Titanal

| Add a new Post...
Post By
  Thread Started By:   mikeyboy123   On:   Friday 30/07/2010 @ 13:00 Show Newest First    
mikeyboy123
Posts: 125
  #1  Titanal  Posted 30/07/2010 @ 13:00
Hey everyone,

I've been tempted to get the standard version of the F2 Eliminator for quite a while and last season's standard model is available for about £350.

However, I now have a chance to get this board, yes the 2010/11 model at a big dicount:-

http://www.f2-snow.com/boards/eliminator_wc.php

£500 when the RRP is £740!

The website says titanium construction but this is a misprint, it's actually titanal.

The eliminator has changed a bit since last season and the new models have a sidecut radiius of 12m as opposed to about 9m. I like the idea of getting a longer sidecut radius as one of my favourite things to do on a piste is to lay down a really long arced carve. My Salomon burner has a SR of around 9 metres and I sometimes feel it wants to turn a bit too tightly for me when I'm charging down a big open piste.

I'm tempted to wait until next year and pick up a standard 2010/2011 model when the season's over and the bargains come round again, or plump for the titanal model now.

To help me make a decision, what are the advantages and disadvantages of a titanal board? I understand that they tend to be very damp, but not sure what other advantages/disadvantages there are. In addition to charging around on piste I do like to venture into accessible powder if it's around, but I don't go hiking for it, The vast majority of my riding will be on piste in variable conditions.

Grateful for any advice.

Mike.
  Reload  Top
ChrissyD77
Posts: 882
Gwent
  #2  Re: Titanal  Posted 30/07/2010 @ 14:09
In reply to post #1 ...

QUOTE (mikeyboy123 - 30/07/2010 @ 13:00)

The website says titanium construction but this is a misprint, it's actually titanal.

What a wicked name! You have "tit" and "anal" in one word or one word that says "tight-anal" I wonder if it's as good at being an alloy as it is at being a word
I've been all over the world, Ibiza, Magaluf, Blackpool etc and Tamworth was by far the best for snowsports!! It's intense man!!! You're totally gripped when you're at the top and looking down...

Snowboard Wales Facebook Group
  Reload  Top
Rogue_Skier
Posts: 981
Canada
  #3  Re: Titanal  Posted 30/07/2010 @ 15:26
In reply to post #1 ...
You'd be lucky to find actual titanium on any ski or board these days!..... have you seen the price of it?

I think one of the only available supplies in the US was Army surplus an that is nearly kaput!

Titanal is an alloy created to have the properties of titanium but at a fraction of the cost (of course the manufacturers of the boards will still charge you double for having a Ti board!)

It's pretty common in ski and board construction.... usually making the flex stiffer, ideal for heavier/more agrressive/race riders.
"If you know all 4 seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter, and Road Construction..... you may be living in Canada!"
  Reload  Top
recon
Posts: 168
  #4  Re: Titanal  Posted 30/07/2010 @ 20:18
In reply to post #2 ...
In combination.
-Metal laminates.
-Blended multi radius sidecuts.
-Decambered noses and tail.

Metal seems to provide a totally different dynamic flex.Whereas the boards will flex a bit more when pushed to get varied arcs.

Its ability to stick well on ice, I truly cannot put a finger on the reason but it does it better than glass in any head to head test I have done.

Its just magic!
The best freeride boards will borrow this tech.
Bruce Varsava

Go for it Mike, luck favors the brave.I doubt you will have any regrets once your final choice is made.
You would also be among a mere handful in this country no doubt, running sheet alloy,the tech that goes with it is very, very cutting edge.Ses it all really.

I did wonder if after the Olympics further minor changes would be implemented in 2011/2012 or maybe following season with F2,maybe they have.I don,t know.
I remember mentioning this board for its radical changes you mention over the old model, in another old thread.
As it was on your short list then and then Abra (a clued up guy) expanded on it too,so you are narrowing it down I guess now.
Allgood,seems sensible if in europe warranty etc Is it just £££ type choices left now?
The F2 real tech, inside info will be somewhere in euro forums possibly but the yanks tend a bit more to the local botiques and info sharing.They are very switched on with this stuff though.And never knock F2 or anything really, except junk.
Never the less,this metal has being going on for more than a few years now, won,t be on this site,Ill send a pm just in case.
Really interesting Board,164???

Ps,I think a chap up north is running a Razor,another very interesting stick.
  Reload  Top
philw
Posts: 1634
UK - England
  #5  Re: Titanal  Posted 31/07/2010 @ 01:02
In reply to post #4 ...
Yeah no one's been racing anything other than Titanal ("metal") for a few years now. As Mr Coiler says, it'll trickle down to the mass market in time, although I'm not sure it'll make much difference in the park.

F2, which I ride, have only just introduced it in the last season I think on their top-end World cup stuff, and they do get confused about it as described here (it's aluminium, not titanium). I've not ridden those boards yet.

It should make bog-all difference in powder, but it's taken over the race world for a good reason. Granted, many snowboarders don't care about going fast, and it's probably irrelevant to them.

There are a few people on here I know who have been riding metal for a season or two, perhaps they'll chip in with why it matters. Otherwise, the standard rule works here, does it not: ride the sucker and if it blows you away then buy it. I have not heard anyone try that and fail to be impressed by the new technology.

Personally I'll be making an early season trip to the Alps to see if I can't demo F2 plus maybe a few other European boards. I don't get a lot of time on piste, but I may as well have the best toys for when I'm there.

I recall that someone else is making boards for soft-booters using metal. Palmer claims to be using "titanium" in some models - not sure if that's what they mean or if they employ silly marketing people. Ride the boards and work it out that way.
powder mountain   photography    CoC   work   Facts about snowboarding safety   
  Reload  Top
mikeyboy123
Posts: 125
  #6  Re: Titanal  Posted 09/08/2010 @ 11:00
In reply to post #1 ...
Thanks for all your replies, sorry for delayed response, been on holiday all last week and not had access to internet.

Lots of food for thought. I'd love to try this board before buying it but I need to act now if I'm going to get it for £500 against an rrp of £740.

From your replies and what I've read up on the eliminator and titanal boards, it seems that it is a fast damp board that has excellent edge hold and carving ability - what's not to like?

My only resrervations are:-

1). Are my 37 year old legs going to cope with driving a board like this.
2). Can I justify spending £500 on a board bearing in mind I'm about to move home and will soon be paying a considerable mortgage and £800 a month in child care.

Decision time!
  Reload  Top
baggzy
Posts: 739
London
  #7  Re: Titanal  Posted 10/08/2010 @ 11:27
In reply to post #2 ...
You read my mind...
  Reload  Top
Bamboo
Posts: 117
UK - England
  #8  Re: Titanal  Posted 10/08/2010 @ 12:06
In reply to post #7 ...
That is quite funny
  Reload  Top
mikeyboy123
Posts: 125
  #9  Re: Titanal  Posted 10/08/2010 @ 17:17
In reply to post #8 ...
Well, here's some more words that may amuse you:-

Sextant
Sextuplets
analogy
album
titular
titanium
destitute
title


Let me know if you need any more.
  Reload  Top
Bamboo
Posts: 117
UK - England
  #10  Re: Titanal  Posted 10/08/2010 @ 20:03
In reply to post #9 ...
Indeed

But I can't believe you left out the word... wankel
  Reload  Top
ChrissyD77
Posts: 882
Gwent
  #11  Re: Titanal  Posted 11/08/2010 @ 08:59
In reply to post #10 ...
and Helmet
I've been all over the world, Ibiza, Magaluf, Blackpool etc and Tamworth was by far the best for snowsports!! It's intense man!!! You're totally gripped when you're at the top and looking down...

Snowboard Wales Facebook Group
  Reload  Top
kieran
Posts: 5
Midlothian
  #12  Re: Titanal  Posted 31/08/2010 @ 11:58
In reply to post #4 ...
i have a Razor 176 from 2007. fun board, in both hard and soft boots. nice shape, but the radius limits top speed.

agree with the comments about titanal boards on ice. they have a bit less pop in general, and ride quite damp on hardpack too.
  Reload  Top
recon
Posts: 168
  #13  Re: Titanal  Posted 31/08/2010 @ 16:28
In reply to post #12 ...
Kieran,Hope you can pass on some info.
Is that board from Donek or G-force or is it a colaboration of the two companys,
I am aware of a Donek razor and a G-force razor from a russian guy called Alex, is that right?

I saw Donek had some great custom prices in summer and on shipping as well.
It just made for more choices/options before the vat thing comes along but I decided on a longer stay in resort over new board.
I am window shoppng for later and the Razor and f2 Wc Eliminater are sorta very interesting

When you say the Razor radius limits top speed,I am guessing this is in relation too wide austrian glaciers at quite serious speed.
Is the board more for getting low in soft boots at quick but fun speeds. ie versitile and probably more so in a shorter lenght.
Would you buy another?
Are you more more fall line,race type carving or bit of low fun.
  Reload  Top
kieran
Posts: 5
Midlothian
  #14  Re: Titanal  Posted 31/08/2010 @ 19:11
In reply to post #13 ...

QUOTE (recon - 31/08/2010 @ 16:28)

Kieran,Hope you can pass on some info.
Is that board from Donek or G-force or is it a colaboration of the two companys,
I am aware of a Donek razor and a G-force razor from a russian guy called Alex, is that right?

mine is an ex-demo from Donek, not g-force. it was shipped from the USA.

QUOTE (recon - 31/08/2010 @ 16:28)

I saw Donek had some great custom prices in summer and on shipping as well.

shipping has been $54, for both boards i got from them. shipped on the wednesday, delivered on the friday.

QUOTE (recon - 31/08/2010 @ 16:28)

It just made for more choices/options before the vat thing comes along but I decided on a longer stay in resort over new board.

take a colorado holiday, buy a board. 'forget' to declare it on your return.

QUOTE (recon - 31/08/2010 @ 16:28)

I am window shoppng for later and the Razor and f2 Wc Eliminater are sorta very interesting

When you say the Razor radius limits top speed,I am guessing this is in relation too wide austrian glaciers at quite serious speed.
Is the board more for getting low in soft boots at quick but fun speeds. ie versitile and probably more so in a shorter lenght.

it's definitely for getting low in soft boots. it locks into a carve very easily, and will dig as big a trench as you're willing to lay. no taper at the tail.

QUOTE (recon - 31/08/2010 @ 16:28)

Would you buy another?

i'd like to try the 'saber'.

QUOTE (recon - 31/08/2010 @ 16:28)

Are you more more fall line,race type carving or bit of low fun.

um. neither, really. getting low is fun, but wild changes of direction without loss of speed are what i'm enjoying just now.
  Reload  Top
recon
Posts: 168
  #15  Re: Titanal  Posted 01/09/2010 @ 02:25
In reply to post #14 ...
Thanks Keiran, for the info as its not easy to come by and is valued, by myself anyway.It would be kind of a big deal to order the first one.

I know I could email or even ring Donek for info ,its just that much more reassuring, from a european rider and ringing is when I have my credit card in hand, just too sort last few Q,s.

I may get back to you on here for few more details on total costs If thats OK.Its possible too PM here as well.

I think Mikeyboy the OP, Is probably closer than myself too a decision on a board but your answers have confirmed alot on one model.
The donek razor seems to tick most boxes for myself as far as versitality, over a World Cup Eliminator as that could be tryed or got later and is most probably in another class of board.
But its a real interesting board this season,completely changed over past F2 Elims.
The Sabre is another unconsidered though.Which a email to the factory, would probably help.
  Reload  Top
Subscribe using any feed reader!
  Featured Websites
  Freeze Pro Shop : First rate service and the finest gear from Rome, Volcom, Burton, Analog, Oakley, Union, Capita, Bern, Dragon, Electric & many more...
  JibTuning : Jibtuning is owned, run, and managed by snowboard technicians. Whether your a one week a year, seasonair or professional user we will guide you on what tools you need
  ScenePreston : Rider owned shop stocking Volcom, Vans, DC, Etnies, Nike SB, Adidas Skateboarding, Carhartt, Stussy and Obey
  Boardology.co.uk : An online shop with a personal touch offering a great range of snowboards,bindings,accessories & vital protection for 2010/11. New stock arriving constantly.
  More Mountain : Luxury Chalets in Morzine, France.
Search the Forum
Advanced Search
Latest Posts Latest Active Threads RSS Feed
- Weekend - cheap and cheerful
- Stuck on snowboard choice
- travis rice pro model
- Looking for boarding buddies in March
- Hip Flask Recommendations
- Les Deux Alpes Beginners
- castleford xscape learn in a day!!
- Help from older females
- Milton Keynes Sno Zone Riding Mates ( either male or female )
- Westbeach 60% off Sale
- Reasons to be cheerful..........
- Oslo World Snowboarding Championship
- Beginner few questions
- Intense Footpain - please help :(
- Flaine room wanted - 3 nights
- Speed compact tool - Help!
- Helmet or not?
- Oh no.....
- Hi guys, beginner here, Question of what board to get?
- Lots of items for sale on eBay
Get our Newsletter
Your E-mail Address
More Details
© 2001-2012 GONEboarding.co.uk