~1) Cost. They can be broken over, and over, and over....
~2) They are environmentally friendly. We feel that lumber is better used for building things instead of becoming kindling.
~3) They are more consistent.They break in the same spot repeatedly, in the same way. Wood is unpredictable depending on the pattern of the grain.
~4) They are not affected by weather or climate. They don't become soft or spongy in extreme humidity.
The boards required by the ATA depends on the age (and gender) of the breaker.
Yellow = 1 - 5"x12" Pine Board
Orange = 1 - 7"x12" Pine Board
Green = 1 - 9"x12" Pine Board
Blue = 1 and 1/4 - 12"x12" Pine Board
Brown = 1 and 3/4 - 12"x12" Pine Board
Black = 2 and 1/4 - 12"x12" Pine Board
7-9 year olds
At the instructor's discretion - 7-9 year olds may move up to
orange and 8 - 11 year olds may move down to orange.
10-11 year olds
12-14 year old boys and girls and all women. At the
instructor's discretion - 13-14 year old boys may move up to brown.
All males 15 years old and up
At the instructor's discretion - males 15 years old and up may
move up to black.