Magnetraction

Posted: 28 November 2011 02:09 PM

I understand Magnetraction as used in LibTech, Gnu and Rossignol helps edge grip and hence carving even in icy conditions. Any downside to it?

Posted: 28 November 2011 08:01 PM

I heard some ppl say it’s kind of a different feeling to ride, sligh difference but some ppl just dont like change.
In general, I wouldn’t say there’s any downside to it except that it might be a little bit more difficult to tune the edges but there are enough tools for that job as well!

Cheers Tobi

Posted: 28 November 2011 09:12 PM

I’ve ridden lots of Magnetraction boards… in fact I own one.

I think the downsides are as follows:

1) It’s bloody noisy! Seriously, slide a turn down some steep hardpack and it makes a hell of a noise!
2) When you’re riding freshly groomed corduroy (packed powder) it digs absolute trenches which can sometimes cause you to go over the handlebars.
3)Some people say it’s a little slower on very shallow carves and traverses… I haven’t found any truth in that.

I’d say it’s a real plus with rockered boards that don’t naturally grip as hard as cambered boards. On stiff cambered boards it’s overkill.

Posted: 29 November 2011 11:00 AM

Cheers Tobi and Rich.

Another question:
What is most useful for the average progressing intermediate who likes going fast down the pistes but also takes time for playful sidehits and for trying features in the park: Magnetraction or Bataleon’s TBT? (I know they do completely different things, I will have the chance to demo one but not the other.)

And also, is TBT really bad on ice?

Thanks

Posted: 06 December 2011 10:16 AM

TBT drifts on flat hardpack cat tracks because you don’t have an edge engaged in the snow… it takes some getting used too and I’m not sure I’d recommend to inexperienced riders who ride a lot of flatter terrain.

Posted: 06 December 2011 03:21 PM

Hiya - TBT is also not great for landing jumps or coming off boxes on. Jumps/boxes/rails usually have well-compacted landing areas (as well as take-off areas for that matter) and the drift would be a disadvantage in these sitautions.
Magnetraction wouldn’t be a hinderance like this - just don’t catch your edge when you land :-)

Posted: 01 March 2012 01:50 PM

I feel that TBT has helped me with landing jumps/Boxes much in the park. as for icy conditions, the TBT does slide a little, but I have never had any troubles with lands on TBT, in fact the opposite, It has helped my on many occasions. The TBT for me, kind of creates and directions land to keep me straight off spins.
Just some food for thought
-Tyler

Posted: 01 March 2012 08:34 PM

have a couple of questions… i wouldnt imagine it would make a difference but can you use a regular edge sharpener for the magnitractions?
also what is tbt?

Posted: 01 March 2012 08:37 PM

Nope you’ve got to use a much smaller edge sharpener which costs twice the price from Mervin mfu.

TBT is Bataleon’s Triple Base Technology. It’s a 3d base designed to remove pressure from the contact points and loosen up the ride.

Posted: 06 September 2014 12:54 PM

Magnetraction on The Experience is incredible. It slows you down a little on a carve but on a stiff board, you can strightline without coming unstuck.
My board’s 3 years old now so the base has had a few repairs. My regular sharpener has been fine.