FireWire Helium core construction: fiberglass vs timbertek?

[LISurf]

Hi,

I'm looking to get the FireWire Gem longboard for here on Long Island. I'm 200 lbs so I think I'm going to get the 9'8 79.6 liters size but I am unsure on which construction to get. Looks like they offer two types- both in helium core but the options are either fiberglass or timbertek lamination. What are the differences and what would you recommend?

[LISurf]

https://www.firewiresurfboards.com/prod ... 0295114044

[Geezer]

Hello, never tried the helium core but the fiberglass construction seems similar to the older FST models of which I have had several and was ok with the feel and flex. I have had 3 or 4 timbertek boards in the past and always found them too stiff and heavier than FST but heavy in a weird boaty way which didn’t help in chop but just made it feel sluggish compared to a FST board.

[Geezer]

A couple of other considerations; the timbertek boards that I have had have all been shortboards which would flex less than a longer board. Also, timbertek is a hardy construction; the boards I had were used and even when I was selling them on they hardly had any deck compressions. They were there but hardly. I llke surftech type eps boards for my longboards; timbertek might be better in a longboard as well. If popularity means anything the timbertek boards were sold out in almost every length in the link you gave. I'd go for timbertek for a longboard given the choice.

[LISurf]

Okay so weird question.

I just picked up the Gem in timbertek.

But now I’m wondering is this full timbertek or is helium with timbertek lamination ?

It looks like helium with timber lam is new for 2024?

I see vids on YT of this word with the wood deck from 5 years ago.

I’m just wondering if I got the older construction or it’s the new helium. Cause it looks like both look the same with the wood veneer