Firewire Special T vs The Gem

[olivier1313]

Hello everyone,

I'm very interested in buying a longboard from Firewire, after testing a 9' Special T in Sayulita (Point break in Mexico).
The board was really easy to paddle and really nice to maneuver. After looking at Firewire longboards, I'm not so sure what to buy anymore.

Let's start by the beginning:
I'm 6'6", 190lbs, intermediate (been surfing 4years on a 8'6" Haut Longboard + 2 years on a 6'6" Firewire Hellfire), surfing in NorCal (Montara, Pacifica, Santa Cruz, Ocean Beach...).

I'm really looking to replace the Haut longboard that is starting to get old, and I got much better feeling on the Special T while in vacation. Looking for a board that can handle from 1-2ft to 5-6ft when a good swell is coming!
Do you have any advices/recommendations between these two boards (and even on the other Firewire longboards)?

Thank you

Cheers,

Olivier

[Tudeo]

This guy has made a few videos comparing The Gem and Special T.

[olivier1313]

Thanks! I'm gonna look at it for sure!

[waikikikichan]

Isn't one of the determining factors is that the Special T is a dedicated Single fin ?

[olivier1313]

Yeah it looks like it's one of his comment too.
The tri-fins gives him more speed and response on The Gem.

I think I might go for The Gem, but I'm wondering about dimensions now.

I've tried the Special T 9' (71L), and I thought it was great.
Now I'm hesitating between The Gem:
- 9'1" (67L)
- 9'5" (70L)

What do you think would be the best for my weight (190lbs) and level (4-5 years surfing, intermediate)?

Thanks!

[Tudeo]

This Youtube guy made 3 video's of The Gem, at that time he named it the best longboard he ever had. But in a later video he calls the Skindog Blender even better than The Gem. More responsive, but much more expensive. He sold his Gem..

In the Youtube comments there's a lot of talk about sizing, and it seems to me, he recommends the 9'1 in most cases. Also for your 190lbs, if I'm right.

I studied his vids, and comments, deeply. I'm on the lookout for a Gem 9'1 myself, but hard to get here in Bali.

BTW. that Skindog Blender is made in Thunderbolt tech, Firewire just bought it.. Thunderbolt works with carbon overlays on eps core, and some more to give it (very) low weight, strength and a good flex.

Couple weeks ago I met a Korean surfer with an Harley Ingleby Cruiser in Thunderbolt, he let me hold it. I shouldn't have done that...

[dtc]

At 190lb I agree that a 9’1 is sufficient. I mean it’s only a 3% difference in length and volume, so there isnt really that much difference (or benefit in going longer)

[olivier1313]

Cool!
Thank you very much for your answers.

I will actually look at the "Skindog Blender" too before taking a decisoon

[misscorinna]

I am also debating between the Special T, The Gem, The Colapintail, and the MangoJam.
What did you end up choosing?