The main reason why cuben is so expensive and most likely won't get cheaper anytime soon is that one company, Cubic Tech Corporation, has the rights to produce CF. When the patent runs out or they decide to license out to other manufacturers, I think we'll see CF film costs fall.
A patent lasts,,what? Ten Years? I think they will keep it as long as they can..most mfg'ers do,,to make it as fast and as long as they can. just my 2 cents.
If my understanding is right it's 14 years. They only habe to make 1 change to renew and keep their patent another 14 years though.
Economically I would think that they will eventually have to liscence the manufacture to other companies in order to turn some real profit. Does anyone know of any other industry that is using CF extensively? Or, is it just the uber leet UL hikers & hiking/backpacking/camping cottage industry alone?
"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." -Plato
Did I understand correctly that the heavier grades of Cuben Fibre are cheaper?
Dave
I was hoping for a more appreciable difference, I'm not a huge fan of SilNylon, but can't justify $300+ for a tarp right now. Might be DIY time.
Dave
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