> THE MYTHS

1) Shaping an epoxy Blank is too hard…there’s different blanks for epoxy surfboards, XTR is designed with the shaper and Computer CNC shaping in mind, the density of an XTR is just under 2.0lb/psi, and it will shape as easy as any other blanks, they do not melt, they don’t have soft spots, they can be shaped with standard planers, they don’t break in small pieces (like EPS expanded polystyrene blanks that are used in coolers, etc.).

2) CNC computer shaping is impossible it melts the blank………………..Again the density on the XTR’s is not a problem for any computer machine, It’s actually easier the computer machine can shape as deep as 2” and the blank will keep the same strength without the problem of a softer foam in the middle.

3) Laminating with epoxy resin is toxic…there’s thousands of epoxy resins unlike polyester resin that is over regulated, some epoxy resins have been mixed with solvents and amines that depending on the concentration can be harmful if no safety measures are applied, Epoxy Pro formulates it’s own epoxy resin that is safe, we have been glassing epoxy boards for the last 17 years.

> THE BLANK STRUCTURE

THE CELL

XTR blanks have a very special cell structure is closed cell and is vertical in design to resist impact. CLOSED CELL= NO WATER ABSORPTION=SUSTAINED PHISICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MATERIALS=MORE MEMORY= MORE RESPONSIVE

DENSITY

XTR comes in one density under 2.00 lb/psi which is consider the optimal strength to weight ratio, if a stronger board is desired, a thicker stringer and more fiberglass will be needed, very simple. Bigger blanks for guns and longboards will come with thicker stringers and will have the same density.

CONSISTENCY

No soft spots anywhere, anytime, you as a shaper or a computer machine can shape as deep as needed without having to worry about over shaping

SHAPING

Basic Tools: No special tools are necessary to shape XTR blanks, just sharper blades on any planner

Preferred tools: some shapers prefer instead of the normal blades a barrel sander (Tungsten Carbide Abrasive Drum) and it can be installed in a Skill-100 or a Hitachi-F-20. A grinder with 50 grit sandpaper can also be used to do rail cuts or scoop the noses, conceives etc.

Fine-tuning: All XTR blanks must be fine-tuned on the rails (avoid air in lamination) using 220 or finer screens, the rest of the board a nice 220- wet and dry sand paoer will be enough however the finer the paper the lighter the board is going to get.

THE ENVIRONMENT

No CFC’s (Chlorofluorocarbons are needed to produce XTR blanks.

The lamination with epoxy resin have no Voic’s (volatile organic compounds).

All left over pieces of XTR foam and rail cuts from shapers are melted to manufacture other products.