universal base-tweaking truths

[mklingbeil]

Guys,
Bill and I are working on some new bases for EF. Some of the bases are very familiar, some are stuff you never even thought of before. However, we want to get this right (these things cost quite a bit of money), so I have enlisted the help of a few GREAT tweakers to get their input.

What I am looking for, since I am nearing the end of the design phase, is a few universal truths. These are basic assumptions people have about bases. Here are mine:

1. If the prongs are wide (strong bases), the plastic must be soft and these prongs are better a little long. Additionally, wider prongs must be thinner (>.4 mm) in width.

2. If the prongs are thin (fast bases), the plastic must be harder than that used for strong bases and the prongs must be shorter to support the weight. Likewise, thinner prongs must be slightly thicker (.4 mm) in width.

3. On a TTC base, the prongs in the wheel must be thinner because they cannot be as long due to the thickness of the wheel.

4. Two prongs on each side is always better than just one (not too sure about this one).

5. Longer prongs are generally better because it is a simple process to cut them. It is much more difficult to pulle prongs evenly.

6. Prongs should be set as close to the front or back and outside of a base as possible.

7. If possible (the base does not move sideways), a base should have a forward lean. In other words, the back of the base should be higher than the front.

8. The darker the base, the more color was used and as a result the base is more stiff and less productive.

9. Bases must be in accordance with general EF standards to be successful in the marketplace.

10. A platform of 24mm is best. The smaller Miggle men will not fall off, yet the buzzball figures and Miggle big men still fit.


Questions?
1. Is it the front or the back prongs that provide strength?

2. What is it that makes a base truly fast?

3. Is longer really better? (don't worry, no one will judge...LOL)

4. Is a base more sturdy if the prongs are close together or further apart.


These are my assumptions and questions. I would love to get your input. If you think I am wrong on one of my assumptions, PLMK siting evidence. If you have things to add, please do the same. All entrys will be considered before these bases are produced, and these bases will create more options which can only help the hobby...so help me help you (LOL).

Thanks so much,
Mark Klingbeil

[Coach K-LO]

I can only work with what is available, but the science behind it all is not my forte.

if your new stuff is going to go thru the "tweak-line" if should be simular to the ITZ dials ....

thin prongs are faster than the thick prongs, however, a smooth finish of a prong at the point of contact (to the field) also increases speed no matter thin/thick.

bases that are "jacked up" have been considered stronger but I have seen where even prongs have "man-handled" by even prongs.

[Silverhorse 228]

Hey do you guys have any numbers left that you would like to sell?

[Geno H]

Hmmmmmm..........Great questions!

Geno H

[WEIRDWOLF]

I'm no expert but that all sounds right to me.
I want someone to develop something completely different though. How about instead of prongs on the back (or maybe the front) a molded sheet like the old 2D yellow and red figures were. Designed right, I think you could get a much stronger base without a big weigth increase.
Also, I have thought that a remake of the redpegs would be cool.
While I'm at it, how about a base weighting system with standard sized lead weights that could snap in under the base or you could leave a hole on the top of the base big enough for different weighted lead pieces that could be dropped in.

INNOVATE MAN.....
GENIUS!!

[Silverhorse 228]

Good grief Weirdwolf! Why don't we just cut the men off of their bases and teach them all how to run!! (notice two exclamation marks) LOL

This is exciting stuff! Three cheers for Mark...hip-hip-HORAY...hip-hip-HORAY...hip-hip-HORAY!

Mark,
Everything sounds just about right to me ,but there are only a few people who I know who have the deepest secrets of Baseolgy. Since K-LO has bowed out that leaves: Mike Pratt, Rene' Smith, Keith Chalmers, Jim Davis.
Find Mike Pratt!

[GrandMasterKC]

Coaches, I have never seen a post about what is the best way to make the older hard bases useful. Often one can win a bunch of players on ebay and bases all un tweaked but old and hard. Has anyone ever explored the science of how to soften the plastic or theories of how to make them useful?

These bases are often considered unusable but plastic is a composition and there must exist a theory just throwing that out coac hes.

[RPD]

heat..trial n error..more heat..more trial n error

[GrandMasterKC]

Originally Posted by RPD

heat..trial n error..more heat..more trial n error

Thanks Coach I will try warming the flat pliers and seeing what happens when the flame is run under the prongs.
flg$ flg$ flg$