"Pocket rocks"? Need for advice by thane experts;)
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@maciak The Power Button should bonk you higher than the Gem, so this isn't a perfect comparison, but I think you are getting higher off your Power Button shape than I get from my Gem. Of course rider ability might be at play, so you might be edging me out on height a little for that too. But, I think you are basically right on with your material at this point.
Depending on where I put mine, I might also have to clean it off on the bottom from time to time. My driveway is concrete, and pretty clean so generally I don't have to worry about it there.
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@biell Thanks for your feedback.
I actually never make footage and dont really think about it. So no idea how high/far i usually bonk things during rides. Also dont do "tricks" just for tricks lol. Im not talented enough and might break a hip.My "powerbutton" shape is not optimized and slightly lower than the real thing (so many bowls in the cupboard and this came closest;) And i needed to play with the materials, especially bonding of 2 different hardness. Might compare 2 rocks of same hardness soon IF im happy with the grip.
My quick-mold of the gem is actually too large laterally. But i increased the slopes a bit compared to the original increasing to max 68deg on one side. Gonna bonk that one tomorrow. Will tune down the dimensions next try to save resin. This one is around 1.2 kg, not exactly pocket size. Hope it works well so i might send it out to couple people on this continent.
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@maciak In my opinion, only the Bump is pocket sized. The rest are all to big for a pocket. A backpack, sure; but a pocket, no way.
A big Gem might be cool, let us know how much air you can get off it!
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@biell
I think this Gem has some potential at higher speeds, have not unlocked it yet. Bonk height/distance feels similar to the button but the pop is absolutely different. I think you are right, the button has a sweet pop to it, gentle and smooth.Im gonna pour a smaller gem (Using the A55) , to save resin and i think a larger (wider) size has little advantage.
Can you check something else for me: Do your rocks have the same hardness all around (sides, top, bottom), and is the bottom any different in profile /roughness compared to the other parts?
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@maciak Part of me wants to say yes and part wants to say no. I think the bottom is ever so slightly different (tackier) only because it wasn't touching anything when it cured. It could also be that the tops are covered in tire ruber that makes them more slippery.
It is the same hardness all the way around, with a minor exception at the edges b/c there is less material.
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@biell I have the same on the single thane rock. The bottom feels a bit tackier but it's the same material. On the Gem, where i used only a softer compound on the bottom it's very, very clear material and tackiness is different.
Further i think im kinda done exploring unless im able to get my hands on the original.
Conclusion so far:
The softest compound (A40) is too soft without fillers. It will absorb too much. When fillers are used it becomes equivalent to the slightly harder A55 (latter is 20% more expensive, easier to use and cures faster), also in surface grip. When a more "realialistic" hardness is needed, A85 needs to be used with a softer compound bottom layer as it needs grip on the pavement.
All in all i think the pure A55 -ish rock is what the shop is using. The shape determines pop, imho the slightly harder/softer thane does not add much. It's important that it sticks to the surface. -
@maciak Thanks for all this research. So, is this basically what you used: https://polytek.com/products/poly-74-55-liquid-rubber
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@biell Honestly no idea if it's the same. The one used indicates same duro but it's mixed 1:1. Below is that one.
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@maciak Thanks, if I try to make my own, I will compare the two and see if the one I found will work or if I need something different.
I picked this brand because they are about an hour from me and about 1.5 hours from Electric Stoke. So, if they are trying to buy local, this could be the one.
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@biell Good one! A durometer would clarify a lot already, usually dont need one o those. But yea, that's a pretty plausible thought. I guess they d buy quantities like that.