Looking at a new board, either the FW special T or Wingnut Noserider.

Looking for any feedback regarding people that own/have owned either. Also interested in how one would decide on length, for example a WN Noserider could be 9, 9.4 or 9.8, I know volume is critical for shortboards but when you're up at 80ish litres i dont see how it makes a masive difference.

A bit about me, based in NZ, Auckland, ride both ease and west coasts, nothing over head high these days. Intermediate skill level, 46 years old, weigh about 80kg. I have a custom "performance" longboard (9.2) with a tri set up, and a fat sumo. Im a cruiser these days nothing too full on, the waves over here range from mellow LB waves/ripples, to some nice punchy beach breaks even at chest to head - if its too punchy i'd take the sumo or custom LB.

Cheers

Just to add, I did look at McTavish FB Evo II and DT In the Pink, they're hard to get over here so ruled them out

I can only comment on the WingNutter, pretty bland/non reactive I thought.I had the 9/4 timber one.I'm around your weight.

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wavemaniac said..
I can only comment on the WingNutter, pretty bland/non reactive I thought.I had the 9/4 timber one.I'm around your weight.

When you say had did you get rid of it since you found it a bit ****e (dull) or you still got it and ride it on micro days? Cheers

Well, i didnt like it...which doesnt mean you wouldnt like the sensation.I owned that board back in 2009.

Probably 4 years later i was offered same board but only a painted finish at a very reasonable price, i knocked it back.

The rails are quite eggy from memory and i've never really liked them,even back in the 60s when they were THE rails to have.

Ive surfed with Wingnut,when he and Rob August were on Surftech tour(was probably late 2006 or 2007). Excellent longboard surfer, but i did notice the tail of his boards sliding in the steeper sections.

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Globe said..
Just to add, I did look at McTavish FB Evo II and DT In the Pink, they're hard to get over here so ruled them out

evo 2 ... better off with fireball , flatter rocker

Yes, Fireballs are very consistent boards...dependable in knee high and overhead.

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wavemaniac said..
Yes, Fireballs are very consistent boards...dependable in knee high and overhead.

So i understand never heard a bad word about them, like i say difficult to get hold of in NZ, cheers

The firewire longboards just feel out of whack to me (only surfed one twice)

Im trying to think of towballs man crush shaper in nz..roger hall ?

Surely there has to be some good shapers in enzed?

Yeah isnt the brand called Surfline I think ??

I've got a firewire timbertek shortboard and they are tough as boots. It slipped off whilst I was getting ready for a surf and landed on the concrete and gravel on it's rail. There was barely a mark on in. If that had been one of my old fibreglass boards the whole rail would have needed repairing. I'm currently looking at either a special t or tj pro. If I get one I'll let you know my thoughts.