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.
Our goal for many years now has been to create a more durable, superior performing race board and we believe by introducing this new type of construction into our production we have achieved this. There has been a considerable amount of research and development go into the Robustlite range of boards – ten years to be exact. Board paddlers worldwide have been longing for a race board that has increased durability without a sacrifice in performance and this is exactly what this new range of boards deliver.
We at Bennett Surfboards have sat back and watched at least one of our competitors attempt a more primitive form of construction several years ago. Although that product was quite good it was still not perfected. So we waited – now it’s been perfected and we believe it is well and truly a recognized technology ready to launch in co-existence with our company.
Bennett Surfboards can now offer consistent increased performance achieved through perfect shape reproduction. Our “Robustlite” range of boards are born out of a pre tested race winning design, then cloning that same board again. By doing this we can furnish the paddler with a board that is truly going to perform to his / her highest expectations. A better and consistent proven shape, lighter board, more resilient to damage, with less flexing than our previous hand laminated epoxy system.
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.
Our new 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 problem which all race board builders have encountered for many a year. To further eliminate the delamination problem we stay one step ahead of our rivals with our unique and exclusive use of Bennett “vent”.
How is this superior structural durability achieved?
Our shaped E.P.S. blank is actually the lightest shapeable foam on earth. Since the 1960’s it has been highly 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. A combination of the lighter grade blank, combined with a thicker more durable hi-tech sandwich skin – results being a proven winner! “Goodbye stone age technology”
Our Robustlite construction requires highly sophisticated tooling, precision laminating and resin dispersion. The lamination bonds to the blank by means of heat and pressure. Each board is totally cured before it leaves the production facility. At the centre of the sandwich is a 4mm high tech, high-density PVC sheet foam – a very expensive, heat resistant and impact tolerant material. Once fibreglass is bonded to both sides of the sheet foam and totally wrapped around the softer EPS core, we achieve a tough exterior skin over a lightweight core.
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.
Flex Test
The foam sandwich construction of the Robustlite range of boards will only flex minimally with substantial effort. As opposed to the standard fibreglass laminate which tends to flex much easily. The improved structural strength of the Robustlite boards can be credited to the high –density foam.
Strength
Squeezing your board can easily simulate the flex test. The Bennett Robustlite range of boards will have minimal, if any flex. This is due to the strength of the foam sandwich. Whereas a Standard Epoxy Board will take the full force of a collision at the point of impact.
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.
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Fin Box
- A fin box is set into high density foam
- The box is resistant from movement
- No chance of water intake
- Superior impact distribution
- Fin can be removed – helps minimize possible freight damage
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Laminated Fixed Fin
- Minimal impact resistance
- Fin cannot be easily replaced
- Cracking develops around the base
- Foam deteriorates under fin
- Repairs can be inevitable and can be costly
- Board can take on water
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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 most local surf shops, or from Ocean and Earth at Sussex Inlet [Ph: (02) 4441 2482, Fax: (02) 4441 1212 or email: mail@oceanearth.com.au] or from Bennett Surfboards.
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:
1. Sand the damaged area and ensure the foam core is dry and sand free.
2. If a small hole exists, mix epoxy with Q cell to fill. Larger holes should be filled with foam first.
3. Cut 4 oz or 6 oz fibreglass cloth to cover the damaged area.
4. Apply epoxy resin and allow to cure. Sand when cured. Ensure that air cannot be sucked from the hole when using resin and hardener.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Thanks for choosing a Robustlite from Bennett Surfboards. We’re sure you will have years of enjoyment, owning and paddling this revolutionary form of race surfcraft.