...going a step beyond parabolic is a relatively new blank company called Prop. Based in San Diego, Prop looks to have 3 distinct types of EPS blanks according to their WEBSITE. This one in particular is a hexabolic (six stringer) that looks like it would be a pain in the arse to handshape 100%. But, the stringer running off the nose and tail tell me its primarily done by machine and hand-finished. I'm extremely curious to know how the blanks are built, so if you know let us know.
3 comments:
Do you think they lay the stringers in a template thats built into a mold, close the lid and inject the foam in and around the stringers making a cast mold that can be machine/hand shaped later?
Thats my guess.
The core material is 2 lb. EPS foam with an epoxy glass job. The rocker, outline and stringer grooves are all cut with a cnc hotwire machine from a block. The wood stringers are inlaid and secured with urethane glue. The Hexabolic (H-Bone/six pack) model is the stiffest and strongest in the line. It should work best for a heavy footed, aggressive rider in large surf. The Hexabolic you have pictured is the first one built. WRV is a believer and finished it off nicely. We also make closer tolerance blanks for hand shapers. The Parabolic (T-Bone/two pack) is the softest and most popular with the Quadrabolic (Q-Bone/four pack) being a step-up.
Props to McKevlins.
So there you have it. Another alternative to molded epoxies made right here in the U.S. and totally customizable. Like propman said, this was the first one built, and David Santiago was lucky enough to get it. I'd like to see some more shapers get on board, no pun intended. Good luck PROPS.
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