Gizmo's (moved from NBP)

[jp1]

As requested by Sunsurfer from New Board Porn section, 'Can you transfer your detailed description of your design plus some photos into the Plate Design thread?'

I will try AGAIN :( ..

Gizmo 4X4 System:

1 -Bottom Plate(s) with Isolators, mounted to board

2 -Top Plates mounted to Isolators, ready for bindngs & ride

3 -Plate size comparison: 4X4 Mount on left, Direct Mount on right

[jp1]

4- Different (4X4 & Direct Mount) Plate configurations & Durometer Isolators

5- Isolators, different Durometers and configurations (2) on left cut for specific application (1) on right standard length (1/2")

6- Inserts in board, 4X4, UPM & Gizmo (for Direct Mount)

[jp1]

Direct Mount System:

7- Isolators screwed into Inserts

8- Top Plate (with binding base) mounted to Isolators

[jp1]

Gizmo's

Hi All. I’ve been lurking recently on a ‘Smart Phone’ from which I had no intention of even trying to respond until I could get some time on a computer. I’d like to answer some inquiries about the Gizmo’s. The original intention was to prove or dis-prove an idea that I had. After some time away from boarding, upon return ‘Titanal’ was the talk of the town. In two years, board construction had advanced (or so it seemed) to the point where I wouldn’t be able to ride my antiques. Board builders were now using Titanal and Rubber in their construction to dampen the ride, etc. Heck I thought, if a thin sheet of rubber can dampen that much imagine what I could do using rubber Isolators. Although most if not all plates at the time were (and still are) of a single plate design, I chose to go with a two plate design as I am a ‘pedaler’, and more interested in recreational riding. Thus the first set of Gizmo’s were built to either prove or dis-prove this idea. After a season of riding them on my own to prove their safety to myself (I’d never even think about asking someone else to try something I myself didn’t feel safe) I felt they were safe and did what I was hoping (Isolating the rider from negative feedback of the Ice Coast terrain, chatter, ice, etc.) so I was ready to seek others (better riders) feedback.

I approached one of the best and most aggressive riders I knew at our local hill and showed him what I had, and asked if he would be interested in trying them. He liked the idea, and was more than willing to try them. A week later I seen him riding and finally caught up with him to ask his opinion. He smiled and replied, “forget it you are not getting them back” ! When I finally figured out he was serious and really liked them, I felt more confident in the concept and what I myself had felt. From then on, it has been a constant process of trying to improve the original design. Several changes have been made over the years, today I am actually testing Revision XII on my own boards.

The concept is simple, rubber isolation. Much like that of a motor mount, shock absorber or sway bar bushings in an automobile. Anyone that has ever been involved with any type of race car that does not use a rubber motor mounts or shock / sway bar bushings knows what I am talking about. Maybe Ok for the track, but not so much for the street. It won’t take long before you’ll have some extensive dental bills from your teeth being rattled out of your mouth. The Isolators provide true isolation as there is no metal fastener attaching the board to the binding for the negative feedback / vibration to be transmitted through, to the rider.

Cold weather effectiveness ? The isolators temperature ratings vary anywhere from -10*F to +150*F and -80*F to +300*F depending on their durometer. I personally have never noticed any change in feel from temperature and have ridden the isolators rated for -10*F in temperatures substantially less with no issues.

The drawback that has kept me from attempting to market the system is the fact that while the isolators are rated for compression and shear, they are not rated for extension. I have always told everyone that has shown interest or tried the system of this fact. Obviously, when you compress one side or corner of the plate you are extending the other. To date, I have never had an isolator related problem other than one that I caught from the manufacture while doing pre-installation testing.

Positives & Negatives: I have had some, what I consider to be ‘very high end riders’ try the Gizmo’s as they can provide much better feedback than I am capable of. They have even had use (although I never dreamed it) by some recreational racers. The negatives are (A) added weight (as in all plate systems) and (B) sluggish feeling edge to edge (snow feel). I have added two additional durometer isolators (firmer) for testing this season to see if they will help rectify this feeling. Most if not all feel they are great for the Recreational Rider, which is what the design was originally intended for. The positives I’ve heard are (A) extended riding time (B) less wear and tear on my knees © made my stiff old board fun to ride again.

I have (2) different mounting systems. (System 1) The original system that mounts to the standard 4X4 pattern is essentially bottom split plates (to allow better board flexion than the original 1 piece solid plate) with the 4X4 hole pattern in it that mounts to the board, 4 isolators (1) in each corner are attached to the bottom plates, and a top plate which is attached to the isolators and drilled and tapped for the binding to mount to. (System 2) uses inserts installed into the board (thus eliminating the weight of the bottom plates). The Original Gizmo’s weighed over 5 lbs. Revision XII that I am currently testing on my own boards weighs 765 grams or 1.6865 lbs. or 26.985 ounces (weights are with all related hardware).

I am not looking to sell anything other than the concept as I do not have the capital to pursue this any further than I already have. I’d love to see someone take it to the next level for all to enjoy. I do have a couple sets of the 4X4 Gizmo’s made up for people interested to try. If there is any interest, I would bring them to SES for you to try in trade for your feedback.

Take Care / Be Safe -- jp1

[Hans]

Great job, looking very professional. thanks for sharing. Looks are great, so they must be riding fine too.