Hi Ferebee,
I'll give it go since I'm the only human on the planet that surfed the 6'4 SP.
1. All great small wave boards mentioned but we feel we have them beat on wave catching ability and overall performance. This board in PU (6'4 x 23 1/4) would easily be 3 pounds(!!) heavier and that fact alone blows doors on the boards mentioned.
2. I think the 6'4 is the right choice since your surfing bigger boards already. You could surf a smaller model but I personally think you would do better with more rail line. I prefer it myself since I'm 6'4 230 pounds.
By the way I love this board on 2 to 3 ft days. I was catching shit waves till my arms dislocated last week on the 6'4. No long board necessary! Bring on the gutless waves and you'll be stoked.
Thanks for surfing our boards!

Mike

Hello,
Congratulation for the forum, lots of experiences shared.
Like everybody I’m a little lost with the size of the SP.
I’m a “average joe surfer” at 35 years old and surfing since I was 15, with 194lbs (88kg), 5’6” (170cm) I consider my self an intermediate surfer, I’m no pro but I make my waves.
Just recently in Portugal we had a truly firewire dealer and I could try one. I tried a Dominator 6’0”, I like it and order a 6’2” because I was used to use 2 ¾ and to go for 2 ½ in the 6’0” I thought it was too “extreme”, any way the board will arrive next month.
I’m now going to order a SP but even after reading all experiences and advise I still can’t decide.
On the small or junky waves 1-3 feet I have an Al Merrick Biscuit 5’10” x 21 x 3” I like this board but I’m in loved with quads and I really like different boards.
I also believe that foam is your friend and that’s why I can’t choose from the 5’6” or the 5’8” SP. It’s not the size but the flotation.
Is there a big difference between the 2? Can anyone give me same advise.
Thanks

you are right, foam is your friend with this one. you want to make sure you have enough float to for the conditions that you are going to be riding the board in.

I personally went bigger than the recommended size for me because I wanted a board that rips when its small. the 5'8 is already 6 inches shorter than your Dom, and I don't think you want to be getting down much smaller than that. So in a sense its a bit of a toss up and might come down to personal preference a bit.

5'6" is the board nuno.Don't go too short cause I think will defeat the purpose since the board was designed for really crappy ssmall surrf

my 2 cents worth. i got a call from cronulla surf design wednesday afternoon potatoes in store ! yipee! i grabbed the 56 demo after 2 waves i knew it was something special . the surf was however 2/3 and quite good the board absolutely flew my brother was out with me and said that it was the best he had ever seen me surf . its the first time on a spud! i am 510 and weigh 76 kg . intermediate. the only thing i would have liked would be that the board paddled a bit better. i rode a 510 dominator the same afternoon to compare and thought that the dom padled better but the sp killed it in speed , drive and the rails in the sp had way more bite .what to do ? i decided to get the 58 sp so that i could compete with the bigger boards , the boys at the shop reckon that i will not be sacrificing to much of the turning ability , hope that i have made the right decision . by the way the futures controlers worked insane on this board, warp speed . i also tried the stretch fins they felt good too, easier to turn but not as drivey .in my book the more speed the more fun ! awesome board guys at fire wire awesome ! btw nev the man of the hour was in cronulla today puting on a firewire demo letting everyone try the magic hehe. a big thankyou to spence at cronulla surf design excellent customer service thanx heaps for your advice and help . ( its stephen ) hehe .

hey nonuloco in answer to your question the 58 does paddle better i surfed it today surounded by mals ,got heaps of waves board still felt really loose .

sounds great rivamon

also bought my 2 firewires from Spence and his offsider Matt at Cronulla Surf Design and I can tell you their customer service was outstanding - not to mention their patience! They have put my faith back in the "Y" generation (I'm 42). These 2 guys are very, very good surfers with little ego and are always happy to help.

Wish I new the demo day was on - if only to meet Nevorama

thanks for the words rivamon, appreciate the positive feedback.

Cheers guys.

Hi everybody,
Many thanks for your advices it really helped.
The idea of chooses the 5’6” is pretty appealing but I will sacrifice same of looseness for paddling and speed and go for the 5’8”.
Once again thanks to everybody.
Nuno

no worries, enjoy it....

Just bought an el feugo today from spence at cronulla.   Picked up and had a feel of the 5'6 sweet potato demo - looks sick.  If the surf is still crappy tomorrow i'm gonna go give it a spin!

yeah topher.  let us know how it goes.  what do you weigh?

somewhere between 75 and 80kg depending on how much beer I drink.  

yeah topher, you are about my weight and I ride the 5'4.  I think in the 5'4 or 5'6 range would be good.  Getting to ride one will really help.

Hi guys just to share with the people thinking about getting one - I swung by Cronulla Surf Design on my way home from work last night and picked up a SP 5'10", it was a bit of an impulse buy, I only read about the board yesterday but had been actively looking for a new summer board. I'm 40ish, 110kg, very fit but not water fit, I surf at least once a week but only every second weekend, I would call my skill level beginner to intermediate. I just had to give it a quick go before work today and it was a washing machine out there but enough to have a paddle. I did a lot of paddling and a lot of duck diving but only really got one wave before I had to go. The 5'10" was plenty big enough for me. I couldn't believe the immediate speed boost. There was a moment where one second I was paddling for the wave and the next it just lifted and shot out of the gates - a bit like a gear change, on a sloppy fat wave the speed this thing gives is just amazing. I couldn't afford to buy fins with it but that's what I'll be playing with over the next few weeks, I'm ordering a set of C-Drive fins in XL to try out, and today I used a set of shapers MG IV. I'm really excited about surfing some shit waves over the summer now and cant wait to give it a decent run on the weekend. I really appreciated being able to read what other people had said on here about sizes and their weights etc so I thought I better give some comments back.

stoked matticus.  definitely know the feeling of being shot out of the gates that you mentioned.  super fast.  turns mush into metal.  keep us posted.

Hello everybody,
Just to share my experience with the SP 5’8”, “I think it’s the beginning of a good friendship”!
The first time was in 1 to 2 feet glass. It just took a couple of waves to get the felling and then it was fun!!! Super speed and yes it turns!!!! You just need to put the rail on the water and there she goes!
The second time it was 1 to 3 feet sloppy and on shore, typical day that I would rather be in the fireplace (the winter already arrived) but since it got the board for never be at land I give it a go. What can I tell, is that kwon there are no excuses for not to go surf in this days. The board glides through everything and if you just want to slide she slides with you. It’s really a super fun board. A must have board in every quiver. Congratulation Firewire.
Another question is it normal that the edges of the board are so soft in the tail?!?! It’s so different from the normal edges. And the rails shape is the craziest rail ever.
Regards,
Nuno

hey nuno.  

Thanks to all for the posts. They helped me get a feel for the best size to match my ability. Decided to go with the 5'8," with the blue Futures Controller fins. I consider myself an intermediate surfer (18 years exp.) and weigh 170 lbs. (77 kilos).

The board is SUPER fun. If you have a regular job, with daily land responsibilties - *do not* get this board. The shape inspires me to bail work on the smallest of days. Mahalos FireWire.
 

ahhah, thanks for the words pelcami.  The controllers have been getting rave reviews...

Fin recommendations?
I just picked up a 5'10" and rode it for the first time today (1-3ft).  Super fast to paddle, and easy to get into waves just like I'd hoped.  Very fun board.  I have the FCS SF4 fins on there now and found it a little slow to turn; does anyone have any recommendations on fins?  Granted I'm used to a 6'2" thruster, but I wanted to see if I can dial in the turning a little more.
This is a great board, and exactly what I was looking for which is a board that would motivate me to get out on days I'd normally never set foot in the water and still have some fun and keep the paddling strength up.

Hey Walter,

Looking forward to the SP back up in Canada. My question is this. Should I get the 5'8" or the 5'10" to deal with the wetsuit? I want to ride a 5'8" or 5'6" back here in Costa Rica, but I will be spending the summer and part of the winter in BC, on Vancouver Island. 

hey canadian, I say 5'8 or 5'10.  after all, you want the board to make those small days fun!!!

G'day chris, really excited about the SP. I'm 5'10'' and 170 lbs (77 kg). What you reckon? Should I go for the 5'8" or 5'10"? Also, any tips on fins? Like you, I also want a board that rips when its small. Cheers.

5'2"!!

yeah 5'2 or 5'4 MAX!!!

Thanks guys!!!

I have been reading about the SP alot, Ive decided to pull the trigger and I am going to grab a rapidfire this weekend, not sure if I should get a 5'8 or 5'10, i am 6'0 and 190lbs and have been riding a 5'10 fish for everything, usual waves are 1-4ft unless a hurricane arrives. Appreciate any feedback, I also am wondering how they handle bigger 4-6ft waves

Hey Fish E1,

My dimensions are 5'10 X 21 1/2 X 2 3/4

Yeah the 5'8 might bullseye your current board as a replacement, while the 506 would be the one to get if you wanted to get after just a little less volume....

By bullseye you mean that it would be a similar board to my fish in the way it rides and conditions it was designed for? My board is great in stomach high plus but seems a little slugish on the real small 1-2ft days

yeah.  I think it will address your concerns no problems!

Hi All -- I'm 5'10" and weigh about 180lb /82kg.

Sounds like a good choice to me. You could consider the 5'4" but I think the 5'6" will work well for you.

Yeah BZR I agree with Prj.  You could go for either...  Try to hold them and see which suits you better!

Hello everyone,

I've been surfing for a year now. I am 5'6" and 145 lbs. I normally ride a 8'2" NSP longboard. I want to upgrade my performance capabilities, but keep the longboard feel and outline. I am considering buy a SP for the weak, small waves off the coast of Georgia, USA we get year round except for hurricane season. What SP size would you all recommend or another FW board w/ dimensions?

Thank you for your help! 

Hey SSS,

Hello, my name is David, i´m from Portugal.. i currently have a firewire el fuego 5`11 wich i really like, i am an intermediate surferwho is starting to enjoy some turns and carves, and the SP seems the perfect board for this smaller days where i struggle to do something with my usual board, so i´m very decided to buy one, just wondering whats the best size for me, i am 1.74cm and my weigh is 158lbs.. any advice in sizes would be great since there are so many options i should try to get the better for me.. thank you guys and keep riping :)

5'4" would be good based off the 5'11" El Fuego.
You could go for the 5'2" though if you would like it small.

ok thank you for your help.. i think i would go for the 5`4.. this numbers scare me a little bit cause they are too short but i think i will manage cause there is so mutch foam under my feet.. thats the only size you choose when you order a SP board? or is there any more options to choose? The bamboo deck on top seems the more flexible and strongest, am i righT?

You can choose Futures or FCS fin plugs and between the bamboo decked Rapidfire or the white FST tech.
FST is stronger and has a smoother flex but is slightly more expensive. Rapidfire is a little stiffer and more springboard like. It's cheaper but the rails and bottom ding a little easier.

hey c3nasPT, don't be afraid of the length so much because the board itself has quite a bit of volume so its really going to float you well!!!

Hello everyone,

I know that I arrive late to this technology.
I can´t belive how can I ride a 6 feet board when my quiver´s shortest board is 7,6. I am 1.80cm and my weigh is 225 lb and I  surf since 2005,I am beginner to intermediate level. I usually ride my longboard 9,2 whith  1 to 6 feet waves,but  I enjoy with my 7,6 traditional surfboard too.
I have to test it,the SP looks great,I see in your web that a dealer near from my home had demos available,how it work?
I see your guide but realy I can´t belive,please advise me.
Sorry for my english but I  speak spanish

Thank you for your help.

Hey Gizona,

 Hi Chris

I'm looking for a board small waves or flabby mid-size and when I sell some surfboards of my quiver I'll be  interested in other surfboard to go a little better in larger waves

Thank you very much.

Im 6'4 and 225lbs and ride the 6'4 SP. My female friend who is 6'0 and 150lbs loves my SP to death. 6'4 isnt too big, its a good size. Especially since your wanting something bigger.

Thanks for your comment rover64dd.

Hey Chris,

Cheers for all this info on this forum...

ive been sussing out sizes for the right SP for the summer beachies for me and am after your opinion.

im 86kg (190 pounds), and 6ft tall.

Im an experienced surfer and my all rounder is a flexfire rapidfire 6"3 that i surf in anything up to 8ft Margaret River bombs!

So im undecided between a 5"6 or 5"8 SP and am after any info that will help.

cheers mate.