Larson Splinting Materials are low-temperature thermoplastics. They range from "plastic-based" (CONTOUR PRO™) to "rubber-based" (ORTHOPRENE™). In general, "plastic-based" means effortless, quick shaping with high conformability...but skill is needed to avoid unwanted stretching. "Rubber-based" means resistance to stretching...more forgiving to work with, but less conformability. Surface textures range from hard (plastic) to gentle (rubber).

Elastics like KLARITY™ (or Aquaplast™ and Orfit™) are in a class by themselves. They offer excellent conformability and moderate resistance to stretch. Plus, they offer a unique "memory"...a tendency to return to original dimensions when reheated. This means when modifications are needed, simply reheat and reshape (a hot air gun works well). Elastics can withstand multiple revisions and aggressive handling. KLARITY™ also becomes transparent when heated...useful for landmarking and accurate positioning.