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[ Epoxy Flex Tails ]
EPS / Epoxy boards are a bit of a
"Catch 22." EPS / Epoxy construction offers great performnce features -
paddling, speed, quick response, and maneuverbility in smaller - marginal
waves. Their physical properties offer a relatively "strong" surfboard
compared to similar poly construction. However, the stronger physical
properties also alter some features of a board's flex pattern. Specifically
it takes more force to initiate the flex in an epoxy board with a "strong"
glass schedule. A relatively "rigid" board maintains or holds it's rocker
when performing high speed turns. This can lead to control issues. A
relatively "flexible" board adds rocker as it bends with input from the
surfer. A board that flexes and springs back with a quick response (memory)
to it's "shaped rocker" is essential to performance surfing. Flex, spring
back, and memory provide control and acceleration. As a board loads with
the surfer's input initiating turns it flexes to provide more rocker for
control at speed. As the board returns to it's "shaped rocker" the memory
springs acceleration into the turn. In order to bring the flex and memory
components of high performance surfing to EPS / Epoxy construction The
Flex Tail features a wedge stringer - 5/16" at the nose to 1/16" in the
fin array where the stringer ends. This provides integrated flex and memory.
It's worth noting that the flex, memory, and spring back of EPS / Epoxy
construction have a stronger and longer lasting "flex component" than similar
flex, spring back, and memory in poly construction. |
