Hey mate. I went through the same kind of search as you, I tried all the North boards but the newer designs had too much buoyancy for my weight (70kg) and they have mostly gone to thrusters whereas I prefer a quad setup. I ride strapless and jump and throw a few tricks, and was looking for a board that was strong, light and could handle the pummelling from the heels during landings and jumps. I have used firewires before but don't think they have the strength for jumping all the time, although I hear they are getting into kiting designs now.
I went with Smook as they are using some awesome concepts for board strength (see the other forums for details but you can see the carbon stringers running through the board, which are also focused on the feet landing areas). They worked out a lot cheaper than a North board without the compromises on design that you get from a production board.
I have just got the board and haven't had any wind yet, but if the forecast holds over here i'll be out on Tuesday and will post some feedback.