a grom one should be like 4'10"

LB,

The Firefly will be released in Feb 2010 and comes in 505 - 603.

Here's some pix of the first proto Firefly's (Feb 2010 release)

That 6'1" looks deadly for my stats... ;-0

What are the differences in the Firefly vs. the Futura and the Quadraflex?

The Firefly has a wider nose than the Futura, and a slightly wider tail, and even though the thickest part of the board is very similar, the Firefly has a more even foil giving it a thicker nose and tail. It really sits between the Futura and the Dominator for someone looking for more float in a shorter board, but not wanting to go the full chunk that the DM offers.

The Quadraflex falls into the hi performance quad category, like the Alternator & Flexfire's do in the 3 fin category - think of it as a 4-fin Alternator, leaner and cleaner than the Firefly, Dominator or the Futura and designed for better waves.

Looks awesome guys. It's nice to see it's so far along in development. if you are releasing it in Feb. That must mean, production has started.

we'll be starting production in mid December.

Some guys in Jbay are frothing for this one....Nice one guys

What size and type waves would the firefly work best in?

I'll be getting a 6'1" Firefly, looks perfect for my weight -200 lbs... currently have a 6'6" Alternator (old model) and will probably pick up a 6'0" Dominator to replace a dying PU junky wave board that's just about had enough (pressures, dings, loss of volume, etc) prior to the release of the Firefly, but in regards to the comparison above between the Alternator and the Quadraflex (above comment) as more "designed for better waves", and I really, really like better waves, and my Alternator only gets pulled out on such occasions, so why not a tri-fin Quadraflex shape, because I also really like swallows, but I am not interested in buying a strictly quad fin board. A strictly tri fin board I'm fine with, a tri/quad I'm fine with...but quad only, not so much. Basically I'd like to see a Quadraflex with three fins.... possible? And yes the Futura is a consideration and the 6'2" or 6'4" is also a future possible quiver addition. Possible tri fin Quadraflex custom order?

Hisurf,

As you know, there are endless choices when it comes to outlines and fin placements. We've tried to address as many as possible and we are continually adding to the range. In addition, the 5/4/3 boards can fill that niche. As you mentioned, both the Alternator and the Futura are good options for a 3-fin 'Quadraflex-like' outline - the Futura is often an overlooked board in our line up and would suit your needs, especially if you are looking for a swallow. Its got a clean foil and rocker.

Re a custom Quadraflex 3-fin: maybe down the road - right now the custom program is limited as follows. Our tech is complex to build and we're only 3 years old - we've got to keep our factory relatively streamlined to deliver what's already on our plate.

http://www.firewiresurfboards.com/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=75

Thanks Mark, picked up the 6'0" Dominator yesterday... used it once so far, super fun and loose with three fins. Looking forward to trying it as a quad. Can't wait for the Firefly and to continue building the quiver...

Just wondering if these boards are going to available for demo
Seems like there is so many choices to make when buying a board
I guess it all comes down to experience, the waves you will be surfing and how you want to surf.
Where i live i want to ride my short boards but find myself reaching for my biggest
Most people dont have an unlimted budget and have the luxury to update the quiver on a regular basis
I also agree with Nev's comments about having one go to board that you are comfortable on in a broad range of conditions
I guess what i'm trying to say is too many boards in the quiver makes for too many decisions when all i want to do is pack the car quickly and go surf

Monkey,


There will be some Firefly demo boards at retail by Feb. But please keep in mind its just not possible for us to put a broad cross section of demo boards in all our retailers. I know this creates some challenges for surfers who want to try Firewire's tech, hopefully all the information on the Forum will help you make decisions.

A couple years ago I can understand surfers reluctance to buy Firewire boards based purely on the technology - it was unproven and all surfboards are not cheap (at least premium Brand hi performance boards).

Today, after 3 years in the market and over 25,000 boards sold, I think the broad cross section of testimonials have given our tech the credibility it needed. Now you can evaluate the different models as you would most surfboards - basic shape, DIMS, foil, volume etc, all the while knowing that the tech is legit and does improve performance.

Too many surfers simply will not go back to traditional PU after riding a Firewire. As mentioned in earlier threads, that's one of the main reasons we all joined the company in the first place.

Regarding your every day quiver - I think 3 is the magic number while keeping as distinct a design to each board as possible. I have over 12 Firewire's in my garage and all serve a purpose, but if I consider the ones I ride the most, its only 3 of them.

hey mark..
come on mate, dont tease...which 3 are the chosen ones?

see ya
dave

DM510
FY511 (just got this one and love it)
FE602/QF602

I know that's 4, but unless its super hollow, I like riding quads so the QF602 gets the nod if overhead and not grinding.

thanks mark..always good to see how others blend their quiver....
i have been riding a rar 6'4 exclusively for the last 2 months..interesting to see its limits..its a challenge in sucky/bare rock situations, but can ride it from well overhead full and bumpy conditions right down to 1-2 foot junk...as i tune in to it, its surfing in more critical parts of the wave, though not as tight as the flexfire or taj obviously...but its proving to be a great board for less than perfect conditions without losing the normal board feel you lose when you jump on fish etc....i'm approx 90 kilos by the way...
as i said to nev, i get every guy in the water to ride this board and all are sold on the tech, even if the shape isnt their choice or size..your market will definitely snowball as more people try the boards..

see ya
dave

You are dead right cpt
To fully appreciate and understand the characteristics and performace of a board its good to ride it all the time for a couple of months. Or at least as much as you can.
A quiver of boards is good but sometimes you are always thinking too much about what board to ride. Especially when time is a factor
At the moment i am waiting on a order for a Futura and am hoping it will cover all bases.
I really like the pivot point of a thruster so i'm not swayed by quads and the guys where i live swear by them
Time will tell
I still believe in that one magic board that feels perfect for the individual 80% of the time
Thanks for the feedback

The Futura is an under appreciated board in our line up - and a great all rounder. good choice.

Have you rode the firefly in a quad yet?

I've ridden in both ways - prefer the quad by a narrow margin.

HI all.... Excuse my ignorance for this subject, but is this the Firefly made by COLE (Bat tail/quad set up)? Plus, I have a number of Q's on my mind; so I'll be bugging if that's okay.... Thank U, and Pura Vida!

Our Firefly is a swallow tail 5/4/3 fin set up. If Cole has a Firefly it is coincidental and does not have any connection to our design.

I thought the same thing when I first heard about the Firewire Firefly. I thought it was another mash-up of two different surfboard shapers. However, I checked out the two outlines and they are different. You guys should collaborate with Cole on his Trunk model or with Lost's RNF.

When the Firefly comes out will there be a short video clip like the dominator Noah Snyder video where its shredding in small waves.

we're working on a number of videos with our boards, but its dependent of the waves cooperating etc - I'm sure we'll have something in place over the next month or so.

Would a 5'6'' Dominator be to big for me if I am 5'6'', 119pounds and a intermidate surfer or would the 5'5'' Firefly be better for knee to head high New York beach brake surfing? I currently ride a 5'8''x 18 1/3''x 2 1/8'' squash tail shortboard for all conditions. THANKS

Depends on what you're looking for on a board!!!.The 5'6" dominator will float you like a boat at 119lbs. The firefly has a more refined outline and looks thinner that the dominator. If you're looking for maneuverability on a board,the firefly is more performance oriented whereas the dominator is more all around oriented board. I personally like the dominator .I'm 5'7",75kgs and ride a 5'10" dominator which gives me just the right flotation.
For sure Nev or Mark will jump soon and nobody better than them to give you an accurate answer since well...they have tried them all!!!jejeje

LB,

I think the DM will be too floaty. I know plenty of guys who are 140-160 lbs and are riding the 508, better hold out for the FY505.

Is the Firefly on track to be in the shops by February. What wave size range do you think the Firefly would suit as I currently ride a FAR606B and find it great however floatation in small waves "1-2ft" is an issue as I weigh 104kgs and very a experieced and progressive in ability. So I am looking to replace the 606 with a FFY603 to give me the extra floatation and wider wave size range especially in smaller waves, I am crossing my fingers that the Firefly would offer a range from 1-6ft+ any comments would be great.

nn66,

Very few boards are going to perform well in 1-6 feet, inevitably a board that rips in 1-3 is going to have tradeoffs in 4-6.

The Firefly is definitely best suited for surf in the 1-4 range, but I think the nose and tail are a touch wide for solid 4-6. The AR606 has a volume of 36L and the FY603 is 39.8L, so its got 10% additional volume.

The Firefly will hit retail in Feb, probably towards the end of the month. I'd suggest having your local retailer prebook one for you as there seems to be a lot of interest in them.

marp

I have been considering the FDM604 as a board for 1-4ft and by the comments on the forum and speaking to my local shop it is not suited to 5ft+ waves, so that's where I thought the FY603 might offer better performance in 4-6ft as the tail is more pulled in and more refined overall than the FDM604.I look forwrd to your comments as to which would be a better way to go.

Definitely agree the FY603 would work better in 4-6 than the DM604, and would still rip in 1-4. I think you're on the right track.

Hi, would you loose much drive with the shorter rail line of the diamond tail firefly ?
Also how would the 5'11" paddle compared to a 6'4" flexfire ? Volume of the firefly is greater but how does it relate as the outlines are very different. I'm 6ft 85kgs ( 187 lbs ) i assume the 32 litres would be enough.
thanks

There is no appreciable difference in the drive relative to the rail line between the Swallow and Diamond tail Firefly.

The FY511 is going to paddle better than the FE604. Not just because of the volume, but the FY has a lower entry rocker and is wider up front, putting more foam under your chest, both of which enhance paddling.

Thanks Mark , thats what i thought in regards to the paddling but your chart has me on a 6'0' dominator.I guess i will try a 5'10" dominator to check float.
As for the tail options what are the advantages of going either diamond or swallow?

I think the tail is largely a matter of personal preference. The diamond is going to give you slightly more float in the tail but I doubt its measurable, and perhaps more pivot off the diamond like a rounded pin. Perhaps others with stronger views c an weigh in

Hola Gringo,
My two cents, (at 200 pounds and riding the Dominator 6'0) is that the 510 Dominator is going to be too small for you.
I realize that many want to go super short, and the Dominator allows this because of its high volume to length ratio, but the 6'0 footer is PLENNY loose, believe me!
If you are active, and surf a bunch, (like three or more surfs a week), maybe you could paddle the 5'10 much better than I do, but if you don't have to sacrifice volume for looseness, why go too short?
Anyways, my two cents.
Best,
RodT

I have a Alternator FAR-606 which has been good but has a problem is flotation when it's 1-2 Foot and want to sell it to buy a Firefly 603 do you think this is a good idea as I know the Firefly will offer better floatation in the small stuff however don't want to loose the performance in 4-6 foot. Should I sell it or have both.

Hi nn66,
The FAR606 may work okay when the surf is 1to 2 feet, but it is not the ideal board for those waves. I find the AR to really come alive when the waves are more like chest high or better. If you could only have ONE surfboard, the AR would be the board to keep, if you regularly get the 4 to 6 foot waves you mention. Otherwise, picking up a second board to suit the small knee to thigh high surf you describe would make you happy in those conditions for sure.
So in a nutshell, you are looking for one board to handle 1 to 2 foot surf, and 4 to 6 foot performance surf, and that surfboard does not really exist, to give you everything you want/need in such a variety of conditions.
The FIrefly 6'3 or the next size down would be ideal for you as a second board,
BEst,
RodT

Hi Rod , i,m not thinking of a dominator but a firefly @ 5'11" as i feel the 6'1" may be just too much board. my current small wave board is 6'0" x 19 3/4 x 2 3/8 and floats fine but lacks drive due to heavey tail rocker. i consider myself to be above intermediate and a 6'4" flexfire with about 5% less volume is about right.

Can you please tell us what the volume of the FY605 is? Is the release of Firefly in Australia beginning of February or towards the end?

44.1L - will be adding it to website shortly.

Thanks, can you tell me please is the Firefly available in Australia at the beginning of February or the end as my local shop had no idea. I have another question we finally had some 3ft+ waves in NSW two days ago and took out my AR606 after riding my 605 carbon fibre epoxy quad eps foam board. The problem I find with the AR606 is the lack of flotation as I am 105kg however I do like the performance I am trying to decide should I go for a AR608 to get added floation and have a board to ride in solid waves and have the FAR603 for 1-4ft or just get the FAR605 for everything from 1-6ft+.

not sure on Oz availability, I've emailed them to respond to you on that.

nn66, please double check your style numbers listed, we don't make an FAR603 or FAR605?

I meant the FFY603 and FFY605 sorry for the confusion

The FY605 is a beast, it has +20% flotation than the AR606. I think its going to be too much board for you in 4-6' surf, especially at 21.5" wide. I think the FY603 would be better at 10% more float than your AR606, plus its wider in the nose and has an lower entry rocker than the AR - both of which will make paddling easier.

Not sure where you live exactly, but most people ride 1-4' surf more than 5-7', and if that is the case, get a great board for the 1-4 and the FY603 would cover that.

http://www.firewiresurfboards.com/quiver_volumes.php?boardid=volumes

Can the Firefly model be rided as a twin fin? THANKS

You could but the plugs don't seem to be placed for it...it wouldn't be a pure twin fin,rather an experiment but who knows...you might find it magical. Experiment!!!