Aluminum versus G10 Plates - Does it make a difference in ski performance?

[skibug]

Just wondering if anyone has experimented with identical binding set ups on an Aluminum plate and G10 plate material; in a double plate set up not a mono plate. Does one affect ski performance more that the other?

[Horton]

meh.

[Dacon62]

Remember when at the Radar Factory I asked @brooks that same question. Maybe he can chime in on his findings.

[Horton]

I would bet that how tight your screws are changes the flex as much as the plate material.

[skialex]

My experience is with rigid prepregd carbon plates versus Reflex so called carbon plates, same thickness. Exactly same setup, huge difference in performance (not necessarily in buoy count). Prepreged carbon is far mor rigid than aluminum and g10 plates.

After that I have more appreciation for the Reflex carbon plates even knowing that they are not very durable, I’m soft on the ski and I don’t brake them. G10 is more durable and it would be my second choice over everything else.

Alex

[dave2ball]

Yes there is a difference. I have skied on both a metal reflex plat front and the G10. There is a difference in flex. In my experience the metal flexed more and the ski was slower behind the boat not by much but it was noticeable.