Does anybody have either of these boards? I'm looking for a single board that I can use in waist high to overhead surf and these are the 2 all rounders that I have narrowed it down to (Phenom 5'8 and HF 5'10). I liked the look of the Cabrinha Signature 5'10 but I doubt it's toughness and marginal wind performance. I'm quite new to kiting but have years of surfing and windsurfing experience.
I'm 6'1 and 85kg with 8 & 11m Drifters looking to surf strapless, any thoughts and opinions would be great.
Also, does anybody know if the Firewire shapes are different for kiting from the same model surfboards?
Re : FireWire shapes ... Only difference is the strength of the kite specific models. Also pretty sure they can make all models in "kite construction "
Mate, why don't you go the BWS White Noise...FCS 2 fins system play with thruster and quad and produced on the Goldie by DHD.
I am lighter than you and trialled the 5'11" on Namotu recently and that would be your size (I am going the 5'9" for my birthday in September).
just got me a couple of Vanguard Tomo's epoxy surfboards 5'4" and 6'0" seem like they are up to the task.
The BWS look good, it's just the glass job I worry about. The top glass is only 4oz cloth which is the same as an off the shelf shortboard. I surf a 6' x 19.5 x 2.5 Lost Subdriver and would love the size down for kiting, but the deck would be moon like after 5 or so sessions.
I've had a Firewire surfboard and know they last, I just don't know how their shapes (HF) would go for kiting. The Phenom looks good on paper but apparently weighs a tonne.
I don't know about the Vanguards, never fancied them as a surfboard so I'm reluctant to try for kiting. Saying that I might love them if I try..
I'd rather the classic surfboard shape, but built for kiting.
I have a Phenom which I'm stoked with. It's great in light winds due to it being 29ltr's, but it turns on a dime. It is a weighty board but it feels incredibly solid under foot and you don't notice the weight once it hits the water. When doing big punts, I have complete confidence in it when landing that it's not going to snap, I have snapped a few other boards. I have surfed it up to 6 foot running Marzo Futures and it is still solid as.
I have no hesitation recommending it.
Cheers Croc
Select to expand quoteHighzaKite said..
just got me a couple of Vanguard Tomo's epoxy surfboards 5'4" and 6'0" seem like they are up to the task.
Did you go for the kite or regular Firewire construction?
Do you think the regular construction would last in cross shore winds?
My 5'6 hellfire is nice,but kitesurf construction makes it 3kgs fat no fins.
Good in most conditions,not so for punts without heaps of speed. Very stiff board in this construction. Goes well in light wind and the big stuff as well
Had it a few seasons too. This season is all about the punts so new board from santa i reckon
Select to expand quoteRosieKB said..HighzaKite said..
just got me a couple of Vanguard Tomo's epoxy surfboards 5'4" and 6'0" seem like they are up to the task.
Did you go for the kite or regular Firewire construction?
Do you think the regular construction would last in cross shore winds?
got a couple of second-handys, regular constx but advantage of being lighter - the 5'4" was bargain basement as it has dodgy artist paint job so no great loss if it snaps or gets depressions. I usually go out in onshore, but if I go out in cross-shore I will report back with my findings. Still not sure if thruster or quad the go with these boards thye look like they might work better as a quad.
Select to expand quotegcdave said..
My 5'6 hellfire is nice,but kitesurf construction makes it 3kgs fat no fins.
Good in most conditions,not so for punts without heaps of speed. Very stiff board in this construction. Goes well in light wind and the big stuff as well
Had it a few seasons too. This season is all about the punts so new board from santa i reckon
I think I had the same board 5'4", very strong but very heavy and needed heaps of wind to go, couldn't get rid of it quick enough
