Hi guys,

I'm looking at buying a 6'2 firewire dominator and was wondering if anyone has ridden/owned one and might be able to offer some feedback on how they go.

I'm 5'11 tall, 93kgs
Surf mainly beach breaks between Joondalup & Mandurah
Ability could be described as somewhere between Intermediate and Crap.
Current ride is a 6'6 JS Blak Box

I've never ridden a FW, but am chasing something durable and fun in everything from summer mush to larger winter swells.

Feedback/comments/abuse would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

Bump.

Surely someone has some experience with Firewire boards...

Ive never surfed one but they very durable, I know of a couple that are 3+ years old and still look good. Slight deck dents but generally like new.

I will surf one at some stage..

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doggie said...


I will surf one at some stage..

If you introduce me to some of those secret surf spots of yours, i'll let you surf mine :)

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LateStarter said...

doggie said...


I will surf one at some stage..

If you introduce me to some of those secret surf spots of yours, i'll let you surf mine :)

Mmm that sounds like a good deal, alltho I mite flamed for giving them away

What size are you thinking?

You only get flamed if you give the secret spots away on an open forum. As someone who's not a Perth local I've missed out on all the local hints, tips and so called secret spots.

The surfing community can be a bit of a secret society at times - its like when I lived in Karratha and you'd see someone unload their catch at the boatramp after a morning's fishing. You'd see a big Mackerel and politely ask "Wow, where'd you catch that?" More often than not the response was 'South of Whim Creek'.

As for the Dom, I'm going for the 6'2. I'd probably prefer the 6'0 but being a bigger lad and a latecomer to surfing, I'll play it safe and go with the extra 4ltrs of volume in the 6'2.

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LateStarter said...

You only get flamed if you give the secret spots away on an open forum. As someone who's not a Perth local I've missed out on all the local hints, tips and so called secret spots.

The surfing community can be a bit of a secret society at times - its like when I lived in Karratha and you'd see someone unload their catch at the boatramp after a morning's fishing. You'd see a big Mackerel and politely ask "Wow, where'd you catch that?" More often than not the response was 'South of Whim Creek'.

As for the Dom, I'm going for the 6'2. I'd probably prefer the 6'0 but being a bigger lad and a latecomer to surfing, I'll play it safe and go with the extra 4ltrs of volume in the 6'2.

Wise choice, width and thickness. Most of my boards are 19 wide and around 2.5 thick, only my bigger boards are less than 19 but still retain the thickness as Al Merrick says "foam is your friend" I guess he knows what he is talking about

Go and see Dave at katana in osy park just picked up my second epoxy from him. Best boards I've ever had.

I've got 2 firewires and another on order.They are 5'10"Dominator,6'6" quadraflex and a 6'2" hellfire on order. The Dominator is the go to board when the waves are a metre or so.Great fun,plenty of float,easy to paddle.Go to their web site to make sure you get the right size.A mate got a 6'0" and it was too much board but he weighs only 65kgs.

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smicko said...

Go and see Dave at katana in osy park just picked up my second epoxy from him. Best boards I've ever had.

In a couple of shops they wont trade them or colin earle boards, do you know why?
They actually have signs up.

I reckon coz hes a 'backyard shaper' and does it cheaper than the BIG BOYS so they gang up...slanderous accusations!!!!

ive ridden and therefore bought his boards for many years, just departed with one that was 10+ yrs old (on bring out ya dead day - some one, my neighbour, took it,) have never had a dud and always get a good deal on trade in. Have always been meaning to ask why the stuck up f&^%$*&^kers in the big shops refuse a trade in.....
but you know what.....dont care, i keep getn new KATANA'S and am always stoked

plus dave is as surf stoked as any grommie and will always listen to what you want and shape it for ya.....

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doggie said...

smicko said...

Go and see Dave at katana in osy park just picked up my second epoxy from him. Best boards I've ever had.

In a couple of shops they wont trade them or colin earle boards, do you know why?
They actually have signs up.

Probably because they refuse to sell their handcrafted boards to the shops for a coupla hunj so the shops can onsell them for a grand. Here's a link for you Doggie. Chinese made SUP for $155-350
bolangsports.en.alibaba.com/product/461920400-212521443/SUP_Surf_board_with_bamboo_surface.html
Have a good look around Alibaba and DHGATE and you'll get a shock mate. Leggies for 5 bucks, fins, boards etc etc That'll give you some idea of what these "poor struggling retailers" are making per board.

And why I'd rather support my local shaper and buy direct.
Not only that but you get a board built by someone who knows your local waves and what will work in them. If you've never had a crack at one of Daves boards drop in and have a look. They is good.

Im 6ft 100kg and just got a Firewire Spitfire in 6'6. Ive only had two surfs on it but so far I love it. Cant believe how well they paddle as well.

If I was you I'd look at the Spitfire over the Dominator as it appears to be a "tweaked Dominator" with the thinner rail at the tail. Havent had the chance to really hook in but love it.

Mine is the Rapidfire which is nice and springy but the FST seem to be tougher.

EB

Go the Dom or Spitfire, great boards for what they are, easy to paddle in and catch heaps of waves and have lots of fun, destroyed my shoulder 3 years ago and the Dom gets me lots of waves. Personally if you can get fit again a 2011 custom board from any great shaper would be my dream, they all work to that next level, but for me now the Dom is it.

Just got a 5'10 Spitfire and 6'2 dominator.

The spitfire is a great small wave board/punt board. Paddles really well. I havent surfed the dominator yet but I bought that for the 6 foot days where I require more hold - The round tail will work a bit better to hold you on that steep face or in the barrel.

The spitfire is best surfed as a quad setup with some good glass fins and I havent surfed the dom yet but I will be using it in 6 foot waves set up as a thruster (occy kinetic racing fins - nice and big).