When it’s time to choose a new bodyboard, the debate is inevitable: should you go for a traditional board with a stringer or try the innovative Hexaflex technology? The right choice can make all the difference in your performance and experience in the water.
In this article, we’ll analyze the fundamental differences between these two technologies to help you decide which one best suits your style and the waves you ride.
What is a Stringer?
The stringer is the most common internal reinforcement system in bodyboards for decades. It’s essentially a rod made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, or another composite material, which is inserted vertically in the center of the board’s core.
- Advantages:
- Stiffness and Projection: The stringer provides a stiffness that helps the board maintain its shape, offering excellent projection (the so-called recoil) in powerful waves.
- Durability: It helps prevent “creasing” and increases overall durability.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited Flexibility: The stiffness of the stringer can limit the board’s natural flex, making it less adaptable to certain maneuvers or different types of waves.
- Stringer Breakage: In cases of severe impact, the rod can break or, worse, its insertion can cause permanent damage to the board.
The Innovation Behind Hexaflex Technology
Hexaflex technology, exclusive to Hexaboards, is a completely new approach. Instead of a single reinforcement rod, it uses an internal honeycomb-shaped (hexagonal) structure made of two different composite materials. This structure acts as a “skeleton” that supports the board more uniformly.
- Advantages:
- Dynamic Flex: The honeycomb structure allows the board to flex more naturally and in a controlled manner. This results in greater speed and a superior ability to “mold” to the wave’s face, leading to smoother and faster maneuvers.
- Force Distribution: The force of an impact is distributed throughout the honeycomb structure, making it more resistant to creasing and dings than traditional stringers.
- Superior Recoil and Instant Feedback: The Hexaflex system provides a more powerful and faster return to its original shape. The feedback is instant, allowing the rider to feel the board responding immediately to every movement.
- Disadvantages:
- Recent Technology: As a newer technology, its price may be slightly higher due to the complexity of manufacturing.
Which is the Best Option for You?
- Choose a Stringer if: You’re looking for a board with a more traditional, stiff feel. It’s a safe and time-tested choice and at a lower price.
- Choose Hexaflex if: You value innovation and are looking for a board that offers a combination of speed, control, and superior flex. It’s perfect for riders who enjoy more technical maneuvers and want a board that adapts to different wave types.
Ultimately, the best board is the one that makes you feel most comfortable and confident in the water. Hexaflex technology has come to challenge the status quo and offers an alternative with clear performance benefits. Your final decision will depend on your personal style and priorities.
