Spring/summer 2011 video updates

[Donek]

We've started playing with new ideas for next season. Here's the first edition of this seasons video updates.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vvrLb0hdB2k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Unfortunately the riding footage was all overexposed (left it in manual).

[*Ace*]

Glad to see Fin back on the snow! :biggthump

Snowman still without a helmet, hahaha.
ABASIN!!!
:1luvu:

[Donek]

I met up with Fin and Mike Trapp at A-basin today for a little GS board testing. Perfect snow and weather and some excellent progress.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MSEARPPwt_A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Gcarve]

Nice camera work Sean! It was cool talking to you today, after you got back from shooting this latest video! I can't wait to get my hands on that Metal Freecarve you're making me!!

_________________
George

[Donek]

The snow at the Basin wasn't too good today, so we hit the powder on Loveland Pass with the new powder shape. Very fun.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cYX2FaEj7tk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Gcarve]

New powder board!!! :1luvu:
I'm gonna have to start saving up!!!

[Donek]

Testing on Thursday

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PYAXzCZgIcw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[J0hn]

Have you drawn any conclusions from yesterday's testing? Can you give any hints as to what you changed?

[Donek]

One of the flex patterns we tried made the board feel more damp or stable without adversely affecting the turning performance. It did feel a bit too stiff, so I am making a slightly softer flexing board to test next week.

[Donek]

Yesterday at the basin was spectacular. Here's the latest video:
<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dhH6XW4iRcg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Donek]

I've spent a good part of the season trying to find an effective camera setup for follow cam footage for alpine riders. While the GoPro is a great camera, I feel it's required proximity isn't safe for following an alpine rider. After a few experiments, I think I've got something that finally works pretty well. Here's some footage of Fin from Fridays testing at A-Basin.

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z1UfRHLDakY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The setup is exceptionally simple. I've gone with a miniature ball head (http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Mini-Ball-Camera-Mount/dp/B000L47AHG/ref=pd_cp_p_3) mounted through the chin guard mount om my helmet and mounted my Xacti (http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-VPC-SH1R-Definition-Camcorder-Camera/dp/B0032UWPGC/ref=sr_1_39?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1305427450&sr=1-39) to that.

[Hans]

The setup is exceptionally simple. I've gone with a miniature ball head (http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Mini-Ball-Camera-Mount/dp/B000L47AHG/ref=pd_cp_p_3) mounted through the chin guard mount om my helmet and mounted my Xacti (http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-VPC-SH1R-Definition-Camcorder-Camera/dp/B0032UWPGC/ref=sr_1_39?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1305427450&sr=1-39) to that.

Sean, nice footage, stable and good following :biggthump. Do you have a pic of that helmet setup? Sounds interesting.

[Donek]

Sean, nice footage, stable and good following :biggthump. Do you have a pic of that helmet setup? Sounds interesting.

http://donek.smugmug.com/Other/random-stuff/i-D7rc3XP/0/XL/DSC2852-XL.jpg

[kieran]

one dose of assymetric muscle growth, coming right up.

[Hans]

Thanks Sean. Very simple but very effective if you have such a helmet with existing screwholes on the side :biggthump

[Donek]

one dose of assymetric muscle growth, coming right up.

That camera is actually quite light. I felt it way more when I mounted it to the top of the helmet. It had the tendency to make the helmet slide forward and thus point the camera down as well. I rode with the camera on all day on Friday and never really noticed it.

[jp1]

Sean, just curious at what Zoom level you were using in this video?
I was hoping GoPro would come out with a different lense, but?
Looks like I'll possibly have a 'like new' GoPro for sale.........

[Donek]

Sean, just curious at what Zoom level you were using in this video?
I was hoping GoPro would come out with a different lense, but?
Looks like I'll possibly have a 'like new' GoPro for sale.........

I don't change anything on the zoom, so it' as wide as it will go. I do shoot in 1080p and then crop to 720p in processing. This allows for some play when running deshaker. I can also reposition on keyframes in premier if the rider goes out of frame.

[Gcarve]

What software are you using when you edit?

[SunSurfer]

Have you noticed any difference in the amount of shake in your videos depending upon whether you are riding with just a snowboard or with a plate/snowboard combo?

SunSurfer

[Donek]

What software are you using when you edit?

I use premier for editing, but have to convert to AVI and use virtualy dub and deshaker to remove the shake.


Have you noticed any difference in the amount of shake in your videos depending upon whether you are riding with just a snowboard or with a plate/snowboard combo?

SunSurfer

I rarely ride without a plate, but no I don't see much difference there. Shake has far more to do with how it's being held and where than what's happening 3 feet away at your boots.

[Donek]

This video covers the last 3 weeks of testing with Thedo Remelink (steamboat team coach). We are actually building 2 more boards to test a couple more ideas, but it looks like we are in prime shape for next season.

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gxkroboPGaY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Hans]

Like the updates from Sean/Donek.

Nice to see that a former olympian from the flat Netherlands is testing Donek WC prototypes :biggthump

[Miltie]

Thanks for updates Sean! :biggthump

Glad to see you get to enjoy the spring testing process. Wish my work was that fun.

Still thinking on what my order for this summer will be.

Thanks for keeping us posted! Tom

[jp1]

Sean, another question: Is the Sanyo you are using a Model VPC-SH1 ?
Thanks -jp1

[Donek]

Sean, another question: Is the Sanyo you are using a Model VPC-SH1 ?
Thanks -jp1

yes. That camera is likely more than necessary though. The 30X zoom is not used. I believe there is a 5X zoom version that is considerably cheaper. I haven't compared the specs on the two, but it would be worth doing. The VPC-SH1 is currently only $229 at B&H though, so maybe the price is low enough.

[Jon Dahl]

Any update on the BBP hardware and your plate? How did it work?

[Donek]

Any update on the BBP hardware and your plate? How did it work?

The Bomber hardware has worked extremely well. I would really like to use it, but it's use would impact our price dramatically.

The photos below will show our new hardware next to Bomber's and you will undoubtedly think they are similar. This is because there is only one way to achieve the most important goal of placing the axles outside the 4X4 hole pattern. Aside from the similarities in the base shape, everything else is being implemented quite differently from Bomber.
http://donek.smugmug.com/Other/snowboard-graphics/Plate-Photos/i-2KF4g8L/0/XL/DSC4617-XL.jpg

You are likely to notice that the prototypes have some rust on the axles. This is because we will be using Chrome-Moly shafts next year, but they will be coated to prevent rust.
http://donek.smugmug.com/Other/snowboard-graphics/Plate-Photos/i-cpSrKZT/0/XL/DSC4614-XL.jpg

http://donek.smugmug.com/Other/snowboard-graphics/Plate-Photos/i-zNZf4pg/0/XL/DSC4616-XL.jpg

You'll also notice that the two plates you see are different variations. Both ends will utilize a flat head screw (hopefully 5mm drive) in the production version.

http://donek.smugmug.com/Other/snowboard-graphics/Plate-Photos/i-4ZQfgXZ/0/XL/DSC4612-XL.jpg

Some of the parts in the production version will differ in shape a bit due to the manufacturing techniques we will be implementing.

You'll notice in the first image that my hardware is narrower than Bomber's. Fin and I have discussed making our plates compatible with each others hardware. It has a big appeal, but we have taken very different approaches to the UPM hardware. As a result, it would require a complete alteration to my UPM approach to make this compatibility occur. So far I have not made a decision on this front.

I have not made any changes to the actual plate yet, but intend to do so this summer. I will continue to produce a plate with similar stiffness, but will likely offer one that is a bit stiffer as well. I have found some areas that will enable me to shed some weight on the plate and will toy with a carbon fiber version.

[Donek]

I just returned from the last day of testing at A-basin for the season (sorry no video). It looks like we have arrived at a place that will put some of the Steamboat team on Donek next season. We'll be doing some final timed testing in October, but we are very happy with the way the boards are riding.:lol:

[SunSurfer]

Always interesting to see how other people approach the same problems you've personally been grappling with.

I've yet to see photos of UPM isocline plate mounts from either Bomber or yourself Sean. The only designs I've got photo records of are 4x4 pattern.

A problem I've come across is that the hinge/slide mount is always a few mm taller than the slide mount due to the need to accommodate the sliding axle bushing. It looks like you have the same issue, and from the photos it looks to me that there isn't quite enough clearance for the plate lower surface at the hinge/slide on the prototype shown. I've generally been working on 3-4mm clearance between plate lower surface and upper surface of the axle unit below.

SunSurfer

PS: Sean, still no significant snow here in NZ, we have ski fields delaying opening. Mostly too warm to even make man made snow. Some hope of snow this weekend. Australia apparently doing better for snow at this stage, though it pains me to say so!

[Steve Prokopiw]

I just returned from the last day of testing at A-basin for the season (sorry no video). It looks like we have arrived at a place that will put some of the Steamboat team on Donek next season. We'll be doing some final timed testing in October, but we are very happy with the way the boards are riding.:lol:

Congrats Sean! It will be fun to try out the new version sometime.The demo you lent me in Feb was great but the potential performance of the new hardware has me intigued.

[Donek]

Always interesting to see how other people approach the same problems you've personally been grappling with.

I've yet to see photos of UPM isocline plate mounts from either Bomber or yourself Sean. The only designs I've got photo records of are 4x4 pattern.

A problem I've come across is that the hinge/slide mount is always a few mm taller than the slide mount due to the need to accommodate the sliding axle bushing. It looks like you have the same issue, and from the photos it looks to me that there isn't quite enough clearance for the plate lower surface at the hinge/slide on the prototype shown. I've generally been working on 3-4mm clearance between plate lower surface and upper surface of the axle unit below.

SunSurfer

PS: Sean, still no significant snow here in NZ, we have ski fields delaying opening. Mostly too warm to even make man made snow. Some hope of snow this weekend. Australia apparently doing better for snow at this stage, though it pains me to say so!

We have not had any clearance issues with the prototype hardware. Our UPM mounting instruction video is on our web site. Not photos, but it should do. Here it is, although I it won't look much like this next season.

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fvty6WlKRUs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[SunSurfer]

Thanks for the video link. I hadn't got a copy of that.
Great to see this technology being tweaked and improved.

SunSurfer

[Jeffrey Day]

I just returned from the last day of testing at A-basin for the season (sorry no video). It looks like we have arrived at a place that will put some of the Steamboat team on Donek next season. We'll be doing some final timed testing in October, but we are very happy with the way the boards are riding.:lol:

Sean, it sounds like the R&D that you've been doing this spring and last spring, especially this spring, has been focused on a World Cup ready and capable board. If this is true, will any of the results of your testing be applicable to your free-carve line up?
It has been fun and interesting following your R&D video updates this spring! If I can get my funds lined up this fall, I would like to get a new carving deck! And as usual, a new Donek is what I'm gravitating toward. I can't wait until next winter and I hope we have another good one!

[Miltie]

Hey Sean, Very cool stuff! It's good to hear you had a productive spring testing season.

Although I had no issues with the current hardware (4X4 and UPM) on my current Donek Plates, I am interested to try your new hardware if it will fit the Plates from last season.

Thanks for your hard work and stoke for making us gear freaks some new toys!

Looks like I will be overseeing some folks located in my company's Denver office when I return to the USA. Look forward to stopping by your place sometime to see the operation.

Best regards, Tom

[Donek]

Sean, it sounds like the R&D that you've been doing this spring and last spring, especially this spring, has been focused on a World Cup ready and capable board. If this is true, will any of the results of your testing be applicable to your free-carve line up?
It has been fun and interesting following your R&D video updates this spring! If I can get my funds lined up this fall, I would like to get a new carving deck! And as usual, a new Donek is what I'm gravitating toward. I can't wait until next winter and I hope we have another good one!

We have focused on different lines over the last few months. The race boards have had the most attention though. I will be taking a close look at some of the things we did with the race boards and examining how they can be applied to the freecarve line, but I don't foresee dramatic changes. The freecarve and axxess boards will be very similar to last years.

The race boards have been dramatically overhauled based on the needs of a World Cup athlete. We have changed the core to tailor torsional stiffness and completely altered the flex pattern to provide a damper feel and a board that allows for the adjustability in turn shape required in a race course.

The work on the proteus, hazelwood, and pintail powder board went very well too.


Hey Sean, Very cool stuff! It's good to hear you had a productive spring testing season.

Although I had no issues with the current hardware (4X4 and UPM) on my current Donek Plates, I am interested to try your new hardware if it will fit the Plates from last season.

Thanks for your hard work and stoke for making us gear freaks some new toys!

Looks like I will be overseeing some folks located in my company's Denver office when I return to the USA. Look forward to stopping by your place sometime to see the operation.

Best regards, Tom

The current hardware is compatible with your old plate, but if we choose to make the hardware and plates interchangeable with Bomber's, this will not be the case. Just let me know when you are in town. I'm happy to provide a tour.

[Gcarve]

The work on the proteus, hazelwood, and pintail powder board went very well too.

Any pics and info on the pintail powder board available yet Sean?

[Jeffrey Day]

So what is this proteus & hazelwood that you speak of? when do we find out about these boards?

[Donek]

Any pics and info on the pintail powder board available yet Sean?


So what is this proteus & hazelwood that you speak of? when do we find out about these boards?

I'll try to put together a little video introducing these new lines in the next couple weeks.

[Gcarve]

I'm looking forward to getting more info on these new boards. Can't wait!

[Donek]

I've put together a little video with a description of the new board models we're introducing for next season. You can of course order them now, but you won't see them on the web site for a couple of months.
<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dLkT6KFTeeg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Miltie]

Sean, Nice video! Thanks for the update on the new boards. Cool stuff! Wish you success with the race decks.

What lengths will be available for the shorter powder boards?

Thanks for keeping us in the loop! :biggthump

Take care, Tom

[kieran]

conic section sidecuts on the proteus, nice. along with circular and clothoids, you've got the 3 C's.

are there any constructions you'd not recommend for a proteus board?

[Donek]

Sean, Nice video! Thanks for the update on the new boards. Cool stuff! Wish you success with the race decks.

What lengths will be available for the shorter powder boards?

Thanks for keeping us in the loop! :biggthump

Take care, Tom

The official stock specs will be from 150 to 170cm most likely, but I'm always up for tinkering if you are.

[Donek]

conic section sidecuts on the proteus, nice. along with circular and clothoids, you've got the 3 C's.

are there any constructions you'd not recommend for a proteus board?

I think I've only made 1 or 2 boards with circular sidecuts. Anything that's been speced with a circular radius has actually been parabolic and somewhere it usually says equivalent radius.

As for proteus constructions, I think the carbon and metal are likely the best, but glass will work.

[Donek]

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cX3u2m03dy8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Steve Prokopiw]

Cool the graphics on the popup.The round tail option is intriguing...

[Gcarve]

Cool vid on the work involved in making the wood cores. Also, I'm glad to hear that you're staying busy, and that the economy hasn't effected your business!

[b0ardski]

and that the economy hasn't effected your business!
oh but it has,
if the vacation home market around here hadn't dried up I'd be ordering a 178 twintip metal fc1, a 171powder split, a pair of 100 waisted 180 twintip skis, and maybe a 190 hazelwood next year, all with matching custom graphics:cool:

ps keep the vids and the evolution coming Sean.

[Donek]

This is a pair of videos explaining some of the physics of a carved turn and how sidecut shape can affect your turn.

<iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uE1YdDj_L0o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hFjq741bkbI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Snowman]

Nice work Sean!

Think Snow!

[kieran]

those were good. any plans to cover symmetric parabolics like 12-16-12 or 12-10-12?

[J0hn]

Thanks for putting those together Sean. Where were these classes when I was in school? :biggthump

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Good job Sean.

Now I know what to do will all that string and cut offs!!

Well done.

[Donek]

those were good. any plans to cover symmetric parabolics like 12-16-12 or 12-10-12?

I haven't played with anything like that on the VSR yet.

[slopestar]

So informative and educational! Never again will I purchase a board off the rack! I see my own personal quiver killer in the very near future!

[utahcarver]

Thanks, Sean!

Finally, a learners guide to SCR and a tutorial on why one should avoid (and abhor) buying a snowboard from a well-known and established manufacturer of clothing, style, and accoutrementes which may include some snowboarding stuff while posing as a snowboard company. Thank you, kind Sir!

Mark

[Miltie]

Hey Sean, Hope you are keeping busy with pre-season orders.

Any updates on the new style Plate Hardware featured on page 1 of this thread? I would be interested in a set for 4X4 mount when it becomes available.

Thanks in advance! Tom

[Donek]

Hey Sean, Hope you are keeping busy with pre-season orders.

Any updates on the new style Plate Hardware featured on page 1 of this thread? I would be interested in a set for 4X4 mount when it becomes available.

Thanks in advance! Tom

Made a whole pile of these last weekend too.
http://donek.smugmug.com/Other/snowboard-graphics/Plate-Photos/i-FTpRJ2r/0/XL/DSC2859-XL.jpg
http://donek.smugmug.com/Other/snowboard-graphics/Plate-Photos/i-nbMX5LR/0/XL/DSC2862-XL.jpg

We're getting there.

[slopestar]

Is that 3 hole compatible I see???:rolleyes:

[Donek]

Is that 3 hole compatible I see???:rolleyes:

No. Just a cutout for weight reduction.

[Gcarve]

That is some beautiful looking Plate hardware Sean!!