Update 2. Taking it to the streets - Originally Posted Sep 15, 2020

We celebrated Labour Day by testing the PL1 in the quiet streets of Kamloops British Columbia, with a little help from some friends from the Kamloops Longboarding Club. Hitting the streets helped us get some insights we can’t get from running bench tests without having to scale any glaciers in search of summer snow. It’s the first time we’ve let someone from outside of the company test our product, and as expected, we learned a lot.

The hairpin turns of the Kamloops Longboarding Park were a tough test for the PL1 Prototype

The hairpin turns of the Kamloops Longboarding Park were a tough test for the PL1 Prototype

We began our day by testing in the Kamloops Longboard Park. The narrow and winding downhill course proved difficult to navigate on the way up. While adjusting the throttle to compensate for the turns we encountered occasional misfeeds of the paracord, prompting some tuning and design changes.

We decided to try another hill. Before wrapping up, I thought it would be a good idea to go for “one more lap” down the park. While trying to impress my friends with a brain melting slide at the bottom of my run, I got bucked from my board and broke my knee. Regrettably no footage exists of my knee crushing bail. While I went to the hospital, the rest of the gang continued testing the prototype at a new location.

Pat zips up the slope on the PL1 prototype

Pat zips up the slope on the PL1 prototype

Without having to steer the hairpin turns of the previous track, the PL1 performed admirably. It was helpful to see the prototype tested by someone on a board instead of skis. On the straightaway our tester, Pat, breezily rolled his way up the slope, making the most of the way down again.

Pat shreds the gnar with the PL1 in his backpack

Pat shreds the gnar with the PL1 in his backpack

As a result of our tests we are modifying the throttle response and the deflection plate design to prevent misfeeds. We also have a new gearbox design in the works that should further decrease the chance of a misfeed while adjusting the throttle.

We’re excited by all the ways we’re finding to improve the prototype and we’re looking forward to keeping you up to date with all of our progress.

Cheers,

Eric Button, Knee Exploder in Residence

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