Ty Warp paddles follow a
unique concept: half a shaft and one blade are molded in one
piece under high temperature and extreme pressure. At the
same time the shaft is blown up from the inside by
high-pressure air inflation. This results in shaft and blade
forming one strong unity for greatest durability and
lightest weight possible. The shaft material intrudes deep
into the blade resulting in high performance stiffness. The
blade is reinforced by additional layers increasing towards
the edge. Up to 16 layers offer enormous stability and
minimize abrasion.
When developing our latest (2008/09)
range of paddles we again improved quality, durability and
performance. The highlight of our innovations in white water
paddles is SteelTec™.
This
technology stands for metal reinforcements integrated in the
back of the blade. Two steel rods make the blade nearly
unbreakable under normal circumstances. These rods are
wrapped with prepreg fibreglass and placed between shaft and
blade material before moulding. During manufacturing the
different components are compressed to form one solid piece.
Breakage tests have shown fantastic results.
We also
reinforced our paddle shafts in two ways: we increased the
wall thickness of the shaft and in the transition area from
shaft to blade. Secondly, we improved stability and
durability by changing our lay up system. In the middle,
where we join our paddle halves, we now have a much stronger
joint. An external aluminium tube leads to maximum
stability, internal glass fibre tubes increase the wall
thickness in this area significantly. This creates an
extremely durable transition from aluminium tube to shaft in
an area of high impact. To join the paddles we use a very
strong and at the same time still relatively flexible epoxy
glue which also seals the joint.
As far as
composites are concerned we decided to go for a new mix of
kevlar-glass weave, glass mats and carbon. Additionally, our
engineers improved the resin formulation. This resin is used
to mechanically pre-impregnate the raw materials before
production. After that, the different components are
pressure moulded and blown up from the inside to form an
inseparable, solid unit.
All
those technical innovations have set new standards in terms
of performance and durability.
New for 2008 is the option
of a Neutral Bent shaft on the Warp 3 and Beam 3.
The 3 series is made in a
compression moulding process with fibreglass/carbon shaft
and glass blade. All paddles are kit-set and can be fitted
to any length and blade offset. |
