In Surfer Magazine a few issues ago, a group of surfboard manufacturers, along with Randy French (surftech) and some fin guys got together and discussed the state of the surfboard industry. There was a young guy named Mark Tolan who claimed to have invented a resin that was 2000 percent stronger than today’s resins, and was better for the environment. Does anyone know what happened with that? I looked up his name and company name on the internet and came back totally empty handed.
I’ve been in contact with Mark Tolan, as we’re interested in bringing his resin out here ASAP. I can’t comment on USA distribution, but the hold up for us is freight channels and getting a deal with an importer so we can make it viable. New stuff always takes a while to catch on.Remember how conservative we all were towards fin systems like FCS less than 10 years ago - now virtually every board has removable fins of one brand or another !
The website is www.astsurf.com. The process is not unlike that of molded car bumpers. Really strong and flexible, don’t know how they ride though. The process seems a little impractical for the average board builder since it costs alot and requires a room dedicated to curing (heat). I think they are looking to get big board manufactures/glassers to sign on. Greg’s resin would be more practical for the low to med. volume builder. Just my opinion.
im trying to find someone who has used it. i would like to try some out as im looking closely a building a factory and i want to plan ahead. im in oz… http://www.feraldave.com
I think it’s mostly hype, they can’t even make enough of it to go around. Try and purchase some. You get the run around.
A lot of companies make quality Aliphatic Urethanes materials, that is probably what AST is selling. See BJB in Tustin. Give Terry from BJB a call. http://www.bjbenterprises.com/products/product8.html Sluggo