Snowboard Construction - Glossary of Terms

Structural Layer
Fibreglass layers that create the structural form of the board and dictate the flex and torsional characteristics of it.

Bi-Ax Weave
Fibreglass structural layer formed by two strands of fibre running at a 90-degree angle to each other. Gives a more forgiving feel.

Tri-Ax Weave
Fibreglass structural layer formed by two strands in an X and a central vertical strand. Torsionally stiff for increased performance and improved edge bite.

Quad-Ax Weave
Four strands of fibre running vertical, horizontal and in an X. Very stiff flex and very unforgiving but very powerful.

Carbon Stringers
Strands of Carbon Fibre running the length of the board. Increased resistance of Carbon improves spring giving the board more pop.

Matrix
See structural layer.

Torsional Flex
The twisting characteristics of the board. This dictates its turning and on-edge performance. The softer the flex, the more forgiving it is, the stiffer, the more performance it has.

Carbon I.Beam
See Carbon Stringers.

Sandwich Construction
Construction produced like a sandwich. The core and sidewalls are sandwiched between the structural layers. Directs more energy to the edges and keeps power loss to a minimum.

Cap construction
The upper structural layer and top sheet are joined together to form a cap that is pressed onto the core thus forming the sidewalls. Allows the manufacturer to customise the on-edge feel of the board.

Core
The Core of the board is usually formed from vertically laminated wood stringers. The core aids' dampening flex and helps direct energy from the bindings.

EGD Core
Developed by Burton, EGD runs wood perpendicular to the main core to give improved edge response and faster reactions. Other manufacturers are now trying similar concepts.

3D Core
A milling process that removes unwanted material from the core. Reduces weight and improves energy transfer.

Titanal
An alloy of titanium and aluminium. Superb at dampening unwanted vibrations.

Extruded Base
An easy to repair base material formed by melting polythene granules and forcing the material through a dye to form a sheet of base material.

Sintered Base
A faster, harder base with excellent wax retention. Formed by compressing polythene granules until they fuse together, then shaving a sheet of material off.

2000 Sintered etc
Refers to the molecular composition of the base. The higher the number, the smaller the granules used in construction. High grades offer better wax retention and tougher finish.

Sidecut
The shape the edges of the board form dictates its feel on the edge. Progressive sidecut gives a consistent feel throughout the turn. Complex geometries allow designers to totally customise the sidecut for differing levels of performance and feel.

Camber
The Camber is the gap between the floor and the middle of the base of the board. Works in conjunction with the sidecut and flex to dictate the performance of the board.

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