Robustlite Construction Information
Robustlite
The Robustlite range of boards are made using a construction
method previously developed for the Aerospace industry. This hi
tech construction consisting of a complex blend of exotic
materials, uses technology and manufacturing systems not widely
accessible within Australia which gives the owner / user a much
stronger, lighter product, giving improved performance to their
happy owners.
Structural Durability
"Robustlite" construction boards, although possessing superior
strength and durability levels not seen before in epoxy race boards
are still dingable and breakable if subjected to extreme elements
of Mother Nature or a collision with rocks or another board
etc.
The range has been re-engineered
and improved on previous composite technology systems to give the
paddler maximum performance with minimum fuss over dents, dings and
the oh so common epoxy / polystyrene delamination problems which
all race board builders have encountered for many years.
The shaped E.P.S. blank is
actually the lightest shapeable foam on earth. Since the 1960's it
has been further developed for high impact resistance. It is highly
resilient to bumps and knocks featuring a "memory" so as it is hit,
it soaks up the shock springing back to shape. This tends to
minimize pressure dents.
This creates the ultimate race
board construction, light, strong and ultra rigid - less flex
meaning less resistance through the water resulting in a quicker
surfcraft.
Advantages of a fin
box
A fin laminated onto a board is
more likely to encounter damage if the board is dropped or hits the
sand when entering the beach. A fin box helps to eliminate this
type of accident from occurring. Please see below for a comparison
on the two.
| Fin Box |
Laminated Fixed Fin |
| A fin box is set into high density foam |
Minimal impact resistance |
| The box is resistant from movement |
Fin cannot be easily replaced |
| No chance of water intake |
Cracking develops around the base |
| Superior impact distribution |
Foam deteriorates under fin |
| Fin can be removed - helps minimize possible freight
damage |
Repairs can be inevitable and can be costly |
|
Board can take on water |
All boards will have a 12 month
guarantee against delamination! - not offered by any of our
competition!
General Use
Bennett Robustlite race boards are manufactured with a high
level of structural durability, engineered with the benefits of
years of research and development. They are designed to be more
durable, last longer and wear better than traditional
hand-laminated surf craft. Strong as they are however, they are not
undingable or unbreakable. We offer 12 months warranty against
delamination, unheard of with hand laminated surfcraft!
Robustlite construction has the great advantage of not
"crushing-in" or delaminating with normal use. The body of the
board is tough enough to withstand bumps, without opening up holes
or cracks. This was a common problem with hand laminated epoxy race
boards, from Bennett's or other manufacturers.
Like any laminated surfboard, please don't leave the board in
direct sunlight, or inside a hot car, for any extended time. A
little care will ensure years of trouble free paddling.
Kneepads
The kneepads on your board are the best available for comfort
and durability. We can't guarantee they won't shrink if the deck of
the board is subject to prolonged sun exposure, or embalmed in
plastic (which sometimes happens for example, when left on trailers
travelling to National Titles) Unfortunately, there is no warranty
or guarantee on kneepads.
Basic Repair
Your Bennett board is easy to repair. Chipping and minor dings
can be fixed quickly and easily using automotive body filling putty
and then re-painted. Dings, which penetrate the fibreglass and
sandwich layers, can be repaired using epoxy resin and fibreglass.
If you are unsure about how to repair your board, call Greg Bennett
personally with any questions about how to get the best result.
Epoxy repair kits are available from Hardcore Surf.
Repair Procedure
For minor repairs at Carnivals etc, use epoxy solar resins such
as Solar Cure, as this does not require a sanding filler coat. At
other times:
Sand the damaged area and ensure the foam core is dry and sand
free.
- If a small hole exists, mix epoxy with Q cell to fill. Larger
holes should be filled with foam first.
- Cut 4 oz or 6 oz fibreglass cloth to cover the damaged
area.
- Apply epoxy resin and allow to cure. Sand when cured. Ensure
that air cannot be sucked from the hole when using resin and
hardener.
- To fill any air bubbles, pin holes or irregularities, use
automotive body filler or other quick reacting polyester resin.
Fine sand the auto putty using 400 grade wet and dry paper.
- Paint the patched area. Your local auto accessory store will be
able to provide a close match in an aerosol can. For a better
match, an auto paint supplier will custom mix a colour to match if
they can sight the board or you provide a paint code. Call us and
we'll be happy to help.