Rider:Weight 97kgs ,Level intermediate
Style: Surf
Weather: 15-35 knots
Build Quality: ?
Satisfaction: ?
Disclosure: NA
My Comments: Looking at buying A KHF its the kiteboard version of the hell fire surfboard that firewire make.http://www.firewiresurfboards.com/kitesurfing/magento/australia/index.php/firewire-australia-kiteboards/khf-506d.html?options=cart
Interested if the strap holds are any good, as i ride with straps and dont see that changing any time soon.
Any info on how it works as a kite board duribility etc, would be great cheers.
I have not seen any around, maybe FW scared everyone off with all the de-lamination issues a few years ago?
I also like the look of the Hellfire but its only 5"6, I hear a bigger HF (5"8/"10) may be in the mix next year.
Hi Jared,
I have had the 5.6 Hellfire since Sept. I weigh 72kgs and use it on the Sunshine Coast mostly in 15 to 25 knot wind together with a 7 and 10m Cab SB. Surf around here is mostly 2 to 4 ft.
Its a great board, well made, reasonably light, and very lively under your feet. At 24.5 litre volume it does need to be ridden fairly powered in smal surf. It is super resposive for turning with step down rails. Double concaves also offers a nice smooth ride, so it is easy to handle.
The board comes with inserts, but no straps or deck grip. The inserts are as good as you could expect from a production board, however only have 2 settings for the rear and 3 for the front straps. (seems adequate)
It comes in a 3 / 4 / 5 fin configuration with quads as part of the package.
Configure your grip and straps to your liking. I have been riding unstrapped so just added Dakine deckgrip.
Build qaulity is good. I have a few small cracks on the rail from knocking against my harness, but otherwise build is solid with no signs of any issues to either decks.
At 97kgs I think this board would be a too small for you unless you are riding fully powered all the time. I think you would be better suited in the 5.10 to 6 ft sizing. Unfortunately the board only comes as a 5.6 at the moment. I would of liked a bit more volume myself at 72kgs, although overall I am really happy with this board.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Ian
Thanks IANC
im finding i need to be quite powered to ride my 6"2 so i think u might be right that i would drags this around, Maybe they will bring out a 6" for 2012,
As i get better i find i ride my smaller kites more often though, or maybe its just the good wheather were having only started late last year so this is my first steady summer winds
thanks again for the info
They look like awesome boards! I would never go back to normal epoxy boards (had 2 snap in normal surfing conditions) and have owned one FireWire for 3 or so years and it has taken a beating. Numerous holes from spreader bar (or bar and lines bar) and only having issues with deck caving in recently (cracked). But have sprained ankles on this board. They also ride like a surf board. Not bob like a cork (epoxy). I love them surfing
This particular board is now on my raider. 80 kg and I want 5 10.
