Slater Designs / Tomo Cymatic + Firewire Futures Fins review - The Surfboard Guide

[@a.lame.username.]

I had one for a couple of years and decided it was the best all-rounder in my 19 board quiver. So, when I snapped about a year ago, I took the two pieces to my local shaper and got a copy built in "kiteboard build" construction. Best surfboard ever!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Ha! That’s awesome!

[@tezf6883]

I just got a 5'7 31L Cymatic volcanic with a set of the Captain Fin co Panda 5 fin quad set, goes unreal.

[@cwr8618]

For the bigger folks trying to size their Cymatic: I'm 6'2" 210-215, intermediate or slightly better and ride the 5'10" at 36.4L. While it's not the best board for bumpy or really big conditions, this thing is crazy fun in anything shoulder high and below and relatively smooth surface. The most fun I've had on a board in months. It floats really well while being crazy maneuverable. Stoked on mine

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

CW Rodriguez thanks for sharing that! 👍

[@richardclark2995]

Hi CW Rodriguez. I am the same height and weight and was wondering what fins you use for both quad and thruster if you switch between the 2?

[@cwr8618]

@@richardclark2995 brother, I wish I could remember at this point. But I can tell you most, if not all, it was ridden as a thruster. I ended up paring down most of my quiver last year before our baby came and the Cymatic was my best board (meaning worth the most $) so I had to sell haha

[@richardclark2995]

@@cwr8618 Okay I appreciate you taking the time to reply. All the best

[@cwr8618]

@@richardclark2995 for sure man. I know buying boards at these costs can be nerve racking. The Cymatic is an awesome board that I think most decent or better surfers would love. That said, it's also the type of board that would yield good resale if it ends up not working for you. Best of luck

[@simo7270]

Top review ! Looks like the Cymatic just flows with the wave ....smooth as

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

simo from green feels very smooth, paddles well, and very fast on a wave! Great board!

[@Simon-tg7jg]

Really enjoyed seeing your surfing footage combined with the review. Would be great to see more footage and include some in the intro and outro. Cheers

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! Thanks for the feedback! It definitely makes it more difficult and time consuming to prepare surf footage for the review, but I think that is what gives the review it's weight! Thanks!

[@malcolmlundie]

Best surfing you’ve done in any review for sure! Great review :)

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Malcolm Hill thanks! Hope you enjoyed the review!

[@jonathanmatterson9628]

Thought the same thing just suits you compared to the other boards you have riden.

[@poppiiiii]

You go really really fast on this board! Dont know if it s the board or quad

[@stephenlepore4476]

snagged a 5"11 @ 38 liters. wish i went shorter with less volume but as this is a high performance short-board and not a grovler, ti thought i would be ok. gonna give it a go with mr style twins and a trailer. hopefully its a good combo! otherwise board is solid. paddles great, catches waves good, and is very fun. like the video describes (and with many boards), changing the fins really changes the board feel. pivot quad fins are my favorite so far.

[@shonanscotto]

Nice board size nontheless. Woul you mind sharing your body dims as well for reference. I'm getting a 5'10 and hoping it will be a good size for me at 180cm x 73kg x 46 years old.

[@stephenlepore4476]

@@shonanscotto i am shorter at 5'8 and heavier at 170 lbs. I am 55 y/o. Not sure sure of your ability but I would go shorter. this board holds great. if the waves you ride are solid, you will be good, otherwise 5'10 might be a little porky.

[@shonanscotto]

@@stephenlepore4476 Thank you for your reply. The waves here where I am (Japan) require more volume than usual as the wave energy and intensity are lower than waves in other countries. A touch porky, or as we say in Australia, 'corky', is what I am after. Regarding ability, I am an average surfer with average fitness, but slightly above average agility for my age it seems. Knowing all that, would your thoughts and answer above change at all? Thank you for your time.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Sizing is tough with this - when I picked this board up I felt it was way too small 😂

[@dbsevenmoto3519]

Great Review and the first time anyone has gone into detail on fins with this board..I brought one and have had trouble getting it to go well so will try playing around with the fins more. Cheers

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

DB Seven hope it helps! 👍

[@wendysurf1]

I'm having trouble with the fins as well.

[@dbsevenmoto3519]

Hey Wendy, The board really is the best as a quad. I am 85kgs and six foot, I went with Large performers in the front and medium performer quad rears in the back. hope that helps you.

[@wendysurf1]

@@dbsevenmoto3519 cool that is what I was thinking. I think I have a set I'm happy with. Black stix f4 in front and quad rear 375 seems to be pretty good, best so far anyways. I might try the future t1 set up with small trailer when it's small. Was hoping for more drive in the board. It's weird ...it's fast but not drivey. Thanks

[@jasonjohnson2921]

@@dbsevenmoto3519 I am the same height and weight, what size cymatic did you go with? I rode a demo 5'9 as a thruster today and about 5 out of 20 waves I got it go! Whether it's just fussy on foot placement idk

[@ivrileevan3453]

Thank you very much. I’m 5,2 50kg and new on hardtop boards. Do you think the 5,7 is okay for a lower intermediate or is the board to difficult

[@mytimenz]

Hey. Great review. I had an Tomo Omni loved it but indo got the better of it last day. Back home and looking to replace. Been looking at this and a CI rocket 9 too 'dual core'. I watched your guys review of that too. Which of these would you prefer. Day to day surfing ya know. Keep up the good work.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! probably this as i haven't ridden the Rocket 9 in Dual Core, but i did ride the PU Rocket 9 and i found it only really performed in decent waves (3ft+)

[@rharmston]

If I’m 38 years old, 6 feet tall, 180 lbs, intermediate level surfer, and I surf beach breaks in Southern California, do you think the 5’8 or the 5’9 is better? My current board is a 12 year old traditional 6’1 thruster short board and is approx 31 liters, but it feels a bit too light and thin at times and doesn’t paddle great for me.

[@pedrowilit]

Great review, congrats! Question...how would you compare this to the Hayden Holy Grail? They seem to have similar targets... What would you recommend for an intermediate wanting to surf tigh high waves till slightly overhead. Lastly, im 6.2 weighing 95kgs/210 pounds, what size would recomend? Cheers!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey mate - either of those boards would be great, the Holy Grail probably is a little more shortboard/high performance, and maybe aimed at a intermediate/advanced surfer. Regarding sizing - I'll leave that with you, sizing is so personal and everyone has their preference - but if you know the size/volume you like - aim for that with these boards, but don't be afraid to go up a little as they both feel small.

[@pedrowilit]

@@TheSurfboardGuide Cheers mate, when looking at them online the Holy Grail looks more high performance but when i held both of them in my hands i was surprised by how much rocker the cymatic had and its agressive rails, Which got me thinking the cymatic was a bit more high performance. But based on your answer i might lean more into the Holy Grail. Thanks a lot mate, really helpful. Keep it up!!

[@pedrowilit]

Nice!! Did you try it as a thruster? What are your thoughts?

[@wka-chinakickboxingassocia2241]

Hi , I am 5,11. Weight 90kg. What do you think is a suitable, length size I should buy. ?

[@sydneyspinalcare8923]

Great review and very timely as I am seriously considering purchasing the Cymatic. I like FCS 2 fins and was wondering which FCS 2 fins you would recommend as a thruster and a quad set up for the Cymatic for smaller days 1-3 foot and for the bigger days 4-6 foot ? (I am 69kgs and 5'8 in height) .Cheers

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

sydney spinal care hey! Not knowing the FCS range too well, I’d say start on a fin you know well and enjoy in your standard shortboard, and then something a little larger for when the waves are a bit bigger (overhead) so it doesn’t feel too skatey.

[@karljakobsson2687]

Yeeeow! Great review as always! Hey Craig, what would you choose for daily Sydney beachies 2-4ft between the CI OG Flyer, HS Holy Grail, Chili Churro and Lost Uber Driver?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Karl Jakobsson hey! I haven’t ridden the Uber Driver, but it’d be the OG or the Churro RT. Maybe the Churro for the 5 fin setup versatility!

[@traceybaker343]

great kids board for airs and flips...looks fun.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Lots of fun!

[@foxgd88]

Bro “kids”

[@bushkey]

I wish you talked about how the nose felt making turns. Since it’s so wide and unique

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

@Indo Surfer Hey! What boards do you shape? I'd love to see some of the stuff you are doing!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! It doesn't impact the ride as it isn't in the water. In regards to swing weight, it feels really natural, so not much to mention really.

[@shane0yourgod]

Hey mate. Thanks for the review. What weight are you. I want one of these but have been struggling to justify the 1000 bux that they cost in WA for a board construction that has a reputation of snapping. I weigh 100kg without a wetsuit and there are none of these kicking around in 35+ liters which is what I normally surf. Love the Vanguard in a 5’9.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

He! I'm 90kgs. I thought the construction on this was pretty good/solid, and I wouldn't think that Firewire constructions snaps any more or less than your standard board constructions out there or other EPS boards... Pretty versatile board, hopefully you get to check one out!

[@shane0yourgod]

The Surfboard Guide thanks for the reply. I’m getting a shaper to make me something similar in 6,4/6 and with a stringer. Should be much stronger. Approximately 2.25 times the snapping resistance and about 1.25 kg heavier.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

@@shane0yourgod interesting - hope it goes well!

[@pablosessa7161]

Hi, I have 1.75mt weight 80kg and I'm 41 years old and my surf is intermediate. I am in doubt between 5.7 and 5.8, which one would you recommend? Thank you

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! It;s really hard to recommend sizing to someone without knowing how and where you surf, but i'd say if in doubt you should probably go the larger of the two! Hope that helps!

[@Nathanwbranch]

Hi, nice video. How's it go getting onto waves for your weight compared to the board volume?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Feels good. I normally ride around 29.5L in my shortboards. This paddled well, and felt spot on.

[@Sandls]

Is this board suitable for someone that’s 5’2 and 40 kilos

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

I think there’s a kids version…

[@chebliss7665]

It looks like you surf better on this board than any other that I've seen in your reviews... what do you reckon?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! Thanks for checking out our reviews. Um, I haven't really thought about it as I'm not trying to surf my best in every review, really just showing how the board will move through the water for the average surfer in kind of average beach break conditions. But the Cymatic was a lot of fun and was very easy to surf!

[@elmachote8]

Nice man been waiting

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Elmachote The Surfer hope you enjoyed!

[@kieranryan7625]

Awesome review! How was the traction pad?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Kieran Ryan it was fine, first time I’d used Slater Designs stuff, felt good. I like flat pads without an arch, so this was good! 👍

[@ericschmitt7369]

what length and liter would you say for intermediate surfer at 68kg? thanks BUNCH!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! I would try and stick to the volume you ride in your normal shortboard, or go slightly above if you can. This was the same volume as my shortboard and it felt perfect!

[@fabioreis1935]

Hi, how cool is the video, I would like to know your weight and height? So I know what size I buy... Thanks

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Fabio Reis hey! I’m 5’10 x 90kgs. Thanks!

[@icedrum555]

Thanks - great review :D

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

ice man stoked you enjoyed it!

[@1k1ngst0n]

what size fins did you use for the AM1 and hayden for 2-4 feet?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

1k1ngst0n hey! I’m not sure what you’re asking?

[@ryodeo1341]

Cool beard, great easy to follow review, board looks fab !

[@sladestreet6086]

sweet fooooooking wave at 1:26!!!!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Slade Street 👍

[@fabioreis1935]

I have 1.76mts and 74kg. Do you think a 5'3 or 5'4 is better?

[@Xainfinen]

Take a 5"6 or 5'8 with proper volume or simply the same measurement than your regular shortboard. Don't try to go short if you're not an advanced or expert level.

[@eburnate]

aloha, awesome review btw. You're riding the 5’6 x 19 3/8 x 2 1/2 @ 29.7L. Could you tell me how much you weight?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Raymond Martinez hey! I’m 90kgs.

[@surfdetective]

great review…how many pounds do you way….amazing they go 29 lits in that little board

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

GREAT WHITE PLANT EATER hey! 90kgs, not sure what that is in pounds. 👍

[@scottcuttre9705]

Can someone help me with an honest review of the Cymatic and the Sci-fi? There's been a bunch of negative comments lately in the surf world about FireWire with outsourcing but I really don't care. I think the Sci-Fi will be crazy in NJ surf. But I don't know and with the price of boards I can't make an expensive mistake. Thank you

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! I haven't ridden a Sci-Fi, but was a big fan of the Cymatic, and while i don't know what NJ surf is like, I'm confident that the Cymatic should perform for most surfers in anything from 2-6ft. About outsourcing, i have no idea, I'm only trying to put together a review of the boards performance for the average surfer! Any questions you have for Firewire, maybe email them, or connect to their Instagram pages as they are good with engagement through social media.

[@MrB1019]

Lft sucks

[@languille40]

Hi and thanks for yours reviews I would like to buy à cymatic I m french i live in Hossegor and i go every years two month in Indonesia my level is intermediate to advence I am 36 for 5'10 and 165 lbs Actualy i surf a Lost round up 6'0 19 1/4 2 1/2 31L It's my board for every day I am.looking for a board for everyday with good paddle Is cymatic good ? What size ? And what fins you advisor Thanks to have read me and continue yours reviews

[@rmarlin]

good vid, liked and subed

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Thanks for the support!

[@NMAMxRE]

Review is great thanks, but I gotta say Slater did not look good on his boards at J-Bay a couple of weeks ago; I think he rode this in the first round. Go watch his heats..

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Augustus Cesar thanks, stoked you liked it! Yeah I saw his heat. First heat back competing after a long competitive hiatus... coulda been a lot of factors! But I’d feel confident surfing this in the waves he surfed his Rd1 heat in!

[@dkilla01]

Please do the research and tell us whether you agree or disagree with the claims FireWire makes on their website

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey Mate, Sorry, but what is this in relation to? I am purely doing a review on the performance of the board for the average surfer, anything else you are looking for you may have to contact Firewire directly. Thanks!

[@0ldmate]

But has he surfed a board like this before?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Me? Similar boards, but not the Omni or Sci-fi that would have been the best comparison points. Hopefully get to check them out soon!

[@Ellobuddha101]

How much do you weigh? For size reference. Thanks.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

I'm 5'10 x 90kgs

[@michael_birdsnest]

Word of warning about the the bat tails: I had a pretty small crack on the tail of my Sci-Fi, which I had professionally repaired, the repair looked good and felt good but once back in the water it's no longer surfable. They seem to be so fine tuned that literally millimetres of (missing/extra) glass has changed how water flows out the tail. The fin only properly engages on the unrepaired side now. Wonder if anyone else has had the same problem?

[@cwr8618]

How'd you crack it? I got one of these about a month ago and the tail seems pretty strong

[@michael_birdsnest]

It wasn’t anything in particular, just a bump here and there I guess. The glassing on the tail wasn’t great to start with, two mates had the same problem, I think it could have been the first run of them when they first got released.

[@cwr8618]

sucks to hear. It is a very peculiar tail. The glass on my tail looked pretty strong but those points would certainly draw in any stress put on the tail. I try not to set mine down on the tail for that reason

[@martinwajda]

I had the same problem with the cracks on the tail of my sci-fi, it was also the first batch when they first got released, after it got repaired I actually liked it more, it felt like it had bit more bite and drive as the repairer put a bit more glass on it and made the rails a bit more edgy/sharp.

[@IndialanticRob]

You're ripping on that board. Still can't believe your weight of almost 200 lbs on a 30 ish CL board. WOW, respectfully...

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Ha! Thanks! I guess i always ride boards of this size, and volume is a personal preference.

[@IndialanticRob]

@@TheSurfboardGuide compliment and impressive. As a 50 yr old at 170 lbs I'm fussing between the 5'6 and 5'7 and see your video, lol. Think I got my answer :)

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

IndialanticRob IG you can, get into a shop and pick a few up to make sure you get the right size! I’d say stick to your desired performance shortboard volume if you can!

[@bodhitree33]

Man I bet you would rip a Vader or an evo.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

bodhi tree thanks! I just got a Gamma in the helium tech - feels good!

[@michaeldismukes4439]

Tomo designed, shaped by machine in a mass production facility in Thailand.

[@mrmr314]

You are 5'11" & ride a 5'6" at 29 litres? How much do you weigh? You look chunky. Get that into solid Indon & you'd have big problems.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Lucky i'm not in solid Indo then!

[@mustseenow991]

Most over priced boards ever

[@MatosSurfShop]

Sorry Mate, im not sure if you always surf like this, but in this video at least you dont surf very good.....this boards are the worst in the world i would recomend go to the closer local shaper and order the most average board he have, i bet you you will be surfing much better..... Slater = $$$ = Kook$

[@oldmate9841]

Recommendation and opinions noted, then ignored.

[@kapukataumahakaowheo501]

Definitely ignore that dude. You were surfing some of your best on that board. Keep up the good reviews.

[@a.lame.username.]

Strange... Gumby.

[@gavinalexander501]

What a total helmet

[@mytimenz]

@@gavinalexander501 perfect response 😂