Slater Designs "Cymatic" "Sci-Fi" "SKX" Surfboards Owner Review

An Owners comparison of 3 Firewire boards covering wave types and fin set ups.

[@a.lame.username.]

That Cymatic is the most amazing board I've ever ridden! I feel like I'm doing the best surfing of my life on it...

[@jaywilldoit]

This was one of the nicest reviews, it's like listening to a nice narrated story. Please do more.

[@leighwilson1524]

Thank you for your kind words. I own these boards so it is hard to do frequent review as I am not able to get demos.

[@dantomo81]

Awesome Leigh !! Glad you are enjoying our designs : ) Thanks for the review.

[@leighwilson1524]

I tried out the new H4 fins from FCS today on the Cymatic in poor surf but so far so good. I would love to do a review on a Sci-Fi 2.0 but my Cymatic is only 4 months old. Thanks for designing great boards.

[@a.lame.username.]

Hooray for Tomo!

[@TheJDenz]

Great review!! I have been looking for an honest review on this board by someone who isn't a pro surfer, not saying your surf isn't good as a matter of fact i hope i surf as good as you do at your age. keep it up

[@leighwilson1524]

Thanks TheJDenz for your kind words. I find yoga and stretching for an hour a day helps fight old age well.

[@gregschexnayder5630]

Thanks for the review. I started on an Evo and was blown away by the speed right away. Like you said, my buds were amazed at the waves I was making/connecting because of the speed. I next got an SKX and sold it pretty quick - felt stiff and a bit sticky on the waves. Then a Hydronaught for a serious waves trip - magic in big, hollow, very good surf. Cymatic next - love it!!! Does everything well - Also got a Hydroshort as my newest board. Good tip about being more forward on the board than you think when you paddle/catch waves. Cheers! Can't recommend #Tomosurfboards enough - they just work

[@leighwilson1524]

Hi Greg, thanks for you feed back. You're right the SKX does feel dead after the Cymatic. Still enjoy the Sci-Fi but I hope they have not made the Sci-Fi 2.0 too close to the Cymatic as the original Sci-Fi use to grovel well and was good on fat slow waves. I was stoked when I got a comment from Tomo Surfboards.

[@DiesIsSkateboardRock]

thank you for this really helpful video! :)

[@eddyleeinternationalrefere5569]

Thanks bro, I’m buying one great positive feedback excellent!

[@leighwilson1524]

Enjoy your Cymatic Eddie. I bought mine in September 19. I just bought a Dominator 2 as I am about to turn 68 I need a couple more litres of flotation now.

[@clintonvargas5050]

Great review of the performance and finally an honest account of the flaws in the construction. I have had 3 omni's and now into my second cymatic (50yrs old 84kg all boards 5'6's). The boards go fantastic, the cymatic definitely has the performace edge. The LFT is rubbish as far as longevity, starts to yellow as you leave the shop. Small cracks (always where the rail meets the skin) suck water into the foam straight away, causing soft patches that never really repair properly. I have had these things drying for 3+ weeks and still had water seeping out. I have other epoxys (JS hyfi, DhD), even a budget knock off Aloha that last longer than the LFT. Don't get me started on FSC2 fin boxes in LFT, admittedly only started using the fin tool on board No3 but the issue still persists. I have had hairline cracks then loose fin boxes after just surfing. Sorry for the rant, still one of the best boards I have ridden (cymatic). I might get 6mths (surfing 2-3times a week) out of one of these things but it is pretty much finished. 3 years and five board in, I have yet to sell one second hand, the upside is stoked groms being given free thrashed boards. Go back to the drawing board on the construction Tomo!

[@leighwilson1524]

Hi Clinton, I am hearing you, all the things I have experienced with LFT, you have. The problem is the board goes so well and I am so use to the Quad inside concave other boards for me do not feel quick. Yes I have also given my old boards away as I would feel wrong in selling them. I hope Firewire reads your comments.

[@hijkovanderlinden3223]

I agree. Lft surfs great, but they yellow real quik.

[@a.lame.username.]

I've had one Evo since 2014. Yellow but mint condition. I find LFT to outlast most other construction.

[@ChadAtkinson]

Great review One of my boards is an Evo and I am keen for a Cymatic

[@leighwilson1524]

Thanks Chad. I believe that the Cymatic will work in a large range of wave. I have been riding it as a Quad be now try the new FCS H4s as a Tri.

[@surfininmy40s]

You are a shredder at 66. Keep surfing 🤙🏾

[@leighwilson1524]

Thanks mate. I am now almost 71 now and my current quiver is a Revo 5'10, FRK 6'1" and a Tolhurst HI MID 6 @ 7 foot. I still surf daily and my good days are still the same but with aging you just have less good days. I still froth like a grom

[@surfininmy40s]

@@leighwilson1524 I will try to be like you and surf into my 70’s. Amazing 🤩

[@OneEightNate]

Great reviews! You're a ripper!

[@leighwilson1524]

Thanks Natan. I enjoyed watching your video, nicely shot and FCPXed

[@chrro466]

Very nice review. You obviously have a very understanding partner/wife as your board storage area is mint. So would you get your hands on the new tommo el fish and do a review because I’m thinking it may be the perfect balance between the sci-fi and the cymatic . Thanks for the honest reviews

[@leighwilson1524]

Hi Chris, Thanks. The clean board area is that way because it is a new house after 40 years in the old one. The new Sci-Fi 2.0 has just been released and they describe it as a mix between the Cymatic and the old Sci-Fi. Link firewiresurfboards.com/products/sci-fi-2-0

[@tomluhrs3425]

Awesome!!! Would you happen to have a link for the front traction pad on the Cymatic. Cheers

[@leighwilson1524]

Hi Tom, I am glad that you found the review useful. I have been using the pads for about 8 years now and use no wax at all. The link for the pad www.oceanearthstore.com/surfboard-tail-pads/down-the-line-3-piece-centre-deck-pad/ and Boomerang pieces www.oceanearthstore.com/surfboard-tail-pads/boomerang-4-piece-tail-pad-black/

[@ahamilton1305]

Great comparisons and great to see surf footage too. Where are you based?

[@leighwilson1524]

Sorry I don't know how I missed you comment. Better late than never they say. I am soon going to do a Cymatic vs Dominator 2. Unfortunately no new footage. I am based on the South Coast NSW AUS. Sorry again for missing you.

[@Parallel7th]

Hi Leigh, great video. I am contemplating getting a 5'4 Cymatic for my daughter who is an intermediate beginner -- 11y/o, 4'10'' tall. She surfs in 2-3 ft beach break. Your thoughts on how this board performs in those conditions? I hope she could grow into the board. Thanks.

[@leighwilson1524]

Hi Tuan. Surfing with your daughter or son is so much fun. I had the pleasure of doing it with my son. The Cymatic is a board that has a long getting to know period. A board that is easier to get to know but has similar performance is a Firewire Dominator 2. review by Noel Salas Surf n Shown Ep112.kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3bUc6mBd5atfaM On his website you can do a side by side board comparison between the two boards. The only difference between the boards is the Dominator is more user friendly, paddles better but the Cymatic is quicker rail to rail. Both boards were on his favourites list and he rides it when he free surfs. My Cymatic is now worn out and I have a Dominator 2 on order.

[@hijkovanderlinden3223]

Great review. I own a Omni and a Hydroshort from Tomo, both great boards. One thing about fins. I always go smaller when the waves get bigger and go for a large fin when the waves get small. I think a bigger fin generates more drive in a small wave. Have you ever tried a bigger fin in smaller waves. Looking forward to your review of the wavepool. Greetings

[@leighwilson1524]

Hi Hijko, Thanks for your comments. I agree with your fin wave selection and add that I prefer large upright in small waves and medium raked fins when it is bigger but I have found my H4 fins medium so good in most size wave I ride.

[@spottyone584]

Hey hijko how are you finding the Hydroshort? I came here for the Cymatic but I'm really a fan of the Helium technology - so the Hydroshort is also in the running!

[@hijkovanderlinden3223]

@@spottyone584 I like the flex of LFT better and when the waves get more power ( I think) LFT sits better in the water. Still the hydroshort is a great board to surf. Easy to catch waves on and fun in less then perfect waves. But when the waves get good I go for my Omni.

[@spottyone584]

@@hijkovanderlinden3223 thanks for the reply.

[@kenkohncke7929]

Thanks Leigh, great review. What size is your Cymatic? BTW, I have just got one myself, haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but am looking forward to it! Mines 5'9" I'm 87 Kg, 57 years old.

[@leighwilson1524]

Hi Ken Thanks mate. My Cymatic is 5'7" , I am 72kg and 66 years of age. The secret is to paddle with your chest more forward than normal, it will surprise you how well it catches waves.

[@spottyone584]

Hey Ken, I'm the same stats as you - how are you finding the 5'9" Cymatic?

[@tonykoos5986]

Great job reviewing, thanks man. I'm 178 cm, 70 kgs and 43 years old. I'm probably a low intermediate and I've been riding a large 6'4" 45 L Omni and liked everything except the stickiness on turns and the paddle back out. I've got a Lost 6'3" 30 L as a thruster and I like it in clean conditions for it's agility, rocker on bigger waves and duck diving. I don't like the extra work on the paddle however. Now, I am looking at a 5'8" cymatic that has about 33 L. Do you have any comments on what I might expect in terms of paddling or otherwise?

[@leighwilson1524]

Hi Tony, Sorry I missed you old comment. Sorry again. I would be thinking 5'10" 36.4L. Because of the round nose it duck dives easier than a pointed nose and it will be easier to get use too.

[@tonykoos5986]

@@leighwilson1524 - it's all good. I came across at 6'0" cymatic which is like 41 liters or something in Bali, second hand. I set it up as a twin fin. It is a little too big but is a lot easier to catch waves than the 5'6" Evo...

[@gordonflash3698]

Great review. Have you tried the Omni?

[@leighwilson1524]

Hi Gordon Flash, I have not tried the Omni I have heard that they are a great but have been told that you need a better quality wave than the Cymatic. Last year at Kandooma Right in the Maldives I videoed an Italian guy flying on his 5'9" Omni. Check it out at kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ67dWl3mqysrdE at 1m 49 seconds.

[@n8dawg85]

Hi Leigh, i’ve got a Cymatic too and loving it👌👌 how do you find those O&E front deck pads? Noticed you have them on a few boards. Looking to try one over wax maybe on the cymatic. Cheers

[@leighwilson1524]

I have had about 7 boards with the front deck pads. I will never go back to wax. Be sure to copy what I have done layout wise. I use a rolling pin to remove some bubbles but I wet the deck first to give some working time before it takes. I then use a hair dryer to warm the pads glue and wait 24 hours before i use it. A bonus, no wax bludgers in the car park

[@n8dawg85]

@@leighwilson1524 Good stuff! Thanks for the tips. I’ll use your Cymatic as a reference. Great review btw. I’ve been riding mine as a thruster for about 6 months and just switched to a quad setup but with less raked back fins. Much quicker on rail now 🤙

[@leighwilson1524]

@@n8dawg85 My son uses Reactors Quad set and loves it. Thanks for watching

[@n8dawg85]

@@leighwilson1524 same quad set i use👍

[@latentsea]

Bruh! Keep those knees bent when ye stand up and pumps and cuttys back mate... back knee over toes. Keep back straight. Chest sideways (not forward when going straight) leading shoulder initiate turn, Minimize arm movement and get a C.I. Fred Rubble 6’3” 2-5/8 . You’ll kill it bra! Tai chi horse stance good practice, and yes yoga is great idea. Your the.man! Pump that skateboard and congrats on da house cous! :)

[@leighwilson1524]

Cheers latentsea. Kind words and good advice. 5am is my daily 1 hour home Yoga/Stretch session. Frothing is not only for groms.

[@jagsanz]

great review!, how would you compare the evo vs cymatic. For the cymatic how do you feel paddling, wave catching, etc against a normal shortboard around the same volume but longer length in the standard shortboard?

[@leighwilson1524]

I have not ridden an Evo but I believe the waves need to be more perfect on it compared to the Cymatic. All 3 boards I review are about the same volume and the Cymatic is the easiest to paddle and catch, followed closely by the Sci-Fi with the SKX further back. The Cymatic wants to be in action all the time and the Sci-Fi is a little more laid back and the SKX just likes good waves.

[@jagsanz]

@@leighwilson1524 thanks!. So the cymatic is good to paddle compared to a more pointed nose board? , what if there's chop or long paddles?

[@leighwilson1524]

​@@jagsanz The Cymatic catches waves well because there is some thickness under your chess when you are paddling close to the nose. It took awhile to realise the you have to be right over the front it to get it planing. Chop does not bother it catching or on the wave. It is the easiest board I have ever had taking the drop. I get comments all the time about waves I have caught that people thought I would not catch.

[@jagsanz]

@@leighwilson1524 sounds good!, many good reviews about the board!

[@999666333996633]

@@jagsanz Greetings! I own a 5'10" Evo, 5'11" Cymatic and 6'3" Sci Fi. I'm 6'2" 185lbs (84kilos) Intermediate/advanced. Although, to me, the Evo feels boxier than the Cymatic, they both rebound off the white water identically. They both need a pump to get going and do not grovel well (compared to Seaside, DWART, PJumperHP, etc). They both almost 'hang up' on take off...BUT after the first pump or bottom turn, take off quick! Both similar rail to rail. Biggest difference is swing weight (imo). Cymatic will round house and get vertical 30% quicker. But Evo will get up to speed 30% quicker. Bottom line: better waves= Cymatic. Less push waves or smaller=Evo. Fyi- SciFi is surprisingly easy to surf. Similar to my New Fyer, Disco Cheater and Quiver Killer although a tad bit faster. Leigh does a great job reviewing!

[@caseymccormack2000]

Would love an update on this board and if you have found a good quad setup on just how the H4 fins are doing?

[@leighwilson1524]

Hi Casey, still love the board.The H4s Tri is now my favourite . I still use my SKX when bumpy, windy plus overhead days but in reality that is only 5% of my surfing.You still have to take in consideration that I am 67 and lack the power and stability of a 30 year old. Quad set-up I like is Large Mick Fanning's in the the front and medium Performers in the rear with a Shapers nub. I am finding the Cymatic not yellowing or damaging as easy as my old Sci-Fi. I think the construction has improved. I am planning on doing a Sci-Fi 2.0 review once I can borrow my mate's board for a few waves.

[@caseymccormack2000]

@@leighwilson1524 at 67 you surf way better than I do. I'm just looking for a board that can kind of do it all. Haven't surfed in a decade (I'm 51) and want a board that works in many conditions. Average surf for most is 1 to 5 on a daily basis. I hate low volumn boards and I don't like long boards.. I'm 5,9 195 so it can be tough.

[@leighwilson1524]

​@@caseymccormack2000 Hi Cassey, You are not much different in size and height than me. Volume is easy on a Cymatic a 5'10" is 36.4L and 6' is 40.2. Most 6' performance boards are around 30L. My board is 5'7" and 31L and it catches wave so well I have had many comments from long boarders who shake their head and laugh with surprise . If your are returning from a break, start off with large Fanning Fins (great for bigger waves later) and when you are use to the speed go to the H4s.

[@caseymccormack2000]

@@leighwilson1524 Thanks for taking the time to reply. I've never even ridden a board that you can change fins on. Have you ever ridden the Evo?

[@leighwilson1524]

@@caseymccormack2000 No Casey I have not. I do know 2 people who have ridden or owned both the Cymatic and Evo and both said the Cymatic was better mainly because or it's ability on more different wave types . The Evo is suit more towards bigger barrelling waves.