Unibrow critique

[Chris]

sounds about right sarge. I would stay in the same volume personally unless the dom felt big. The unibrow definitely has refined volume through the tail so you can maneuver your board far more easily and control it in bigger surf than the dom. It also still grovels well, but it does like a slightly better wave.

As always though, try not to oversize it....

[buzzy]

Ride report #3.

Chris' comments seem about right. Today I got a couple of nice waves and got to explore the board. My main observation is that, just like the Dom, it encourages smooth, rounded turns. It is a back foot oriented board. In terms of grovel it doesn't paddle into waves as well as the Dom, but it seems to cover most of the bottom end range of the Dom. Most, but not all.

It appears to differ at the other end of the scale from an Alt or Q5 in that it is less explosive or energetic in turns. As I say, more rounded.

I'd definitely slot in as a small/medium wave all rounder. I don't think it's an ideal travel board though - if I had to pick one board to travel with it would probably be the Q5.

Now that I've put up a few preliminary observations I'll just enjoy the board for a while and shut up!

[luismx]

I know ive probably asked this question a few times(each post with a small part, and now trying to sum it up) but i need to ask again... All this reading is making my decision even more complicated....

The unibrow is a slightly more refined dom...meaning its a well rounded flowy kind.Hows does it compare to the hellfire? Is it better to take a unibrow and go short(6.1) to make it more. ...hmmm...snappy/less rounded or do i go for a 6.2 or maybe 6.4 hellfire and get the snappyness(is that a real word?) out of the tail and concaves?

From a confused...193cm 93kg 6.4 dom surfing companion
Luismx

[buzzy]

I'd personally find 6'1" too short. I could use a 6'2" with me @90kg but I suspect the next step down might be too much work.

I guess it just depends how you want to surf. I've never surfed a Hellfire so I can't give a direct comparison but others have said it rails well but can also get skittish. I also don't want to suggest a Unibrow can't be pushed but at least in my opinion it encourages linked rounded turns. I don't mean lollipop turns lah de dah. I mean carved turns sending out buckets...at least that's what I'd like to imagine.

At 93kg I'd think you'd be on a 6'2" or 6'4" in either a Unibrow or Hellfire. I'd personally think 6'4" would be right but I don't know your preferences. If you want an easy transition from the Dom, and like the Dom, go the Unibrow. If you want a different feel then try the Hellfire.

It's early days yet but I can say I have absolutely no buyers remorse for getting a 6'4" Unibrow with me @90kg and 47 yoa.

[luismx]

The UB is in the board compare!!

[Piha Local]

luismx, I don't think you have your conclusions quite right. The Uni is a MUCH more refined Dom, a very slightly more refined Hellfire. It felt smaller underfoot to me than the Hellfire, even tho slightly higher volume. This is now confirmed by the board-compare, where the Unibrow has less surface area [lift] than the same length Hellfire.

[luismx]

does the UB come in FCS?

[prjwebb]

Yeah all boards available in both systems. If you're after a specific one it's could be worth special ordering.

[luismx]

Ah prj...im just gonna wait and see what the shops have. Still in a bit of a dilema between boards :P

[Chris]

thanks guys for all the feedback and posted info.

I think the Unibrow responds to different surfers in different ways. For example, if you are a shortboarder and get on the Unibrow, you will like it as a groveler. If you are larger board rider, longboarder, etc, it will not grovel quite as well as a dom.

For me personally, it has replaced the dominator because it has a much higher performance, though i can still get it going in small surf without a problem.