Could someone please set me straight on the definitions and differences between 60/40 rails and 50/50 rails (shape and performance differences). Also, can anyone tell me about “Pinched” rails? I’ve heard this term thrown around a bit lately…What exactly does this mean and how are they shaped? Am I correct in assuming this means the rail has an “edge” or a kind of “point” to it?
please have you anybody a profile pic of 60/40 rails?
there are some answers here http://www.swaylocks.com/glossary/index.cgi?Rails
50/50 vs 60/40 simply refers to the location of the apex of the rail (outermost point in the curve). 50/50 means that 50% of the rail is above the apex, and 50% is below the apex…so the apex is right in the middle of the rail. 60/40 means that 60% is above, and 40% is below…so the apex is just below the middle. the performance differences are minimal, and most would be hardpressed to notice any real difference in ride. a more down rail will plane over the water better (speed), while a more evenly split rail will lock into the wave better (stability and grip in the wave face). generally, if the board’s rail shape becomes gradually harder as it approaches the tail for added bite and turnability off the back, you’ll see a 60/40 just because it seems to make for a more reasonable transition to the hard tail. if the rails are soft and pinched out all the way around, it’s probably more like 50/50. which brings us to your next inquiry…pinched rails. that simply refers to how far into the middle of the board the rail curve starts. picture an egg on it’s side. no matter which end you’re looking at, it’s essentially a 50/50 rail shape. the difference between the two sides is how “pinched out” it is. the wide point of the egg is the same either way, but one direction from the wide point is thinner than the other direction…this is the more “pinched out” rail shape. the more pinched out the rails are, the more they will lock into the wave. classic noseriders generally have a very pinched out 50/50 rail. it’s very noticeable in boards like the Harbour Nineteen (if you can ever get your hands on one, pay close attention to the rail shape all the way around the board and you’ll see what i mean).
thanks, drew…someone should save that for the Resources
Please correct me if I’m wrong…and in any case, it may be heresy to even bring this up on a web site for surboards…but I think it’s the other way around for bodyboards–a 70/30 rail (e.g. Morey Mach 7) has the widest point closer to the deck.
I was noticing that too, but that’s more of a hard tucked rail than a soft rounded one.
I bet the numbers are in a different order.
Would you consider a 70/30 rail a low rail? And would this rail be good for small waves?
Thanks, Da Cheetah
oh, yes thank you all…
the difference between the two sides is how “pinched out” it is. the wide point of the egg is the same either way, but one direction from the wide point is thinner than the other direction…this is the more “pinched out” rail shape. the more pinched out the rails are, the more they will lock into the wave. classic noseriders generally have a very pinched out 50/50 rail. it’s very noticeable in boards like the Harbour Nineteen <<<
this what i’ve been searching for… i know the differences between rail and rail but i’m trying to find out a way for my 6’6" retro-board - what do you think about hard pinched 50/50 to 60/40 near the tail and a squash tail? for smaller to medium size waves…
why not 50/50 with a down rail in the last 10" or so? check liddlesurfboards.com for 50/50 railed boards.
it looks great… very down at the tail… my board will be very thick, at the end.
another point is about how “pinch” the rail or keep them smooth? will anybody express his contribute here?
i know retro style boards had a “egg” 50/50, right? will it be on a medium wave with a single fin?
—keep alive—
How does a pinched rail performs vs a 50/50 (more rounded) rail? what are the pro/cons ?
Jack
i just arrived at thi final idea 60/40 a little pinched till 10 to 12" from the tail becoming hard down rails to a diamond tail with single 8" fin …
ideas about a fin? more rake. this is a wider board with low rocker and a large nose. very thick about 2-1/2" in the middle. parallel rails???