5'4 Sweet Potato

[Erling]

Was really unsure if I should wait for the Potatonator to come out, but was just informed that I can pick up a 5'4 Sweet Potato next week. When I got the Spitfire from UK I ordered a bag for the Sweet Potato as well... so it would be a shame to not use it ;D

How does the SF4s do in this board, loose but still good speed and drive?

[Chris]

yeah erring that is what i would ride in that board!! give them a good go!!

[Erling]

Hmmm.... how come you now ride the 502 SP ?
I was actually thinking that since I feel that my 5'8 Spitfire has a tad too much float, the 5'4 might just feel a too big... but I knew you were using it and thought that it was ok for me as well..... I've read that Iggy sold his 5'6 and is getting a 5'2, but although he's about my weight... but he's way shorter that me.


So Chris, what's your reason to drop in size and what benefits did you get from it ? Any downsides ? Should I consider getting the 502 instead?
Probably have to order from UK again then and i will probably cost me a bit more and won't get the board until january, but I'll rather do that than ending up with a too big board (again)... If I'm lucky they've got both for me to choose from next week (Norway), will know after the weekend.

[iggy]

It all depends on your ability and what you feel more comfortable with. When I bought the 5'6" I was doubting about going shorter cause I though it would be simply too small despite the volume given by the charts. After surfed it I realyzed how much volume that board packs, it's simply massive!!!
Now you have to remember something, the potato was designed for less than favorable conditions. By going to short you might be limiting the potential of the board. A 5'4" will definitely work better on crappy conditions than a 5'2"
In my case I went with the 5'2" cause I tried a mini simmons 4'8" and it was quite a trip, it actually took away my fear of going small. Besides for the conditions I surf most of the time it will fit like a glove.
I remember when I was on the 5'6" I was actually getting almost as many waves as the longboarders and way more waves than shortboarders.
My height also plays a roll here. At your height the 5'2" might actually feel a bit short (not flotation wise).
I have a set of controllers waiting ready to be put on the little potato

[STC67]

What's a "Potatonator" is this some sort of cross between a Dominator and a Sweet Potato?

[Chris]

one would think that based on the name.............................................. .

[Erling]

Thanks Iggy. I hope Chris get the time to answer my question during the weekend, as he is the same height/weight as me and have had the 5'6, 5'4 and 5'2 SP :)

[iggy]

Come on Chris!!!!!! spill the beans!!!!jejejeje

[Andy]

Great feedback iggy! Like Erling, I'm deciding between the 5'4 and 5'2 potato and keen to gather as much info as possible before jumping on board, so to speak. Come on Chris, I'm also really keen to learn from your experiences.
Erling, from what I've read the future fin set up (controller fins) go awesome in the potato. Consider going down that path rather than the fcs set up. Even Nev raves about them on the sweet potato video.

[prjwebb]

I spoke to Chris about the SP size a while ago. He said if he was still in the NE he'd be on the 5'4 but in Cali with better waves and less rubber the 5'2 works great.