I was just reading this -

lostsurfboards.net/two-shapers-walk-into-a-bar/

At the end Matt Biolos talks about composite stringers -

M: I will say, I think it would be really good to have composite stringers, made of Kevlar, carbon or fiberglass. Take the x-factor out of the wood ??? the warp, the bent stringers, the knots ??? if we can get the flex right and start controlling the stringer, that would be a big step.

A carbon or kevlar stringer would have to be better than ply, it must be stronger and have much better flex.

Any thoughts?

A simple question; has it not been done?

Alloy has, to limited uptake.... are they still around?

If Katana wants to try some materials, I'll happily be a gumby test-pilot!

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Buster fin said..

A simple question; has it not been done?

Alloy has, to limited uptake.... are they still around?

I was thinking carbon fiber stringers would be the go, and they could made in different thickness for flex.

Just a thought

Good read, thanks

This made me laugh..

D: How about when Kolohe punched his board a couple years ago in Fiji? How did that make you feel?
M: Oh, that was such an ego bruise. It was like he punched me.

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SP said..

Good read, thanks

This made me laugh..

D: How about when Kolohe punched his board a couple years ago in Fiji? How did that make you feel?
M: Oh, that was such an ego bruise. It was like he punched me.

Funny interveiw for sure

I'd love to get another Alloy board with a modern shape. This boards been 1/2 way round Oz, taken a beating with waves that snapped 3 leggies & still lives today. Bought it in 1993 & surfed it as recently as 6 years ago in low tide Balangan, it used to be my spare travel board

Compsand construction already uses carbon "stringers" it's just that the stringer has been moved from the middle of the blank to the rails ie carbon parabolic rails.

I tried heaps of composites stringers , carbon and other materials in the mid 90s
the carbon was super light but did not like being loaded beyond certain limits when put on edge as per a normal timber
the rebound was awesome but I eventually broke all of them and 2 on one indo trip
I found also laying the carbon as a stiffener under the deck laminate and rails as per our current construction also has faster rebound properties with reduced risk of breakages.
hey mick check out the alloy joy I bet you its twisted ? I also tried this stringer and found under huge loads the aluminium didn't retain its shape

They have been using carbon stringers in bodyboards for 10 years. I've got single as well as double stringers on a couple of old custom bodyboards.

They are round rod in construction which are pushed into holes which are drilled length ways. There was some talk of inserting them during the blowing of the blank, not sure if it took off.

foundboards.com/shop/pages/stringer-configuration

I wouldn't imagine that finding a carbon strip suitable would be impossible for the smart ones (of which I am not one!!)

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katana said..

hey mick check out the alloy joy I bet you its twisted ? I also tried this stringer and found under huge loads the aluminium didn't retain its shape

I had a look, it doesn't appear to be. If it is, its only very slight & doesn't affect performance. All the dings on the bottom do though lol...I'll bring it in some time mate