UNIBROW - New model but not on the Firewire site yet?

[Matt_s]

Managed to hold off on the hellfire and hellrazor over the last year in anticipation of what might come out.... now is the time to get a more performance orientated board to step up off my EF when the waves get better.....

I cant decide between a 5'9 Chedda or A 5'8 Unibrow... however the write up and feedback on how the vanguard rides (although it looks quite strange) has been putting that in the equation for me as well. I have a feeling this is a dilema a few are facing.

This is going to take a while to decide

[Piha Local]

For me the CC looks to have too much of it's planing surface in the front half of the board. Creates swing weight that slows quick directional moves down. That was why I did not like the El Fuego when I demo'd it. Way too much board in front of you engaged in the wave when you jump to your feet, felt like you were following your board around rather than that "boardless" feeling Core talks about with his 5/10 Hellfire. The Unibrow seems to have a similar nose outline to the Hellfire, maybe even narrower, so should be nice and "nose-light" with most of the "engine-room" planing area located between your feet.

[aurfalien]

That's a real good point Piha, I never really thought about it.

Although I ride my EF in point break which gives plenty of time to adjust etc... I can see were in beach break it may be an issue.

In fact, for beachies, I pull out the trusty Futura.

The Uni looks very sweet to me for some reason, almost calling my name :)

[buzzy]

Not whining....but I do agree with the sentiment that the release should have been annouced here at least around about the same time as retailers are being given a heads up.

I'm pretty certain I'll move to a Unibrow as my daily driver when they're released in Oz. I'll almost certainly be picking up the 6'6". The only real question is whether I'll retain the Dom for very small days or use the Unibrow for that as well. Given they're around the same volume and some width still seems to be retained in the Unibrow (with added volume along the centre line) I'm guessing it will be fine for very small days - not significantly worse than the Dom - but that's one of the things I'll be looking for feedback on before ordering.

[kdropin]

That's a real good point Piha, I never really thought about it.

Although I ride my EF in point break which gives plenty of time to adjust etc... I can see were in beach break it may be an issue.

In fact, for beachies, I pull out the trusty Futura.

The Uni looks very sweet to me for some reason, almost calling my name :)

yeah idk.. one of the best boards i've ridden in beachies here was a local copy of a ...lost rocket.. wide point forward with excellerated tail rocker.. allows for tight turns in the pocket= big fans out the back.. this is why i'm really interested in the cc

[aurfalien]

True dat, however I am a big fan of Dan Mann but did notice sims between the UB, CC and the Sub.

[Piha Local]

Having sold my Dom for a Pnator, I only now realise what a magic allrounder the Dom was for smaller surf. Instant speed WITH great turning, great paddling and user-friendliness means Dan Mann designed some unusual combination of ingredients into it. It's one of those rare boards where the total package ends up being much more than just the sum of it's parts. I'm hoping he keeps this mojo going with the Unibrow. Need to know the surface area of the board to compare with Dom/Hellfire/Alt/Pnator boards I am familiar with, as I think volume only gives a partial indication of the lift or "push-back" resistance you experience from your board when up and riding. Planing surface and rocker distribution take over when up to speed on a wave and become the bigger factor in the equation. Surfing in the New Zealand National Surf Champs final next couple of days: second last year, hoping for first this time around before being finally put out to pasture!

[buzzy]

Good one piha. Good luck.

[aurfalien]

Piha, what board have you been surfing in the comps?

[Matt_s]

For me the CC looks to have too much of it's planing surface in the front half of the board. Creates swing weight that slows quick directional moves down. That was why I did not like the El Fuego when I demo'd it. Way too much board in front of you engaged in the wave when you jump to your feet, felt like you were following your board around rather than that "boardless" feeling Core talks about with his 5/10 Hellfire. The Unibrow seems to have a similar nose outline to the Hellfire, maybe even narrower, so should be nice and "nose-light" with most of the "engine-room" planing area located between your feet.

This is also one of my worries, if I want something more performance oreientated/different to my EF maybe a unibrow is the call, It does appear to have a nice narrow nose
In the photos, which is one of the reasons it appeals (plus I'm hoping for 5 fins).
As kdroppin mentioned the tail rocker, doesn't this help to reduce the fishy feeling of having the wide point forward? Is the wide point as far forward as the EF?