Hi
Bought my first Firewire last year, and after some helpful pointers from this forum, ended up with a 5'8" FST Spitfire. Really love the board and am sold on the technology (after initially swearing i'd never touch another epoxy after owning a Resin8); however, initial concerns over riding such a short board have now lead to another problem... in fact the total opposite problem: my regular 6'2" PU thruster feels clown shoes ridiculously long unless the waves are totally firing (which they have done a few times lately :b). Although the Spitfire goes great on the average day here, especially with summer hopefully just around the corner (please let there be a summer this year!), I find when the waves do get a bit better/steeper/suckier that I have to nurse it through drops a bit and the wide tail doesn't feel great. I've got a second hand 6' shaped by one of the local guys which i've been using as a stop gap, but the thing is on it's last legs and not really doing my surfing any favours.

Soooooo purchase number 2 is on the cards, but again, the multitude of options and choices is hurting my tiny brain! I basically want something short/hybridy (6'0" max) for the slightly better than average days and which I can use up to a decent size, but won't be a total disaster area should the swell fail to deliver as expected and I find myself at some far flung corner/too lazy to go get a different board. Initial thoughts were to stick with the Spitfire DNA and go for a 5'10" Hellfire for it's slightly more refined but still hybrid features; however, i've read that some people struggle with them in less than good (read: UK most of the time) conditions? I still like the look of this board, but inevitably other models are fluttering their eyelashes at me, too: Chubby, Mini Driver (or Unibrow), Hell Razor.... maybe even a 6'0" MB thick???

Anyway, i'm a weak minded, indecisive fool, so someone tell me what to buy (please)! :b

Cheers

My vitals: Early (well maybe technically mid) 30s, 6ft tall, 75-80kg living in N.Cornwall, UK and getting wet whenever it's 'worth it'.

Hi all

I'm keen to give a Firewire board a go and have spent 3 days reading the heck out of these forums (having my opinion on which board I want to buy change every 10 minutes haha); think i've finally narrowed it down to either the Spitfire or Hellfire models.

I'm after something for the average 1-4ft day at my local beachie. Currently I mostly ride a JS Blak Box 5'11" x 19 3/4" x 2 3/8" which goes like a rocket, but is getting a bit battered + due to the low rocker isn't quite as responsive & sharp to turn as i'd like. Initially I was thinking the Spitfire sounded perfect, but the Hellfire also appeals due to being slightly closer again in feel to a normal shortboard.

Was thinking of going with either the 5'10" Spitfire or 6'0" Hellfire. How have you guys experienced these boards going in average beachies? Any recommendations?

I already have a couple of really good boards for once the surf gets over 4ft, so that's not really a consideration (other than convenience for travelling etc).

Vital statistics: I'm 32; 6' 1" and around 75-80kg; live in North Cornwall (UK); pretty fit & surf most days it's worth it to an intermediate level.

Any and all guidance gratefully received!

Cheers