sonny2727 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 17, 2018 12:48 am
Hi Guys
there was a change from thin rails to thick rails for TTs sometime back - example Axis Vangourd 2016. What are the pros and cons of thick rails?
On paper I'd assume thin rails on a twin tip would track upwind better since the rails will sink better?
If you want a surfboard feel why not just ride a surfboard.
Thanks
Like other design aspects, the rail volume is only one of several variables that work in concert with other attributes.
In general, rails with a sharp discontinuity (say, a square rail) releases the water cleaner and causes less drag, resulting in a more efficient board. A thin rail would qualify as having a sharp discontinuity.
Rails with a rounded profile redirects the water along the profile, which causes more drag. You can google Coanda Effect. However, drag = control, this also improves handling.
Thin rails flex more, but too much flex results in a loss of control.
Thin rails could potentially be more dangerous (if you fall on your board, for example)