The Last Pro-Techs

I expected a bigger reaction from this newsgroup at this disappointing news. Another sign of the decline of our sport. I just bought a pro-tech atc276 this spring. I feel lucky now. The construction is definitely a cut-above the mainstream boards. I would have much preferred to see one of Mistral/Fanatic/F2/Bic brands die off than somebody like pro-tech who offered a product which was truly different. I liked their marketing approach too. They sold factory direct instead of using the traditional distributor/retailer approach in an attempt to keep their prices down. This is truly a shame and we are all worse off because of it.

Steve Foy

I too am upset that Pro Tech boards will not be made any more.... After years of wanting one I got 2 boards at the same time 2 years ago, the ATC 260 and the very fast CAT 280 both boards are as good as they get in my humble opinion. I do regret that I could not sell them in my new shop because of the 'only' direct sales of them though. I feel because of the 'direct sales' John had to rely on word of mouth and limited advertising budget to keep sales up. Andy AllWetSports.org

I expected a bigger reaction from this newsgroup at this disappointing news. Another sign of the decline of our sport. I just bought a pro-tech atc276 this spring. I feel lucky now. The construction is definitely a cut-above the mainstream boards. I would have much preferred to see one of Mistral/Fanatic/F2/Bic brands die off than somebody like pro-tech who offered a product which was truly different. I liked their marketing approach too. They sold factory direct instead of using the traditional distributor/retailer approach in an attempt to keep their prices down. This is truly a shame and we are all worse off because of it.

Steve Foy

I have to echo Steve's comments. I am the proud owner of an ATC 270 which I swear was designed just for me in my Lake Michigan sailing conditions. The best 100 l board I have ever sailed.

I also liked the fact that there was a person behind the board - John - who would get on the phone with you and talk fins and sail sizes.

Hate to see them go.

Tom - Chicago

I should have chimed in earlier, since I have been a big Pro-Tech booster on this board lately - I'm the guy who lives near the factory. Truth is, I was sort of stunned. I knew their sales were down, but I thought they would keep going with their line reduced to the best sellers, the wide boards and the ATCs. I will have to go there to say goodbye soon. One guy has been working there at least 15 years. I won't have anywhere to get repairs anymore. I'm still using the same two Pro-Techs after 3 seasons and have no immediate plans to trade them for anything else. The few remaining boards on the website are steals. A true loss to the sport.

Farewell Pro-Tech, it's a sad loss. I've owned 4 Pro-Tech's over the years and all were top notch construction. I still ride the 8'5' wave. I thought John P had a great idea when he started manufacturing Sean O and Mike Z designs. I really thought it would've caught on, top designers combined with Pro-Tech's great construction! Plus for the locals, made in the USA.

Brian

PS. I still have one of the old '92 spoon nose race boards, I think I'll dust it off and take a ride down memory lane!

I also regret the loss of quality product like Pro-Tech boards. I take pride in sailing gear made in the USA (Northwave sails, chinook hardware, powerex mast, dynofiber/chinock/HP booms) There are not many people who can say that 95% of their gear is made in the USA. It just got harder.

Currently own 3 boards (1 year old ATC276, multi year old 280(?) World Cup Course Slalom and 265 Light wind Wave)

John is building me the last ATC260. Would love to get my hands on an ATC253.

Mark Indialantic, Fl

Contact Hatteras Island Sail Shop. They have a 253 that was used very little (me took it to Maui for a week) and could probably be had for a reasonable price. (I didn't buy the one in the shop since it had a tuttle box, I ordered one with a standard fin box). The board ripped in waves and on the flat from 5.3 to 4.0.

Robert Netsch Kitty Hawk

I currently own a ATC 260 and a Race CAT 280 Pro Tech.... both rip and are in excellant shape.. 2 years old. If anyone is interested they are for sale. $695 and $795 respectively. The 280 cat comes with a 52cm Techtonics fin. The ATC 260 comes with either a 10 3/4 or 11 1/2 Fin works fin. Andy

I know that Pro Tech has ceased to produce, but what about his brother and Tectonics fins?? The website doesn't respond. It was functioning in February. Ellen