Hellfire, Spitfire or Dom?

[Will.]

Hey all,
Been looking for a new board and these 3 have attracted my attention. Looking for the most versatile one to take travelling with me in europe, Something that goes in 2-5ft and can handle it ok when it starts barrelling aswell (maybe asking too much here haha). Im 5'11 and 66kgs (intermediate I guess), can do snaps, cutbacks I have most fun surfing waves 2-4ft. I have two boards at the moment, one is PU, five fin 5'10 x 20 x 2.5 square tail, my go to board for 2-4ft. I also have a Firewire Flexfire RF 6'3 x 18 3/4 x 2 3/8 for the 4ft + days. Which model would you guys recommend me and which size?
Thanks!!

[prjwebb]

as you've got the FFE for the bigger days, i'd go 5'8" Spitfire.

[buzzy]

Do you mean 2-5 foot on the face (ie from around knee high to just around shoulder/head high) or 2-5 foot in "surfer speak" (ie waist high to 1.5 times overhead).

If the former I agree the Spit or Dom would be the right board, with the choice between them just depending on aesthetics and the feel you are looking for. If the latter I reckon the Hellfire would be a better pick.

[iggy]

as you've got the FFE for the bigger days, i'd go 5'8" Spitfire.

Yessssssssir

[core personal training]

yeah, a short HF would be a replacement for the flexy...go the spit

[Will.]

Hey dudes,
Thanks for the replies! Yeah 2-5ft in "surfer terms" (ie waist high to 1.5 times overhead). Yeah the dom was the original one i was looking at then saw the spit and thought it looked even better. Do you know if they come in future setup or only fcs? Hard finding the spit here in the UK aswell.

[prjwebb]

Both fin systems are available. There's a shipment coming in at the beginning of June that should have plenty of boards on. I'd contact your dealer and tell them the size, construction and fin system and they can talk to Myles at Firewire Europe and get a board allocated to you hopefully.

[Chris]

thanks Phill-ipe

[Will.]

I dont have a dealer...any suggestions of good UK dealers to get the ball rolling?

[Will.]

My paddling isnt very strong compared to the rest of my game, would the 5'10 be a better choice?

[buzzy]

Will, if you're not a strong paddler I'd look to whatever size the buyers guide puts an intermediate of your weight on. If you're super weak you may even add 2 inches length to that.

[buzzy]

Ok, thats 5'8" unless you are like bottom 20% of paddlers. If you're a really weak paddler you should definitely consider a 5'10". I mean weak relative to other intermediate surfers.

[prjwebb]

I dont have a dealer...any suggestions of good UK dealers to get the ball rolling?

Where are you based? Cornwall, Down The Line in Hayle is a good bet. There's boardshop.co.uk and secretspot.co.uk on the south coast I believe.

[Will.]

Where are you based? Cornwall, Down The Line in Hayle is a good bet. There's boardshop.co.uk and secretspot.co.uk on the south coast I believe.

Yeah I emailed firewire and have been linked onto a guy who works for boardshop. He recommends me 5'10. Im having a hard time here deciding which one 5'10 or 5'8, 5'10 or 5'8 ahhhhhh!

How much difference am I going to notice regarding maneuverability and paddling with 5'10 and 5'8.

Thanks for all the help guys!

[LeftLane]

Great advice from forum so far, Will. I vote for the 5'8" Spit. I currently ride a 5'8" DOM (same volume and shape forward of fins) and it suits me in about 80% of the waves we get here in SoCal which is typically in the range you state in your post. I'm your height but heavier and I have no problem getting into waves from 2 foot+. I know everyone leans toward the Spit but I can't say enough about the DOM. Personally I love the look of rounded tails and feel they work for me. The 5'8" DOM or Spit will have plenty of paddle and snap for the small to medium wave range. Setting a rail gets a bit tougher on the overhead stuff but that is where your Flex steps in. Good luck and go small especially if you plan on maintaining or increasing your water time. 5'8" Spit. Do it! :)

[buzzy]

Either the 5'8" or 5'10" will work. You should lean toward the '10" if you're a particularly weak paddler and/or the waves are consistently weak and small. Otherwise the '8" is the way to go.

[prjwebb]

The 10 will have a small advantage in tiny conditions, especially if you like the board to do the work. If you can generate speed well by moving the board around then the 5'8" will have an advantage because the smaller board will be slightly easier to make small adjustments with.
Once you start taking the thing out on headhigh plus days having the smaller size becomes pretty important too I think.
I started in a 5'10" and moved down to a 5'8" because of this. Then considered setting down again to a 5'6"...

[Will.]

The 10 will have a small advantage in tiny conditions, especially if you like the board to do the work. If you can generate speed well by moving the board around then the 5'8" will have an advantage because the smaller board will be slightly easier to make small adjustments with.
Once you start taking the thing out on headhigh plus days having the smaller size becomes pretty important too I think.
I started in a 5'10" and moved down to a 5'8" because of this. Then considered setting down again to a 5'6"...

Why do you think the smaller size for headhigh plus? wouldnt the added length of the 5'10 add a bit more stability? Thanks!

I paddle the 6'3 Flexfire fine and the volume on that is 28.2
The spitfire 5'8 volume is 30. On the 5'10 33.
Iv been riding the flexfire in quite alot of conditions from 2-6ft lately..I dont find it that hard to get it going in the smaller stuff. I just surf it rail to rail and do lots of turns.
I havnt rode my other 5'10 for a bit, but it has more volume than the FF. Although I do remember getting stuck on the lip fairly often with it..could be positioning or not taking that last paddle stroke.

Is it volume or length which makes ease of paddling..

Im leaning towards the 5'8 as it sounds like if i get the 5'10 I will probably want to move down to the 5'8 not long after. Just afraid of losing wave time.

[iggy]

Why do you think the smaller size for headhigh plus? wouldnt the added length of the 5'10 add a bit more stability? Thanks!

I paddle the 6'3 Flexfire fine and the volume on that is 28.2
The spitfire 5'8 volume is 30. On the 5'10 33.
Iv been riding the flexfire in quite alot of conditions from 2-6ft lately..I dont find it that hard to get it going in the smaller stuff. I just surf it rail to rail and do lots of turns.
I havnt rode my other 5'10 for a bit, but it has more volume than the FF. Although I do remember getting stuck on the lip fairly often with it..could be positioning or not taking that last paddle stroke.

Is it volume or length which makes ease of paddling..

Im leaning towards the 5'8 as it sounds like if i get the 5'10 I will probably want to move down to the 5'8 not long after. Just afraid of losing wave time.
Hey Will for the looks of it it seems like "you have been around the block", so my suggestion would be the 5'8"
As far as the ease of paddling goes, is a mix of both, AND the plane surface AND entry rocker
Ifo you didn't find the flex fire hard to paddle then the Spit will paddle itself

[prjwebb]

I find once you start using them in bigger surf the plus sizes start to feel too floaty to have full control at speed. If you want to turn hard and sink the rail going fast on a good sized wave then the smaller size is best, if you want to catch everything in sight and have the easiest ride on smaller stuff, go with the bigger size.
That's my opinion at least.

[Will.]

Hey Will for the looks of it it seems like "you have been around the block", so my suggestion would be the 5'8"
As far as the ease of paddling goes, is a mix of both, AND the plane surface AND entry rocker
Ifo you didn't find the flex fire hard to paddle then the Spit will paddle itself

Havnt quite been around the block, iv only been surfing for around 2 years but go everytime there are waves. Id just say im average. How do you find it paddling your 5'8 Spit compared to your 6'2 FF ?

Thanks for all the help guys!

[prjwebb]

5'8" Spitfire paddles like a machine. Paddles better than my 6'2" Taj, 6'0" CBD Taj, 5'8" Sub Scorcher and basically every other board I've owned or ridden under 7'6" except a 5'10" Dominator and Sweet Potato.

[buzzy]

Ok, here's my theory for you. 5'8" is 80-90% likely the right choice. You can get that with a small chance it's the wrong one. If so you enjoy it for a little while and ebay it to fund a new board. You'd lose no more than $200 in the whole process if the small chance its the wrong size was proved right. Or you can get the 5'10" if you're feeling particularly cautious, have an 80% chance you'll find it a tad too big, surf it for a while, and then ebay it to fund the purchase of the 5'8" at an additional cost of no more than $200 (whatever that is in pounds).

I guess my point is there's really not a super downside to picking the wrong size, which is incremental anyway.

[Chris]

good stuff buzzy. i like numbers.

[Will.]

good stuff buzzy. i like numbers.

What would you say chris im same kind of height as you 5'11-6'0 but about 69kgs/152lbs ( just jumped on the scales, bit more than 66kgs that a previously mentioned ), also forgot to mention would be in a wetsuit etc aswell which would add a bit.

All you guys have really given me loads of great advice, really appreciate it. Im leaning towards 5'8 after all youv said.

[Chris]

for your weight and ability, I think you'd be happiest on the 508 Spitfire or Dominator and the 510 Hellfire....

[Will.]

What FCS setup would you guys recommend ?

[prjwebb]

Are you looking at quads or thruster?
Quad, I think a great starting point is the SF4 set. From there you can identify what you like about that set and what you'd want to change. Otherwise it's just stabbing in the dark.
Thruster wise, I think the same could be said for the PC5s. A good all round and neutral template. From there if you want more release or more hold or drive etc it's easier to make recommendations.
What fins do you current have at your disposal?

[Will.]

Are you looking at quads or thruster?
Quad, I think a great starting point is the SF4 set. From there you can identify what you like about that set and what you'd want to change. Otherwise it's just stabbing in the dark.
Thruster wise, I think the same could be said for the PC5s. A good all round and neutral template. From there if you want more release or more hold or drive etc it's easier to make recommendations.
What fins do you current have at your disposal?

Well they come with SF4s anyway, but was thinking of a thruster set as well. I have PC5s on my FF though so sounds like im sorted. My other 5'10 board takes future fins, and I have to admit I much prefer them to FCS in both aesthetics and build quality ( im always worried a fin will come out with fcs as has done a few times where as futures they dont worry me at all, just seems like a much better design to me) I have been using the F4s as a quad and WCTs as a thruster but I think the spitfire I get will be in FCS as easier to get hold of than a futures one ( I wont have to wait months!).

I will be going for the 5'8! thanks all!

[prjwebb]

Where are you based Will? If you want a brilliant set of FCS fins I highly recommend checking out the Soar DL Powerbase fins. They pull down into your fin plugs with a flanged base that imitates glass ons and gives a very similar feel. Rock solid, stable base, nice flex in the tip, really versatile all round template. Not the cheapest fins on the market, but better than anything FCS are making in my opinion. Owen Wright swears by them.
If you're in Aus you can get them from www.powerbasefins.com.au, if you're in the USA I can give you a contact address for a guy who's importing them from Greg at Soar and selling them on, trying to raise their profile in the US.
If you're in the UK you could potentially get a send sent over with my next set and save on shipping costs if you were interested.
556

[prjwebb]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewnC4mp3a_c

[Will.]

Those fins look sweet! Im in the UK like yourself. Would love a set and save on shipping costs with you, but depends how much they cost?

[iggy]

Pretty neat!

[Slowman]

I'm running FCS R2 quads in my spitfire they are pretty loose and fast, K2.1 quads feel about the same perhaps less speed. I think you will find a big difference between the PC SF4s and the plastic ones but wait...you said the board comes with SF4s, where is this? Not in Aus I presume as the boards no longer come with fins.

I see you are in the UK...wrote this while looking at an old copy of the thread in cache.

[buzzy]

One downside to the power base is that if you hit a rock the fin is less likely to snap at the tabs a la FCS, and might damage the tabs or box and ergo the board.

Still, I'll try some out.

[prjwebb]

There's a video of Owen running over Melling at J Bay from a year or 2 ago. Drops down from a huge top turn straight onto Melling and goes flying over the handle bars. Anyway according to Greg at Soar he ripped a fin or two out but the boxes where unaffected. That was using the Powerbase boxes though.

Will, I'll get you some prices in a sec. It depends on the material though. The ceramics are the stiffest but most expensive. The Armour are medium flex, there what I'm currently using and they go really good. There's an even flexier set too but I hear they are pretty soft so wouldn't really recommend those so much.
You can also choose between a bunch of different colours.

If its too late to get an order in this time, I know he's already placed a bulk order, I could potentially sell you a set of charcoal coloured Armour Flex DLs I have already.
I'll find out what's on!

[core personal training]

i found the flexiest ones almost like the rubber fins in kids learner boards...

[prjwebb]

Ha!
Here's the Owen/Melling incident btw.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt-TA3Nc9M8

Will, looks like ceramic sets are running around $100USD per set and armour around $70-80USD. Postage would be around $15 between us.

Like I said, it's possibly too late to jump on this order as it was placed 2-3 weeks ago and may have even shipped by now, but if you're keen I'll happily sell you an immaculate set of charcoal armour DLs when my ceramics arrive, and if you love them as much as I do maybe jump in on the order next time?

[Will.]

Ha!
Here's the Owen/Melling incident btw.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt-TA3Nc9M8

Will, looks like ceramic sets are running around $100USD per set and armour around $70-80USD. Postage would be around $15 between us.

Like I said, it's possibly too late to jump on this order as it was placed 2-3 weeks ago and may have even shipped by now, but if you're keen I'll happily sell you an immaculate set of charcoal armour DLs when my ceramics arrive, and if you love them as much as I do maybe jump in on the order next time?

Ok, isnt the DL a large size? I normally surf medium fins as I dont weigh much. Would the armour flex be alright for me, are they for bigger guys or smaller? How do they feel more secure than FCS then? because of the "powerbase" which goes flush to the board? You only selling charcoal coloured ones? Cheers!

[prjwebb]

I've got a spare set of charcoal DLs that's all. I usually use the a medium size fin also but find the DLs work very well for me. Taj uses DLs also and he's lighter than me, AI used them too I believe, and Kolohe has been using them so I don't think you need to be a unit for these. If you'd rather try DMs I can try and add a set to the order if it's not too late. If you order a set from Herb he can request any colour you like. I think there's a small $3 up charge if they have to make a single set in a different colour rather than a whole batch.

They feel more secure because instead of being screwed in with sideways pressure like FCS, the screws go into a ridge in the fin and actually works as downward pressure and pulls them hard into the bottom of the board. You don't want to get too carried away screwing them in because you can put a lot of pressure on your fin plugs and I don't doubt they'd eventually pop out if you cranked them up with a rachet as hard as you can.

I think you'd like the Armour flex, particularly in a medium wave board like the Spitfire. I have a set of C4 Ceramics on the way to try in my Taj for good waves. They actually make C3, C4 and C5 Ceramics which increase in stiffness. Apparently some top pro's using the C5s at huge Teauhpoo last year actually found them too stiff even in those conditions, but other guys love them. Tyler and Mickey Wright have been loving the C3 Ceramics so I figured I'd try the C4 for now. I do love the Armour flex though, no complaints with them at all, more curious to try the stiffer ones than anything.

[Will.]

I've got a spare set of charcoal DLs that's all. I usually use the a medium size fin also but find the DLs work very well for me. Taj uses DLs also and he's lighter than me, AI used them too I believe, and Kolohe has been using them so I don't think you need to be a unit for these. If you'd rather try DMs I can try and add a set to the order if it's not too late. If you order a set from Herb he can request any colour you like. I think there's a small $3 up charge if they have to make a single set in a different colour rather than a whole batch.

They feel more secure because instead of being screwed in with sideways pressure like FCS, the screws go into a ridge in the fin and actually works as downward pressure and pulls them hard into the bottom of the board. You don't want to get too carried away screwing them in because you can put a lot of pressure on your fin plugs and I don't doubt they'd eventually pop out if you cranked them up with a rachet as hard as you can.

I think you'd like the Armour flex, particularly in a medium wave board like the Spitfire. I have a set of C4 Ceramics on the way to try in my Taj for good waves. They actually make C3, C4 and C5 Ceramics which increase in stiffness. Apparently some top pro's using the C5s at huge Teauhpoo last year actually found them too stiff even in those conditions, but other guys love them. Tyler and Mickey Wright have been loving the C3 Ceramics so I figured I'd try the C4 for now. I do love the Armour flex though, no complaints with them at all, more curious to try the stiffer ones than anything.

The DLs sound fine then, are they much bigger than PC5s? How much would you want for them? I tried to PM you but no option to do so, to discuss this more.

[prjwebb]

Here's the PC5 dims
Base: 4.37" 111.0mm
Depth: 4.55" 115.0mm
Area: 14.76"2 9525mm2
Sweep: 33.0°

And the DLs
Size:Height 116mm(4 9/16")
Base114mm(4 1/2")

So a 3mm longer on the base and 1mm taller than the PC5s. I don't have PC5s to take a comparison shot though. The closest comparison I've got is the K3 set, except the K3s stay a little more vertical up the trailing edge and then kick out suddenly into that raked tip, whereas the DLs are a more gradual curve up the trailing edge and have a slightly shorter tip than the K3s so a little more release.

I guess I'd be looking for £40 including postage? They are in excellent condition.

558

[prjwebb]

Just heard back from they guy I get them from. He's still waiting on some payments from others so he can still add to the order, so if there's anything more specific you'd like then we can put add it to his order and get it shipped across with my ceramics and I'll forward them on to you if you want to save postage across the Atlantic.
I'll PM you and we'll sort it out. I know there's a way on here somehow!

Hmm seems you can't receive PMs or have chosen not to in your settings.

Herb's email address is saltwaterplayground at yahoo dot com if you want to get in touch about getting a new set. Let him know whether you want to share postage with me or get them sent directly. He's a lighter guy and is using Ceramic DL fronts with a Ceramic DM rear in most conditions, but likes the Armours sometimes when the waves are weaker.

Alternatively if you'd rather just get that set from me let me know.

[Will.]

Think id just prefer to get the ones off you...how long is the wait if I did order with you? I have turned my email on for you to contact me. It was switched off before.

[prjwebb]

Could be around a month. I don't remember how long it took last time. Once the order is confirmed they've got to be made, then shipped Aus to USA then forwarded on to the UK. A bit of a run around but it's worth it.

[Will.]

Think ill just get those black ones off you then if your up for it..that would be sweet! Cant see your email on your profile..mine should be on my profile now. nice one!

[prjwebb]

I'll shoot you an email in a bit!

[Will.]

Nice one.

[prjwebb]

Yeah it wasn't. Got it, nice one!

[Magnet]

PRJ, have always been FCS but have been demoing futures boards lately and liking the more solid, connected feel they seem to have. How do you think the Powerbase system compares with futures? Thanks in advance.

[prjwebb]

I haven't tried futures myself, but I'd say the Powerbase have an advantage as futures rely on a tight fit for stability

[Chris]

hard to say though.

[prjwebb]

Yeah, you should get a set of Powerbases and then you'll have a good comparison. or I need to get hold of a board with Futures...

[core personal training]

the powerbase i sussed out had a little give in the flange...so technically not as "solid" as futures...but certainly better than just those two little tabs..

[prjwebb]

Interesting, pretty sure mine don't move at all. At least from any 'normal' pressure.

Got your board yet? :D

[core personal training]

NO...still at sprayers yesterday...if its not back this morning for freight i wont get it till middle next week with the public holidays...aaaaggghhhhhh

[Slowman]

Core try watching the kettle boil or waiting for the toast to "pop up" to pass the time!

[Fritzkat]

or go out and grab a carver with c-7 trucks and dream weaver around the street.

[iggy]

Core try watching the kettle boil or waiting for the toast to "pop up" to pass the time!
Ha!!

[core personal training]

gee thanks slow...ya mongrel....at least fritzkat is being constructive...!!!

just back from solo swatting...510hf 15 min sprint paddle through roiling foam against insane shoreward sweep...get out there, no paddle air drop into super sucky pit...ragdoll on landing as all blood in shoulders so legs felt "boneless"...came up all the way back at the shore.....another 10 mins sprint and clobbering and snagged a clean racing left...both feet way down on back of board, doing wheelies..!..too tired to shuffle, so 3 bottom turn/reo combos on what felt like a finless 3'10hf..!!!...proned out, washed up on sand..staggered up stairs...came home.......just needed to vent that....

[Slowman]

Core, well my surf this AM was like, absolute nonsense, first light 05.30am and there must have been 40 guys out for dawn patrol - ay carumba! Offshore and a good solid overhead wave - I took off on the biggest closeout of the day! One of those days I caught lots of waves but they were nearly all bad, the one good wave I had, I had to bail dropping out of the lip from a re-entry to avoid colliding with someone paddling out. My best other wave; 3 of us on it! Solo would have been nice. You're another day closer, keep busy and forget about it and suddenly it will be here.

[core personal training]

i feel better now slow...thanks mate...

i cant really whinge..at this undisclosed location it's had a REALLY good peak that's been reeling and empty for months....last 2 days was 3 guys...a local, me and matt hoy...got a schooling in singlefin POWER surfing...and one of the most respectful surfers you could meet...

[buzzy]

Yep, I also had an absolute crap surf today. 6am and half of Sydney and the UK surfing. Got 2 half decent waves and stuffed up one of them (luckily toward the end). Every wave I paddled for Bryan Fletcher ex rooster and rabbitoh was furiously paddling next to me - yours.

[prjwebb]

well it's 30mph onshores here...

[Chris]

hah prj, that's what you look for.....building conditions.

[prjwebb]

Looks like it's swung NEly now which is more cross, potentially slightly cross/offshore at certain places so hopefully tomorrow there will be some waves about.
Highlight of my week is getting my figures sorted out for my tax return to submit at the weekend and hopefully get a rebate to pay for a board and maybe a little trip to France...

[Chris]

nice!! The French Med? That is where my brother is in culinary school.

[Chris]

also i know you don't meant the french med.

[prjwebb]

Haha nah. Apparently just after easter is a good time to go to the Hossegor area. Minimal crowds, starting to warm up and potentially great waves.

[Will.]

Was going to order from a dealer in UK but as I was about to a 5'8 FST Spitfire popped up on a "surfboard for sale" website over here in UK. Thought id take my chances and save £200. Its pretty much brand new condition with like one compression mark which can only be seen side on. Check it out, Stoked!!!

577

Havnt taken it out yet as theres been no swell and crappy onshore winds for like a week or 2 now. Cant wait to try it out, got some SF4s, PC5s and the powerbase fins I got off Prjwebb to play around with aswell! Cheers everyone!!

[iggy]

Nice buy!!

[Will.]

Just looking at the new michel model and it looks sweet, might be my next board after saving up! what are the differences between the hellfire,flexfire and MB?

[iggy]

Hellfire you're looking at a higher performance hybrid while the Flex and the Michel's are both on the high performance.
The hellfire will be more user friendly than the other two.
I would put them like this:
hellfire , MB , Flexfire in terms of forgiveness.

[prjwebb]

Yeah. To me, the Flexfires are pretty needley in the noses and low volume throughout that they really want good waves to excel in. I'm not talking good waves by UK standards either, but good waves by anywhere's standards.
The Michel however is a little fuller in the outline and packs a bit more volume but has a slightly more exaggerated rocker, meaning that it'll still be fully high performance but will still work in slightly lesser conditions as long as there's some steepness or punch.
I think the MB is a perfect choice for someone wanting an all round shortboard that they can ride more often.

[Will.]

Cool, Sounds good. Thats what id be going for an all round shortboard. What about the hellrazor compared to MB? and what size would you guys think for me in both? also is the taj now discontinued?

[prjwebb]

I haven't seen the HellRazor properly but I think itd be a good choice also.
I'd probably be thinking 6'1" based on your other boards, but at your weight you could definitely try the 5'11".
Michel wise I'd be looking at the 6'0" 18.75" 2.38" 100%.

[iggy]

Hellrazor 5'11"
MB 6'1"

[Will.]

Hmmm. Think id like either the MB or HF after reading loads of threads on here. The HF has amazing reviews and seems to be all the rave, will go in big stuff and versatile and the more they surf it the more they love it seems to be the general view, maybe overlap with the SF though... The MB is a lovely looking board and like you said sounds like it would be a great all round shortboard, I like to ride my HP shortboards a bit longer if they have less thickness so either the MB 6'0 x 18 3/4 x 2 3/8 or the 6'2 x 19 x 2 7/16. Hellfire would be a 5'10. Not going to be getting one for a while anyway but may start saving up now haha.

[Chris]

yeah Will, the hellfire, however is still very much a hybrid. Keep in mind it has a lot of width, is relatively short and it has an aggressive double concave. The Michel, Hellrazor, Alternator and Flexfire all ride a lot more like a shortboard with a traditional thruster feeling. I would say the Michel or the Hellrazor would be the board if you want a high performance thruster ride while the hellfire is the choice if you are looking for a highly versatile, highly easy to use hybrid.

[Slowman]

Maybe this will help...from http://www.firewiresurfboards.com/f/showthread.php?168-Upper-limits-of-the-Hellfire/page5

By popular demand and after only 3 surfs on the Spitfire I think I can cover this.

Spitfire v Dominator

Today's surf was small occasionally shapely waist high to chest high waves. The spit went very well and I had a lot of fun on it. At this size there isn't really too much difference to be felt between the spitfire and the dominator. The spitfire will do a mid face hack a little better and maybe it comes off the bottom a little better in as much as you can go a bit more vertical (maybe). Reos and floaters feel about the same really in this size surf. The differences I think are going to be amplified with size and power where you will notice the extra performance more so. The 1 overhead day I had on it, it really felt good with the extra bite in the tail. Once on the wave it felt a little like the hellfire but it still felt like the dominator on take off because of the flatter rocker.

Spitfire v Dominator v Hellfire

The Spitfire and the Dominator are boards that basically compete over the same turf. It's really a preference of one over the other depending on your tastes, style and maybe even ability. A bit like buying the car with a turbo, if you are not going to drive fast it will never get used or noticed. While the spitfire offers something extra over the dominator they are still very similar. Now the Hellfire is a different story. It really is in another league. It is meant for better waves and a bigger size range. It covers different territory. Again it can still surf waist high waves that have some shape but once above chest height its performance leaves the dominator and spitfire for dead. The extra rocker, combined with the plan shape just makes this board drop into steep waves and turn anywhere you want on them like magic. Added to this, the single to double concave helps this board accelerate off the bottom and give it speed to burn and the tail gives it some nice control at speed. I've written more on the Hellfire in the Hellfire Reviews thread if you want specific details. But as a comparison the Hellfire is quite different to the Spitfire and Dominator, which are fairly similar.

I can add to this after a few more weeks with the spitfire in the quiver; between the spit and dom the real difference seems to be out there on the face, both seem to go vertically as well as each other but the spit will whip around into a cutback tighter and faster than the dom. It also handles the pocket a tad better and you can swing from a re-entry into a cut back under the lip easier on a spit than on a dom. The dom will tend to get out of control, the tail just won't hang in there as well.

I'm buying another 6'2" Hellfire to leave at my in-laws' tropical island! It will replace my old 6'6" Webber Afterburner which I thought was versatile but the HF is more versatile...I may take my dom over and leave it there too for their summers which are a lot like QLD small small then big typhoon swells followed by more small weak waves. The HF though while it can't grovel as well as the dom/spit it still can but when it gets bigger, steeper and hollower you really want the HF! The HR I haven't ridden but I'm thinking it would be pretty versatile too (maybe the Jacknife as well).

[Slowman]

I find the spitfire and the hellfire complement each other nicely. I jump from one board to the other without really noticing much difference in the way they turn and handle in their respective wave ranges. Once it gets steeper and hollower the take offs on the spit need a bit of extra attention otherwise the foot work and turn radius are very similar. Hardly surprising when the hellfire is a morphed up spitfire. I think I've unlocked more performance out of the spit since I wrote my first comparison.

I had a great surf on the spitfire a couple of weeks back. A nice Saturday afternoon for 3 hours worth of 2-4' lefthand peak at my local, strangely none of the boys were out and a bunch of guys from a nearby beach, that I've seen about, were on it...about 6-10 of them at any one time! Nevertheless the lads were very polite and never dropped in. The spitfire was powering, easy paddle take off and instant speed down the line, it was coming off the bottom and smacking the lip any way you wanted, it seemed like a magical day where I never put a foot wrong. I couldn't believe how many waves I caught! I rarely had to wait very long for my turn. This little peak was really delivering. The spitfire was paddling in well, it was a fuller peak at take off and then a nice hollower shape as it peeled down the line.

Since then and before then I've had plenty of good waves on the spit but that session really stands out. With the recent northerly swells a couple of places have lit up that haven't worked for a long time and the spit worked well out there but I missed the best day...that would have been the next stand out session! Oh well, missed out yesterday too, due to family duties and as I'm going away soon I have to do the right thing. Have all the time in the world today and it's utter onshore crap. The problem with getting good waves is,... they are never enough, they just make this addiction worse! Last w/e it was the hellfire's turn, looks like this w/e it's the mountain bike's turn!

I think either the HF or the MB would give you a wide range (but the hellfire with 5 fin plugs has more options) and I'd start there then work downwards if you need a small wave board. I think I would be going for a hellrazor before an MB just because there are more fin options again.

[core personal training]

will, whats yer height and weight??...i ride the beefy 6'2 flexy, (and normal hp's 6'2, 6'3, 6'4)...a 510 hf (all ive ridden for 6 months...in EVERYTHING)...i'm in the process of testing the two thicknesses of the MB 602...should have feedback etc shortly.........

[Will.]

Hey guys
Just wanted to say thanks to all for recommending the 5'8 Spit. Perfect sizing for me and paddles like a dream. Also recommend the Soar fins I got off Phill they feel so secure and banish my worries I have of FCS coming out,the way they lock in is alot better. Iv had it out in 3-6ft waves so far and I was tending to pick off the smaller ones as still getting used to the board but yeah totally stoked on it ,so nice one! much appreciated!

"The problem with getting good waves is,... they are never enough, they just make this addiction worse!" - Slowman this pretty much sums it up even more so over here in the UK.
Really enjoyed reading everything you have had to say about the HF too just makes me want one haha!

Core my height and weight are like 5'11 ( well inbetween 5'11 and 6'0 ) and around 66-70kgs.

Cheers!

[core personal training]

ok so you are Nevs height and weight...he and you (and me at 90kg) ride similar boards...so go that 510HF...!!!...on the HP's though, nev is riding his MB shorter than his "normal" board which is 602...so you may do better on the shorter MB...good to hear your stoked on the spit...

[Slowman]

Hey guys
...
"The problem with getting good waves is,... they are never enough, they just make this addiction worse!" - Slowman this pretty much sums it up even more so over here in the UK.
Really enjoyed reading everything you have had to say about the HF too just makes me want one haha!
...
Cheers!
I write to deliver truth as creatively as possible!

Glad to see you got a spitfire and now that I realise your are in the UK it will probably serve you well most of the time.