Baked or sweet potato size? 5'0 or 5'2

[Pete.T]

Hey,
I am about to buy a baked potato, unless it falls through in which I'll likely buy a sweet potato, or maybe I'll wait till more come in? Dunno. Anyway, I will buy the RF model. I was sold on the 5'3 baked potato or 5'2 sweet potato though now I'm confused. I normal ride a 5'10 dominator, I'm 72 kg and about 5'11 (175cm). I have looked on the website at the volume calculator however, I think I may be in middle. I'm pretty fit, athletic build, 30 yrs old and been surfing for around 10yrs. Really trying to nail snappy turns and more moves like that than lateral surfing. I'd appreciate any info from anybody.
Many thanks.

[iggy]

Hey Pete!!, 85Kgs here, 165cms and ride a sweet potato 5'2" with absolutely no problem. For what you are describing I believe you'll like the baked better in the sense of snappiness. Although I have to trell you on the smaller range the weet is pretty snappy, just a matter of putting the right shoes if you know waht I mean. Running mine on a set of Elevons and very happy with it

[Pete.T]

Hey Iggy, Yeah I have checked out your responses for a number of people, had a feeling you'd be the one to respond, thanks for that. I have had a good think about it, just don't want to make wrong choice. Yeah I am hoping to get the Baked, though there is only one left all up the East coast of Australia, so I have my name on it, but if it falls through I am not sure I want to wait til mid-end Jan 2013! So in you opinion the Baked at 5'3 would be most suited, second choice the Sweet at 5'2? I just look at so many vids and everyone is on 5'0's. You can see in the vid that the bigger ones would be harder to snap around. In terms on volume it is a little under the Dom 5'10. I know I could got the 5'8 in the Dom and if money were not an issue, it would be cool to try. Just want to make sure I wouldn't be buying a canoe. Want to progress, not regress!

[iggy]

Yeah Pete.I owned a 5'6" and sold it cause I found it oversized big time. Went down to the 5'2" and could not be happier. To tell you the truth before getting the 5'6" I was going to order the 5'2" but I was afraid of the shortening in length. But it just take a couple of rides to get used to it.
I would definitely go for the potato as a backup plan on the 5'2". THat little thing is a speed machine and soooo maneuverable. And the best of it is that is so short that it fits on every pocket, Going over sections is just effortless and the board goes all over the place. Key thing here is the fin selection, in m case I ride futures and found that the ELEVONS, although pricey, are taylor made for this board.
The 5'2" will have you with a big smile on small waves ;)

[hawaii_boi]

Hey,
I am about to buy a baked potato, unless it falls through in which I'll likely buy a sweet potato, or maybe I'll wait till more come in? Dunno. Anyway, I will buy the RF model. I was sold on the 5'3 baked potato or 5'2 sweet potato though now I'm confused. I normal ride a 5'10 dominator, I'm 72 kg and about 5'11 (175cm). I have looked on the website at the volume calculator however, I think I may be in middle. I'm pretty fit, athletic build, 30 yrs old and been surfing for around 10yrs. Really trying to nail snappy turns and more moves like that than lateral surfing. I'd appreciate any info from anybody.
Many thanks.

Pete.T, if you really want the Baked Potato, I would recommend waiting for the FST model because it will be arriving Q1 2013. If not, Potatonator is another good one.
I have a sweet potato and I tried the baked and potatonator...those are much more "snappier." If you can only buy one board I would recommend the 5'4 to 5'6 Potatonator because it is a potato and a dom :D

[surferireland]

Id recommend either the SP or the BP in rapid fire, considerably lighter and easier to through around due to this Fact. Ive had both types, I find the FST more resistant to dings and dents and the extra weight is good in bigger surf but the Rapid Fire definitely lighter so suits small wave boards better I find.

[surferireland]

Im tosing between a baked potato in 5'7 / 5'9 or a SP 5'8 - need to decide today so i can order for my XMAS present - I was thinking the BP as I could then dump the potatonator, as I dont like having too many board close to each other, you end up sitting out on the line up thinking crap I should have taken the Xxxxx

[Pete.T]

Hey,
Yeah cool, pretty much just confirmed my thoughts. Also spoke to the guy where I'll hopefully buy it from, he said the same thing really. He suggested v2f4 fins (futures) as I'm quite light in weight. Can't wait to try this little spud, 4days and counting! Yeaw.

[indodreaming]

Pete.T, if you really want the Baked Potato, I would recommend waiting for the FST model because it will be arriving Q1 2013.

Where did you get this info from?........word of mouth here and from my FW dealer is it may come out in FST, but it also may not.

[iggy]

Hey,
Yeah cool, pretty much just confirmed my thoughts. Also spoke to the guy where I'll hopefully buy it from, he said the same thing really. He suggested v2f4 fins (futures) as I'm quite light in weight. Can't wait to try this little spud, 4days and counting! Yeaw.
Yewwwww. Let us know how it goes and give us some pics!!

[FW - Fan]

I have also been told it is coming in FST in 4-6 months to Australia from someone in FW. I dont think its a big secret.

[Pete.T]

So, turns out they sold the board I was going to pick up on sat. Not sure what the go is there. I have contacted FireWire to enquire about which boards are left in stock and what they would recommend given my weight, height, etc. Without hinting I had ordered the 5'3, the guy suggested the 5'1 instead. I am hoping I can get one of these which is then not given to someone else before sat. I had a feeling this was going to happen. Hoping for the best. Will keep you posted.

[Pete.T]

So I have been able to now track down another 5'3 baked spud in the white rapid fire, however now I've had a bunch of people tell me the 5'1 and a bunch say the 5'3. Such a hard decision. My gut says 5'3 would be fun, but unfortunately it's through another dealer who won't budge on pricing as I'll need future fins as I only have fcs. This whole thing is becoming very difficult and more and more expensive each time something happens. My excitement has disappeared and I'm hating...............is there anyone who is 72 kg at 175cm, athletic and fit with a 5'1 or 5'3 baked spud? I really hope it's worth all this chasing up I've been doing.

[iggy]

Believe it'll be worthy!!!. The baked is like a more maneuverable sweet. I'm 165cms and 85Kgs and ride a sweet 5'2" without issues... and hitting 38 rather soon. Believe me the 5'3" will be maneuverable enough and soooo much fun. At 175cms the 5'1" will maybe be too short. Flotation wise the 5'1" will have you covered but...

[Pete.T]

Hey, sorry for very late update. I ended up getting the 5'3 in white RF. The board is awesome! I have surfed it everyday for the last 4 days, sometimes twice a day. The board is super skatey, like really really skatey. At first I thought it might be too loose, but I then got some good 2.5 / 3 ft waves and it went sick! Very easy to slide the tail out and holly molly is it quick. I don't find it any easier to paddle into waves as my other board (dominator 5'10) but I'm at a totally different break to where I normally surf so dunno. I've got random fins in there, not sure what they are. The store I bought the board from threw them in for me. They have the futures "f" on it as well as "lost" and some weird black shape on the front ones. Would be interesting to put in some fins similar to the stretches in for when it's super small for a little more drive and more speed. Overall, super happy with it and very glad I got the 5'3 and not the 5'1.

[iggy]

The Elevons... expensive but they must go unreal for that board!!

[hawaii_boi]

Where did you get this info from?........word of mouth here and from my FW dealer is it may come out in FST, but it also may not.

sorry just saw this now. A reliable source told me it will come in FST. The Quarter may be off but it will come. It's already a big hit like the sweet potato so why not?? Also, I've been praying everyday for it haha.

Update: I just fired my reliable source! damn I was really looking forward to a BP FST. I can't wait to see how TechoGrain rides.

[Chris]

great stuff folks!!

Stoked on al the positive support and feedback!!

[hawaii_boi]

great stuff folks!!

Stoked on al the positive support and feedback!!

indodreaming, maybe Chris can help us out. Chris, will the Baked Potato come in FST? Nod once for yes, twice for no. haha!

[Chris]

ha, no it won't. we are bypassing that one in FST for the its TechnoGrain launch.

[FW - Fan]

ha, no it won't. we are bypassing that one in FST for the its TechnoGrain launch.

So no BP in FST ever?? Really??

[hawaii_boi]

ha, no it won't. we are bypassing that one in FST for the its TechnoGrain launch.

what?? serious!?? It's gonna be a sad day today!!!

[chris27]

Hey Hawaii_Boi I am selling a 5'3 Baked Potato if you are interested. Check the honolulu craigslist sporting good section.

[hawaii_boi]

Hey Hawaii_Boi I am selling a 5'3 Baked Potato if you are interested. Check the honolulu craigslist sporting good section.

Chris27, i saw that ad but you r not selling w fins. I really want FST because Rapidfire feels brittle to me. i really want those F4 rears though lol.

[chris27]

How about a forum special, I'll throw in the F4 quad set if you pay the asking price!

[hawaii_boi]

How about a forum special, I'll throw in the F4 quad set if you pay the asking price!

Chris, thats a very tempting offer but im very curious about the technograin model now so im gonna hold off on buying a board until it comes in. thank you though!

[hawaii_boi]

ha, no it won't. we are bypassing that one in FST for the its TechnoGrain launch.

Chris, why is there a picture of an FST Baked Potato on your website now?? Please tell me it's true! :D

1346

http://www.firewiresurfboards.com/surfboards_custom.php?boardid=baked_potato

[nsjoel808]

looks legit. the technograin looks mean though, I wonder if those are going to be mass produced or limited production and how much will they cost?

[FW - Fan]

Chris, why is there a picture of an FST Baked Potato on your website now?? Please tell me it's true! :D

1346

http://www.firewiresurfboards.com/surfboards_custom.php?boardid=baked_potato


I was told last week its on its way..I think mid year but definitely coming.

[iggy]

Niiiiice

[megsy]

Can any of the forum crew let me know once & for all, if the BP will be coming out in FST in 2013?

Also, I can't seem to find out much info on Technograin technology.

When will the BP technograin be available in Australia?

[prjwebb]

Ha that's a tricky question...

On one hand Chris said no, it's being bypassed in FST for the Technograin launch which is quarter 1 2013, so they should start filtering into shops soon I imagine.

On the other hand, there's now an FST BP shown on the BP page on the website and FW Fan has been told by the Aus crew that it's on it's way.

Possibly it'll be Technograin first with FST following later in the year?

[megsy]

prjwebb, it's as clear as mud now, thanks (hahahaha)!

And any links to info on technograin?


Ha that's a tricky question...

On one hand Chris said no, it's being bypassed in FST for the Technograin launch which is quarter 1 2013, so they should start filtering into shops soon I imagine.

On the other hand, there's now an FST BP shown on the BP page on the website and FW Fan has been told by the Aus crew that it's on it's way.

Possibly it'll be Technograin first with FST following later in the year?

[prjwebb]

Haha yeah happy to help.

The only Technograin info I have is from the 2013 buyers guide and a bit of social networking stuff.
Light weight EPS core, sustainably grown paulwnia deck/bottom skins and parabolic rails and bio resin hot coat. No external fibreglass.
From what I've been told it's considerably lighter than FST, potentially slightly lighter than Rapidfire with good durability and a lively flex pattern. The logo is branded into the deck too rather than lammed. Pretty cool!

[prjwebb]

13471348

[hawaii_boi]

FW -Fan/Chris,

My prayers have been answered!! :D

[FW - Fan]

FW -Fan/Chris,

My prayers have been answered!! :D
Mine too...my order has already been placed...that would have to be one of the earliest pre orders in history !! Not due out for 5 months or so I hear.

[megsy]

Thanks prjwebb, i appreciate the info on the technograin...looks pretty sweet, think i might have to order a 501BP.

I wonder how you would go about repairing it if you ever got it dinged up?

Would the grain on the repair look the same or would there be a weird looking epoxy resin patch on the ding area?

[Chris]

the repair process is EXACTLY the same as you would repair a regular board. resin filler, glass and sanding.

As with our other techs, people with vacuum systems can repair the sandwich construction to and add high density foam, or in this case, Paulownia wood.

We are also looking into printing "digi" patches of paulownia so that you can toss it under the glass is a repair to maintain the aesthetic.

Cheers

[megsy]

Hey Chris, that's good to hear about the Paulownia wood patches. The technograin boards are aesthetically beautiful, it would be a shame if this was compromised due to ding repairs.

Better put my order in!

[Chris]

damn right!!