FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New XTC Carbon Construction reduces Splitboard weight by 600 grams!
WHISTLER, Canada – July 11, 2011 – Whistler based Prior Snowboard Manufactory Ltd, known throughout the world as manufacturers of premium, handcrafted snowboards, splitboards and skis, is proud to introduce their new, lightweight, high-performance XTC carbon construction for winter 2011/12. XTC carbon construction is available as an upgrade to all Prior splitboards and saves an average of 600 grams (1.32 pounts) off a Prior splitboard.
Weight reduction continues to be a key to backcountry splitboarding as less weight means more vertical with less physical exertion. Ensuring that there is no decrease in performance with weight savings is often thought of as the Holy Grail for backcountry gear manufacturers and the team at Prior is excited to take a big leap towards that spiritual cup.
The quest for a lighter construction has been ongoing in the Prior lab since 2005. In the spring of 2010 Prior partnered with a custom carbon manufacturer and developed a woven triaxial carbon (XTC) material as there was nothing in the market that provided the characteristics it was looking for. By reinforcing this material with aramid and adding special rubber dampening to the chassis Prior has been able to replicate its legendary splitboard ride with a total weight savings averaging 17%* across its complete line of splitboards.
“This is a great leap forward for us as a manufacturer as it sets us on the leading edge of splitboard design technology,” explained founder Chris Prior. “The XTC carbon technology allows splitboarders to save energy on the ascent and the boards ride amazing when ripping the pow on the down. The ride is actually a bit livelier than our regular quad glass construction creating the opportunity to ollie bigger or get more energy upon release of each powder turn while still providing the stability when straightlining at speed or going thru crud and less than perfect conditions. The best thing is that all splitboarders can benefit from this new technology as this new layup is available across our entire splitboard lineup.”
In layman’s terms the XTC construction uses the same vertically laminated maple and aspen woodcores combined with UHMW sidewalls and bases and nylon topsheets as in their traditional construction but replaces the fibreglass weave with Prior’s new custom XTC woven fabric. The XTC construction will be available as a premium add on across Prior’s entire Splitboard line along with select ski models for a surcharge of C$200/board.
As with other Prior skis and boards all XTC boards will be available in a variety of topsheet and base graphics and include a one year manufacturing warranty.
They will be available for purchase directly through http://www.priorskis.com or http://www.priorsnowboards.com or at select Prior dealers.
*weight savings vary depending on the model and length of the skis
