Torq ACT surfboards are the world’s first EPS/Epoxy pre-preg surfboards. Pre-preg is the most high performing composite process, best strength to weight ratio and reflex (spring) characteristics in any fibreglass lay-up.
That’s a big claim, here’s some more:
“Prepreg fabrics virtually eliminate process variation found in traditional layups or vacuum infusion processes. As a result, prepregs have revolutionized composite fabrication”
They have “Maximum strength properties” “Less mess and less waste. All of the excesses of hand layup – cups of resin, messy rollers, drips – are no longer a problem.”
“Without the pitfalls of human lamination techniques, there will be neither resin-rich areas nor dry spots.” “Prepregs are regarded as the most advanced system of composite fabrication.”
These are quotes from industry sources, websites and information manuals. Do a google search of ‘pre-preg composites’ and you’ll find pages of this stuff. It’s unanimously accepted as the most advanced composite process.
What is it?
Pre-preg is short for pre-impregnated. The resin and catalyst are applied by machine to the fiberglass cloth to create a fiber resin matrix.
The matrix has perfect resin hardener mix and perfect resin content and distribution.
The matrix is cut by machine (we have cutting files for each of our models and sizes so the exact correct fiber and resin weight is used on every board) then laid up on the surfboard form and cured under high heat and pressure in an oven.
What’s the benefits?
Reflex or spring:
Hand laminates, even when vacuum bagged, end up with a significant amount of excess resin. This adds weight, increases brittleness and limits the fibers properties as it’s bound in a thick shell.
Pre-pregs are machine impregnated with the perfect resin density. Regardless of what fiber is used – glass, carbon, basalt - the pre-preg process allow fiber to perform without the limitation of excess resin.
In surfboards this translates to a springy responsive feeling. Any flex that is pushed into the board through a turn is directly returned in reflex, not deadened by the resin. They give back all the energy loaded into them. Because the board is allowed to flex naturally, they absorb a lot more of the chatter than can be associated with lightweight epoxy boards.
Strength to weight ratio.
The other advantage of no extra unnecessary weight of excess resin is the extra amount of fiber we can use, for the same overall board weight. ACT’s have a heavy duty fiber lay-up making them significantly stronger than a similar weight surfboard in any other construction.
We have 2-3 times the fiber in these boards for the same weight of a lightweight PU. They’re not our strongest boards, but have much greater strength to weight ratio.
How do they surf?
They feel alive from the get go.
The feel is between a light PU and Epoxy with an extra spring not found in either technology. They feel pretty familiar to both so take very little time to adapt to. But once used to, any other board feels flat by comparison.
Our Rusty Surfboards and Minvielle/Delpero longboards are available in ACT.