I have 2 scales for my XM-18... One is an Orange scale and one is a Blue/Black scale. The Blue/Black has a considerable amount more grip to it than the Orange. I love the way the Blue/Black feels like grip tape almost. Has anyone else noticed this? And are there any other scales that have that extra traction to them?
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Scales with the Best traction or grip?
- Thread starter Derty
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BP Green
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I know what you mean. I noticed it too and think they must have changed something recently with regards to the g-10. Maybe just a different batch?
My first XM-18 had a very smooth feeling scale. It didn't feel at all like the scale on my latest Gen 4 slicer's does. The color was different too. They are both OD, yet the new one is a shade or two darker which I like. The old one looked more of a washed out light green than OD, to my eye.
They may have changed vendors or suppliers or something. Or maybe different batches of G-10 turn out differently. I don't know, maybe Rob will weigh in on this one.
My first XM-18 had a very smooth feeling scale. It didn't feel at all like the scale on my latest Gen 4 slicer's does. The color was different too. They are both OD, yet the new one is a shade or two darker which I like. The old one looked more of a washed out light green than OD, to my eye.
They may have changed vendors or suppliers or something. Or maybe different batches of G-10 turn out differently. I don't know, maybe Rob will weigh in on this one.
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G10 is resin imbedded into fiberglass sheets with some coloring agent. Perhaps the color tint may contribute to "grippiness" but I doubt it. You are more likely feeling subtle differences in the texture from how the slab was finished. The only real way to increase grip in G10 is to rough it up with some emory polishing paper or a sanding wheel from a Dremel. Try using some 220 grit on the slabs to roughen the texture a bit, or 320 grit if 220 is too aggressive.
Just remember to wear a mask/respirator and do this in a well-ventilated location. Sanding G10 is going to create micro slivers of glass, you don't want any to become imbedded in your lungs or irritate your eyes & skin.
Just remember to wear a mask/respirator and do this in a well-ventilated location. Sanding G10 is going to create micro slivers of glass, you don't want any to become imbedded in your lungs or irritate your eyes & skin.
BP Green
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- Oct 23, 2010
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I don't want to speak for the OP but I didn't take it to mean that he thought the color had anything to do with "grippiness". At least - and with all due respect - I hope not, as that would be pretty crazy. 
For my part at least I took his mention of color just to distinguish one from the other.
Yes you are right in that it is fiberglass impregnated with resin but I'm pretty sure that you will get differing results depending on how much of one you use over the other, the quality of the materials, etc. The old OD scales on my non-flipper had an almost "plastic" feel as you would from using alot of resin and less fiberglass. In the new one I can feel the grippy texture of the glass far more.
For my part at least I took his mention of color just to distinguish one from the other.
Yes you are right in that it is fiberglass impregnated with resin but I'm pretty sure that you will get differing results depending on how much of one you use over the other, the quality of the materials, etc. The old OD scales on my non-flipper had an almost "plastic" feel as you would from using alot of resin and less fiberglass. In the new one I can feel the grippy texture of the glass far more.