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Anyone know the specifics on the swith Prior made from ABS to UHMW sidewalls? I am firm believer in UHMW as a sidewall component, just not on how well Prior is in using them. Why didn't they just start with it instead of ABS? Is the new line up strong? Any reviews?

Their use of ABS kept me from buying before and considered a Never Summer- but now! A board potentially lighter than a never summer with UHMW sidwalls, cheaper AND a warranty? Surely the snow gods have smiled upon us all.

Hi ddegraaf,

Can you please provide us with some links to the descriptions of ABS and UHMW?

Thanks!

Ah, I don't know about links- go to prior website for their updated boards.

ABS is what pretty much every company uses for sidewalls. It's hard, but fragile plastic that shatters on impact. Never summer, Lib Tech, Arbor, and Compartriot use UHMW (ultra high molecular weight) or PTex (brand of UHMW) sidewalls. Great for dampening, reduce chatter, and are bomb proof- never shatter and it would take some serious abuse to break them.

I'd just go ahead and google ABS and UHMW. P-tex or UHMW is great stuff and I'm surprised more companies don't use it. Oh wait, I do. It's to cut costs and make a cheap board that sells for tons of $$$ (BURTON I'm looking at you).

Well, since you started the thread I was kinda hoping you'd provide the specific link to Prior's site and some google links.

I don't have time…I gotta get off the pc and get some chit done.

Anywho, thanks for the info you did provide!

How do they compare in terms of weight?

Compatriot Snowboards- built by snowboarders in the West.
Check out their board construction...

www.compatriotsnowboards.com


They donate profits from sales to non-profits....good boards and light!

Illuminati snowboards out of Jackson WY

www.illuminatisnowboards.com

They use UHMW, ABS, and BAMBOO(!) sidewalls. Now they have an alluminum honeycomb core in one model of the Aegis series. Great f'in boards!

Yeah I hear ya. I should be doing something better too with my time!

http://www.priorsnowboards.com/

For their new UHMW boards.

My original post was a question on Prior's switch to UHMW and how they ride after that switch. I'm trying to decide on a Prior or Never Summer. Possibly someone out there has been on the most recent model using UHMW sidewalls....just looking for advice..thanks!

thanks for the additionl info d!

I think on the weight scale, never summer's are typically heavier due to more use of resins etc. This also make them more durable however. I got a quote I think that with all the hardwear a 165 cm board was around 8 lbs. Prior has weights of boards on their website complete with hardwear too, but it's metric! So break out the calculators everyone. Multiply by 2, carry the 5, divide by zero....I think a Prior and a never summer complete setups are about the same weight. My math could be way off though...

I'm sure if you wanted a lighter NS board, they could use less glue/resin etc. Prior makes custom boards too, but you'll pay through the nose for it.

Yo d,

Here is a great online conversion tool to bookmark.
http://www.onlineconversion.com/

And for weights.
http://www.onlineconversion.com/weight_common.htm

Thanks man.... what would we do without online conversions? But seriously-Prior- give us wannabe splitters the low down on your new rides. Winter is 'round the corner!

Been nearly two months since the last post on this thread. Whistler is open, so I guess some people have gotten a chance to try out the new Priors... is there much of a difference in performance/weight?