Rubberizing your contacts dramatically improves safety. In wet conditions, it provides traction and allows dogs to grip the equipment. There are 2 main types of rubber:
1) Do It Yourself Kits and
2) Premade Rubber Skins.
Do It Yourself Kits provide premeasured raw materials and instructions. Mix the rubber granules and glue and pour it onto your prepared contacts, then allow it to cure. This method gives optimal adhesion and is cheaper. However, it requires lots of space, a dry, well ventilated environment, tools and takes longer. Glue expires after 1 year and must never be allowed to freeze. Personal protective gear is essential to preventing allergic reactions commonly caused when glue accidentally splashes on your skin.
Premade Rubber Skins are custom ordered to fit your equipment. They come rolled up like a carpet, so shipping is cheaper than Do It Yourself Kits. This saves time and space. Don't bother with the mess of mixing rubber granules or glue. Faster and easier to install. Simply use contact cement to glue them onto your prepared contact surfaces.
When properly applied, the final equipment looks the same regardless of which method you use. Regardless of the method, it's critically important to follow the instructions to clean and prepare your contact surface so that rubber adheres properly.
Our rubber is used in training clubs and trials around the world, outdoors, under heavy use. We've found that most damage is not by the weather, but by moving, dragging, throwing and improper storage. Like all equipment, both contacts and their rubberized surfaces require maintenance.
Premade 100 % Rubber Slats and Repair Kits are also available.
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