cants do is bus drive whitewash

[bonusbeats]

^
^

[bonusbeats]

....we started out with one size fits all 43 inch dow boards...

and i'm still riding a 43" dow board.

[lid shaper]

bonus beats.... too funny!!!

these forums are a good crack sometimes.

but i must admit, the technology of materials has gotten alot better. and so has the marketing mumbo jumbo.