Decided on a 600 Dom but going to get 2 boards, thinking either Hellfire or Alt?

[buzzy]

The changeover point is around head high. I use the Dom in everything above knee high. It suits waves with a bit of push, and a pocket to work in. I feel it works best in Almond shaped waves (ie almond style tubes), not when it's really hollow. Indeed, that probably describes the Alt's ideal wave shape too. Both have a broader range than that of course. I can't think of any conditions where they don't work.

[YellowSurfBus]

Sounds like a pretty sweet combo! I've not got the balls for anything too massive so those 2 boards should cover me for everything.

[buzzy]

Completely. Have fun. FireWire does amazing boards - you'll love them.

[Slowman]

What would the pro's and con's be of the Alt vs HF?

Just out of interest what height and weight are you as you own 4 boards I've been interested in also in similar sizes?

YSB, I'm 6' (183cm) and 90kg. I have been surfing for around 45 years.

Hmmm, pros and cons, alt v hf

HF
Pros:
5 fins
nice and loose
fast
handles steep waves
handles up to 2 x overhead
can also be ridden in fuller waves
can also be ridden in small waves down to waist/thigh height
versatile
Cons:
doesn't like big lumpy waves it starts to get skatey

Alt
Pros:
seems fast enough getting into waves
also handles steep waves
it feels solid in up to 2 x overhead
Cons:
needs some juice to get going
doesn't really like flat sections
not all that loose
not all that versatile

I'm sort of biased I prefer the HF! I surf my HF as a quad with a very tiny stabiliser.

[buzzy]

We all have different experiences on boards - if we didn't we'd all be surfing the same model. And I fully respect Slownan's observations. But I haven't found the Alt to be stiff at all. I find it loose. Nor have I found it lacking versatility. If I surfed every day it would be my daily driver without a shadow of a doubt. Sadly my less than optimal fitness sees me needing the crutch of a hybrid in small to average conditions (like most mortals). But 100% if I was surfing everyday (and ergo surfing more consistently toward the upper end of my skill range) for me, the Alt would be it.

What I find with Firewires is the flex of itself is a major performance advantage. I'll never forget my first major turn on a FireWire. It was like "what the"...? I just got a turbo boost I'd never experienced before.

[YellowSurfBus]

Some good thinking points there from both of you. Great comparison Slowman! I've come very close to deciding a few times but there is always some conflicting information that you come across that throws a spanner in the works lol, would be boring it was easy though eh!

Slowman, I'm a bit lighter than you, but A LOT less experienced and I can't help thinking that my weight doesn't go far enough to even that up, and I should be looking at bigger boards? Really worried about being under foamed and not getting on with the boards. What are your thoughts on this?

[YellowSurfBus]

Double post

[Slowman]

... And I fully respect Slownan's observations.

Hard to believe when you call me a slow nanny! :-() Though some days it could almost be true!

But I haven't found the Alt to be stiff at all. ...

I wouldn't say stiff, just that I feel the HF is a looser board.

YSB, regarding the volume, and hence size, I ran some numbers through the volume calculator and for a beg/int 25 y/o 76kg it recommended 40-44L, now since you said 43L already felt too much I reran you as an intermediate and it spat out 30-33L, which is around what you are contemplating, with the 6'0 dom and 6'2 HF (or Alt). Pretty sure you could go 5'10 (dom/spit) (33.5L) and 6'0 HF (31.9L). I don't think you'd have much trouble at all after a couple of months. Either way there will be a small learning curve dropping from 43L. Whatever you decide I don't think you should go any bigger.

[YellowSurfBus]

Awesome, thanks Slowman!

I'm pretty set on a 6'2" HF. I'll be thankful of the slight extra volume on the bigger days even though it will be at a slight cost to performance. The HF definitely seems like the board for me over the ALT. I like the versatility of the 5 fin set up and how it should be a slightly easier transition from the Dom.

With the size of the DOM, it will probably come down to which feels better under my arm in the shop as there is so little difference in Volume.

Now the waiting game until payday!!

[Herzalot]

Good call on downsizing the Dom. Seems like 80% of the threads in these forums are about board size, and of those, we almost never hear of someone wishing they had bought one bigger. My own experience was the 606 Dominator was basically a corky pig. The extra volume didn't help anything. The 604 Dom is practically perfect. 210lb, 49 year old intermediate surfing mushy SoCal waves. I can catch just about anything with the 604 Dom (but keeping momentum is another story - gotta have some energy in the wave). Enjoy your selections and once you get them, stop reading about board size - commit and enjoy!