Vector net vs carbon stringer/rails

[surfafrica]

I was wondering what y'all think about vector net construction?  I mean, I love the fish net look as much as the rest of them, but does it really add significant strength to the board?  Flex? Prevent denting?  Or is it a gimmick that I might see on my next razor: "The Mach 7 with vector net and a pivot head".  I'm all for tech that adds functionality (especially one with a good strength/weight ratio) and would happily pay for it, but I'm wondering if they have run tests that really show added benefit.

Same question with carbon strip stringer/rails?  Do the carbon rails help with paddle dings?

(Sorry if there's already a post like this out there.)

[Old School 213]

I can only speak to carbon rails and my impression is that they do add to the integrity/durability. I've got an L41 with carbon rails that been riding for about 18 months and I've not needed any rail repair and not likely to need any in the near future.

Durability was a big question for me going from a production Starboard to a custom and the board has held up really well.

[anonsurfer]

My current board has vector net and I believe it makes a difference in durability.  Vector net does increase weight slightly.

[surfafrica]

Old School, I'm going to be placing an order with Kirk in the next while and am going to need to decide whether to go vector net, carbon rails, or nothing.   S-glass is a yes--that, I know.

[freetobeme]

darn you Africa! All I see is my $$$$ going down-down-down with every positive post in this thread. HA ha!!

Actually, thanks for asking this specific question as I did my own research and have drawn my own conclusions but should've directly asked the people in the know, duh!!!

Wonder if its too late for more customizing

[surfafrica]

Ha!

What did you go with?  I know S-glass.  Did you go with vector net or carbon rails?  Did you have any back and forth with Kirk about it? I heard he doesn't push any particular way, but did he seem to have an opinion on either of them?

[freetobeme]

...will let u know, as i JUST asked the man directly! Crap, am I now one of THEM (difficult clients)

[surfafrica]

Too funny.   Ya, let me know how it goes.

[RATbeachrider]

Don't really know.  However, my friend with the carbon strip rail just snapped the front 2 feet of the nose off of his 9'6.  A pretty clean break so easy fix.

[TallDude]

A pretty clean break so easy fix.

If his board had Vector Net it would not have been a clean break. The Kevlar cords don't break. They twist and crush. He's lucky he had carbon.

[freetobeme]

If his board had Vector Net it would not have been a clean break. The Kevlar cords don't break. They twist and crush. He's lucky he had carbon.

TallDude, in your opinion does Vector Net cause more issues than its worth?

[TallDude]

As a correction, most Vector net is made with Aramid cords, that are typically woven from either 'Kevlar' or 'Technora' fibers. The weight is not an issue as far as a comparison. They have different properties which result in different performances. To be more specific, what type of CF fabric you use will change the performance of the board. The Vector net will allow the board to flex more than most CF fabrics. It offers structural performance throughout the board, but not the impact resistance of CF or veneers. The Vector net is a little trendy and gimmicky in my opinion. I think the jury is still out.
CF is the lighter, stronger, but usually a little stiffer, and more expensive. You can buy a CF in a variety of weights and weaves with greatly varying costs and strength properties. Uni Directional CF is very strong in one direction. Plain and Twill weaves have great Multi-directional strengths. Twill weaves wrap curves better, and are a little more decorative that plain weaves. Vector Net is typically diagonally Bi-Directional Aramid cords. The cords are spaced so far apart that the impact resistance is reduced. If the cords were closer, the weight would go up and it wouldn't look as cool. Hobie has their Vector Net made with a unique size for them. 
Vacuum bagged S-glass is very strong, but if it's just hand laid up you probably should go CF rails. The rail shape does a lot for strength too. A thin board with pinched rails is going to be at risk, so at least carbon rails. Carbon stringer? 
Another option is a hybrid Carbon / Kevlar weave fabric on the rails. Pain in the ass to sand and finish, but fick'n strong.

[surfafrica]

Awesome.  Thanks.

Ya, I guess not "carbon stringer".  I mean carbon tape down the center.

[PonoBill]

I'm still trying to figure out how vector net could work, and what it was made for. Not easy to make these fabrics, there must be a reason, but I can't see how a fiber with so much elasticity could be beneficial.

[TallDude]

I thought it was a sail material?