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a2zBoardShop Magnetraction & Reverse Camber

Magnetraction & Reverse Camber
Snowboard geometry was pushed through an evolutionary spurt these last couple of seasons with talk of reverse "rocker" cambers and something called "magnetraction", not that a reverse camber wouldn't be weird enough.

Magnetraction sidecut geometry acts similar to the serrated edge of a knife which makes these snowboards incredible at holding an edge in icy conditions. With a magnetraction sidecut, only seven "points" of the edge touch the surface of the ice or hardpack when turning. There are three points between the bindings and two points on the outside of each binding, applying magnetraction where you need it most, between your feet. An added benefit of magnetraction is that the edges don't need to be sharp to get a grip. If you're rail or jib enthusiast, you can run your edges dull and still have enough to hold an edge in most conditions.

When a snowboard was referred to as having camber, it means the middle of the board was off the ground and the tip and tail were the only contact points. If a snowboard had a camber measurement, it was how high the center of the board was from the ground. With a reverse or rocker camber, only the middle of the board touches the ground which makes the board "rock" on a flat surface. With a reverse rocker camber, the weight distribution is centered around the feet, rather than the outside points. Since magnetraction sidecut focuses more edge pressure near the bindings and center of the board, a reverse camber only adds to the functionality of the magnetraction. It's a win / win situation. Travis Rice says he'll never go back.

Lib Tech was the most eager to begin the mass production of snowboards with these revolutionary snowboard design concepts a few years ago. Mervin Manufacturing, the original parent company of Lib Tech, has a patent on magnetraction sidecut geometry. Mervin is also under the umbrella of Quiksilver, which now owns Rossignol, so the plot just gets thicker. Next season, we'll likely see magnetraction snowboards from Lib Tech, Gnu & Rossignol. Smokin' Snowboards will also have magnetraction as they are currently the only brand to have licensed the technology from Quiksilver. It is also rumored that we could see a line of DC Magnetraction Snowboards someday since DC is now also part of Quiksilver. The icing on the cake? Lib Tech is making magnetraction skis while the other ski companies have to watch from the sidelines. Don't go calling them skis though, or you might get beat up. Lib Tech calls them their NAS model, which stands for Narrow Ass Snowboard.

While Quiksilver holds the patent on magnetraction, reverse camber design patents are being chased down by just about everyone else. For the 2008/2009 season, Signal, Nitro, K2, Burton, Lib Tech, Gnu, Rossignol and Never Summer will have their own versions of reverse camber snowboards.

Both magnetraction and reverse rocker cambers have evolved because of riding styles and stances. Snowboarders are riding harder and faster than ever before, the technology really needed to play catch up. Aggressive riders have been widening their stances over the years to maintain stability, in the air and on the ground. First it was the jibbers, now it's even the pipe ninjas. Ever take a look at Shaun White's stance? Next time he's on the podium, take a look at how small his nose and tail are.

For more info on magnetraction and rocker cambers, check out this video, the Dan Gerous blog or the offical Lib Tech site.


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