Has anyone played with using Urethane instead of ABS for their rails. I see a few snowboard companies going this route as well as a couple wakeboard models that are using urethane instead of ABS plastic for the sidewall material on the rails.

Just wondering if anyone has tried it yet.

Here's an overview video from Ride snowboards site on thier urethane rails:
http://ridesnowboards.com/videos/24

don't know if this is correct: but ABS is a thermoplast, which is more durable and can withstand higher point-impact.
Sorry, don't know the exact english words for these things

Liquid force are using it on their 2010 models.

Poured foam or resin?

I do not know.

It was mentioned in a presentation of the kaos board in Danish. The reason for using this material is to allow the board to flex more without breaking.

Poul

yup. the LF 2010 boards have urethane rails. the flex is dramatically different from last years. i wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of companies adopt this tech.

Just stumbled across this bit of urethane rail info on the LF boards:

"The new addition of Liquid Rails (poured urethane rather than ABS) has increased the durability and adds to the overall smooth ride that you get with the 2010 Liquid Force Influence. "
Source: http://www.realkiteboarding.com/index.cfm?page=newsitem&id=1671

So it sounds like they are doing poured urethane similar to poured resin. Would make things much easier than trying to use sheet urethane and attaching it to the core.

windfreak74 just posted this tidbit of info in the "Why bother with ABS rails?" thread and I thought I'd copy it here for anyone searching on urethane rails:

from windfreak74 -
"Guys,
Never used this product but if liquid force is using liquid rails(urethane rubber for rails)maybe is worth a try.
Here is the site you can get it.
www.polytek.com
The name of the product is liquid urethane poly75-90.
I have never used it since ive just began making my fist plyboard.
But for the advanced builders please give it a try!!
Please give us a full review!

Good winds to all!"

Here's the direct link to the Poly 75-90 product mentioned above:
http://www.polytek.com/cart/index.php?target=categories&category_id=421

lol,

I have been using liquid plastic for rails and inserts for years, Liquid plastic is so easy to use and so far no brakages and defo seem incredably durable, do a search for light wind "Porker" on this forum to see how it is done.

Liquid plastic hardness is rated in "Shore", look for a shore hardness between 70D-90D max. You can also add some chopped fibres to the liquid plastic to make it a little more undestructable and to stop any potential for cracking.

Take a look at the Smooth-on products (http://www.smooth-on.com)

Found your "Porker" build:
http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=107&t=2338738

Nice board! What product are you using from Smooth-on?

Looks like something like this would work for kiteboard rails/inserts:
http://www.smooth-on.com/Urethane-Rubber-an/c6_1117_1148/index.html