Post by: burchas on February 14, 2018, 10:51:26 AM
Post by: burchas on February 14, 2018, 10:51:45 AM
Bought it way back, when there was still a lot of hype around it, and quickly
realized it was too big for me and phased it to power training only, and
finally to dust collector.
With recent changes in board quiver and in the attempt to dial the perfect
setup for every board (fins, paddles) I’ve decided to revisit this blade.
The thing I really like about this blade is its stability, even when oversized this
blade never flutter and it has a powerful catch.
The one thing that always bothered me about it was the initial bite you get on the
catch which was “killing” my shoulders.
I decided to round the template and remove that “bite” from the blade.
I estimate to have sanded around 3 SQI from the overall size so I believe this blade
is about 88SQI still larger than my usual blades.
Bottom line - The difference is BIG!
Blade still maintain amazing stability with big power but it just doesn’t burn my shoulders.
Still have some more testing to do but it looks like this blade is going to make its way back
into my quiver.
please note that sanding that much material from the corners means you’re going beyond
the ABS layer on the edges which will open up the blade to water intake so make sure to
tape the edge really well and consider finish the edges (epoxy, glass, carbon? I’m open
for suggestions).
Althogh the title of the post include the word cut, I decided against cutting it and went with
the safer (slower) option of sanding it. Took about 25 minutes to perfect it after I marked the
new template with a marker over the blade.
Post by: Luc Benac on February 14, 2018, 11:18:48 AM
What is the thickness at the edges that you sanded now?
Post by: TallDude on February 14, 2018, 11:25:28 AM
This might help. You might need to wrap the edge with some narrow strips of 4oz glass too.
https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,23552.msg237217.html#msg237217
Post by: burchas on February 14, 2018, 11:29:31 AM
Nice.
What is the thickness at the edges that you sanded now?
At the point of impact it's the same as I left it untouched. on the very corners (or what
used to be corners) it is slightly thicker. about the same thickness as my ZRE blade (still under 1mm).
Post by: Zooport on February 14, 2018, 11:33:09 AM
Post by: burchas on February 14, 2018, 11:33:43 AM
So how did you finish the edges?
This might help. You might need to wrap the edge with some narrow strips of 4oz glass too.
https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,23552.msg237217.html#msg237217
Thanks TallDude! that's helpful. Glass was my first thought as this is something I have available.
Post by: Luc Benac on February 14, 2018, 11:38:31 AM
Nice.
What is the thickness at the edges that you sanded now?
At the point of impact it's the same as I left it untouched. on the very corners (or what
used to be corners) it is slightly thicker. about the same thickness as my ZRE blade (still under 1mm).
Love it. Re-purpose instead of change. Very Zen.
Post by: PonoBill on February 14, 2018, 12:02:25 PM
Post by: Dusk Patrol on February 14, 2018, 02:51:19 PM
Although the title of the post include the word cut, I decided against cutting it and went with the safer (slower) option of sanding it. Took about 25 minutes to perfect it after I marked the new template with a marker over the blade.
What did you sand with? belt? it seems like it would be time taking, but you say about 25 minutes?
I have an old, big paddle that I'm getting inspired about now...
Post by: burchas on February 14, 2018, 03:35:04 PM
Although the title of the post include the word cut, I decided against cutting it and went with the safer (slower) option of sanding it. Took about 25 minutes to perfect it after I marked the new template with a marker over the blade.
What did you sand with? belt? it seems like it would be time taking, but you say about 25 minutes?
I have an old, big paddle that I'm getting inspired about now...
My little Bosch Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075LXVL19?tag=price15600-20&ascsubtag=wtbs_5a84c6b73c9e687c9b5f7120
Not the best choice but it gets the job done when you're not setup for bigger machinery.
Post by: Dusk Patrol on February 14, 2018, 03:58:40 PM
Thanks
Post by: JEG on February 14, 2018, 04:09:03 PM
I did the same thing to one of my paddle and use quick dry epoxy/fibre glass mix then sand it.
Post by: burchas on February 14, 2018, 05:01:38 PM
with epoxy only as Bill suggested, but if there is too much opening I'll go with the epoxy/FG
Post by: stoneaxe on February 15, 2018, 05:38:43 AM
Post by: eastbound on February 15, 2018, 06:25:32 AM
Post by: mrbig on February 15, 2018, 07:42:30 AM
Post by: Ichabod Spoonbill on February 15, 2018, 03:41:42 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: burchas on February 15, 2018, 05:13:19 PM
My next door neighbor came out to see what was all the ruckus about and thought I'm a bandit ;D
I Certainly didn't want those 3SQi of carbon in my airways.
Both you and Spoonbill are welcome to test it on our next downwinder, by than I'll have it fit to my new custom textured shaft
and hopefully with the extra flex, this blade will feel just right.