Hellfire or Alternator?

[STC67]

Sounds like the Hellfire is the recommendation. Is there any specific area where the Alternator would excel over the Hellfire? Or is there anything about the "hybrid feel" of the Hellfire that would limit performance or skill improvement?

^^^Good Question

[prjwebb]

I think if you're quite a powerful guy you could benefit from the added rail length on the Alternator.
The Alt will surf more like a traditional shortboard whereas the Hellfire is going to be a touch tighter in the pocket and looser because of the short rail length and lively bottom contours. I think the Hellfire would suit a more progessive "new school" approach, for instance releasing the fins, popping airs and fitting tight wraps in the pocket of punchy medium sized waves.
If you were surfing big open walled points and your approach was longer rail carves, big round houses etc. and you like the feel of a traditional board under your feet rather than the shorter, wider boards that are super popular at the moment then the Alternator would probably be a good call.

I'm sure both boards can do it all, but for the sake of highlighting the differences that's how I would personally expect them to differ.

[daybit]

Wow, thanks for all the feedback everyone. I think I'm well and truly sold on the Hellfire. It definitely sounds like it can handle powerful surf. If it works in Hawaii I don't think I'm going to have a problem in Japan.

I'm still a little confused about what length to go for. The board description says "Suggested lengths are 2” to 4” SHORTER than your regular short board, or 2” to 4” LONGER than your hybrid." which would mean it should be a couple of inches longer than my Dominator. But then the Buyers Guide suggests the same length for Dominator and Hellfire for Intermediate surfers.

Going to a 6'0 Hellfire (31.9 L) would be quite a drop in volume from my 6'2 Dominator (38.0 L). If I went to a 6'2 Hellfire (33.7L) would the additional volume be a problem in bigger waves? Given that I probably should have gone for the 6'0 Dominator instead of 6'2, maybe I should just bite the bullet, go for the 6'0 Hellfire and just paddle a bit harder.

Once I get the length sorted I then just have to choose between FST and Rapidfire. Ahh, so many choices.

[ob surf stick]

Yeah, really awesome feedback. I definitely see the Hellfire as the right board for me now since I do see myself wanting more of the "new school" approach instead of the traditional shortboard open faced rail carving style. And I'm really not a powerful type surfer to be able to take advantage of that longer rail in the Alternator.

I'm assuming the Hellfire might favor being ridden as a thruster in most conditions? And in situations where you'd think about converting it to a quad, I'd probably rather be pulling out my Dominator quad anyway?

[buzzy]

No disrespect intended, truly, but after a few waves an average surfer would quickly adjust to and barely notice 2 extra inches of rail length in a board, at least imho.

[Slowman]

No disrespect intended, truly, but after a few waves an average surfer would quickly adjust to and barely notice 2 extra inches of rail length in a board, at least imho.

I think that you could say that about almost any feature that adds some slight advantage (give or take as there are always trade offs) but I don't think it is quite right, as, at least in my experience, progression isn't some continuous improvement or even a series of consistent little steps, it comes in fits and starts. So once you take advantage of some improvement it can sometimes push you to another level and add new moves to your repertoire. So you don't just adjust and get lazy and stay the same - I might get lazy and stagnate or even regress for other reasons though! Though of course you have to be at the stage where you are ready to take the next step forward, if you aren't then as you imply by your qualification of average, you won't really take advantage and progress. You must be ready to use the force!

[hanaleisurfer]

So true Buzzy!! I notice guys get too hung up on the length. It really should be how the board floats and paddles. I tend to ride my boards about 2 inches longer than recommended for my weight. Ride a 6 4 DOm when I could have gone 6 2. Love my 6 4 Dom and have never felt it was too much board, unless the waves got several feet overhead and juicy. So i picked up the 6 6 Hellfire knowing that a 6 4 was the mid range volume for me. Dont regret my 6 6 HF. In fact its one of the best boards I have ever had!! The extra volume is not a problem and I ride that board is some powerful, juicy point waves here in Hawaii. I like the extra paddling power and here in Hawaii the extra inches in length are actually a benefit!!

46 yrs old 215 lbs(On a good day!!)
6 4 Dom RF
6 6 Hellfire FST

[buzzy]

Sorry slowman, but I'm firmly in the "too much angst about rail length" camp.

A good surfer will adjust even more quickly, although they'll also be more attuned to the differences.

[Chris]

Agree buzzy, I do think though for rail length, surfers can have different preferences and you CAN have too little rail if the other dimensions don't pick you up, such as width, rocker, volume, etc...

Great conversation.

[Slowman]

Sorry slowman, but I'm firmly in the "too much angst about rail length" camp.

A good surfer will adjust even more quickly, although they'll also be more attuned to the differences.

Buzzy, I guess I'm not in it either I just ordered a hellfire!