Thoughts on the Firewire Vacay

[CharlesTokyo]

Thanks all. The Firewire Gem is/was looking good, but Waikikiki basically echoed the thoughts I've been having the past day. I just really kind of want it because its most cool and lighter weight. Having a new cool board might provide a bit more motivation to go out and ride it a few times, but I'm past that. I guess I just want to spend money.

Going to go past the surf shop I'd like to store stuff at tomorrow and I'll figure out if space is available and the cost. If so I can probably pick up an NSP or Torq 9 foot in the area, used if possible. (Might look at the other used boards, but I'm not sure I know enough to pick a generalist longboard by appearance) I'll put the money toward surfing more. If my friend still wants me to pick him up a board in the US I might get the Vacay as we'll split the costs and we have an airline bag for that already. Otherwise I'll just stick with train and the longboard. Keep an eye out for a good deal on a used 7'2 fun board.

Time to get back to working on making some real progress again rather than trying to push myself to a cool looking, short(er) board. I wasted enough of the past year on trying to ride boards beyond my level.

The train is the truth! I made the mistake once of trying to surf on a weekday and leaving during rush hour. Never again. Wasn't quite that bad, but close though.

[NWPacifist]

...I could just go up to a 7'10 Vacay or Seaxe. Not quite a long board, but probably better to progress on. Something like a 8-9ft Torq or NSP? ....

If budget is tight, I recommend the 8' Torq: good volume, not too long, solid, pretty versatile from good to small days and affordable

For more performance, the 7'10 Seaxe is a good choice and a definite upgrade; easier to drop in steeper waves, responds and trims noticeably better than the Torq.

As for a longboard under 9', the Gem is an excellent choice. I'd go with 8'8 to be safe. But if your paddling is above average, you could even go with a 8'3 for even more response and liveliness. I think a 9'1 would be too much board for your size/weight.

I commented cause I have some of the boards you were asking about, still fairly new to surfing (3rd year) and close to your size (5'8 ,145 lbs

Pix: Gem 8'8 - Gem 8'3 - Torq 8' - Seaxe 7'6

[Tudeo]

Nice quiver! How would you compare these boards?

[MSX555]

Hi everyone!

I also have a Torq 8'6 and I love it. So kuch that I got a Gem to feel a bit more the LBHP side of it (still surfing in the Mediterranean, so waves are scarce and onsohre and mushy)

@NWPacifist, from your experience, how would you compare te Torq to the Gem? And which fins do you use on them?

Thanks in advance

May the waves be wherever you go!

[NWPacifist]

Sorry for the delay, just saw the new posts!

The Torq is great because it allowed me to practice the basics up to 3-4’ waves; paddling, pop ups, drop ins, trimming, turning…
Relatively easy to catch waves without having to be perfectly positioned.
Above that (4-5.5’ waves), the Torq starts showing its limitations. Drop ins are very fast and slippery if not properly angled to start trimming right away. Trimming feels approximative, the tail feels loose, and the delay between turns and fins response becomes obvious.
It starts feeling like the wave has as much say of where the board will go as the rider.. and proper landings often feel miraculous!

The Gem is all about control and precision. They require a better wave reading to position properly in order to catch waves. Take off are a little slower than the Torq but once up, everything is much more in control. The fins track beautifully, the rails lock in clean and precise, and the board responds flawlessly. It makes the Torq feel like a (fun) loose pillow.

small FCS2 side bites and 7” Greenough 4A on 8’3 Gem
Med FCS2 side bites and 7.5” Greenough 4A on 8’8 Gem

Seaxe has the least volume of all my boards and it seemed to require late/steeper drop ins for me to catch waves. So I’ve been waiting to feel more confortable with 4-5’ waves before I get back to it. But has really smooth tracking, trimming, and even faster turning response than Gems.

Cheers!