Duraflex Maxiflex Model “B” and 16-foot Duraflex Springboards
Choosing diving equipment manufactured by the Duraflex International Corporation means that you want the very best springboard diving equipment available today. Duraflex diving boards have been used exclusively in every Olympic Games since 1960, and are the standard for most aquatic facilities.
Their products are known around the world for their high quality, ease of installation, low upkeep and longevity of use. But before you go out and order a diving board, make sure you know the differences in the two types of boards used most often in competition - the Maxiflex Model "B" and the 16-foot Duraflex.
Maxiflex Model "B" Cheeseboard
Duraflex is most well-known for their competition model diving board – the so called “Cheeseboard.” This diving board is the creme-de-la-creme of diving boards, and is installed at most aquatic facilities that support successful diving programs.
As you watch the Olympic diving competition, or any other major national or international diving meet, look for the Maxiflex Model “B,” as it is the only diving board used at these events.
Duralfex 16-foot Springboard
Duraflex also makes a high quality diving board that is more recreational in nature – although it is still far better than any other competitive diving board on the market today except for the cheeseboard. The 16-foot Duraflex is more commonly seen at municipal pools, parks and recreation department pools, and summer clubs.
Diving Board Differences
While both the Duraflex diving board and the cheeseboard are 16 feet long, there are a number of differences that are important, but not readily apparent. They differences include:
- The cheeseboard is tapered not only from the middle of the board to the end that hangs over of the water, but also from the middle to the back of the board where it is attached to the hinges.
- The 16-foot Duraflex springboard is only tapered from the middle of the board to the end that hangs over the water, reducing the flex and the spring a diver receives.
- The cheeseboard is so named because of the 189 perforations (“cheese holes”) in the tip end of the board. The 16-foot Duraflex does not have these holes.
- If you turn both diving boards over and lay them next to each other, you will also notice that the rubber channels attached to the eight “ribs” on the underside of the board (to prevent the metal of the board from bouncing on the metal of the fulcrum roller) are the same length but they are not installed in the same place.
- The flex point of the cheeseboard, and the 16-foot Duraflex board are different. The cheeseboard flexes further toward the rear of the diving board than the 16-foot Duraflex board, and this is one of the reasons why the “Cheeseboard” provides more spring.
Choosing The Right Board
There are several considerations that need to be addressed when purchasing and installing a Duraflex diving board.
- Budget - The amount of money allocated toward the purchase of a diving board is an important consideration. Duralfex diving boards range between $2500 to $3200, depending on the type of board chosen, and from whom the board is purchased. Generally, there is a $500 difference between the cheeseboard and the 16-foot Duraflex. If this is a new installation of a diving board, a diving stand must also be a consideration, and is an added cost.
- Use - Will the board be used for beginner diving lessons and recreational use, or will the board be for an elite level diving program. Don't make the mistake of buying a 16-foot Duraflex for elite divers ... they will not be happy! On the other hand, don't break your budget for a cheeseboard when your facility is only offering beginner lessons.
- Pool Depth and Configuration - What type of diving board to install can be dependant on the type of pool and its configuration. If your pool depth is less than 11 feet, FINA and USA Diving will not sanction of a competitive Duraflex springboard. Local and state regulations may also dictate diving board specifics. Before installing any diving board, first check with local and state authorities for acceptable practices.
Where to Get a Duraflex Springboard
The first place to start when purchasing a Duraflex diving board, is at the source! Duraflex International sells diving boards through sales representatives that are experts in the purchase of, and installation of diving boards in swimming pools and aquatic facilities.
Competitive diving, and the use of diving equipment, can and should be safe endeavor. As long as a diving board is properly installed in compliant pool, and safe practices are used when the diving board is in use, diving will continue to enjoy an unparraleled record of safety.
