Alternator or Flexfire and 2 board quiver

[prjwebb]

I think the Michel Bourez and the Dominator will give you a great 2 board quiver that'll cover a wide range of conditions. Especially considering a lot of it will be in Indo quality.
Sizing is tough. Where does the volume calculator put you?

[Robnow]

Funny calculator, I punch in 193-198 and it gives me around 31-41L. I punch in 200 and it jumps up to 34-44L.

[prjwebb]

I guess it moves up in 5 or 10 lbs increments.

Based on that I guess the 6'2" Dom and the thicker 6'4" or even 6'6" MB. That seems like a lot of board though so I'd stay on the lower side.
I think you're similar weight to Dave (corepersonaltraining) and he's been riding a 510 Hellfire and is talking about getting the thicker 6'2" MB. Based on that, and your fitness I'd say you should be good with the 6'0" Dom and 6'4" MB.
However it's the thicker suits at home that throw a spanner in the works.

[buzzy]

I reckon you're spot on with the short list there and sizes.

I'd personally suggest either the 6'4" Alternator or thicker MB at the same length, and a 6'0" Dominator. I suspect that the Alt will offer more drive in softer waves than the MB and is probably closer to your current shortboard, so I'd lean toward that. But really, you could pick any of the boards you have listed from the two groups and they'd all work great for you.

[buzzy]

Incidentally, my recommendations are based around you likely being toward the lower end of the weight range when surfing. If you're toward the upper end I agree with prjwebb that you should probably go the 6'2" in the Dom, and maybe even consider the 6'6" in the MB or Alt. Probably the 6'4" Alt and 6'2" Dom would be a good combo at that higher weight though.

[core personal training]

i could be over doing the foam in the MB...so dont go by what i'm doing until i report my findings...i probably should be on the thinner MB but too pumped for a HP shorty to wait...!!...for reference on the 604 alternator, when my weight dips to 90 and under, it is way too much foam for that shape..(for me)...needs to be anchored into the face...

[Gnubee]

As for the small wave board I can say that on the stuff we get in BC/WA/OR the El Fuego is a fantastic choice. I have spoken to a few others on Dominators and they all love them too. Waves here can get really fat (as you know) and the EF has a magic ability to get into waves that would normally push you out the back. I have not surfed either an Alt, MB, or Hellrazor (which might be worth looking at in your case), but I can see myself on either an Alt or a Hellrazor in those rare days or spots that it gets hollow or steep.

Of course, Indo waves are a whole 'nother thing.

[buzzy]

Just thought I'd pass some recent feedback. I have a 6'8" Alt @200lbs. It's probably 2 inches Longer than ideal now that my surf fitness is back, but it's eminently surfable. Took it out this morning @ 4-5 foot (8-10 foot faces) and it was absolutely fine. No popping of fins or sliding. No weirdness. Just a good, solid board for good solid surf. I just make these observations as I'd surf the Dom 90% of the time - it doesn't get overhead+ all that often.

[Robnow]

Thanks for the feedback and Chris' help. Kept it somewhat safe on the decision but 6'0" Dom and 6'4" Alt coming.

Awesome having Chris as a representative of Firewire participating on the Forum, even if it is a Firewire produced forum. I'm more involved on certain skiing and biking forums and I think it pays off HUGE whenever a company has a representative/owner participating in the discussions and giving/receiving feedback.

[Chris]

stoked to have your support Rob, thanks very much!

let us know how they work for you!

Cheers