Hellfire, Spitfire or Dom?

[Will.]

Hey Will for the looks of it it seems like "you have been around the block", so my suggestion would be the 5'8"
As far as the ease of paddling goes, is a mix of both, AND the plane surface AND entry rocker
Ifo you didn't find the flex fire hard to paddle then the Spit will paddle itself

Havnt quite been around the block, iv only been surfing for around 2 years but go everytime there are waves. Id just say im average. How do you find it paddling your 5'8 Spit compared to your 6'2 FF ?

Thanks for all the help guys!

[prjwebb]

5'8" Spitfire paddles like a machine. Paddles better than my 6'2" Taj, 6'0" CBD Taj, 5'8" Sub Scorcher and basically every other board I've owned or ridden under 7'6" except a 5'10" Dominator and Sweet Potato.

[buzzy]

Ok, here's my theory for you. 5'8" is 80-90% likely the right choice. You can get that with a small chance it's the wrong one. If so you enjoy it for a little while and ebay it to fund a new board. You'd lose no more than $200 in the whole process if the small chance its the wrong size was proved right. Or you can get the 5'10" if you're feeling particularly cautious, have an 80% chance you'll find it a tad too big, surf it for a while, and then ebay it to fund the purchase of the 5'8" at an additional cost of no more than $200 (whatever that is in pounds).

I guess my point is there's really not a super downside to picking the wrong size, which is incremental anyway.

[Chris]

good stuff buzzy. i like numbers.

[Will.]

good stuff buzzy. i like numbers.

What would you say chris im same kind of height as you 5'11-6'0 but about 69kgs/152lbs ( just jumped on the scales, bit more than 66kgs that a previously mentioned ), also forgot to mention would be in a wetsuit etc aswell which would add a bit.

All you guys have really given me loads of great advice, really appreciate it. Im leaning towards 5'8 after all youv said.

[Chris]

for your weight and ability, I think you'd be happiest on the 508 Spitfire or Dominator and the 510 Hellfire....

[Will.]

What FCS setup would you guys recommend ?

[prjwebb]

Are you looking at quads or thruster?
Quad, I think a great starting point is the SF4 set. From there you can identify what you like about that set and what you'd want to change. Otherwise it's just stabbing in the dark.
Thruster wise, I think the same could be said for the PC5s. A good all round and neutral template. From there if you want more release or more hold or drive etc it's easier to make recommendations.
What fins do you current have at your disposal?

[Will.]

Are you looking at quads or thruster?
Quad, I think a great starting point is the SF4 set. From there you can identify what you like about that set and what you'd want to change. Otherwise it's just stabbing in the dark.
Thruster wise, I think the same could be said for the PC5s. A good all round and neutral template. From there if you want more release or more hold or drive etc it's easier to make recommendations.
What fins do you current have at your disposal?

Well they come with SF4s anyway, but was thinking of a thruster set as well. I have PC5s on my FF though so sounds like im sorted. My other 5'10 board takes future fins, and I have to admit I much prefer them to FCS in both aesthetics and build quality ( im always worried a fin will come out with fcs as has done a few times where as futures they dont worry me at all, just seems like a much better design to me) I have been using the F4s as a quad and WCTs as a thruster but I think the spitfire I get will be in FCS as easier to get hold of than a futures one ( I wont have to wait months!).

I will be going for the 5'8! thanks all!

[prjwebb]

Where are you based Will? If you want a brilliant set of FCS fins I highly recommend checking out the Soar DL Powerbase fins. They pull down into your fin plugs with a flanged base that imitates glass ons and gives a very similar feel. Rock solid, stable base, nice flex in the tip, really versatile all round template. Not the cheapest fins on the market, but better than anything FCS are making in my opinion. Owen Wright swears by them.
If you're in Aus you can get them from www.powerbasefins.com.au, if you're in the USA I can give you a contact address for a guy who's importing them from Greg at Soar and selling them on, trying to raise their profile in the US.
If you're in the UK you could potentially get a send sent over with my next set and save on shipping costs if you were interested.
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