Firewire Dominator 2

[ColdSurf]

Hi There

Looking to get the Firewire Dominator 2 model. I don't live anywhere near a board shop that has a demo model so I'm curious if someone here has any experience with this board.
I'm 42 years old, 5.11, and weight around 180lb and I would consider myself an intermediate surfer. I'm currently surfing a 6'8" with a lot of volume and I'm looking to get something a bit smaller with higher performance.
I'm considering a 6.4 model but I'm really in doubt if I should get an even shorter board.
Thanks in advance!

[Naeco78]

I think going from a 6'8" with lots of volume to a 5'11 performance shortboard might be a massive jump.
I'm 42 also and around the same. I wouldnt go much below 40L. It looks like the 5'11" Dominator is around 33L. I had something around that volume earlier this year and I felt like the waves needed overhead before the board started to feel adequate. Surfing really felt like work at that size/volume.

I've tried to stick with boards in the Hybrid Fish or Groveler categories with a wider tail and nose. Dropping below 37-38L is especially noticeable for me and probably wouldn't even consider it unless it has really flat rocker and a wider outline. But I would stick to 6' / 40L and above if your current board just isnt working for you anymore.

[Naeco78]

Ha nevermind I misread. Yeah youre right around 40L with the 6'4"
I probably wouldnt go much shorter.. but I think you might be better off with a Hybrid that would probably paddle better and glide through the flat section better.
I hate to admit it but I think performance shortboards feel like too much work at this age. I could still ride them but it just doesnt seem worth it to me anymore. Surfing seems more enjoyable when I'm not constantly pumping and trying to generate my own speed.